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Lucernian vol 2 no 9 december 1938 reduced

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PRESBYTERIAN GIRLS' COLLEGE

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G E E L, 0 N G

THE LUCERNIAN

Vol. 2 No. 9

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THE LUCERNIAN The MAGAZINE of the PRESBYTERIAN GIRLS' COLLEGE GEELONG

Editresses : RHONA CONNERY and ALISON McPHEE. Editorial Committee : BETH DAVIS, MEK KERR, PAT WARREN, BARBARA. SEWELL, EATHORNE STEWART, BETTY BELL, LOMA BRETT, MARGARET JOHNS.

Geelong : Henwood & Dancey Pty. Ltd., Printers, 166 Ryrie Street, Geelong.


THE SCHOOL PREFECTS. Standing—J. Elvins, G. }Jagger, M. Kerr, N. Sutherland, J. McCallum, Pat Warren, B. Sewell, N. Bowring. .Seated—E•. Bartlett, N. McArthur, R. Connery (Head Prefect), A. McPhee, D. Brebner.


Contents Page Editorial . . .

5

Council Notes .

6

School Notes .

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School Activities .

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11

Sport . . .

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18

School Events .

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20

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24

Old Collegians' Association . . .

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28

Personal . .

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30

In Memoriam . .

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33

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33

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33

Examination Successes, 1937 .. . . . . . .

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Visitors to School . . .

Speech Night, 1937 . . .

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Prize List, 1937 . . .

Original Contributions . . .

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Foreign Correspondence . . . Acknowledgements • • • • • •

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35

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53

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54


Office-Bearers The Principal (Miss G. PRATT, M.A., Dip. Ed.) is the Patron of all the School Clubs and Societies. PREFECTS: Head Prefect, R. Connery; N. McArthur, A. McPhee, B. Bartlett, D. Brebner, 0. Young (first term), M. Kerr, J. McCallum. N. Sutherland, J. Elvins, G. Hagger. PROBATIONERS : P. Warren, N. Bowring, B. Sewell. SPORTS COMMITTEE : Miss Trenerry; Captain, J. McCallum; Committee, R. Connery, M. Kerr, B. MacLeod, N. Sutherland. HARRIS HOUSE : Captain, ivr. Kerr Vice-Captain, E. Stewart. ROSYLN HOUSE : Captain, B. MacLeod. Vice-Captain, G. Little. LAWSON HOUSE : Vice-Captain, N. McArthur. Captain, J. McCallum. ARDENS HOUSE : Vice-Captain, B. Carmichael. Captain, N. Sutherland. LIBRARY : Librarians, Miss Badger; D. Brebner, N. McArthur; Committee, J. Elvins, A. McPhee, M. Kerr, 0. Young (first term), E. Johnson, G. Vallence, B. Macdonald. LITERARY SOCIETY : Miss Badger; President, P. Warren; Secretary, B. Sewell; Committee, R. Connery, M. Kerr. DEBATING SOCIETY : Miss Gittus; President, P. Warren; Secretary, B. Sewell; Committee, R. Connery, M. Kerr. MUSIC CLUB : President, Miss Wadelton; Vice-President, Miss Madden; Secretary, N. McArthur; Treasurer, D. Brebner; Committee, Miss Booth, R. Connery, J. McGilvray, L. Gordon, P. Warren. MUSEUM CURATORS : Miss Booth; P. Warren, B. Sewell. CAMERA CLUB : Miss Burgess; 0. Young (first term), M. Kerr. CHRISTIAN UNION : Miss Tassie; Vice-President, N. McArthur; Secretary, A. McPhee; Committee, R. Connery, M. Kerr. GARDENING CLUB : Miss Daniell; E. Johnson. FORM CAPTAINS : Honours VI., N. McArthur; VI., J. McCallum; V., P. David; Va., H. Stewart; IVc., J. Hinchcliffe; IVb., J. Arnott; IVa., N. Wallace; Ma., S. Birch;


The Itucernian. VOL. 2

"A man's reach should exceed his grasp, Or what's a heaven for ?" Such is Browning's optimistic observation concerning our endeavours. If we are ever striving to achieve an ideal, however blurred and indefinite our impression of it may be, our lives should be worth living, our thoughts worth thinking, and our actions such of which we can be proud. Also, while aiming for the highest possible goal we radiate our enthusiasm and our love for the beauty of lif e— in fact we exercise our influence, and "Our echoes roll from soul to soul And grow for ever and for ever." Surely one of the most Influence ! precious gifts with which we have been endowed, and one which we can use either to make or to mar our own lives, and the lives of those about us. It can well be likened to the arrow which is sped from the yeoman's bow. The target is another's life, which our darts of influence strike, but, unlike the yeoman's arrow, our darts are often shot by unMany are lost, but conscious hands. some return with redoubled force to harm us if we cannot escape them, and

No. 9

they are our own poisoned darts. God gives us the power to use our weapons, but when and how we alone are to decide. In this complex modern world where men speak of "peace and goodwill to men" in one breath, and of the inevitability of war in the next, influence counts for such a great deal. Man has allowed that pernicious germ of fear, worse far than any bacteria, to grow so that the whole world has become infected with it. Psychologists tell us that fear is the impluse of nearly all our actions. Unfortunately that fear is not the glorious fear of God, but the narrow, degrading fear of man. In their fear the peoples of the world are rushing blindly hither and thither in a wild dash for security. There is no rest, no time in the midst of this confusion to sit quietlY and think dispassionately about the problems that vex the world. Nor, will there ever be security or mutual confidence among nations while fear continues to breed suspicion and distrust. And what are we, the youth of today, doing while all this is going on ? How are we using those darts of influence


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which we possess ? There may seem very little that we can do as yet, but as we grow we can prepare to make the best use of the wider powers and greater authority that the years will bring. We can try now to understand something of the problems of our own country, problems for which our generation will need to find a solution. And by endeavouring now to obtain a fuller knowledge of the peoples of other nations, their history, their customs, their ideals and achievements, ANT e can do something, however insignificant our efforts may seem, to assist the cause of peace, because knowledge fosters friendship and understanding, just as ignorance breeds fear and distrust.

The influence of woman in public life is stronger today than it ever was before, and its sphere is continually widening. The women of our generation will have far greater opportunities to influence others and carry their ideals into effect than the women of any previous generation. Being young we have not yet spent many of our arrows. There are still many waiting to be used, and we must he careful how we use them if we want our world to he a success. So let us prepare here and now to make ourselves fine yeomen, knowing well how' to make and shoot our arrows,

***

COUNCIL NOTES. When similar notes were written for the Lucernian of 1938, Victoria was passing through the epidemic of Infantile Paralysis and, as very reader knows, the restrictions imposed on schools made their work difficult for staff and pupils alike. 1938 opened with the restrictions still in force. The Council was quite prepared for a small School, as it was believed that many parents, especially in the country, would hesitate before sending girls to cities where the risk of infection would probably be greater than To the surprise and in home towns. delight of the Council the past year opened with a record enrolment of both Boarders and Day Girls. It is quite evident that many people know that Morongo is an exceedingly safe place in time of epidemic. Its fresh country air and its wide open spaces free of direct contact with city crowds make an ideal environ-

ment. The increase in the number of Boarders necessitated the provision of additional accommodation which was built in brick under the cubicles at the Southern end. It became necessary to enlarge the hot water service and the kitchen eauipment. The Sports Oval has been re-laid and re-sown and now has a good sole of grass. The added accommodation and equipment involved the Council in a large sum of money, and on account of the abnormally dry conditions the watering of the sports oval is extremely costly. The former Guide Room has been converted into an Arts and Crafts Room with modern facilities for training in handicraft. Geelong celebrated its Centenary during October and the Council was glad to know that the pupils took part in several of the functions. A welcome gift to the School by way of a Centenary gesture was a valu-


T H E LUCERNIAN

able horizontal Grand Piano which Miss will reach its majority in 1940, for the McPhillimy presented to the Council. School was established at the commenceThis gift fills a long felt want at the ment of 1919. No doubt all interested School. The piano is a beautiful instru- will combine to make this a memorable ment suitable for any artist to play. year. Two substantial bequests to Morongo were announced during the year, one Mr. J. H. McPHILLIMY, O.B.E. by the late Dr. T. J. M. Kennedy, to whom reference is made elsewhere, and AN APPRECIATION. the other by the late Mrs. C. H. Leary, who since the inception of the School has James Hugh McPhillimy has been a been a great and generous friend to it. member of the Council since the inception The former bequest is deferred on ac- of the School, and though his advancing The Council years and physical disability prevent him count of life tenancies. regretted to receive the resignation of from attending the meetings he is still Mr. M. Y. Venters. The name of Ven- keenly interested in Morongo. It would ters will always be associated with take more space than is available to deVarious members of the tail the many acts of kindness and conMorongo. family have generously supported it and sideration that he has shown the School. Mr. Young Venters has been a member He has been extremely generous and his of Council for many years. The Presby- generosity extends to tennis courts and tery of Geelong appointed Dr. H. F. H. Domestic Science Room (through his Elvins to fill the vacancy, and lie has sisters), quite apart from the money he already been al great help to the Council. has donated from time to time. Even The Board of Education appointed greater than this has been his gracious William Gray, B.Sc., as its representative pnd efficient leadership as Chairman of on the Council. Mr. Gray, who, until the Council, for he occupied that position re:s,ently, was the Principal of the P.L.C. for a number of years. We all love him Mr;lbou.rne,, has a rich experience in for his sincerity, for the charm of his Public Schools and will be a powerful personality, and for his Christian characinfluence in the future development of ter. We were all thrilled when during Morongo. The Council again desires to:. the year it was announced that His congratulate the present pupils on their Majesty the King had honoured him with The University various achievements. the decoration of the Order of the British examinations results were excellent, and Empire. Nip person has more richly their public appearances on the Sports deserved this recognition. His generfield, at the annual Dramatic entertainosity extends beyond Morongo to many ment and during the Centenary celebraof the institutions in Geelong, in which tions reflected the highest credit on them city he is known as "Geelong's Grand and the School. The Council is grateful Old Man." to the Old Collegians, the Parents' and Friends' Association and the Junior What a fine thing it is that a man of Auxilliary for their continued interest in Mr. McPhillimy's type should take such and assistance to Morongo. Their en- an interest in education. The School canthusiastic co-operation with the Council not benefit him personally, though the is an inspiration, and without it the capital h'e . has subscribed will pay handSchool would he the poorer. Morongo some dividends to the nation through the


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lives that the School by his help has moulded. He probably sees in Morongo an institution that will be as a bridge by which the young life of our community can cross into a life of service. Consideration for others has been the guiding impulse in the life of Mr. McPhillimy, and we believe that his wise

counsel and his generous support in the establishment of Morongo was but the outcome of his desire to provide an influence that would make life sweeter for future generations. He always sees a great future for Morongo, and we can assure him that with God's help we will sec that his vision will be realised.

SCHOOL NOTES. ARDENS HOUSE. This year has not been as successful as previous years for Ardens, but the girls have shown a keen interest and co-operated well in all activities. We wish to welcome the new girls who joined us this year in the true Ardens spirit. At the end of first term we were sorry to lose Olga Young, and Catherine Ferrier also at the end of second term. Both of these girls showed great ability and interest in sport. Although Ardens did not come first at the annual sports, we are very proud that the Preparatory Championship was won by Beth Robinson, an Ardens girl. We wish to thank Miss Booth for her help and interest throughout the year. Last year the following girls gained their house colours :— B. Carmichael—Tennis, Basketball. M. Donaldson—Tennis. L. McDonald—Basketball. B. Hewitson—Basketball. N. Sutherland—Baseball. G. McInnes—Baseball. We wish the girls the best of success for next year and hope to see Ardens on top once again.

HARRIS HOUSE. Unfortunately we lost both our housemistress, Miss Hope, and captain, Jean McPhee, at the end of last year. Rhona Connery, last year's vice-captain, was appointed to the position of Senior Prefect, and was therefore unable to become our captain. We wish to welcome Miss Tassie to our ranks and thank her for the ardent support that she has given the house. Although we have not yet won any of the sports shields we have been most successful in work this year. At least we were leading for the work shield in both first and second terms, and also for the shield for work and sport combined. Last year the following girls obtained their house colours :— M. Holt—Swimming. E. Stewart—Tennis, Baskett.ali ball. R. Connery—Tennis. N. Heard—Tennis. N. McRae—Basketball. B. Davis—Basketball, Baseball. M. Kerr.—Basketball, Baseball. A hearty welcome was extended to all the new girls who joined the house at the beginning of the year, and we hope that all those returning next year will keep the old flag flying as before.


THE LUCERNIAN

9

LAWSON HOUSE.

ROSLYN HOUSE.

1938 has been a very successful year on the whole for Lawson. In everything in which we have taken part there has always prevailed a loyal and enthusiastic house spirit.

Roslyn extends a warm welcome to all new members of the house and hopes that they will always take a keen interest in its activities. Our thanks are due to Miss Gittus, whose unfailing interest as house-mistress has been a great help throughout the year. Although we did not distinguith ourselves on Sports Day, everyone did her best, and with perseverance we may be more successful in the future. Our junior tennis team did very well this year, once more -winning the cup. We congratulate Myra Davidson; who won the junior tennis cup at the 'end of last year, and Janet Turner, who was awarded the house tennis colours. We offer our best wishes to ail who are leaving this year, and urge those remaining always to do their best to keep the blue flag flying.

The girls in the house teams have played very well throughout the year, and we wish to congratulate particularly the basketball team, which won the shield during second term. At the Annual Athletic Sports, Lawson was successful. This is the second year in succession that the coveted cup has gone to Lawson, and we hope that next year will be the third. Congratulations are extended to the senior and junior champions, Jeanette Robinson and Mary Strickland, both Lawson girls. On the day of the sports several Old Collegians sent telegrams wishing the house the best of luck, and afterwards Mrs. Shannon and Sir Harry Lawson sent congratulatory telegrams. We wish to thank our house-mistress, Miss McKay, whose interest in the house has not lessened in the slightest degree, although this has been a busier year than usual for her. The following girls received their house colours last year :— Tennis—J.Robinson. M. Moreton. J. McCallum. Running J. Robinson. J. McCallum. Baseball—J. Robinson. We wish the very best of luck to the girls returning next year, and the best wishes of the house go with those who are leaving.

PREFECTS' NOTES. Only four of the old retainers returned to school this year and to our midst were added two more prefects and seven probationer prefects. We were sorry to lose Olga Young from the number of prefects at the end of first term, for she had already proved herself a capable and influential member of our group. Other alterations were made throughout the course of the year, five probationers being made full prefects and Barbara Sewell a probationer. Although a large body the prefects have lost nothing of the essential unity, and the teamwork has been splendid. Realizing that our school prefects' room had need of a little new life in the way of decorations, Olga presented us with some new curtains as a farewell gift. The room was greatly improved.


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In order that the girls should take a greater part in the morning assembly Miss Pratt has given into the charge of the prefects a special Wednesday morning's assembly, when the choir leads the School in new hymns and one of the prefects reads the lesson. This innovation has proved most successful.

build new rooms for the staff and senior girls. These were ready for use at the beginning of second term.

We had a most enjoyable evening on October 22nd, when we were the guests of the prefects of the Hermitage at a dance, and we enjoyed also the dance given by the College prefects on November 5th.

The plays that we have seen this year include "The School for Scandal," given by the Hermitage, "Libel" and "Mr. Pickwick" given 'by the boys, of Geelong Grammar School, and "The Cavalcade of Geelong," the centenary pageant in which some of our girls took part. We have also been three times to the pictures and seen "Victoria the Great," "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs," and judge Hardy's Children."

The truth of the old saying, "The more the merrier," has been definitely proved this year in the house, for we have had an unusually happy and eventful year. Our outings included two picnics to Anglesea, Festivities during the year have been • one the picnic which the Council arranges numerous, noticeable especially after the for us every year, and which we always quiet year of 1937, when epidemic re- look forward to. We were able to share strictions prevailed. Fortunately time also in some of the excitement of Geeallowed, and again we held a prefects' long's Centenary Celebrations, and one of dance. The Assembly Hall was trans- the most thilling events, to our minds formed "for the occasion by balloons of at least, was the burning of the "Lightschool colours and many flowers. The ning," which we saw from the bay at Hermitage prefects and a number of boys We are very grateful to Mr. from Geelong College were our guests night. Fairnie, who arranged this outing for us. for the evening.

This year generally has been a successful one for the prefects, and our gratitude is due to Miss Pratt and members of the staff who so greatly helped us in our endeavours. Few, if any of us, will be returning next year. We leave the school, hoping that in some small way In addition to these outings we have our presence has been advantageous to had most entertaining Saturday evenings it. Our sincere good wishes are ex- at school. Sometimes we organised our tended to those who will fill the vacant own amusements, and at others visitors places. came to speak to us. Among our visitors were Mr. Ewan Laird, who spoke to us about Greek architecture, Nan Venters, BOARDERS' NOTES. who described her trip to Singapore, and We had a pleasant surprise when we returned this year and found that there Mrs. Price, who gave a talk on the makwere a record number of new boarders. ing of porcelain. Three evenings each As there were so many of us—over term we spent most enjoyably at the seventy, in fact—the Council decided to Music Club meetings, and one of these


THE LUCERNIAN

meetings that we liked best was that held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Hearne. We should like to thank them both very much for this evening. A treat that we still have to look forward to is our break-up party and High Tea, in which we are joined by the staff and day-girl prefects.

KINDERGARTEN NOTES. This year we number seventeen in the Kindergarten room and eleven in the Nursery School. We were sorry to say good-bye to Alison Williams and Muriel Stewart who have gone to live in the country, but hope they will come and see us when they come to Geelong. The year has gone by very quickly and we have been busy with our work. During the Centenary Celebrations we went to see the Floats and the Model Home, and we decorated our rooms to match the city.

11

The Library is very popular and we make much use of the books that were given to us last year. Next year we hope to keep bird'_; in an aviary that was given to us by Mrs. Dabb. We have a' solitary tadpole and it has just grown one leg. We have Leen preparing for Hobbies' Day for some time—it is over now so we Will be busy getting ready for Christmas. We went out to the Big School to the Sports and enjoyed the day. Most of us entered for every possible race because we think it is fun to join in them all. Our gardens are looking very gay at present, and we have all sorts of flowers in them. Every now and then we have a grand weeding and all kinds of things arc pulled up and then replanted. But nobody minds, as everything seems to grow again. Some of us will be leaving the Kindergarten at the end of the year to start at the Big School. We say good-bye to them and welcome others who will be coming up from the Nursery School.

***

SCHOOL ACTIVITIES. CHRISTIAN UNION NOTES. At the first meeting of our branch of the A.S.C.M. for the year Miss Tassie took Miss Hope's place as president and set forth the aims of the Movement and the obligations of its members. During second term our activities were confined to study circles, and the members were divided into three groups. Mi;s Pratt's group studied "Saints and Pioneers," Miss Tassie's "Religion in Action," and Miss Booth's group chose "The King's Highway" as a study book. Our thanks we extend to all three leaders for their unfailing interest in this work.

Speakers who have visited us during the year are Miss Davis from Korea, Miss Rivett from" India, and the Rev. Oliver Brady of All Saints' Church, Geelong. All these visitors had much of interest to tell us. The Christian Union this year has continued to play an active part in the life of the school, and we wish to thank Miss Tassie especially for the help she has given us in upholding the ideals of the Union and gaining inspiration from them.


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From Beth Davis we learnt much of Ion Idriess and his works. Her talk was most entertaining and made us feel that here is a man `t-lo can tell the history of inland Australia so that his books are /- romances of great lives in a wide country. Marion Hoe spoke to us about Adam Lindsay Gordon, who wrote his poems so that they swing with the rhythm of his cantering horse. Pat Elvins chose for her subject a lesser-known writer, C. Warburton, who wrote- "Buffaloes." She thrilled us with the spirit of adventure when she recounted the exciting happenings in the north of Australia, where the characters of the book were buffalo hunting. In former years we have concentrated on the great writers of other countries, but realizing that ours too have much talent we decided that at our meetings this year we should discuss the works of Australian authors. Joan Habergham, who was our first speaker, outlined the story of "A House is Built" by M. Barnard Eldershaw. This tells the history of a family of pioneers who settled in Sydney during the early clays, and gives a vivid and accurate picture of the period.

Phyllis David gave the final address for the year, and she showed us a picture She of a life that we well understand. spoke on "The Human Pedagogue" by R. G. Jennings, a story which tells of boarding life at Geelong Grammar and was written by a present master. This book tells the story of a boy and his friends and describes their irresponsible fun when juniors and their more serious life as seniors, and through all we feel the influence of those in authority, the prefects and masters, in whose hands lies the power to influence the lives of the boys. These girls who have prepared addresses have helped to make the Literary Society a great success, and we thank them for all the time they have spent so that the other members of the society might have an entertaining hour.

A most interesting talk on Henry Lawson was given by Alison McPhee, who discussed both his prose and his poetry and told us something of his life. She illustrated her talk by reading extracts We should also like to thank Miss from his works, and as she read we felt Badger for the help she has willingly that this was a true Australian, with all given us, and Mek Kerr for the posters the dry humour, the picturesque lang- she has made, and which have attracted many more members to our Society. uage, and vigour of our own writers.


THE LUCERNIAN

13

The subjects school, has taken part. pp 65) chosen were varied, ranging from 1/ ‘ lik4( ' I1 rKI"Pompeii," "Rupert Brooke," "Hitler," 01P1 61 -4 Iv )) and "Public Schools" to "How a Stowa.-1, way does notenter Aus t r al ia ," .'; lrleay u s,and"The story of t h e umbrella." v; hound" i 1 fi 41 NL ez iS ( We wish to thank Miss Gittus very much for the valuable advice which she )004.0 rx 01° has given to the debaters, and for the I many afternoons which she has given up Both senior and junior debates have so that she might adjudicate for us, and been held this year, and most of them also Miss Tassie for the great interest have been of a high standard, owing to she has shown in our club. 4ck,

t4s.

—7Th

Club

the time and thought given by members of the teams to the preparation of their arguments. The first junior debate was on the subject, "Do men dress more wisely than women ?" and proved most amusing. The result was a victory for the negative side, which was taken by Roslyn, Harris taking the affirmative. The Ardens— Lawson debate on the subject, "Are journeys to the Poles a waste of time and effort ?" was won by Ardens, which took the affirmative side. This victory was gained by a very narrow margin, so the debate proved most exciting. The first senior debate between Lawson and Ardens was on the question "Should the principle of equal pay for equal work be applied irrespective of sex ? and was won by Lawson, which took the affirmative side. The question, "Is immigration in the best interests of Australia ?" was discussed by Harris and Roslyn, the former house, which took the negative side, being successful. These debates were most evenly contested and proved very interesting. The three-minute speeches which are given on Friday mornings after assembly have continued to be successful, and practically every girl in the senior school, as well as some members of the junior

MUSEUM NOTES. This year, the additions to the Museum have not been as numerous as usual. We are very grateful to those who have shown their interest by making contributions. Objects of great value were added to the Australian section by Clare Robb, who presented a number of carpet-snake skins, and by Margot Prowse, who presented some stone axe-heads found in the Barrabool Hills ; also by Margaret Burnside. who presented a beautiful pearl shell. Betty Jonas gave us a Malayan handmade bracelet. One gift of especial interest was preclented this year by Margaret Sutcliffe. It is an old Indo-Buddhist document made not of parchment, but of the leaf of a tree. This document, recently brought from India, is said to be more than two thousand years) old. During second term an exhibition was held of those articles in our collection connected with the countries of India, Japan. and China. Special thanks are due to Miss Booth, who has done much good work in caring for the Museum, and it is 'to be hoped that the interest of all in our collection will increase with the years.


THE

LUGER NIAN MIIMPIP=T.r1

enjoyed this evening very much, and we are very grateful indeed to Mr. and Mrs. Hearne for their hospitality. It was a wonderful surprise during second term to hear that Miss McPhillimy had presented the school with a boudoir grand piano. This was a welcome and much appreciated gift, and we are very grateful both to Miss McPhillimy and to Mr. Hearne who arranged for its transport.

As the number of boarders increases so does the number of Music Club members, and this year we have had a record membership. As usual we have had three meetings a month—two given by visiting artists and one by the members themselves. On July- 21st this piano was used The opening meeting for the year was preceded by a short business meeting at officially for the first time, when we had which the committee was elected. Miss the privilege of having as our guests Mr. Wadelton and Miss Madden remain the Harold Elvins, Director of the Melba President and Vice-President of the club. Conservatorium of Music, and Miss LillMiss Meta Moore gave an address at ian Stott, the well-known soprano. Mr. this meeting, choosing for her title Elvins gave a most interesting address "Stop ! Look ! Listen!" She told us of entitled "Music and Metaphysics," while the three most important things to listen Miss Stott sang a group of songs, infor—rhythm, melody and form, and cluding three old Vedic songs. Mr. J. illustrated her remarks by playing N. David, on behalf of the club, thanked the vi4itors, and extended to them a gramophone records of the music of warm invitation to come again. Haydn. Wagner, and Delius. For the third meeting of the term Mr. At the second meeting Miss Dorothea McMaster of Melbourne gave a piano G. B. Lester and Mr. Logie-Smith, both recital, telling us of the life and com- of the staff of Geelong College, visited Mr. Lester, who has on positions of Caesar Franck, and then the school. playing some of his works for us, in- several occasions delighted the girls with cluding the famous Prelude, Aria and his fine baritone voice, gave a most varied and interesting programme of songs, inFinale. At the final meeting of first term cluding several from Kipling's "Just-So Stories," excerpts from "Tannhauser," the members of the club themselves presented a programme of English music, and Irish melodies and other folk-songs. showing the development of the art in Mr. Lester was accompanied by Mr. Smith, whose programme of piano, solos England through the centuries. consisted chiefly of compositions of Miring second term we had three most Brahms and Schubert. interesting meetings. The first was held We regret to say that owing to the at the home of Mr. 0. C. Hearne who had very kindly invited the members of the part that the school was taking in the club. Mr. Hearne gave a short talk on Centenary Celebrations during the first the subject "Music and Noise," and then few weeks of the third term we were Played several delightful pieces on his unable to hold our inter-house music Wurlitzer organ, explaining to us how competitions. However, we hope that different effects are obtained. Everyone next year they will be continued.


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The visitors for the first meeting of this term were to have been the Rev Alex. Fraser and his wife, and the Rev. A. W. Milligan, but this meeting had to be postponed because of the illness of Mrs. Fraser. We are looking forward to our next meeting when Miss Dorothy Glover, one of our old girls, will he the guest, and also to the marvellous end-of-the-year Harty which Miss Wadelton and Miss Madden so kindly give us each year. The fact that the Music Club is one of the most active of all school societies is largely due to the enthusiasm and hard work of Miss Wadelton and Miss Madden. To them and to all the visitors who entertained us we offer our sincere thanks.

CAMERA CLUB. As usual. Mr. Porter has been regularly conducting the meetings of the Camera Club, advising and helping all our budding photographers. He comes out to the school once a fortnight and holds Senior and Junior meetings alternatively, instructing us in the use ofi our cameras. The Juniors have been showing much enthusiasm this year, especially Shirley Stainsby and Alison Grant who print all their own negatives. We have begun to convert the cellar into a dark room, and already several films have been developed. The enthusiastic members of the Club have already found this hobby less expensive. The money collected for pound is to help pay for the necessary equipment. We hope that all members of the Camera Club will begin to show their talent by taking artistic and interesting snaps to compete for the prizes which are given at the end of the year. So far I have

15

not noticed any enthusiasts arising at dawn to catch nature on its awakening, but no doubt it will be a very fine snap that takes the prize. We all wish to thank Miss Burgess for her interest and aid, and also Mr. Porter, for without them both our club could not exist.

DRAMATIC SOCIETY. This year the play chosen for presentation by the Dramatic class was Gordon Daviot's "Richard of Bordeaux," and we were fortunate in having the large stage of the Plaza Theatre for the setting of this powerful historical drama. The Production of the play was in the capable hands of Miss Carrie Haase, and a large and appreciative audience was present to see the performance. The whole play centres round the character of the young King Richard himself, a complex character of a man with a soul sensitive to all beauty, with lofty ideals for the peace and prosperity of his country and great affection for his personal friends, but weak in all practical affairs, and a prey to his own uncontrollable temper. The ever-changing moods of this character were vividly portrayed by Rhona Connery, who thoroughly lived her part and made Richard, in his clashes with his enemies and in his downfall, a tragic and sympathetic figure, the victim both of circumstance and of his own nature. In this play there are an unusually large number of minor roles and all of these were very creditably filled. Among those whose performances were outstandinp- was Dorothy Maltby as Richard's faithful servant, Maudelyn, and the scene in which Maudelyn visits Richard after he has been deposed and imprisoned in the Tower is one of the


16

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most moving in the play. Phyllis David was appealing as Richard's wife, Anne of Bohemia, who dies a tragic death. Pat Warren, Betty Carmichael, and June Graham deserve praise for their acting of the difficult roles of the kings' warlike enemies. Few stage furnishings were used this year, as the large number of scenes necessitated very swift changes, but variety was introduced by the use of a number of different curtains at the rear of the stage. The silk banners hanging on the walls in several scenes had been painted by members of the drawing The classes and looked very effective. rich and varied colours of the costumes worn made up for the absence of scenery. Altogether the production was a highly successful one, and our thanks for this success are largely due to Miss Haase, and also to Miss Gittus, who gave a great deal of help at rehearsals. We should like to thank also Miss Trenerry and Miss Badger, who were in charge of the arranging of the stage. The full cast of "Richard of Bordeaux" was as follows :— First Page, Maudelyn .. Dorothy Maltby .. Nancy Barr Second Page .. .. • .. Rhona Connery Richard II. Anne of Bohemia (his Queen) .. Phyllis David Duke of Gloucester (Thomas of Wood.. Patricia Warren stock) .. Duke of Lancaster (John of Gaunt) .. Betty Jonas Simon Burley (The King's Tutor) .. Patricia Elvin s Erica Johnson Duke of York Michael de la Pole (Chancellor) .. Jocelyn McGilvray Earl of Arundel .. .. Betty Carmichael

Robert de Vere (Earl of Oxford) .. Heather Bowring Mary Bohun (Countess of Derby) Jessie McCallum Agnes Launcekron Gwenda Hagger Henry, Earl of Derby (Bolingbroke, Son of Lancaster) .. .. June Graham Thomas Mowbray (Earl of Nottingham) Heather Stewart Sir John Montague.... Jessie McCallum John Maudelyn (Secretary) .. Dorothy Maltby Edward, Earl of Rutland (Aumerle, Son of York) .. .. • . Gwenda Hagger A Waiting Woman .. Marjorie Cooke Archbishop of Canterbury Norma McArthur Third Page .. . Loris Thomson Fourth Page .. Barbara Batten Page to Henry .. . .. June Backwell Doctor .. • Betty Hewitson

The Library continues to play a very important part in the life and work of the school, and all sections have been considerably enlarged this year, the junior as well as the senior. Many of these new books were given by friends of the school, and we should like to thank the following and assure them that we appreciate their thought and generosity :—Dr. R. G. McPhee, who has always taken a great interest in our library, Mr. George King, Mr. J. M. Badger, Miss Crockford, Miss Tassie, Helen McCulloch, Margaret Simson,


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We have also reand Nellie Munro. ceived a number of books from the estate of the late Mrs. C. H. Leary. A number of books have also been purchased with the library funds.

17

(Golding), "By Greta Bridge" (Goodrich), "The Heritage of the Desert" (Zane Grey), "The Lady and The Panda" (Ruth Harkness), "Simon the Coldheart" (Georgette Heyer) "To You, Mr. Chips" ( James Hilton), "Many Cargoes"( Jacobs) "Promenade" (Lancaster), "Son of Han" (Richard la Piere), "Lucy and Amades" (Esther Meynell), "Forbidden Journey" (Maillart), "The Sowers" (Merriman), "Commander of the Mists" (Murray) "Sir Percy hits back" (Orczy), "Swallowdale" and "Swallows and Amazons" (Ransome), "Northwest Passage" (Roberts), "The Matins of Bruges" (Sheppard), "The Joyful Delaneys" and "Jeremy and Hamlet" (Walpole), "All the Dogs of my Life" (Elizabeth), "Maelstrom" (Timms), "The Doomsday Men" (Priestley), "Unfamiliar Faces" (Rosman), "Growth of a Man" (De la Roche).

The following is a list of the books added to the reference library during the year :—"The Victorian Sunset" and "The Victorian Aftermath" (Stratford-Wingfield), "The Life of Dr. Alexander Thompson," "The Bible designed to be read as Literature," "Alexander Pope" (Sitwell), "Life and Letters of Keats" (Houghton), "The Times Handy Atlas" (Bartholomew), "The History of Everyday Things in England" (Quenne11), "England under the Normans and Angevins" (Davis), "Louis Pasteur" (ValleryRodot), illustrated editions of the songs of Burns, "The Fair Maid of Perth," "The Heart of ,Midlothian" jand "The Legend of Montrose," "Drawing, Design and Craftwork" (Gloss), "George VI." (Hector Bolitho), "The Emperor of the CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE SCHOOL. Ants" (Bertelli), "Montrose" (John All the girls have been enthusiastic in Buchan), "James Matthew Barrie" social service work this year. In first (Roy), "The Lore of the Lyre Bird" term a new system of taking a penny (Pratt), "He went with Marco Polo" collection each week proved most suc(Kent), "The Invertebrata" (Borradaile) cessful. As a result of Mrs. Soong's visit "The Comparative Anatomy of £5 was sent to the Chinese fund, and one (Bourne), "The Balanced Life" (Hoare), guinea each was sent to the Apex Club, "The Revolutionary. Idea in Frat:ce" for furnishing the Geelong Hospital with (Elton), "The Leisure of an Egpytian stainless steel equipment, and the Victoria Official" (Lord Edward Cecil), "Climbing League. At the end of the term £2/3/and Exploration in the Bolivian High- was spent on materials for clothes for lands" (Sir M. Conway) "Alone in West the children of Chilwell and Geelong Africa" (Mary Guant), "The Conquest of West Free Kindergartens,and woollen New Granada" (Markham), "Six Years garments were made in the holidays. 56 in the Malay Jungle" (Carveth Wells). articles of clothing were sent in the first parcel and 76 in the second. Snaps taken The fiction library has been increased of the children wearing these clothes by the addition of these books :—"The showed how much they were appreciated. Ferryman" (Noel Forrest), "Perfume During second term we also contributed from Provence" (Winifred Fortescue), £5 to the Free Kindergarten Mlilk Fund, "In Search of Mademoiselle" (G. Gibbs), each group of girls and some of the staff "In the Step of Moses the Lawgiver" contributing 2/6 weekly. £1/1/- was


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sent to the Animal Welfare League and money is still being collected for the Church and several Christmas Trees to which "Morongo" usually subscribes. Receipts. s. d. Chinese Fund .. 5 0 0 Apex Club (Hospital fund) .. 1 1 0 Victoria League . 1 1 0 Collection .. 2 3 0 Free Kingarten Milk Appeal 5 0 0 Animal Welfare League .. 1 1 0 Total

15 6 0

Great enthusiasm in sporting activities has been shown throughout the year by both girls and members of staff. Houses have competed in a very keen and determined way, and all through the school improvement in sport has been marked. The school teams have been very successful on the whole, and keen interest in their contests has been shown by the rest of the girls. Usually sporting activities begin in first term with the Annual Swimming Sports, but this year, owing to the infantile paralysis epidemic, they could not be held.

s. d. Expenditure. To Chinese Fund .. •• •• 5 0 0 Apex Club .. • • 1 1 0 Victoria League .. •• 1 1 0 Materials for Kindergarten clothes .. 9 3 0 Free Kindergarten Milk Appeal .. .• 5 0 0 Animal Welfare League • • 1 1 0 ly

7)

.19

Total

15 6 0

matches in first term, and the baseball in third term, we played half of each in both terms. This system has proved advantageous in maintaining interest in both games throughout the year. In second term the house basketball matches, were played, the victory going to Lawson. TIRS school basketball team, of which only two members had been in last year's team, played extremely well throughout the season and was victorious in all its matches. The results were as follows :— Morongo defeated Warwick, 26 goals to 6.

A new system has been introduced in Morongo defeated the Hermitage, 10 connection with the house matches this year. Instead of having the tennis goals to 9.


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Morongo defeated P.L.C. Melbourne, 50 goals to 9. Morongo defeated the Sacred Heart Convent, 40 goals to 13. Morongo defeated Penleigh 18 goals to 16. We congratulate the team on its splendid play. The second basketball team played only two matchs, and although not able to equal the success of the first The results team, played very well. were :—

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The tennis team has also had a most successful year. Fortunately five of last year's team returned, but at the end of first term we lost one of our most enthusiastic members, Olga Young. During first and second terms our teams played practice matches against an eight from Geelong College, and these provided excellent opportunities for the girls to improve their games. In the school tennis matches the team, although not always victorious, played very creditably.

THE THREE SPORTS CHAMPIONS.

The Hermitage defeated Morongo, 12 goals to 7. Morongo defeated the Sacred Heart Convent, 18 goals to 12. The -baseball team wishes to thank the Old Collegians who came out to play practice matches and help the team improve its play. We were sorry to lose Alison Robley from the team at the end of second term.

The results of the matches played- were as follows :— Morongo defeated the Sacred Heart Convent, 50 games to 34. Morongo defeated the Hermitage, 81 games to 41. Morongo defeated Penleigh, 48 games to 21. P.L.C., Melbourne defeated Morongo, 48 games to 16.


THE LUCERNIAN During second term members of the we wish to thank her for all that she tennis team and the prefects spent a most has done for our sport throughout the enjoyable evening playing badminton year. at St. David's court. Exhibition matches The contest for the Margaret Shanwere played by members of that club, and non Memorial Cup was very keen. It afterwards ping-pong and quoits. This was won by Lawson house, with Harris delightful evening we owe to Mr. J. N. a close second, Ardens third, and Rosyln David and Mr. D. F. Neilson. fourth. We heartily congratulaate the On October 22nd the Annual Athletic three champions, Jeanette Robinson, Sports were held. The pleasant weather Senior Champion, Mary Strickland, added to the success of the day and Junior Champion, Beth Robinson, Prepshowed the beauty of the grounds to aratory Champion. advantage. There was a large attendCongratulations are extended also to ance of parents and friends, many of th€ following girls who won their school whom inspected the buildings and colours last year :— grounds. The oval looked very smooth School Tennis—J. Robinson. indeed. During the Christmas holidays E. Stewart. it was levelled and rolled and new grass J. McCallum. was planted. We are grateful to the School Baseball—N. Sutherland. members of Council for this improveJ. McPhee. ment. A feature of the sports was the R. Connery. well-organised way in which they were E. Hore run. The events were conducted withL. McDonald. out any delay, and no sooner had one We hope that this year's keenness and event finished than another was begun. enthusiasm for sport will continue next We are all aware that this was due to year, and we wish those in the school the efficient work of Miss Trenerry and teams the very best of luck., ***

SCHOOL EVENTS. FIRST ASSEMBLY.

Dr. R. G. McPhee, Chairman of the Council, and Mr. 0. C. Hearne both extended a hearty welcome to the staff and girls, especially to the three new members of staff and to the many new girls, and expressed the hope that 1938 would be a memorable year for Morongo.

The school year began on February 9th, and the first gathering was attended by representatives of the School Council, the Old Collegians' Association, and the Parents' and Friends' Association. The service was conducted by the school chaplain, the Rev. W. E. Watkins. In a short address Mr. Watkins stressed Irt, the absence of the President, Mr. J. the value and necessity of a true friendly M. Badger, Mr. J. N. David expressed fellowship throughout life, and he reminded us that school life offers wonder- the, good wishes of the P.)arents' and ful opportunities for the development in Friends' Association for a happy and ourselves of the spirit of comradeship. successful year.


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The President of the Old Collegians' Association, Mrs. J. McCabe Doyle, told us something of that Association and urged us to join it when we leave, so that we may keep in touch with the activities of the school. In conclusion Miss Pratt expressed our thanks to those who had spoken and to all the friends of the School. The Assembly closed with the school song, followed by the Benediction.

SHAKESPEARE DAY. Shakespeare's birthday was celebrated as usual this year with the acting of scenes from his plays. This is one of the most important festivities of the school pond is eagerly looked forward to by all students of the plays. The programme opened with a talk on Shakespeare's life and his town of Stratford given by one of the junior girls. Form IVb. then gave the well-known rcrme from "A Midsummer Night's Dream" in which Bottom and his companions produce before their duke "the most lamentable comedy and, cruel death of Pyramus and Thisby." The mockheroic humour of the scene was remarkably well brought out by the young performers, and Thisby fell across the body of her dead lover to the accompaniment of peals of laughter from the audience. The fun continued when Form IVc. acted the scene from "Twelfth', Night" in which Malvolio behaves so absurdly that everyone thinks he has gone mad. In the latter part of the scene, in which two duels are fought, the members of the cast revealed an unexpected knowledge of swordsmanship.

21

The next scene, the wrestling scene from "As You Like It," performed by members of the Fifth Form, was equally spectacular. The same form did the scene in which Touchstone, the clown, woos the rustic Audrey, and kept the audience in a constant state of mirth. Form Va. was next on the programme with two scenes from "The Tempest." First we saw Ferdinand led by the sound of music to the presence of Miranda. and then the truly savage figure of Calihan in the scene in which he is found by Stephano and Trinculo and given some of their "heavenly liquor." The Sixth Form played with great snirit the farcical scene from "The Merry Wives of Winclscr" in which Falstaff escapes in a laundry basket . from a jealous husband. Finally the Honours Form presented two scenes from "Macbeth" which _were a great contrast to the rest of .the proP.- rarnme. The first scene showed Lady Macbeth planning- to murder her guest, Duncan the king, in order that her husI-and might have the crown, and the second was the sleep-walking scene. The part of :f.a.dv Macbeth war-, played with great feeling and we rerlised something- of her anguish of mind at the memory of her crimes. All the forms are to be congratulated on the work they did, as the performance was particularly good this year.

ANZAC DAY Anzac Day was commemorated at Morongo by an address from the Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Victoria, the Right Rev. F. W. Rolland, M.C., M.A., and by a special service conducted by the school chaplain, the Rev. W. E. Watkins,


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The service opened with Laurence Binyon's "For the Fallen" spoken by Rhona Connery, the Head Prefect, and this was followed by the beautiful hymn, "0 Valiant Hearts." Mr. Rolland told us in his address that there are two attitudes to war adopted by Christian people. There are some who sincerely believe that it is wrong to take up arms under any circumstances. while there are others who feel that, terrible as war is, there are some things worse than war. All must judge for themselves in this problem. Mr. Rolland then went on to tell us something of his own experience of war, and the incidents he described strengthened our admiration of the, quiet uncomplaining courage and splendid spirit of comradeship displayed by our soldiers. In conclusion Mr. Rolland asked us while we remembered those who gave their lives for their country to remember also Christ. who died on behalf of all men.

BACK TO SCHOOL DAY. On April 30th a large number of Old Collegians came out to school for one of the most enjoyable Back-to School Days we have had. Although it was cloudy it was a pleasant afternoon for sport, and matches were played between the Old Collegians and the present girls both in tennis and baseball, the honours being fairly even. Afternoon tea was served in the Assembly Hall, where Miss Pratt welcomed hack the past students, and Edith Leigh. the President of the Old' Collegians' Association, thanked Miss Pratt and expressed the pleasure felt by all those present at the happy reunion.

LEAGUE OF NATIONS DAY. League of Nations Day was celebrated on August 5th in the Assembly Hall, which was gay with posters, flags, and other decorations, many of which were made specially for the occasion by girls of the junior forms. We began by listening to the broadcast speech, after which we heard several children who had come to Australia from other lands speak to us over the air in their native tongues. Then a most attractive and varied programme was presented, after an introduc•:ory speech given by Heather Stewart, in which she pointed out that as several of the ,most interesting and powerful countries in the world were not members of the League and they would be represanted by items on the programme, the day would really be an International Day rather than a purely League of Nations Day. The opening items were a Russian song and dance, the former rendered by four intermediate girls, and the latter performed by girls of Va. dressed in striking Cossack costumes. Pat Warren then gave a speech on the subject of "Japan's Point of View in connection with the War in China," in which she pointed out to us the reasons why the Japanese considered themselves justified in attacking China as they had. This was followed by a JapaneSe dance by the Third Form, garbed in kimonos and sashes and carrying fans, and then a Japanese song sung by the Third Form and rVa. The next item was a speech by Loris Thomson in which she told us of all the wonderful work Madame Chiang KaiShek is doing in connection with the war in China.


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Form IVb. then presented a French play, which was very well acted and highly amusing. We all sang the "Marseillaise" together, after which Beth Davis gave us a speech on "The Ideals and Work of the League," stressing the point that although the League has not been very successful in the work for which it was intended, it has done great work in other spheres and is continuing to do so. Next was an Italian dance in costume by members of IVc., which form then sang the Italian folk-song "Santa-Lucia." We then concluded a very instructive and enjoyable programme by singing our own National Anthem. Our thanks are due to Miss Burgess, Miss Gittus, and Miss Trenerry for all the time they spent working toward the success of our celebration, and also to all the girls who made posters and flags to decorate the hall.

ANNUAL CHURCH SERVICE. The annual church service for 1938 was held at St. David's Church on October 9th. The Rev. W. E. Watkins, the school chaplain, conducted the service, while the address was given by the Rev. F. W. Rolland, M.C., M.A., the Principal of Geelong College. The service opened with the introit, "Jesu, Stand Among Us," sung by the members of the school, who led the singing throughout the service. Conducted by Mr. J. Dawson, the present girls gave the anthem, "Father, in Thy Myterious Presence Kneeling," while the Old Collegians' Choir, under the leadership of Mr. C. Blakiston, who has always been a helpful friend of the school, sang Bach's "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring."

23

This year the organ was played by Dorothy Glover, it being the first occasion on which we had been able to have an Old Collegian in this position. Mr. Rolland chose as his text the passage, "Whatsoever things are lovely, think on these things," and asked us to keep this thought in our minds as we listened to his address. He then went on to speak of the powers of the imagination, and of the various ways in which we can develop and use this wonderful gift. The service concluded with the singing of the hymn, "The. Day is Past and Over," and the Benediction.

MORONGO'S PART IN GEELONG'S CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS. We are glad that Morongo as a school was able to take some part in celebrating Geelong's hundred years of progress. In the spectacular Floral and Tableau Procession, Morongo, with several other schools, was represented by a float symbolising Education. The Arts and Crafts class contributed to the decoration of this float the Lamp of Learning and a large hand-hound book which was carried by the representative of Literature. Praise is due to Miss Ta4sie who carried out the arrangements for the float so successfully. Also some of the girls danced the waltz cotillon in one of the scenes of the brilliant and colourful pageant, "The Cavalcade of Geelong." This scene was that of the ball held) at Mack's Hotel to celebrate the opening of the Geelong-to-Melbourne railway service. We congratulate these girls on their splendid performance and thank Miss Lascelles who trained them.


24

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The Old Collegians also took part in this pageant, and their scene, which was the last on the programme and symbolising the prosperity of Geelong with her many products, was amongst the most effective of all. At the Centenary Home Exhibition, held at Heath's Motors Buildings, there was hung in the night nursery a large mural panel designed by Miss Coleman ncl painted by the drawing students. The panel, which depicted a small boy riding his dream horse to a castle in the clouds along a path of mist, was very much admired. and we wish to thank Miss Coleman for all her assistance. Altogether Morongo can look back with pride on the part the school took in co-operating with other organisations to help make the celebrations worthy of a great city.

HOBBIES DAY. Many visitors were present at the school on November 3rd to see the display of work done during this year, both in special classes and in leisure time. First a short entertainment was given in the Assembly Hall, consisting of songs, verse-speaking. pianoforte solos, some attractive Italian and Russian folk dances, and a talk by the head prefect on the early history of Mbrongo. Then the

visitors inspected the work set out in the classrooms, where evidence of many and varied activities was found. Among the most interesting exhibits were those executed in the art classes. the art work of the school has always been of a high standard and now there is the added advantage of a new studio. In the drawing and painting section there were portraits and landscapes in water colours, plant studies, designs, and the large mural panel that was hung in the nursery of the Centenary Home. In the arts and crafts section were displayed many beautiful articles in leather and metal, and examples of weaving, bookbinding, carving. and stained wood work. Great individuality was shown in this work, for the aim of the art classes has been to develop the initiative and imagination of the girls. The dresses and other articles made in the sewing classes were neat and well finished. and in some cases very difficult work liqrl been successfully attempted. Several tables were covered with tempting- contributions from the cooking classes, for cooking too is an important extra-curricular activity. By encenraging P-irls to develop their creative abilities Morongo is helping them to solve one of the problems of life —the ability to occupy leisure time with both profit and enjoyment.

***

VISITORS TO THE SCHOOL. VISIT OF Mrs. LEE SOONG. On the 2nd of March Mrs. Lee Soong, one of the representatives of the International Women's League, came to speak to us. She told us of the people of China and the hopes they had cherished for the

future of their country. During the last ':en years they had made great progress ; new schools and factories were being established in all parts of the country. Now these buildings, these dreams of China which had taken years to carry out, have been demolished in a few days.


THE LUCERNIAN

Libraries that were the pride of universities have been wantonly destroyed. Mrs. Lee Soong told us also of the women and children of China and their terrible distress, and of the similar disThe tress suffered by the Japanese, Chinese, she said, know what they are fighting for, but the ordinary Japanese has not this knowledge. He fights blindly,- and at home the women sacrifice their men for an unknown cause. After we had heard Mrs. Lee Soong we felt that our sympathy for the Chinese was even greater, and as a practical expression of our sympathy we contributed to the Chinese Relief Appeal in Geelong.

VISIT OF MISS DAVIS. On March 17th we were very pleased to welcome Miss Davis from the Harper Memorial School in Korea. Miss Davis in her interesting talk told us something of the work of the missionaries in Korea and of the difficulties with which they are faced, especially in relation to the Japanese Government. Of particular interest to our boarders was Miss Davis's description of the life of the boarders at her school.

25

The decorative work is usually done before the glaze is put on, but it may be put on after if required. There are three kinds of pottery, earthern, stone, and porcelain. The first two were only slightly dealt with, while porcelain was the main topic of nrs. Price's talk. For centuries China held the secret of pottery, and it was not until Queen Elizabeth's time that the English had any England, beknowledge of porcelain. cause of her isolation, was one of the last countries of Europe to learn these secrets from China, but once the secret of porcelain was discovered there English ware rivalled all other kinds. Afterwards Mrs. Price showed some pieces of porcelain that she had brought with her. We were able to learn much of interest from her talk and are greatly indebted to her.

MISS- RIVETT.

A most interesting talk on china was given to the boarders on May 6th by Mrs. Price.

On June 5th we were very happy to welcome to the school Miss Rivett, the headmistress of the United Missionary Girls' High School in Calcutta. Miss Rivett told us that her school was divided into three companies, each of which was named after a famous Indian woman. She showed us photographs and told us of the leaders of the companies. They were all three very remarkaible people. • For sport the gals ph , badminton, netball, and several other games. They play netball against girls from Jewish schools, but the Indian girls are hampered by their long saris.

We were first told of the way in which pottery is made. The clay is mixed, moulded, hardened, and glazed. The clay is porous, so some covering is needed to make it watertight—this is the glaze.

Miss Rivett says that every girl tries to matriculate because it gives her a better chance of getting a husband. At the beginning of her last year each girl begins to write her school record, in

At the conclusion of her talk Miss Davis showed us some wonderful pieces of Korean handwork and embroidery that were done at her school.

VISIT OF Mrs. PRICE.


26

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which she tells of all the things she has done in her school life. These records are beautifully decorated. Whpn Miss Rivett was leaving the school the girls helped her write her record. She showed it to us, but it .was written in Bengali. Our head prefect, in thanking Miss Rivett, said that she had given us new standards to live up to, in telling us of the three company leaders.

CONSERVATORIUM CONCERTS. Two of our most entertaining afternoons have been spent at Conservatorium Concerts, with Mr. iSutton Crow and the artists he brings. At the opening concert of the year Miss Flint played for us an English gavotte and a nocturne of Chopin, and Miss K. Goodall sang some delightful English folk-songs, and then some humorous and much appreciated songs of Hilaire Belloc. Miss Prockter showed her wonderful skill with the violin, playing compositions of Handel and a Spanish dance. At the second -concert Miss M. Summers, pianist, and Miss Mariorie Prockter,. 'cellist, played, us several old favourites and then a sonata by Grieg. Miss M. Marshall introduced a lighter note, by her speaking of quaint little poems. We are very grateful to, M.r. Crow for bringing these artists to us, and also for Cle help he gives us in understanding serious music.

THE VISIT OF THE MODERATOR. During second term we had the honour and pleasure of a visit from the Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Victoria, the Rev. Karl Forster and Mrs. Forster.

Mr. Forster gave us a most inspiring address in which he set before us the ideals which we should strive after, as we grow up and throughout our lives. First of all, he said, we must be natural and unaffected in all we do, for only by our sincerity may we hope to be considered of any real account in our dealings with our fellow-men. Also, said Mr. Forster, we must adopt a friendly and cheerful attitude toward' all with whom we come in contact. Tolerance, broadmindedness, the ability to look beyond our own•point of view and show consideration fo.r others will prove of great benefit in many situations. Finally, we must cultivate a spirit of responsibility. More than any other quality will this enhance •for us the respect of our fellow-men. •• We are very grateful to Mr. Forster for this inspiring address and his interest in the school.

THE REV. AUSTIN JAMES. A most interesting visitor to the school in second term was the Rev. Austin James from Northern India. Mr. James gave us a most interesting description of the high school of which he is vice-principal. Among the hundreds of children attending the school were only three girls. Some of his scholars, he said, were extremely brilliant, and he was sure that some of them could write English better than we can. Mr. James then went on to speak of the beautiful cities of India, with their lovely buildings and avenues of flowering trees lining the streets. He told us of the great mosque outside Delhi, where thousands of Moslems gather to worship in the evening. This is a wonderful sight as all the people bow down at the same


THE LUCERNIAN

time to worship Allah. The beautiful Taj Mahal, Mr. James said, justly deserves its fame, for its loveliness exceeds all expectations. Finally he gave it as his opinion that Britain should, in the very near future, grant self-government to India, and said that the assertion that the Indians were incapable of guiding the affairs of their own country could no longer be maintained.

THE REV. OLIVER BRADY. The Rev. Oliver Brady, the Vicar of All Saints' Church, came to the school during second term to tell us something about the Holy Land as it is today. As Mr. Brady has made several visits to Palestine and stayed there for considerable periods he can speak with authority on that country. Mr. Brady told us first of the train journey from Egypt to Jerusalem through the Arabian Desert. The first glimpse of Jerusalem,, he said, is disc appointing, for seen from the train it looks like an ordinary suburban town. However, the older part of the city where the Holy Places are, and the surrounding hillsides, which are covered with wildfiowers, have a real beauty. Most of the relics of biblical times are authentic, Mr. Brady said, because the people of the East are extremely tenacious of tradition, and any sacred places are reverenced from century to century. He went on to tell us of some of the most interesting sights and the traditions attached to them.

27

Mr. Brady's talk was enjoyed by everyone and we hope to hear of his experiences again at some future time.

THE REV. J. A. BARBER'S VISIT. The Rev. J. A. Barber, the Administrator of the Presbyterian Church, has visited the school on several occasions, and we were glad to see_ him again on October 3rd. He told us much of interest about the work that the Presbyterian Church is doing, particularly in Northern and Central Australia. In his usual humorous style Mr. Barber told us of some of his own experiences in the "outback," and went on to tell how people who knew nothing of - Christianity were being brought into fellowship -with God through services given by the padres. They were feeling too the benefits of the medical services and wireless sets supplied by the Inland Mission. Mr. Barber has also worked in the poorer suburbs of Melbourne and at Pentridge, whew he influenced the prissoners during his voluntary imprisonment. As a result of Mr. Barbers visit it was decided to hold a short lunch-hour concert so that the school could send a contribution to assist the fine work that the Presbyterian Church is doing. A milkbar is also being run for this purpose.


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OLD COLLEGIAN'S ASSOCIATION. ANNUAL REPORT, 1938. The Committee has much pleasure in presenting the Annual Report for the year ending December 3rd, 1938. In doing so they would remind members that although we are bound together by social activities and friendship we should not overlook the fact that when our Association was formed its aim was primarily to help the school, and now 17 years later, with ever increasing numbers, we are becoming stronger and more able to fulfill our responsibilities.

regarded as taking the place of the r. union which we had to postpone :last year on account of the infantile paralyisis epidemic. This proved to be a most satisfactory arrangement and about 80 girls accepted Miss Pratt's invitation. A tennis tournament between Old Girls from Colac and Geelong and the present girls was greatly enjoyed. We are grateful to Miss Pratt for her hospitality, and also to Miss Trenerry who arranged the games for the afternoon. At night, Miss Pratt was our guest when about 80 guests attended a theatre party at the Corio Theatre, after which the Committee entertained the party at supper at the A.B.C.

It has been our custom in previous years to concentrate on some particular way of helping the school, either by scholarships or gifts in concrete form. The event which is regarded as the You will remember that last year we had some alterations made to the most important and enjoyable of our Assembly Hall. As there was no re- social activities—the At Home—was held union last year and the matter had not this year on Friday, June 10th, at the been brought before a general meeting Corio Club. Debutantes were presented we have not given any special gifts to to Dr. and Mrs. McPhee and Miss Pratt the school this year, which accounts for by our President, Edith Leigh. Nearly the larger bank balance than usual, of 400 attended and great credit must be which you will hear in the treasurer's given to the Dance Secretaries, Minnie report. Ways of using this money to Harding and Margaret Simson, for makthe best advantage will be discussed later ing this At Home one of our best. in the meeting. We would also like to express our thanks to Mrs. Simson and all the girls The activities for the year have been who worked for weeks before to make varied and very successful from a social the novel decorations which added greatly standpoint. to the success of the evening. The first of these functions wasp held on Saturday, April 30th, when at Miss Pratt's kind invitation we held our Annual Back-to-School Day, which took an added importance this year as the Committee had agreed that it should be

The Revellers' Orchestra was again in attendance and the supper arrangements were in the capable hands of the A.B.C. Cafe. Although this was purely a social function, we are glad to report a credit balance.


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Our next social function was held on July 28th and took the form of a SalmaThis was arranged gundi evening. mainly for the younger members of the Association, but we were glad to .see many of the older members present also, and we are grateful to Mrs. Doyle who loaned her house for the evening. On August 25th our debutantes once again held a very successful dance at theY.W.C.A. Rooms. A charge of 2/6 was made and supper was provided by the Debs. Gwen Blakiston and Lesley Long were responsible for the secretarial duties and to them our thanks are due for a successful evening, from which we were able to add f1/16/2 to our fund. On Sunday evening, October 7th, Morongo held its annual Church Service A large number of Old at St. David's. Girls were present and as usual the Old Collegians' Choir occupied the choir stalls and under the conductorship of Mr. C. Blakiston rendered the anthem "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring." Dorothy Glover was organist for the service. This year we regret that our choir has been in recess. Mr. Blakiston, who since its inception has been our conductor, was through ill-health unable to be with us. Under the circumstances we felt it wiser to disband for this year. However, with the excellent performances of "Trial by Jury" and "H.M.S. Pinafore" still in our minds we hope that Mr. Blakiston will be able to be with us again next year and help us to add further laurels to our name. Not only wasi the choir a success from a financial standpoint, but it gave members an opportunity for meeting regularly and so strengthen their interest in the Association.

29

To the members of the Bridge Club who have met regularly during the year we owe our thanks for an excellent donation of £7/6/-. Our Western District branch has been Their splendid dona very live body. ations of £14 this year and £12 last year shows that their interest still remains in the school. It is gratifying to the Committee to know that so many girls who otherwise would be out of touch are linked up though this branch and thus able to maintain their interest in the school. To their President, Secretary and Office-Bearers we extend our congratulations and best thanks. Early this year the election of OfficeBearers which should have been held last year, took place. 'The only changes were the election of Edith Leigh as president in place of Mrs. John Doyle, whose resignation we received with regret, and that Mrs. L. MacKay and Minnie Harding were elected Vice-Presidents. We were pleased when Morva Long consented to fill the vacancy on the Committee which is always left for a girl who leaves school the previous year. Already she has shown her keen interest and has accepted the position of Assistant Secretary for the coming year. It is with regret that we have accepted the resignations from the Committee of Enid Wilson, Gladys Matheson, Gwen Blakiston, Lois Mathews and Margaret Bell. These girls have been excellent workers for the Association, but other duties will now prevent them from working with us. It has been gratifying to the Committee that such a large number


30

THE LUCERNIAN

of the younger members have been present at the various functions which have been held, for it is only by their interest that we can hope to extend and grow to be the helpful Association which it is our aim to become. To the older members who have given us such faithful support during the years that have passed we offer our sincere thanks, and to all of you we appeal for interest and support during the coming year. MARGARET BELL, Secretary.

ENGAGEMENTS. Ila Heard to Frank Piper. Vera Curry to W. G. Beard. Vera Moebus to A. Howell. Sadie Honey to S. Venters Christy Ross to Geoff. Paton Gwen Dancey to S. Shone. Betty Cousins to R. Mockridge Mavis Edmonds to J. Griffiths Marjorie Robertson to N. Preston Ann Nash to J. Brook

MARRIAGES. Jean Maclntyre to A. R. Purnell Mavis Morgan to Dr. D. Hicks. Nancy Metherall to R. W. King. Lyn Baird to W. Orr. Mary Lewis to W. Pote. Ena Sargeant to Lloyd Hall Gertrude Walter to R. White. Lyla Stickland to J. Casey. Mary Paton to R. Paton Ena McCallum to Ewen Coulson. Lesbia Madden to F. Poynton. Claire Thorne to H. Pascoe. Jessie Gibson to W. Long. Flora Garrett to R. Wayth.

BIRTHS. To Mrs. L. MacKay (nee Gwen Morgan) —a son. To Mrs. H. Lilburne (nee Jessie Lowe) —a daughter. To Mrs. D. Ross (nee Beth Robb)—a son To Mrs. T. Townsend (nee Nancy Hamilton)--a daughter. To Mrs. C. Hendy (nee Inga Dowsett)— a 'daughter To IVIrs. L. Ralton (nee Leila Wallace)— a son. To Mrs. J. Home (nee Jean Walter)— a daughter. To Mrs. D. H. Biscoe(nee Betty Stewart) —a son. To Mrs. K. J. Coldicott (nee Dorothy Adams)—a son.

PERSONAL. We are glad to be able to include in our magazine the photograph of Mrs. H. B. Simson. Mrs. Simson has always been actively interested in the school, and the help that she has given in connection with the many school functions has been invaluable. Although her daugters, Margaret apd Alison, who were both Senior Prefects, have now left the school Mrs. Simson has lost none of her interest in it, and is at present helping to prepare for the Kindergarten party. During this Centenaly year Mrs. Simson has used her artistic talents in many ways to help the city of Geelong, and she was in charge of the making of the Floral Carpet displayed at the Art Gallery.


z 1°Ile 1: 614.111-r‘10.el


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THE LUCERNIAN

To Mr. J. F. McPhillimy, who has always been one of the best friends of the school, we extend our heartiest congratulations on receiving the honour of. the Order of the British Empire. During the winter months Dr. R. G. McPhee, President of the Council, and Mrs. MdThee went to Cairns. We were glad to hear that they had an enjoyable trip. Mr. 0. C. Hearne is a friend who has been much missed from school functions lately during his illness. 'We hope that he will soon be in perfect health again.

Mrs. J. McIntyre of Quetta has also been on a visit to Scotland this year. A visitor to Australia from Scotland last year was Mrs. Macmillan, who brought out with her her small daughter. Mrs. H. Fallaw, formerly Vida Walter, is being welcomed back to Geelong, after having lived in England for several years. We wish to congratulate Dr. and Mrs. C. G. McAdam on the birth of a daughter. Mrs. McAdam was formerly Miss Dorothy Park. Amongst those who have visited the school this year are the Vice-Chancellor of Melbourne University and Mrs. Medley, and Miss Neilson, the new principal of P.L.C: Congratulations to Miss Badger, a member of the staff and an Old Collegian, on gaining her M.A. degree.

There- are quite a large number of Old Collegians studying at the University this year. Betty Anderson, Margaret McArthur, and Dorothea Davidson are at the Women's College. We congratulate Dorothea on winning a Senior Government Scholarship last year. Effie Ross won a resident scholarship at Janet Of the members of staff who left last Clarke Hall last year and is now studying year Miss Ray was married in 'December medicine. Alison Simson is doing mass- to Mr. Alex. Stewart, Miss Hope is now age at the University and Jessie McAdam teaching in her own state, Western AusOld Collegians tralia. and Miss Drummond is teaching an almoner's course. studying home-crafts include Jean Mc- in Cairo. Phee, who is at Invergowrie, and Jean During second term Miss Pratt was Rowe, Helen Sutcliffe, Carol Arnott and Mavis Honey who are at the Emily. Mc- ill, but we are glad to say she was soon During her Pherson College. F. Gough and Jean able to return to school. Davies, we hear, are doing Pharmacy absence Miss Dunoon came back for a few weeks and we were very pleased to courses. see her again. It is most unfortunate that Enid Wilson, who was very( successful in her first The Late Dr. T. J. M. KENNEDY. year Arts course, has not been able to continue this year owing to her illness. We record with deep regret the passing of Dr. T. J. M. Kennedy during this At the end of second term we wished school year. Miss Shirra bon voyage when she left for We could write at length on our late a holiday in Scotland. We are glad to friend's many outstanding qualities, but hear that she is enjoying herself. a few special thoughts would perhaps be Miss Pettitt has come to take Miss more fitting in remembering one such as he. Shirra's place while she is away.


THE

T,T_TC F,

His personality at once inspired in others the utmost confidence in his ability, integrity and manliness. Practical, generous in his service to mankind, and ever steadfast, his was a friendship altogether to be desired. Dr. Kennedy became closely associated with Morongo at its inception, not only as its medical adviser, but as its friend, and though some two years ago he resigned his official position, he still retained a deep interest in the school and in the welfare of the girls attending it. His passing has left all associated with the school deeply conscious of the loss of one who loved it, but the gap his passing has left there is filled with many

NIAN

33

thoughts rich in memories of what he meant, not only to our school and the other public schools of Geelong, but to his fellow men wherever he went. We offer our heartfelt sympathy to Mrs. Kennedy and the other members of his family. They knew him best and loved him most. IN MEMORIAM, We were very sorry to hear of the sudden death of Mrs. Robley, and to Alison and Judith we offer our deepest sympathy in their great loss. Our sympathy goes out also to Betty Anderson, whose father died rec-mtly.

***

SPEECH DAY, 1937. Speech clay of 1937 was held at the school owing to the epidemic of infantile paralysis, the members of the School Council being the ony visitors. Sir Harry Lawson, the president of the School Council, gave a short address saying that the soul of a school is created by the pupils themselves. Every school expects to find in its pupils an eternal and abiding sense of honour, justice, and service, because those are the things that make for citizenship. Instead of reading her annual report, which was printed next day in the "Geelong Advertiser," Miss Pratt simply spoke a few words, after which the prizes were distributed by the Chairman of the Council, Dr. R. G. McPhee. The President of the Old Collegians' Association, Mrs. J. McCabe Doyle, distributed the sports prizes.

PRIZE LIST. FORM HONOURS VI.—E. Ross, A. C. Harris Prize, Dux, Scripture, Verse Sn—king. Lueernian; M. McArthur, PP SS, Prefects' Prize, Domestic Science; B. Ar de-son, Dr-win7. Pass. Chronicle of School Events; N. McArthur, Sys:ci-1 Prize for Phys'e :and Chemistry; L. McDonald, Special Prize, Essay. FORM PASS VI.—P. Warren, Dux, clen-hr Dramatic. Domestic Science; N. McRae, Scripture; J. Turner, Pass, 0. Youn7. Senior Camera Club, Speci.,1 House Prize; M. Moreton, Arts and Crafts; R. Connery. Senior Dramatic; L. Gordon, Music; B. Davis, Pass; M. Long, Pass; G. Hagger, Needlework; H. Sutcliffe, Museum; D. Henry, Essay. FORM V.—E. Stewart, Dux, Special Botany; J. Davies, Special Pass, Scripture; R. Wed. dell, Pass; M. Kerr, Pass, Essay, Drawing; N. Heard, Dressmaking; J. Macdonald, Domestic Science. FORM Va.—J. Habergham, Dux; M. Bell, Pass; P. David, Verse Speaking; L. Bampfield, Pass; L. Brett, Pass, Essay; E. Hair, Music; M. Prowse, Arts and Crafts; J. McGilvray, Music, Class Singing; M. Henderson, Cookery; M. Johns, Pass, Scripture; R. Crouch, Music; G. Vallence, Cookery.


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THE LUCERNIAN

FORM IVc.—J. Backwell, Dux, Scripture, Verse Speaking; H. Stewart, Pass, Music, Class Singing; N. Gowty, Pass; Z. Hiddleston, Pass; J. Winstanley, Essay; R. West, Needlework. FORM IVb.—M. Wilson, Dux: M. Copplestone, Pass; M. Sutcliffe, Camera Club, Museum; D. Brown, Needlework; P. Johns, Pass, Scripture; C. Ferrier, Essay. FORM IVa.—J. Bartle, Dux; K. McCoy, Pass; T. Campbell, Pass, Scripture; J. Woolley, Essay; C. Robb, Needlework. FORM IIIb.—P. Field, Dux; M. Wilson, Pass, Scripture; M. Burnside, Needlework. FORM IIIa.—A. Margetts, Dux; S. Burch, Pass, Scripture, Needlework. KINDERGARTEN — SECOND FORM — V. Ives, Dux. FIRST FORM— First in Form—M. Henry; Special Improvement, S. Degenhardt,

SPORTS PRIZES. 0. Young, Swimming Champion; M. Adamson, Junior Swimming Champion; J. McCallum, Senior Sports Champion; B. Brewster, Junior Sports Champion; C. Ferrier, Preparatory School Champion; J. Robinson, School Tennis Champion; M. Kerr, Senior Tennis Champion; M. Davidson, Junior Tennis Champion.

HOUSE TROPHIES. Work Shield, Harris House; Swimming Shield, Harris House; Baskettiall Shield, Harris House; Baseball Shield, Harris House; Senior Tennis Cup, Harris House; Junior Tennis Cup, Roslyn House; Work and Sport, Harris House; Margaret Shannon Cup, Annual Sports, Lawson House.

***

EXAMINATION RESULTS. INTERMEDIATE— H. Bowring—Arithmetic, British History, Geography, Drawing (H.S.) , English' and Domestic Science (L.S.). D. Brebner—English, British History, Domestic Science (H.S.), Geography and Biology (L.S.). M. Chapman—Drawing (H.S.), Geography (L.S.). N. Heard—English, Arithmetic, Geography, Domestic Science, Music (H.S.), Botany (L.S.). M. Hoe—English, Arithmetic, British History, Geography, Botany_ Music (H.S.). E. Hore—English, Arithmetic, Algebra, Geography, French (H.S.), British History (L.S.). M. Kerr—English, Arithmetic, Algebra, British History. Geography, Drawing (H.S.), French (L.S.). G. Little—English, Arithmetic, Algebra, British History, Geography, Drawing, Domestic Science (H.S.), French (L.S.). J. McCallum—English, British History, Geography, Domestic Science (H.S.), Arithmetic and Biology (L.S.). J. Macdonald—English, Arithmetic, British History, Geography, Domestic Science (H.S.).

G. Maclnnes—English, Geography, Domestic Science (H.S.), M. McGie—English, Arithmetic, Algebra, British History, Geography, Latin, Botany, Music (H.S.). C. Milne—Arithmetic and Domestic Science (L.S.) M. Moore—English, Arithmetic, British History, Geography, Biology (H.S.), Domestic Science and Botany (L.S.). J. Orchard—English, British History, Geography, French (H.S.), Algebra (L.S.). J. Robinson—English, Algebra, British History, Domestic Science (H.S.). E. Stewart—English, Arithmetic, Algebra, British History, Geography, Biology, Botany (H.S.). R. Weddell—English, Arithmetic, Algebra, British History, Geography, French, Biology, Botany (H.S.). J. Davies (Pharmacy)—English, Arithmetic, Algebra, British History, Biology, Botany, Latin. LEAVING PASS— B. Bartlett—English, French, Latin, Geography, Economics, European History. R. Bennett—Intermediate French. N. Bowring—English, Geography, Maths. II.


THE LUCERNIAN M. Chisholm—English, European History, Geography, Economics, Music. R. Connery—English, French, European History, Biology, Economics; Intermediate Physics. B. Davis—English, Latin, European History, Geography, Economics. M. Donaldson—English, French, European History, Geography, Economics. J. Elvins—English, French, Economics, Music. L. Gordon—English, Economics, Maths. II., Music (2 subjects). G. Haggar—English, Biolocv; Intermediate Physics and Chemistry (H.S.). D. Henry---English, European History, Geography. M. Long—English, French, European History, Biology, Economics. B. MacLeod—English, French, Geography, Economics, Drawing. M. Moreton—Geography, Domestic Science; Intermediate English (H.S.). A. McPhee—English, French, European History. Biology. Economics, Music. J. McPhee—English. Biology, Domestic Science; Intermediate Arithmetic (H.S.). N. McRae—English, French, Biology, Economics, Drawing. H. Sutcliffe—English, Geography, Domestic Science, Music (2 subjects) ; Intermediate French (H.S.).

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N. Sutherland—English, European History, Biology, Economics; Intermediate Physics and Chemistry (H.S.). J. Turner—English, French, European History, Biology. Economics, Domestic Science. P. Warren—English, French, European History, Biology, Economics, Domestic Science. C. Williamson—English, European History, Biology, Music (Theory) ; Intermediate Physics, Chemistry. 0. Young—English, Geography, Domestic Science. LEAVING HONOURS— B. Anderson—English, 1st class; British History, 3rd class; Drawing, 2nd class; French, Pass. M. McArthur—Biology. 3rd class; Domestic Science, 3rd class; Chemistry, 3rd class; Economics, Pass. N. McArthur—English, 3rd class; French, 3rd class; Pass Physics, Chemistry and Maths. IV. L. McDonald—English, 2nd class; Pass French, European History, Biology. E. Ross—English, 1st class and 5th place; French, 2nd class; Biology, 2nd class; British History, 2nd class.

***

ORIGINAL CONTRIBUTIONS. Verse Contributions from the Junior School. OUR TADPOLE.

We have a little tadpole, And it is coloured green. We keep it in a little bowl So that it may be seen. It swims about and in and out And feeds upon the grass; We give it meat and biscuit crumbs And watch it when we pass. The Kindergarteners. THE COLOURS.

The pixies have coloured the apples red, And the gnomes have done the cherries; As for the dwarfs they have done the pears, While the fairies are doing the berries.

They have their paint-pots marked "Yellow" and "Red," And are very careful the way they tread, And when' they have finished they say, "Well done," And back again to their homes they come. J. F. (8 years) CHRISTMAS EVE. Father Christmas dressed in red Creeps upstairs to each child's bed; Every stocking he fills quite full With whistles, toys, and crackers to pull. In the morn'ng when the children wake What a noise they all do make. Bob with his trumpet goes "Toot! Toot! Toot!" While John plays tunes on his great big flute. S. B. (10 years)


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RICHARD and ANNE in "RICHARD OF BORDEAUX."


Tfl1

37

LUC11NIAN

APPLES.

TWO PICTURES.

Apples, mellow apples, high above my head, Please, Mr. North Wind, shake them near the shed. Then I'll get my basket and pop them in my mouth, And so they'll be safe from that bad Mr. South. N. W. (10 years)

I. In autumn when the leaves are dead And fall on the pavements grey They clothe the streets in brown and red, Until the horses pulling the dray Carry them on with lumbering tread To be burnt on a bonfire gay. II.

THE ORCHARD.

I love to sit on a summer day In the orchard under a, tree. Sometimes I sit, and sometimes. I stand, And read a book till its time for tea.

As I looked down on the sea From the white chalk cliffs on high I saw- the sea-gulls floating down On the fish that were passing by.

Sometimes I hear the black crow's call, Sometimes the hum of a bee, Sometimes I hear the ripe fruit fall, As it tumbles from the tree. U. W. (11 years)

I saw the yellow glistening sand And the rocks that were old and grey, And the shells of all shapes and sizes As on the cliffs I lay. J. B. (13 years)

THE COUNTRY ROAD.

SPRING BREEZE.

Oh, it's fine to be out on the country road, Going you don't know where, And swinging along, To a merry song, And breathing the country air.

The wind was blowing softly Amongst the tall, green trees; The pretty little blue-bells Were blowing in the breeze.

To hear the birds as they sing in the trees, And to watch the clouds go by, Or to study the cows As they crop the grass, And the sky-larks in the sky.

The sun was shining brightly; It was a day in spring; It really made me happy To hear the thrushes sing.

Oh, to feel on your back that welcome breeze, As you walk along the road, And to see afar off Other wanderers too Bearing a heavy load.

As I stood upon the hill-top, 'Near a building grey and tall; I heard the school bell ringing, Ringing out its call.

Oh, the cars they roar as they tear along— Never stop for you or me; The trams they rattle And the trains they shriek, So the country's best for me. J. W. (12 years)

I went into the schoolroom And took out a history book; But still my thoughts would wander To that shady little nook. J. B. (13 years)


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THE LtICERNIAN

Here, There and Everywhere. MY HOME IN JAPAN. We lived in Yokohama, the big sea-port for Tokio. Our house was a big two-storeyed concrete one in a compound, but all around us were little Japanese houses made of wood with paper doors. My brother and I used to go to an International School only a few miles away. Sometimes we used to ride our bicycles to school and on the way we would pass through a village full of people and dogs. Along the road we saw other children also going to school. Most of the Japanese children now wear European clothes instead of their colourful kimonos. The children wear prett-- kimonos with brightly coloured flowers embroidered on them—the children only, though, as it is considered unsuitable for a young woman to have a lot of flowers embroidered on her kimono. On festival days, however, it is th9, gener91 custom to wear the kimonos and put on one's very best. The Japanese go to the temples where they wash their hands and ring a bell to summon the gods to their attention. The houses are also very elaborately decorated with bamboo tied around the poles. There are three very important festivals, the New Year festival, thd girls' festival, and the boys' festival. During the boys' festival you will notice outside the houses long poles, and hanging from them huge cotton fishes in all colours, one for each boy in the house. They also have an 0-shi-shi, who is a man who comes around to each house to drive away the devils. He has a huge dragon's head on, but otherBehind come wise he is plainly dressed. some men banging iron rods with rings in the top, aira then follow a crowd of boys with ribbons around their heads, bearing on their shoulders a miniature temple, usually with a golden dove on the top. In each of the houses there is a stand with Laid on top of the steps leading to it. wooden stairs is a lovely cloth and on this stand a lot of figures. On the top stand the In figures of the Emperor and Empress. front, a step lower, are his five musicians, and further down all his courtiers and heroes. The girls' festival is similar, except that the figures then are women's. The girls do not have the fishes.

The Japanese do not hold Christmas as a real festival. The New Year is the greatest festival. Then they decorate their houses, and also their bicycles, with bamboo and oranges. When the cherry blossom comes out it is a sight well worth seeing. There is an avenue of cherry-trees not far from our house, and when the blossom is falling the petals are scattered on the ground and it is just like a pink carpet. We have several trees in our garden too. We had a lot of very lovely old pine-trees which had lovely big cones on them. When they fell we put them on the fire to see them go red. When the snow came we had great fun making snow-men and balls. In the spring we had a lot of golden daffodils and crocuses. But in front of the house, standing up very straight, were two wattletrees to remind us of Australia. J.W. (12 years) NEW YEAR'S DAY IN JAPAN. At tho New Year the Japanese have a big celebration. They make round rice cakes which they call mochi. They eat these with sugar and sauce and they are lovely. They also make mochi for their gods. The pieces are arranged in sizes beginning with one very big piece and gradually getting smaller and smaller. Each Japanese house has a little room with a little altar and on either side they burn incense, while in the middle they put the mochi, which they offer to the gods. On this occasion also the people put on their best kimonos and go to visit their friends with presents of rice of all kinds. When they approach a friend's house they call out greetings and then ask, "Is anyone at home?" If somebody is the person comes and slides back the doors. Having done this she bows low and says, "Omereto daigo simas," which means "Happy New Year." In return the visitor bows and gives her present, and( then goes in to have a cup of Japanese tea. After this she goes to somebody else's house where she may stay a little longer. The Japanese spend most of this day in visiting the houses of friends and in being visited by them. H.P. (12 years)


THE LUCERNIAN MY VISIT TO THE TOWER OF LONDON. The Tower of London has been in past times a palace, a prison, a mint, a fortress, and a store. I entered by the middle tower, which is the only one outside the ditch and has the coat-of-arms over the entrance. Then I crossed the moat and entered the gateway of the Byward Tower, which was built of huge The Tower was composed of grey stones. two big towers on either side of a small tower. After entering the gateway of the Byward Tower I found myself in an outer ward where I saw a Beefeater with his bright red uniform. He wore red knee breeches and red stockings, gold ribbon garters with reed and White: rosettes, and a knee-length coat trimmed with black and gold and embroidered on the breast with a rose, thistle, and shamrock in gold. He had a big white ruff and a black hat with red and white flowers around it. I passed along by the King's House and arrived at the Bloody Tower, where the portcullis was lowered. This tower dates from Edward III's reign. The portcullis and gates are extremely massive and look very old. The machinery for working the portcullis is in the room above the gate. In all the windows of the Tower there are bars very close, together. There was an old box outside the Tower containing old guns used in Edward III's time. I also passed St. Thomas's Tower, which I was not allowed to enter. Then I came to the Traitor's Gate, which .is beneath St Thomas's Tower. This gate owes its name to the fact that prisoners were usually landed there from boats conveying them to the Tower They could be passed quickly into the Inner Ward and consigned to their prisons. The moat is now almost dry because they have shut the big iron, gate to keep the water out from the Thames. I then passed on beneath a bridge until I reached an opening in the wall. Ascending a slope I mounted a few steps and entered the White Tower. At the foot of the staircase there was a table which marked the finding of bones, supposed to be those of Edward V. and his little brother. On the first floor we entered St. John's Chapel. This chapel is of beautiful Norman architecture with lovely pillars and arches all round it. This Norman architecture of course belongs to the earliest date of the Tower, 1078. Though now restored to its original appearance and use it has been at various times since 1550 devoted

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to very different uses. For many years it was filled with records and other documents, and it was only in 1857 that it was saved fom being turned into a tailor's warehouse, owing mainly to the intervention of the Prince Consort. Passing out through a door I found myself in a place full of amour. I found that it was Crossing this called the Oriental Armoury. I passed into the later armoury, where I saw personal relics of Wolfe and Wellington. Here I saw one of the main sights of the Tower— the axe and block. There were many more instruments of torture, such as the thumbscrew and the rack, which were used to obtain secrets from enemies. Ascending a circular stair I arrived at a place which was full of statues of horses with armour on and soldiers astride them. This was called the Horse Armoury. The place was situated on the top floor near the Council Chamber. Leaving the White Tower I passed along a dark corridor and down a dark winding stair until I came out on to the parade ground opposite the barracks. The White Tower is made of big, heavy, white stones and has spires at every corner. I then proceeded to the Beauchamp Tower. On my right I saw the scaffold on Tower Green where many famous personages were beheaded, including Anne Boleyn, Katherine Howard, and Lady Jane Grey. Behind the scaffold I could see a little chapel called St. Peter ad Vincula Royal Chapel, which after Westminster Abbey is the most famous of the English burial-places. I was then taken into the little chapel. The first thing I saw when I entered was the tomb-stone of Sir Richard Cholmondeley and his wife. Sir Richard was Lieutenants of the Tower in the reign of Henry VII. On his tomb there is a marble statue of him lying down with a shield in his hand. This tomb is near the organ, which is supposed to be hundreds of years old. On one side of the chancel was the monument of Sir Richard Blount and of Sir Michael, his son, who were both Lieutenants of the Tower. This monument was let into the wall. It had little marble figures carved all round it. The Duke of Monmouth, beheaded 15th July, 1685, lies beneath the altar, and to the west of him lie Anne Boleyn, Katherine Howard, Lady Jane Grey, and many famous persons. In the Beauchamp Tower I saw many memorials of the prisoners who spent long years in the Tower, some never to leave it alive. In the Wakefield Tower the Regalia is kept. The Crown Jewels have been there for some time, but were at the time of Colonel Blood's


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THE LUCERNIAN

attempt on them in the Martin Tower. The first thing that caught my eye was the Royal Sceptre containing the larger of the Stars of Africa. This is said to be the largest diamond in the world and beyond price. All around the Royal Sceptre were the crowns, and below them the anointing spoon, and many small copies, and the maces with their glittering jewels of rubies, pearls and diamonds. There are many other things which would take too long to write about. The places I have mentioned are the only ones usually shown to the public. J. A. (12 years) PARLIAMENT HOUSE, CANBERRA.

The dominant tourist attraction of Canberra is the Federal Parliament House, the seat of government of the Commonwealth. This building of dazzling white cement is very conspicuous against its background of dark blue mountains, and is surrounded by gardens where trees and shrubs from all parts of the world have been planted. The colourings of these trees and shrubs and the very well kept gardens add to the already beautiful natural surroundings. Inside the House itself there are many very interesting and wonderful things, especially in the most important rooms, which are the two legislative chambers, the Senate and the House of Representatives, the King's Hall, the Library, and the Museum. In the legislative chambers the seats are arranged in horseshoe formation, and the galleries are placed above the chambers. The walls are panelled in blackwood to the height of the galleries, while the seats and desks are in Tasmanian blackwood. In the Senate chamber stands the Vice-Regal Chair, which is used by the Governor-General .on official occasions, while the Speaker's Chair in the House of Representatives is a replica of that in the The House of Commons at Westminster. carpets and upholstery in the Senate Chamber are red, and those in the House of Representatives green, while for both Chambers the design consists of eucalyptus leaves and wat tle blossom. All the carpets were manufactured in Great Britain from Australian wool. A push button on the table of each chamber rings a bell in all the main rooms and lobbies of the building, and at the same time shows a light—red for the Senate and green for the House of Representatives. These bells and lights are used to inform all the members when their presence is required in their respective chambers.

The King's Hall is flanked by pillars which support the roof and at the same time form a colonnade around the entire hall. One of the outstanding features in this hall is a bronze statue of His Majesty King George V. Around the hall are a number of pictures and plates of historical figures and Australian statesmen, as well as several busts, including those of King Edward VII. and Queen Alexandra. In this hall there are also valuable documents which are displayed in glass cases. At the rear of the King's' Hall is the Library of Parliament, which includes reading rooms and library sections, in which the fittings and furniture are in Australian blackwood. In this library there are many very interesting books and pamphlets relating to the early discovery of Australia, as well as records and diaries of the work of the parliament, while special attention has been paid to the collection of all records and manuscripts relating to the Federal Movement, and the establishment of the Commonwealth. Displayed in the Museum in the basement of Parliament House are. records and diaries of the great flights of many aviators, such as Sir Ross Smith and Sir Charles Kingsford-Smith, and documents associated with the first Air Mail service to and within Australia. There are many letters written by members of the royal family,and even one written by the present King in his youth. Many instruments and charts used by early navigators are also found here, as well as a great number of pictures of early Australia. Along the main corridors are rooms set apart for the Ministers, the Opposition Party, and other parties. In all these rooms the whole of the furniture is of Australian wood. The chief feature in the Cabinet room is the round table at which the Ministers sit in consultation. Surely such a building with these beautiful surroundings is worthy of being the seat of government of Australia, where its representatives meet to transact business and to discuss and pass legislation for the future of their country. M. & J. GERMANY, 1937. The early morning mist was slowly lifting when, our train steamed into the border town of Aachen: Belgian officials gave place to Gentian ones, and it was with a great thrill that we listened to the strange language of the Germans. Big, burly Nazi officials examined our passports, counted our money, and checked our luggage. This process took an hour or more.


THE LUCERNIAN Now we were really in Germany, with its beautiful wooded mountains on either side of the world-famous Rhine. Splendid roads run either side of this international waterway. The double railway tracks are also placed on both sides. The scenery is magnificent, and the hillsides on either side of the river are covered for miles by the famous vineyards. This district too is made even more interesting by the many historical associations. Our next stop was Mainz, where we changed trains for Frankfurt, arriving there at four o'clock. Like all railway stations in Germany the Frankfurt station was exceptionally clean. The heavy luggage disappears into conveyors and goes underground—so quick and convenient. We stayed at the Frankfurter Hof in the centre of this busy industrial city. Police sports were taking place at the time and we had the added thrill of having' all the important officials staying at the Hof, and Nazi guards with fixed bayonets and steel helmets at the main entrance. The changing of the guard was very interesting and the soldiers The officials did the comical goose-step. looked very important in their fine uniforms, and of course there were swastikas everywhere. Frankfurt is crammed full of history from as far back as the Roman Emperors. There is a great cathedral raising its mighty spires high into the air, yet the city is an up-to-date one with a fine opera-house, state theatres, marvellous shops, and wide, clean streets in which the trams, small and white and continually crossing, look like toys. We crossed the Main river to Sachenhauzen, travelled through the famous forests, then by the large new cement roads to the great hangar in which the Zeppelins are housed. After passing many officials we were at last allowed in, following the line of people inside a great airship. It had five engines, but was very lightly constructed of aliminium, with fabric doors. The large aerodrome adjoining was full of panes from many countries, and in the cafe and beer garden one could sit at tables on which were placed the flags of various nations. Our next move was by trainto Weisbaden, an hour's journey. There again we saw beautiful tree-lined streets, lovely old buildings, and of course the famous baths and mineral waters. This city has a very modern swimming pool with cafe attached, situated

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on a hill where one sees a magnificent view over the city. Funny cars driven by a water system take people to the top. We tasted the waters which came bubbling and boiling out of the earth. I did not like them. Gera, a lovely industrial city in Southern Saxony, was our next stop. Here again interThe esting old buildings were to be seen. Rathus is always an outstanding feature of any German town and usually situated in a square. The people here looked poor, but very clean and tidy. Food in Germany was much the same in all towns—ham, veal, and lots of peculiar dishes typical of the country. Eggs and bacon were expensive, thirteen shillings for three of us. Fruit was hardly ever seen, and then mostly on street stalls. We motored from Gera to Chemnitz, catching glimpses of open country with quaint villages, and very primitive agricultural methods. Huge Alsatian sheep dogs guarded the corn from sheep and cattle. The peasants work very hard and all are in the fields—the women gleaning the corn. Chemnitz is a very busy textile town and seemed to be also the home of the goosefeather industry. In Germany everyone sleeps with a goose-feather down quilt over the bed instead of blankets. The policemen here as elsewhere were uniformed in green, and a white band on the left arm of some read "English Spoken." We had a very enjoyable bus journey to Chrimmitchau through roads lined with apple trees, passing big stately geese, and frequently a simple war memorial. In the towns there was always an opera-house, for music comes first in Germany, and we listened to it whereever we went. We then tcok the train to Leipzig. Leipzig is a huge city with the largest railway station in Europe. It is beautifully planned. Everything there seemed so orderly and all train information very distinct, so that even we f oreieners could understand it. Leipzig University Library, and Town Hall, and other buildings of importance are built around a huge souare. The shcps thei- e are really magnificent. There is also a huge fur market to which buyers come from all over the world. Our stay in Leipzig was too short, as there was so much to be seen.


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THE LUCERNIAN

From here we caught the train back to Frankfurt, then on to Mainz where we spent the night. Herr Hitler had just passed through this city two or three days before. The city was thickly draped with long red banners and swastikas, and in the night light it looked like a city of blood. Early in the morning we made our way to the landing stage for the Rhine boat to take us to Koln. The journey down the Rhine takes about seven hours, but as the steamers are comfortable and the scenery magnificent it -passed all too soon. The scenery must be the finest in the world. Each town, castle, and monument is full of history, often going far back into Roman times. Godesberg, famous a s the meeting-place of Mr. Chamberlain and Herr Hitler, is a watering-place near Bonn. It is overtopped by the mighty tower of Godesbery erected in 1210. From Bonn to Koln the hills disappear and the country becomes flat. and as wei travelled onwards the spires of Koln Cathedral greeted us. Koln is the largest German town, famous for its beautiful twin-spired cathedral and, its eau-de-cologne. We spent two days and nights here. The streets have a French look, being narrow and many-cobbled. We wandered for an hour or more in the cathedral, which is Roman Scenes in miniature Catholic, of course. from the life of Christ were exquisitely carved, and there were wonderful paintings and stained glass windows. The floor was beautifully inlaid.

When we left Koln it was exciting to step into a train which had come from Riga. Some people were still asleep, for it was only half past five in the morning, and it was with difficulty we at last found a seat in a carriage where English people were sprawled about. We could not help thinking how unpleasant, they were compared with others we had met. However, we soon reached Aachen, where we stayed two days. Our little hotel was like something out of the past. Entrance was gained by a huge double gate, then through a cobbled courtyard around which the hotel was built. Aachen is famous for its baths and mineral springs. Important buildings are the Rathus, the Opera House, and many beautiful churches. The streets are narrow and winding. We were taken by car to points of interest, one being a high tower several miles out, which gave a magnificent view of the surrounding countries of Belgium, Luxemburg, Holland and Germany. We visited another tower where Napoleon once stood and looked over Germany. A borderland five miles wide lies between all these countries. It was with regret that we left Germany early next morning. Again passports were examined and Nazi money declared, for no one is allowed to take out more than ten marks, but by this time we had only a few marks to keep as souvenirs, so we were again on our way. The journey to Ostend was hot, so I was glad to see the boat for Dover and the white cliffs as we returned towards Scotland once more. I. A. (13 years)

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Some Miscellaneous Verse and Prose. THE WRITING ON THE WALL, or

THOUGHTS ON "DOODLING." Why is it that some unscrupulous persons cannot depart from a tourist resort or any place of interest without leaving an indelible mark behind them? I mean in a perfectly literal sense—I am not thinking o the marks of character we leave on the school, for instance, or footprints on the sands of time, but the more disastrous pencillings or carvings frequently seen on walls of public baths, on signposts, in fact on any suitable surface,

showing the writer or carver's name, and sometimes the year in which he left it there, coupled with some remark which he thought appropriate. But there are several types of such people, as I shall show later, for some , of their work is just idle scribbling, while some is sheer vandalism. The reason for much of this destruction is probably that human nature (which is held responsible for anything but virtue) contains an element of pride and jealousy which makes a man who spends money on a visit to a foreign country and famous sights want to let the world know he has been there. To this


THE LUCERNIAN type belong those whose names deface the Coronation Chair in Westminster Abbey, and the group of girls who were fined in England recently for carving their names on the stones at Stonehenge. "What desecration !" we say. "What terrific conceit!" All of us in fact are conceited at times, but fortunately few are so altogether lacking in reverence for the glories of the past. These people, however, belong to only one type of scribbler. What of the others? There is the absent-minded. less vicious type of citizen who "doodles" ("doodling" being but another term for idle scribbling or sketching) on the margins of telephone books while thinking of an excuse for having forgotten to meet someone at the anpointed The work of such people is often time. harmful, but unintentionally so. Filling in the spaces of letters in a word is another branch of this gentle art. Restaurant owners, too, have reported that their table-cloths have often been disfigured or "doodled upon" by customers waiting for their grilled steak, and the appearance of a woman's face on their linen occasions no surprise. No element of pride or jealousy enters the mind of the scribblers in the telephone booth. We must blame his absent-mindedness. Then there is the more dangerous offender who mercilessly ruins valuable furniture or beauty spots not merely by carving names and dates, but by endeavouring to obtain some fragment, or object to take home as a souvenir. Evidence of this may be seen at the Jenolan Caves in New South Wales. where the glittering stalactites which with their delicate crystals, the result of thousands of years of water and chemical activities, have been smashed to pieces by people whose unproportioned minds have no appreciation of Nature's beauty. Trees and plants have been treated in the same way. Souvenir hunters are not always the most harmful type of vandal, for often they remove objects entirely, while others deface them with pocket-knife or pencil, and so, leave them ruined for all time. Yet, like flies, these people are a nuisance without being a great danger, and we cannot even obliterate them by writing letters to the Papers. Just as Fly-tox will not kill all the flies on the earth, so we cannot eject, these people wholly from society. But we can make them feel small. To make, a mar,' feel foolish before his fellowmen is about the severest punishment You can inflict on him. If the following notice should appear in a telephone booth many people would be checked in their idle scribbling

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"There is a clear page reserved at the back of the directory for those who wish to use a Pencil." It is quite unnecessary to add that this page would remain clean always. Finally. and it is always best to end with happier thoughts, we have a type of scribbler who is an entirely blameless creature. but whose whole heart is in his work—the lover. He, in his ardour, must express somehow his admiration for the lady of his choice, and vents his feelings on the nearest tree by carving his love's initials coupled with his own, and also a heart and arrows if he is not too bashful. This practice: has been going on for hundreds of years. Did lint Orlando, in Shakespeare's "As You Like It," "Mar the trees with writing love-songs in their barks?" Yet we can forgive him because he was in love. and we are told that in such a state a man is not Quite himself. But let us by no means forgive the other wilful offenders whose aim is to destroy. A. McP. (16 years) THE SEA DEVIL. • After reading Lowell Thomas's book on the life of Count Felix Von Luckner. T was exceedingly interested in this Sea-Devil. honing that I might have the pleasure of meeting him some time. This opportunity came much sooner than I expected, when he gave a public lecture in Geelong this year. Would he be the same as his photographs, a,nd would he be such a, fascinating figure in the flesh? Then as a party of men appeared at the doorway I caught my first glimpse of him. He was just as thrilling as the book Portrayed him. No wonder he caused a stir wherever he went. This Sea-Devil is tall, of massive frame with huge shoulders, is extremely powerful looking, and radiates personality. The man in front of me was a German wh-, had ruined thousands of pounds worth of shipping during the war years. yet. looking at him, who could but feel his vibrant rersonalitY and admire a man of such naval genius? During the war he fought fiercely for the fatherland. but today. he is a peaceloving man, ready to make friends in every walk of life- and surely no one could resist this gisnt cf,tpit. with the foghorn voice and sea-legs. Looking at him one could see that he enjoyed life intensely, and although he revelled in his many conquests he was glad to return to peaceful times.


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THE LUCERNIAN

Although still a comparatively young man, oughness. This was Count Felix Von LuckCount Felix Von Luckner has had a varied ner as I saw him, a simple unaffected gentleand exciting life which reads like a fairy tale. man, friendly towards everyone. It was then His most outstanding feat, however, was the I realised why I admired him so much, and command of the "Seeadler." There were why it was he was so idolized and worshipped many other German raiders during the war, by Germans after the war. but these were either modern warships or fast How could it be otherwise? auxiliary cruisers, while the Count ran the B. D. (15 years) blockade in an ancient sailing ship. 13sides performing this remarkable feat, he has the THE GIANT SHIPS OF TODAY. unique record of sinking fourteen ships, reThe "Queen Mary," the largest and most suiting in the loss of twenty-five million luxurious liner in the world, is symbolic of dollars, without ever taking a human life or wealth and luxury. How thrilling it must have so much as having drowned a ship's cat. This been to see this giant slowly making its poncertainly is a most enviable reputation, but derous way down the Clyde, its birthplace. fame has not spoiled Felix Von Luckner. He The ship, gaily bedecked with flags, its newly is still the same "never say die" Count Luck- painted white sides gleamingly fresh, must Tier, who told his story in a simple and un- have dwarfed the swaying crowds on the affected way. banks, who were thrilled with wonder that man As he described the preparations for the could make with his own hands a liner so journey of the "Seeadler," and the actual perfectly proportioned and graceful in spite running of the blockade, we saw his great of its immensity. The thirteen decks spell sense of humour. Although sometimes in The beautiful suites with every very critical situations, he did not become luxury. known convenience. the luxurious dining halls denressed. but could always see the amusing and swimming pools, and the beautiful picincidents. He is a born actor, and while tures and panels which decorate her walls are narrating his story illustrates almost every all symbolical of the wealth which lies in word by actions. This added to the vividness Britain. of his already thrilling tale. Who else but The "Queen Mary" is the only ship which Felix Von Luckner could have run an ancient s?iling shin through the strong British block- is not dwarfed by the skyscrapers of New Pde. piloted it through a terrific hurricane, and York. In Glasgow, her birthplace, the worst handled it in such a way as to cause serious slums of the world exist. There are slums damage to allied shipping? Yet. while poss- in New York as in any great city, but the essing such a fighting spirit, Felix was an docks are surrounded by towering skyscrapers ordinary human person and a faithful son. whose immensity and proportion and grace Before leaving he promised his mother never are in keeping with that of the liner. The "Empress of Britain," which only a to kill another mother's son and right throughout the war he kept this promise. His aim short time ago entered Port Phillip Bay, is was to capture and sink ships carrying nit- only half the size of the "Queen Mary," and rates,which would be made into explosives, but yet to us her size was almost unbelievable as in so doing he would not touch one single we incredulously gazed, bewitched by her twinkling lights, as she passed through the human life. The "Seeadler" was finally wrecked on a Heads. Why did we thrill at the sight of this, coral reef and he himself was captured twice the largest liner to come into Australian before he was able to return to the fatherland. waters? Not because we knew her, not enBecause of his great services to his country tirely because she was beautifully proporhe received, besides a score of decorations, a tioned, not wholly for love of the sea, for cross presented by the German goveriiment, the real sea life of trading vessels, where life Placing him outside the scope of German law. is rough and hard, is very different from the He was even called to Rome and decorated by ^rtificial life !experienced on luxury liners. It was the worship of wealth and ease and a the Pope as a "great humanitarian." A lthouah having won so much glory for him- lazy, comfortable life which brought the sigh self, Felix Von Luckner remains a friendly, to our lins—the worship of easy-going pleajovial old sea-dog. one who really belongs to sure undisturbed by any thought of work. Not the great brotherhood of the sea. Having many people. on these liners go cruising for fought so vigorously against the British during the real pleasures of waking early to watch a the war, today he bears them no malice, but sunrise at sea or to gaze at the grace and ease rather admires them for their skill and thor- of the albatross, or the sun glancing on the


THE LtICEIZNIANT foamy wake of the ship. They go for the artificial life of pleasure, which can bring nothing but discontent when intoxication has passed and the unromantic land is reached. I would rather travel on a tramp-steamer where one can, without artificiality, enjoy life to the fullest. The real beauty of the sea would be missed on a luxury liner, where the buffeting of salt winds and spray and the sight of the racing clouds have no real meaning, for life is so full of forced and unreal pleasures that God and His creations are forgotten in the gay deception of luxury. So alluring and tempting are these pleasures of giant ships that I, who want to enjoy all the sea has to offer, when my turn for travelling comes, will travel on a small vessel, so that my pleasure will not become discontent when steady, unromantic land is reached. M. H. (16 years) SPRING DAY. The air is so keen, The sky is so blue; The birds have been carolling ever since dawn, The flowers are opening, Bathed in the dew, Welcome the day with laughter new-born. With heaven's bells ringing, My heart's simply singing, This lovely spring morn. The sun departs Like a wearied guest, With a great trail of light takes his leave. The little clouds gather Away in the west, With the sun lovely patterns to weave. Gone is the rush, O'er the world is a hush, On this quiet spring eve. B. B. (15 years) BEHIND THE SCENES. "So do write something for the `mag'." "Oh! but my dear, I couldn't possibly do anything like that you know, and I can't help it if you have heard that from everyone else before. In this case it is perfectly true. "Now don't flatter! Even you cannot persuade me that I am of the same fibre as Browning, Shakespeare and Bernard Shaw all in one, after I studied the remarks scribbled on my last essay by our English mistress. I had thought the work one of my masterpieces too. Oh no! You can't tell me that I possess such a beautifully original and poetic literary style that the Lucernian Committee is simply

45

hanging on my contributions as the one bright Yes, now you maintain spot in the `mag.' that you did not say that exactly, you did not (.a.37 poetic and perfect, but just that my words flow, and my writings are remarkaoly tine. You have said it! Remarkable, no doubt. but not in the best sense of the word, and most certainly fine. My sentences are usually so fine that no one can even see and appreciate the real point. "Anyway, I cannot think of anything. Roam among the beautiful plantation trees and seek inspiration in the adventurous atmosphere to be simply created by strolling out of bounds on a dark night! No, I do not think that would act, all the same. "Anyway, if one did get a bit of a notion to, perhaps enlarge on the beauties and wonders of the particular portion of Australia from which one comes, how would one put one's The would-be soaring thoughts on paper? article, essay, story, or anyway effort, for the Lucernian, could begin something like this. "These young trees, standing in soldierly rows, know that as I brush slowly past my thoughts escape through dreamy eyes, sweep the lofty blue mountains, hills, rolling plains and rivers, flying northward till they return to the rambling garden of a weather-beaten house, where tall fatherly gums on the bank of the gurgling river watch and sigh over this dwelling of man. The pearly beauty of the cool dewy mornings, the hard, happy heat of the hot summer day, the glory of the goldenred sunsets and the starry peacefulness of the fresh cool night throb in my memory, as do the millions of happy days. and hearty friends of the fields and feather folk. Surely then, it will be this spot, my home, that shall become engraved in my heart of hearts, just as on Browning's was engraved the word "Italy" and Queen Mary's held "Calais," and when my soul is parted from mir body it shall surely roam back to-the country that my body in its youth had so loved and longed for. "No! You can't possibly try to tell me that anyone would be bothered to read such, shall we say 'stuff,' and after all what is the good of spending hours sucking the end of a pencil Rnd trying to capture elusive gems of poetic thought that never have formed and never will be in a brain like mine. Of course there is the alternative of writing in this fashion. "Oh, these dear days of hard, hard work and excessive idleness, combined with healthy jolly games and crigantic meals! How they shall remain deeply engraved upon my heart as the best, brightest, and most carefree days of my worried life. Of course the love of my


46

THE LUCERNIAN

home-life with the family shall take up the main part of the walls of my heart, for engraving is generally cut into surfaces. Perhaps we could allow the two ventricles for this attachment of mine to the above mentioned spot in New South Wales—the station on the river I allude to—while in the right auricle would be the word "Morongo" in blue, green, and gold. Perhaps it would be wise to reserve an auricle in case my affections wander from things and places to persons. I'll leave it free for the present anyway, just to be on the safe side. Queen Mary certainly had a brainwave when she professed "Calais" to be engraved on her heart. I think it's a very handy way of expressing the depth of one's feelings for things and places, and I'm sure persons may be included. Anyway I'll always have that small word `Morongo' written in that right auricle of mine. "Now, you can't tell me that anyone would ever get half way through any such writings of mine. You can see now that my literary talent is of a standard which has the sole virtue of creating no jealousy. So better luck next time!" M. K. (17 years) EXPERIMENTAL. (Entirely fiction) The new girl was told by the English mistress to write an essay. The girl told the mistress that she didn't know how to, as she had never done one before, so she was told to experiment and see what she could do. The lesson before, the Science mistress had told the girl that whenever she wrote out an account of an experiment she was to do it under the headings, Aim, Apparatus, Method, Results and Conclusion. This was the girl's essay :— Friday. Essay. 10-3-31 Aim—To write an essay. Apparatus—Pen, ink, paper. Method—Think for a few minutes, pick up pen, dip it in ink, and write until finished. Results—An essay written on a piece of paper. Conclusion—Not as hard as I expected. Anon. THE DRAMA IN AUSTRALIA. From the time when the crowds first gathered in the market-places on holidays to see the characters of the familiar Bible stories brought to life by the tradesmen of the towns, the drama in England has rarely lost its popu-

larity both as an expression of ideas and as a means of entertainment. At the present time in England and other parts of the old world a child, if born with a natural love of the theatre, can indulge in his fancy. There is a large and varied selection of performances to attract his interest. From the time of his first, introduction to the theatre he can develop hib taste until he becomes an ardent theatre-!over. But he need not, as here, be an undiscriminating one. He can choose, and see only what appeals to him most, and yet still be a frequent visitor to the theatre. Australia was founded and built by the British. Our ancestors had an inherited love of the theatre which still survives dormant in many an Australian today. But is it not a deplorable fact that the demand for the drama is decreasing? The legitimate stage here no longer has the firm grip on the public that it did have. Crowds can flock to the pictures every night, and in . the, meropolitan area every morning and afternoon as well, but it is a rare treat for us to see a professional production on the stage. On the rare occasions when we are visited by a good professional company only a few fortunate ones who are in the capital cities can see the artists. This year only one distinguished company has visited our shores—Fay Compton's. Cannot we, by our interest, do something to entice producers to bring more good companies over here? Or, better still, cannot we persuade the producers to make use of the local talent, for we are told on all sides that there is plenty of promising material waiting to be developed in our amateur societies. Our Little Theatre clubs and our Repetory and other societies are keeping the flag of the drama aloft in the most dauntless manner, but they cannot hold the fort alone for ever. If something is not done soon the drama in Australia will be dead to the man in the street, and such a situation would be serious. He would still require something to satisfy his dramatic instincts--for of man's first desires mimicry of the life around him and the expression of his emotions through singing and dancing were among the most urgent—and the picture theatre would become his sole means of satisfying these instincts. Talking pictures may sometimes be very effective indeed, but they are not an equally good substitute for the legitimate stage. Then, too, without sufficient productions to keep an interest in the drama alive, people will cease to read plays, and the inevitable result will be that no Australians will be encouraged to write plays. There has as yet


Tilt

LIICERNIAN

been no eminent Australian dramatist, no What a pity outstanding Australian actor. it would be if this young country were never to produce a worthy native drama—as America has already done in the plays of Eugene O'Neill, Elmer Rice, Marc Connelly, and other famous playwrights—merely because the indifference of our generation had discouraged men of talent from devoting their gifts to this art. Definite efforts are being made to satisfy the musical desires of the Australian people. The A.B.C. has brought out to this country many artists who rank high in the world of music. But what influential body shows any practical interest in the maintenance of the drama in this country? Who seeks to inspire those of us who love the drama by allowing us to hear the glorious words of, let us say Shakespeare, from the mouth of an artist who loves his work, and combines understanding with that love, so that we are shown the very mind of the character portrayed? How can Australians ever hope to appreciate great drama and great acting if no opportunity is given to develop their tastes? No doubt amateur societies might protest loudly at this point, but they must admit that the greater part of their audiences is composed not of those who attend because of their love of the drama, but of those who are present because their friends are acting and the profits are to go to some good cause, or to read next day in the paper that "among those present was Mrs. So-and-So"—"And after all, my dear, it was very entertaining. A's raging was very realastic, and B was really a scream as that timid little man. Lady X's dresses were so pretty. What a pity Betty had that part and couldn't show them off to advantage!" Good heavens! What criticism! But a fair sample surely. Even the apparently intelligent person seems unable to make a discriminating criticism. Only the superficial is noticed. The beauty of thought and language is lost, while the beauty of the heroine is admired. At one time every cultured person knew something of the drama and the current plays. Now it is an art in which comparatively few show interest. This is not the right spirit. Something must be done before Australia becomes a solitary grave for drama. The National Theatre Movement in Melbourne is endeavouring to pave the way, but it does not receive the support it deserves. If something is not done soon to make Australia, as a nation, more aware of the attractions of the drama the loss will be great. The enjoyable art of acting will lan-

47

guish, and men and women will forget the beauty of which their language is capable. An effective method for the circulation of ideas will be swept away, a means of contact with the past will be severed, and an imaginative glimpse of the future denied. The senses will be robbed of something for which they are hungry. The drama in Australia must not die. We cannot allow that to happen. If that then is the case the drama now needs our ardent and practical support, and the culti vation and acceptance of it as part of the country's life must be our aim. R. C. (17 years) IN THE SOBERING SETTING OF THE SUN. I. When gazing at the radiant sky One feels the smallness of that "I" Which dominates this selfish world, Beneath the reds and whites of flags unfurled; But with Thee and Thy Heaven on earth— The trees, the rocks, the beating surf— In solitude, amidst the peace, the radiance, the glory There is a loneliness, a broken story, Which I believe is that of Thee and Heaven. II. My soul is very shallow; Make it deep, Dear God; help me to value less The petty things; and let me keep, Always in mind the Thy glory and Thy power, The clouds, the sky, the sea, the sun, The heavenly beauty of just one hour Alone with sky and field and Thee. Anon. SWAN SONG. The sun sank slowly to rest between the great mountain peaks, but ere it hid its head, its arms reached out embracing the tall trees which stood sentinel over the placid lake. On the waters the gleams of gold lingered, Hating the way for the small inhabitants to their beds in the depths below. All was quiet. The last of the birds had finished telling its bed-time story to the babies, and now they quietly awaited for Night and Sleep to overtake them, and set them adrift in the Land of Dreams. But in the island on the lake all was not quiet. A large black swan stirred uneasily, and stretching its neck, as if it were trying to speak, it suddenly uttered a long drawn-out cry like the first wail of an infant, then


48

THE

LUGER NIAN

seeming to gather strength from the sound, it flew up into the air, and a weird fantastic song it slowly flew into rue golden sun. "Oh! my brothers on earth, hasten after me, for I am flying to a pleasant land which I can see in the distance. I can see the b_ue waters of Peace, which you on earth look at call the sky. I can see chenibim, clad in down playing on green fields. They sail across the waters of Peace, and you below call them clouds. "And, my brothers, with them play the flowers which you have seen bloom and die. There is no death here! They bloom in all their glory forever, and the little winds whisper sweet sons, like gurgling laughter, and blow the childrsns' curls. All our smaller brothers are there too. How happy they seem. There is music too, such as we have sometimes vaguely heard at nights when the moon is high.

"But here it is not vague, and do you know what cause:3 it, brothers? The mortals who dwell here. They have radiant faces and are clad in white. Around their heads eternal sunshine plays, and they talk and sing with silvery voices, and play sweet music upon harps with strings of golden sunbeams. `I am ccming closer to this land where a sof.; radiance covers all, but there is a gate. Ah, will I enter? I see many seeking entrance, but not all are admitted. "Oh Thou who reigneth here, let me enter the haven. Let me dwell in Paradise." The song died, and the bird dropped. Over the land Twilight softly descended and spread h.eT g:ey protecting mist-blanket over all The trees murmured soothingly, and the rive trickled into the lake. A little breeze rippled through the grasses, and peace and silence reigned. Thorpe.

***

Looking Back. THE HISTORY OF MORONGO.

The history of our school and the site on which it is situated is well known to many, but to some the romance will be new. This being the centenary year of our city it is most appropriate that this history should now be recalled. Those who saw the pageant "Cavalcade of Geelong" will remember the scene showing the arrival of John Batman and his compan ions from Tasmania and their delight with the Acting on Batman's rich pastoral district. advice many English settlers from Tasmania came to this district soon after 1834 and occupied the land purchased from the natives. Anthony Cowie and David Stead established a sheep- run between Cori() Bay and the Moorabool River, making Bell Post Hill their headquarters. For such a vital matter as protection this position was excellent. This settlement of Cowie and Stead's was the second pastoral settlement in Victoria, the first being that of the Hentys at Portland, and our school now stands on the very same site. Morongo, an aboriginal word which means "the camp on the hill," was the name given to this settlement. The story of the manner in which the hill received its name is to be found in a recently published book called 'The Narrative of

George Russell of Golf Hill." In those days when comradeship meant so much, Russell, himself one of the first settlers in Victoria, used often to stay the night at Cowie and Stead's hut, and he relates the tale of the spar. Station supplies were then brought by boat from Launceston or Hobart to the Port Phillip settlers, who could illafford to miss such an o-,lurrence as the rrival of a supply boat. Some means had to be found of letting them know when a boat was entering the bay, so Cowie and Stead erected a tall spar into which pins were driven so as to form a long ladder. The boat being sighted from this Bell Post, as it was called, although to Russell's knowledge no bell was. ever hung on ft, signals were given to other settlers, who in turn passed the news on to their neighbours, until within a radius of at least ten miles all were warned. The sight that met the eyes of those on board a ship entering the bay in 1838 was very different from the sight that greets those approaching Geelong today. Instead of a large industrial city there were well-wooded plains and hills, with just a few rough buildings where Moorabool Street now stands. In some parts of the district the scrub was very thick indeed, and travellers are known to have lost their way in the part where the Bell Park Golf Course is now situated.


THE LUCERNIAN It was evidently at a later date that the bell was hung and used as a signal to warn the shepherds in outlying paddocks of any intended attack by the natives. Not that, as some seem to believe, the natives of this district were of an unusually blood-thirsty disposition. Such was not the case. Russell says that the natives living around Corio Bay were comparatively friendly and gave far less trouble to the settlers than other tribes in the Western District. King Benbow himself was kindly disposed towards the white men, but many of his tribe were treacherous and made attacks on settlers and their stock. On one occasion, it is said, when the natives were preparing an attack, the bell sounded its warning and so frightened the lusty warriors that, fearing perhaps that it was the Bulgan Corney—a devil to be 'feared—they soon made themselves scarce. King Benbow died long ago, but if legends may be trusted the bell can still be heard tolling on the anniversary of the night when i3 was thrown into the Moorabool River by a disgusted watenman who had been deserted at his post. Th€ bell was afterwards retrieved from its watery bed and presented to the Melbourne Museum. Later through the energetic work of Mr. H. M. Strachan and Mr. S. V. Lead the bell was procured for the school, and it is now restored to its historic home. The present homestead at Morongo was built by the grandfather of Mr. H. M. Strachan, Mr. Hugh Murray. The exact date of the erection of this Georgian bluestone building is unknown, but it is believed to be one of the oldest homes in the distr!ct. However, in spite of its age it stands today as sound as when it was first built. On the property also there used to be a small fortress. This was erected at the time of the Gold Rush, when its protection was necessary for those travelling between Ballarat and Geelong. The well of this fortress can still be seen today. Morongo passed through the hands of several well- known pastoralists, until finally in 1926 the Council of the Presbyterian Girls' College purchased it from Senator J. F. Guthrie, and in 1927 the school moved from its old home at Roslyn, Latrobe Terrace. As is appropriate for -a school "set on a hill' our motto is "Sint lucernae ardentes"— "Let your light shine brightly." This motto was chosen for us by Dr. Alexander Leeper, who was so keenly interested in the school for many years.

49

The crest was designed by Miss Woodward of Bendigo—the lamp in the centre being the symbol of learning adopted by the Romans, and the white cross of Saint Andrew symbolizing service and sacrifice and significant of our connection with Scotland, through the Presbyterian Church. The encircling motto denotes unity and harmony. With such a romantic story behind the building of our school, and the association of the site of Morongo with men of great courage and forethought, we must strive so that our traditions, still in the making, will be worthy of those who paved the way for us, by keeping before us continually the aim of our school of which we sing in our song— "Sint lucernae ardentes— God grant our light so shine That henceforth the fame of our teaching Far through the centuries reaching, Stand for a sign."

R. C. (17 years) CENTENARY. Reminiscence of a Tree. A hundred years gone? A century of progress? Oh, aye, perhaps it is as long since the first white men landed on our shores, since the ring of axes disturbed the serenity of our island home, and since first we were confronted with the fear of being cut down and used to help man in his work of progress. Much has been achieved and much gained during that time. It is a far cry from the native ceremonies with their ungainly movements, and the grotesque whirling bodies of those days, to the stream-lined motors which today break the silence of our solitary places. Then I w3s but a young sapling in a world of trees, a nonentity, but today I stand as a sentinel, tow-ring above flowers and fruits in a lovely garden. No longer am I merely a tree among trees, but instead a century-old giant, "a thing of beauty." Such changes there have been since first the woodsman's axe broke the silence and the glad cries of the little children rang in our ears. Before that there had been natives, yes, but trey were a part of ourselves, dark shadowy creatures, slinking through the undero—ow!-1-, stalking animals who were little wilder than themselves. But not these new inhabitants. They had fair skins, they went about openly and without fear, singing gay, rollicking tunes as they went.


50

THE LUCERNIAN

They made their homes on this shore, they portant people in this city. Perhaps I will cleared and cultivated this land where today even see another century pass. Who can tell your shops and public buildings stand. You tell what changes will take place in that time? me that many of my brothers were sacrificed Those crinolined ladies of by-gone days could to the cause, but who knows that better than never imagine, in their wildest dreams, the I? Did I not wait in daily fear for the sound radical changes which were to come. Thus of the axe which would spell my doom? Now, the short-skirted lasses of today are unable to looking back, it seems that all was for the visualise the world a hundred years hence best. To me, it seems far better to see fac- What will replace the swift automobiles, tories, schools, and lovely homes where once trains and trams of today? Ah, that is hard a wilderness of trees stretched to the water's to say, but I may live to see edge, and wild black men held their tribal I may live to see. ceremonies. D. J. G. (15 years) Long hours those first settlers laboured. With axe and pick they toiled, laying the foundations which have endured through one THE OLD PROSPECTOR. century and may perhaps still stand many I had been strolling through the bush for years from now. More and more men came quite a while before I came upon his camp. to take up land and the place prospered. Set in a tiny clearing on the bank of the It was a very lovely age. The ladies in stream, with just enough of a gap in the their crinolines and dainty bonnets, and the trees to let the sunlight through, was a little handsome well-built men were a sight well old tent, very much the worse for wear. It worth seeing. Toil and constant alertness was pitched to the rear of the clearing, and changed them, though, and they became brown in front of it, one on either side of the enskinned and sunken-eyed. Their children had trance, were the camp-stove built of stones, the love of open plains, long stretches of and the old, rotten-wooded straining apparadesolate country and they had, too, the fine tus, behind which stood an aged white-headed physique which characterises Australian mar' with a flowing white beard. Just then I trod on a large twig which snapyouth. It did not seem long till the village became ped loudly, and the old prospector—it was a city and was connected by railway with a easy to tell he was one—looked up and saw larger place to the north. How terrified we me. "Good day," said I, and stepped into the were when first that monster roared along the steel line. But now we can laugh at our clearing. "Good day," he returned slightly fears. It was but a new idea, an invention surprised, in a voice that sounded broken to help man speed from place to place, and a from disuse. "I hope that the sight of me didn't give you a fright," said I for want of useful toy in the hands of mortals. There were rumours too of gold. The news something better to say, "Not at all," he set men's hearts afire, and seemed to fill them replied. "It's a treat to see a human face, with strange rapture. Many left our city to I haven't even a bit of glass to see my own. seek their fortunes at the fields. but many The creek is my mirror—when it's clear of more returned, disappointed and forlorn, glad mud, of course. "And how long have you been here with to know that they had farms and homes to the creek for a looking glass?" asked I. Luck comes to very few, and return to. "Nigh on seventy years, laddie, nigh on there must always be those who are disappointed, who have set-backs, and who must seventy years," he answered with a sigh, "and for all my work I am not seventy times return to their starting point. Sometime I think that life is just a great richer, either. Seventy years ago I was an obstacle race. Man is set to run along a adventurous laddie not much older than you—, course fraught with difficulties; just as he eighteen or so, I should say—living in a dear thinks the way is clear, some new trial con- little cottage way back in Gloucestershire; tofronts him and, if he fails, he must needs gether with my mother and father and all my return to his starting point. He will find it dear brothers and sisters. "In Gloucester we had heard but dimly of easier then to surmount the first difficulties, but soon an unknown obstacle will again con- the wonderful gold-finds, but we had heard enough for me to get the fever of prospecting front him and test his valour. into my blood. One day came the news that I feel strangely peaceful tonight. I am getting old, I know, and yet I will probably a vessel full of fortune-finders was to leave outlive all those mortals who today are im- in a few days' time, My wordly possessions


THE

LUCERNIAN

were hurriedly put together and amid many tears from my mother I departed for London. "Nearly three years later, together with a nal I picked up on the boat, I pitched a camp here and began to try my luck. "One day, after about nine months' solid working, I found a wonderful nugget, and shouting to my pal to come and look, I held it up in the air. Together we discovered a safe hiding place, where we put it until I could get into town with it next morning. Seeing my pal gazing enviously Pt me, I said gaily, "Joe, old boy. I'll he so rich when that's turned into cash that I'll give a quarter of the cash to you." "That night, after sitting by the campfire for a couple of hours, we both turned in each to our own small tents. Joe, as was his habit, lit a small kerosene lamp. and by it began to read for about the tenth time the last newspaper he had bought. After a while I fell asleep and slept soundly all night.

51

"Next morning I was very glad as I woke up, not to hear the sounds of Joe's rising, for it was Joe who was first up nearly every morning. although I tried hard to beat him. "A few minutes later I opened the flap of my tent and stepped forth— "Why! What had happened to my friend? His tent was there. certainly, and all his Thnpara,tus, but—the flap of his tent was wide open and the tent was deserted. "Suddenly seized with a horrible suspicion, I walked to the rear of the tents, and there my disbelieving eyes alighted on—only one horse. Staggering under the weight of the shock, although I sill did not believe what I had seen, I stumbled towards the hiding-place cf the nugget- and there before me was a hole in the ground—empty. And ever Srlee. that day, laddie. I have just lilTecl on here alone. still looking for gold, and hoping for another stroke of luck." L. B. (14 years)

***

For the Library List. BOOK REVIEWS. "PERFUME FROM PROVENCE." By Winifred Fortescue. If you want an intimate picture of life in the sunny provices of France, you must certainly read "Perfume from Provence." Lady Fortescue knows her subject we'l for she and her historian husband built a house on the mountain slopes above Nice where they lived till "Monsieur's" death, and enjoyed the merry company of the peasant villagers and their own French and Italian servants. We are captivated by the frankness and simplicity of the people and the vividness and colour of the countryside. The authoress herself says, "I think that is the chief charm of living in Provence, th^ nerfectly natural behaviour of the people. They Pre so human, and therefore so easy to understand and to love." Emilia, the Italian servant, and Hilaire, the old gardener. are two characters whom we cannot help loving. In the first chapter, the - authoress describes the building of their cottage by the slow. noisy, and argumentive peasants of several races, who are ever watchful for Madame's comfort. Then she tells us of the lovely terraced garden, full of cypresses and rock-

eries, the ins and outs of housekeeping and marketing in Provence. the harvesting of olives, grapes and jessamine, the innumerable feast days. the incurable apathy of taxation officials—one could go on for ever.

Lady Fortecue has a never-failing wit and a great deal of wisdom, and her story is made more amusing by fly- delightful sketches so frequent in this book. "Monsieur." her husband, keens discreetly in the background, and forms an interesting contrast to his gay wife who is never se barmy as when she is chatting and joking with the lovable peasants. Her tolerance is amazing and she sees the funny side of everything. Even when old Hinnolvte comes on the pretext of inviting "Madame" to her daughter's wedding, and finishes by having "Madame" lend her Fiqt car with herself to drive it. with the added expense of white flowers for its decoration. as well as a present, "Madame" accepts all good-naturedly. This book a pleasant change from heavy reading and besides being amusing it contains much wisdom and beauty. and is as thoroughly delightful as its title suggests. A. McP. (16 years)


52

THE LUCERNIAN "VICTORIA, 4.30." By Cecil Roberts.

Further proof of his already widely recognised ability to draw life-like characters and to place then in settings that at once catch the reader's interest is given by Cecil Roberts in his latest novel "Victoria 4.30." In this book there are twelve characters of practically equal importance, and their lives are interwoven when they all leave London on the same boat-train to travel to different parts of Europe for varied puposes. Mr. Roberts tells us the story of each character as he or she boards the train, and he afterwards desibes the journey's end of each individual. The twelve characters are a famous Viennese orchestra conductor, a young Englishwoman on her honeymoon, a Greek waiter who has made his fortune and is homeward bound for Athens, Prince "Sixpenny" returning to Slavonica because of his father's assassination, a famous novelist in search of a plot, an unfortunate actor, a nun returning to her convent in Rumania, a worm who has turned, a wealthy Turk, a Russian general exiled from his country, an uncle in search of an errant nephew, and Elise, a girl dogged by misfortune. In the lives of these characters Cecil Roberts has found material for both tragedy Our sympathy goes out to and comedy. Prince "Sixpenny," we laugh at the uncle's mission, and feel depressed when reading of the unfortunate actor. The fact that we are moved by their stories proves that Mr. Roberts has succeeded in making each of these characters live, and the book can be recommended both as a study of human nature and for its graphic descriptions of the train's journey across Europe. R. W. (15 years)

The book follows the future of an English boy, John Oakley, who was convicted as a poacher and sentenced to deportation to Botany Bay for life. Mr. Brett Young gives us the very atmosphere of the brutality of the life to which the boy was condemned. He was crowded with other convicts into a stifling, pitch-dark compartment under the deck, and bound with chains. By a stroke of fortune John and another were able to escape to South Africa, and there a new life awaited him. He met a girl of Dutch birth, a girl differing from him in race and upbringing, but united to him by the same ideals and love, strengthened by every adventure offered by the new country. This story is long, but full of action and excitement. After his hero joins the Boers, Mr. Brett Young gives the reader all the thrills of the long trek and continual conflict with the Zulus. We are left with a wonderful impression of the determination and fortitude of these people of the veldt, and the tremendous trials and obstacles which they had to overcome before they could achieve lasting happiness. The book closes on a prophetic note. John and his wife are choosing a name for their little son. a name half Dutch and half English like the bov himself. "Yes," says his wife, "but he will be neither one nor the other, I think. When he grows to be a man he will call himself a South African or a Africander. Some day. perhaps, that will be a name to be proud of." E. S. (16 years) "PROMENADE." By G. B. Lancaster.

By Francis Brett Young.

A few years ago Miss Lancaster caused a stir with the publication of "Pageant," a novel of Tasmanian pioneering days. Now in "Promenade" she has told the story of the P•rowth of another British colony—New Zealand. Once again historical facts have been interwoven with the chronicle of the doings of a particular family.

In his recent novel "They Seek a Country," Francis Brett Young has given us a vivid picture of the condition of the labouring classes in England in the early nineteenth century and of life in the young colony of South Africa.

The main characters in the book are the members of the Lovell family, the head of which is Peregrine Lovell, who comes out to New Zealand with Sally, his fifteen-year-old wife, in the early days of the colony. To them are born three sons and a daughter.

"THEY SEEK A COUNTRY."


THE LUCERNIAN We cannot help, although perhaps despising her type, being drawn to Sally, whose duty in life was to care for) hell domineering and unlovable husband. She is the most sympathetically drawn character in the book. Darien, Sally's red-headed and beautiful sister, provides much of the life of the story, and seems to dominate every situation by her radiant personality. She liked men only for what she could get out of them, and it is rather ironic that Nick Flower should make his last-minute will in her favour. Tiffany, the daughter of the family, who conformed to no rules and was somehow

Miss Drummond, who was the Science Mistress at Morongo last year, has been enjoying a most interesting tour abroad, and we are glad to be able to give some extracts from her letters. From the boat Miss Drummond wrote the following account of some of the places she visited on the way:— "We left the boat at Suez at eleven o'clock at night and were taken off into the darkness in a most sinister little launch. It was more like a fait than anything else and was lit by oily kerosene lamps which smelt. This lasted about ten minutes. We landed and were rushed into cars, and proceeded on a ninetymile drive across the desert to Cairo. At ten o'clock we stopped at some little road-house in the desert and had tea. We arrived at Cairo at about two in the morning "Cairo was much bigger than I expected. We spent the morning seeing such places as the Citadel, a most wonderful mosque, the oazaars, and the Egyptian Museum with all Tutenkhamen's relics and his gold coffin. In

53

always in opposition to her father, is therefore another source of interest in the story, together with her idealistic brother, Roddy. Miss Lancaster has chosen to paint on a huge canvas in this novel and the background is crammed with a host of minor characters, both fictitious and historical. All the problems and the struggles of New Zealand's early days are vividly shown. Truly "the story of a woman and a nation," "Promenade" commands attention as an interesting historical novel and further strengthens Miss Lancaster's already high reputation. J. G. and E. J.

the afternoon we went out to the Pyramids and the Sphinx—nine miles from Cairo—and rode around the Pyramids on camels. The Pyramids are just like their pictures, and I was disappointed in the Sphinx until I saw its face—that I can't foget. "We had afternoon tea on a boat on the Nile, which is about as wide as the Yarra and not much bluer. Then we caught the train at five and travelled back to Port Said where we met the boat, which had gone through the canal in the meantime. From the train we could see how the desert was turned into the fertile valley of the Nile by irrigation. All the native women and children working and the little donkeys made it look just like a scene from the Bible. "We ran parallel to the canal for the last fifty miles and I realised for the first time that it was just a narow channel with stone walls on either side like a city drain. "We had only a few hours at Malta—we landed at five and left at midnight. Little boats which were a cross between a rowing


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THE LUCERNIAN

boat and a gondola took us ashore, and we drove up to the main part of the city in a funny little carriage called a carroza. We went out to a place called Shema and there we climbed a hill and saw the sun setting over the island, turning all the yellow stone buildings to a pinky-gold. The air at Malta is very fresh. There is no vegetation there. It seems that in the olden days every boat which called had to bring a load of soil because there was nothing else but rock. We passed a lovely field of poppies, but I don't think they were native. All the way you meet the milkman. He takes a herd of goats round the streets and milks them at the door!" While she was in England Miss Drummond taught for a while at a girls' school, but she also managed to see a good deal of the countryside and in Scotland went as far north as Nairn. Then she accepted a position at the English School, Cairo, and decided to travel back to Egpyt by way of France and Italy. Miss Shirra also had a very pleasant voyage to England, and is now staying in Glasgow. She has seen a good deal of the Exhibition there, in which all the countries of the Empire are represented. When she was in the Australian Section the first thing she saw was an exhibit from one of the woollen mills at Geelong! Besides the pavilions, she says, there is a Palace of Art showing beautiful paintings, a huge concert-hall, cinema, and all Lofts of amusements. The lighting is wonderful and many beautiful fountains play. From Johnsie Adam, an Old Collegian, we have the following news of her trip through America to England :—

"It was a wonderful trip and I enjoyed every minute of it. The highlights were the Grand Canyon, the Los Angeles Planetarium, the Redwood Forest, ski-ing at Banff, the terrific snowstorm at Chicago, Niagara Falls, Rockefeller Centre, New York, and above all the wonderful hospitality of the Americans I met. "It was rather wonderful to find people who know what they are talking about readily concede to Australia the position of being probably the most advanced nation of the world today. That is a very debatable point, but it was brought to my notice by Americans and Englishmen who admire oui' government, social standards, and many other things which we take for granted."

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS. We acknowledge with thanks the receipt of the following magazines:— "The Pegasus" from Geelong College; "The Scotch Collegian" from Scotch College; "Patchwork" from the Presbyterian Ladies' College; "Green and Gold" from Warwick; "Mainly About Girls" from the Ballarat Church of England Girls' Grammar School; "The Touchstone" from Clarendon, P.L.C.; "At Home" from Hunting-tower School, Malvern; "Frensham Chronicle," Frensham, Mittagong, N.S.W.; "The United Missionary Girls' High School Magazine" from Calcutta, and the magazine of the Melbourne Boys' High School.

IF


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Lucernian vol 2 no 9 december 1938 reduced by Geelong College - Issuu