THE PETERITE Vol. XXXIII
JANUARY, 1941
No. 296
EDITORIAL. It is a sign of the strange normality of school life during the past term that the only thing for us to wonder at is the lack of anything new or strange. This rather negative quality is nevertheless the greatest boon which we could ask in times such as these, and we have truly appreciated being allowed to " keep the noiseless tenor of our way, along the calm sequestered vale " of term in times of such storm and stress. The war, though very real to us all, is also very remote, and has little effect on school life; what little it has, being entirely indirect. And so we must write of a term which can only claim to be strange because it is normal. Poor material! This would have been an untroubled term even for peacetime, for not even the weather has done anything remarkable. In fact, weather, war, and everything else have conspired to make this a poor editorial, for not even an editor can make bricks without straw. And yet this is the task that confronts us every term, more or less, and the strain of it is gradually turning our hair white as the driven snow. Perhaps one day something will happen (Oh frabjous day ! calloo! calloy!) ; something pleasant but unusual; something, in short, to write about. This is, however, a very remote possibility; we despair of it ever happening, and so we fear that our readers will have to bear with us through many editorials which do nothing but explain at great length that we have nothing to say. Our readers' fate is perhaps more horrible to contemplate than our own! The First XV were amply provided with fixtures last term, and many very good games were played. Of the fourteen matches played, six were won and eight lost. R.A.F. teams gave the School some very good games; all the usual School matches were played, and on the whole the season has been a good one. Very few of the First XV seem to be leaving, which bodes well for next year (this term very few of last year's team were left). As was announced in our last issue, it has been thought desirable, in the present emergency, to discontinue the usual
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CONTENTS. Page ... Editorial Old Peterite News ... The Rev. G. T. Handford—An Appreciation School Officers Valete and Salvete
1
3 7 8 8
Prizegiving
9 11
Chapel
15
Music The Library
16 18
The School Play
20
Notes and Items
24
The Debating Society
25
The Scientific Society Swimming ...
30 31
The House Concerts ...
31
J.T.C. News ... Shooting ... Home Guard ... St. Peter's Scouts Famous Old Peterites—VI The British Ship Adoption Society Fragment . . . Dow Crags in Winter ... The War in the Air—III ...
33 35 36 36 37 38 43 44 46
Rugby Football, 1940
50 58 64
House Notes
The Junior School ... ... Editorial Notices
Commemoration, and in its stead a brief prize-giving ceremony was held in November. A full report will be found elsewhere in our pages. In time of war, changes in the Staff have to be recorded with unpleasant frequency, and we have regretfully to say " good-bye " to Mr. C. G. Molony, who is being claimed by the Navy. Mr. L. C. be Tocq leaves us for the duration of the war to serve with the Army. He will be greatly missed, and we hope from every point of view that his return will not be too long delayed. We have also to take leave of Mr. Endicott, and to thank him for his help last term in tiding us over a very difficult period. We greet as newcomers in our midst B. G. Whitmore, Esq., M.A., B.Sc., Ph.D., and H. V. Moore, Esq., M.A., who joined the Staff in September. G. F. Jackson, Esq., M.A., H. Fleet, Esq., M.A., Ph.D., and M. K. Cassels, Esq., M.A., LL.B. come to us in January. To all of them we extend a cordial welcome. Since the departure of Miss Thompson, referred to elsewhere in this issue, the catering for the whole School, for Clifton Rise and the San., as well as the School House, has been taken over by Mrs. be Tocq. We are pleased to have her among us, presiding over so important a part of our life as the commissariat. It may be opportune here to mention the announcement made in " The Times " of the 4th January of the engagement of Lieut. Denys Kingwell Crews and Miss Gundred de Warrenne Waller. This is very much a St. Peter's affair, and we shall feel more at home if we address our congratulations to the Headmaster's Secretary and to Mr. Crews, whose temporary retirement from the Staff occurred only in July last. Another event of similar interest was the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. A. W. Ping's daughter, Isobel Margaret, and Lieut. Robert Humphrey Ballard, R.N., which took place at Clifton Church on January 14th. We shall be voicing the feeling of Olavites and Peterites alike in wishing Lieutenant and Mrs. Ballard happiness and the best of luck in the future. The winter term proved unusually full, and most of the events have been duly recorded in the following pages. But perhaps we should say a word here about the end-of-term activities. The Carol Service was as successful and well attended as ever, in spite of the early black-out. And, last of all, the School Play was a great success, and we take this opportunity of congratulating all concerned in its presenta-
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tion, especially the producer, for an enjoyable and memorable show. And so we will close our editorial, with apologies for our verbosity, and leave you to read the more worth-while portions of this magazine. G.L.
OLD PETERITE NEWS. SERVING WITH H.M. FORCES. The following names are to be added to the list already published in " The Peterite " :— Hale, P. N. B. Platt, W. G. Biscomb, C. Bridges, T. B. Rainford, R. R. Halt, L. C. Bridges, G. B. Hobson, M. A. S. Rylatt, S. P. H. Holt, J. G. Shillitoe, J. B. Bamforth, J. N. Turner, H. G. Campbell, I. A. Holgate, E. Crook, J. H. Lofthouse, G. A. Tarran, C. G. Croskell, A. P. Lyth, T. B. Wellington, C. Croskell, M. E. Mackintosh, A. C. Wilson, A. G. Chapman, J. B. D. Maclldowie, A. B. Wall, L. J. L. Wall, M. P. L. Dixon, R. S. Moffatt, A. H. Waddington, H. L. Dales, J. H. Oakly, J. B. Whalley, M. F. Hemsley, F. R. W. Park, S. T. Harrop, E. A. Witten, W. Pexton, R. D.
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KILLED IN ACTION. Pilot Officer J. Dales, youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. H. J. Dales, of Clifton Dale, York, has been killed on active service. He was 30 years old and was well known in the city and district. In civil life he was engaged in his father's business. As a member of the Civil Air Guard he was automatically called to the colours, and his advance in the Royal Air Force was rapid. At the time of his death he was acting as navigator in an aircraft. Sergeant Navigator H. W. Richardson had been missing since July 13th, and news has since been received, through the agency of the Red Cross at Geneva, that his body has been washed ashore. He was 19 years old and the son of Mr. and Mrs. H. B. Richardson, of 96 Beech Avenue, York. He was an Associate of the London College of Music, and held the gold medal for accordion playing and the bronze 8
medal for pianoforte. He played extensively as an amateur musician. Sergeant Navigator Richardson joined the Royal Air Force before the outbreak of war. *
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DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS. Flight Lieutenant J. S. P. Phillips has been awarded the D.F.C. for conspicuous service with his unit. He has the honour of being the first Old Peterite to receive this decoration, and the distinction conferred on the School was recognised by the Headmaster by the granting of a " half." F/Lt. Phillips, who is 21 years old, is the son of Mr. and Mrs. J. S. Phillips, of Norton-on-Tees. We were glad to see him at the School one day in the course of last term, when we were able to congratulate him in person both on his recent decoration and on his marriage on the 6th July last to Miss Effie Lambert, of Sunderland. * * * Colonel H. C. Scott, the Hon. Secretary of the O.P. Club, has joined the governing body as one of the two Archbishop's representatives. We welcome the appointment of another Old Peterite to the Board, and congratulate Col. Scott on his opportunity to serve the School in this new capacity.
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E. T. Heap has been appointed Coroner of the Bishopthorpe County District of the West Riding of Yorkshire in the place of Colonel Innes Ware, who has resigned. * * * We have had a letter from S. G. S. Pawle, who tells us that, after nine months service, first as an Ordinary Seaman and subsequently as A.B., he is expecting to proceed to H.M.S. King Alfred as a Cadet-Rating. He also encloses a cutting of an article which he wrote recently for the " Southern Daily Echo." The purpose of the article was to challenge, on behalf of St. Peter's, the claim of Winchester to be " England's oldest Public School." Winchester was easily disposed of, but the topic led him inevitably to King's School, Canterbury, and in his article, Pawle recalls the celebrated rugger match between St. Peter's and King's, Canterbury, in 1927. " Thirteen years ago, just after I had joined the School as a new boy, the School celebrated its 1300th anniversary, and as King's, Canterbury, still showed little disposition to recognise the claims to greater antiquity of their northern rivals, it was 4
decided to ' settle' the argument by playing a rugby football match at Richmond. Unfortunately for King's, Canterbury, St. Peter's had their finest XV for many years, and they won a great game by 13 points to 9. The leader of their forwards that day was C. L. Troop, who afterwards gave such splendid service to the Army, Hampshire and England." ENGAGEMENTS. The engagement is announced between John Miles Fothergill, M.C., The Border Regiment, eldest son of the late John S. Fothergill, of Newlands, and of Mrs. Fothergill, Kendal Green, Kendal, and Violet Iris, only daughter of the late Major A. K. North and Mrs. A. K. North, and niece of Mrs. E. B. North, Summerdale House, Holme, Carnforth, Lancs. The engagement is announced between William Douglas Draffan, K.A.R., son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Draffan, of Newcastle-on-Tyne, and Linda Muriel Ruth, second daughter of Commander and Mrs. Veasey, of Mau Summit, Kenya. The engagement is announced between Richard Challenor Lynch, R.A.F., second son of Mrs. Lynch, of Barbados, late of 4 The Avenue, Clifton, and the late Mr. C. A. Lynch, and Patricia Mary, eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. G. A. Farrar, Traralgon, Heworth. * * BIRTH. CHAPMAN.—On November 19th, 1940, at " Fulmer Chase," Fulmer, Bucks., to Julienne (née Moore), wife of 2nd Lieut. J. B. D. Chapman, The Royal Berks. Regt., a daughter. * * * PREFERMENT. The Rev. D. V. Hewitt, formerly Curate of St. John's Church, Balby, Doncaster, was inducted Priest-in-Charge of Edlington Church, near Doncaster, on November 28th, 1940. * * * CAMBRIDGE OLD PETERITES. (The following items have been received.) J. T. Brockbank (St. John's) is to be congratulated on representing Cambridge in the University Squash match. Is very interested in the social side of chess. Thinks in 5
several dimensions. He will hypnotise you. Works a certain amount. T. F. Cameron (Trinity Hall) plays hockey and squash regularly for his College, but was not selected for the Newnham match. Struts up and down at the A.D.C. Theatre. Turns up to lectures on the dot. Works a certain amount. J. C. Houghton (Selwyn), our silent member, is responsible for the production of a Cambridge O.P. tie, which will be delivered any winter now. Reads Theology and sits in a dressing gown between five and six on Mondays. Other activity unknown. Works a certain amount. J. M. Rucklidge (Emmanuel) is his College first string at squash, playing well and rather unluckily. Also been known to play soccer. Is a member of a mountaineering club. Shares a room with a man who plays Strauss waltzes to suitable accompaniment. Works a certain amount. *
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LEEDS OLD PETERITES. W. Boyes (Medical). Not much has been seen of this individual during the past term, but once when he appeared in the open he was asked what his activities had been. He replied—" Mostly work." We understand that he is to take his second M.B., part two, in March. G. H. Briggs (Medical) is now working for the same exam, as Boyes, but seems to find time to be Vice-Captain and Treasurer of the University Hockey Club. Reports say that his hockey playing is first-class. G. C. Brown (Medical) may now be seen cutting up corpses in the dissecting room. He claims that the body that he is working on at present—the Major—is so " high " that even the flies turn up their noses at it. J. McN. Inglis (Medical) is an active member of the Climbing Club, and may often be seen swinging on the end of a rope over some cliff, cursing violently the complete absence of hand and foot-holds. Originally he joined the Boat Club, but when he was told that he would have to cox, he very politely resigned. G. M. Cave (Dental). When not knocking people's hats off with his umbrella, he is engineering nauseous odours in his chemical laboratory. He was most annoyed wh2n his gun-cotton refused to explode. So far as we can see, he does absolutely no work whatsoever.
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J. Scholey (Medical) made an unexpected appearance this term, and claims to be reading Medicine; we can only assume this to be true, since we have not seen him doing any work. He has, however, been playing hockey for the University first team. (The absence of news from Oxford O.P.s is regretted.)
THE REV. G. T. HANDFORD. A LETTER OF APPRECIATION FROM F. P. FAUSSET (1886-96). Dear Sir, Old Peterites who were at School in the 'nineties, and many others who knew the Rev. G. T. Handford, who has just died at the age of 87, will remember him with gratitude and pleasure. I was at the School from 1886 to 1896, and Mr. Handford succeeded the Rev. H. M. Stephenson as Headmaster in 1897, a post which he held until 1900. Perhaps he would not be regarded as the ideal schoolmaster according to modern standards, but he was a scholar and a kindly Christian gentleman, and his methods worked very well. He maintained the School traditions, he chose his monitors well, deputing much authority to them and backing them up when necessary. In his time the School produced many first-class scholars, among them(in addition to those mentioned in your obituary notice) J. F. Leaf, Fellow of Peterhouse, C. B. Cotterell, Scholar of Balliol, and R. C. Tute, of the I.C.S., now Chief Justice of the Bahamas. In the world of sport we shall not forget such men as Frank Mitchell, whose name was a household word at cricket and football, and E. J. Walton, who gained his blue and was a rugby international. Indeed, the success of the School in work and play at that time is a high tribute to the zeal and interest in both shewn by Mr. Handford. In the School House, Mr. and Mrs. Handford were ever ready to entertain Old Peterites, who were thus kept continually in touch with the School. Looking back on one's schooldays I can testify to the fact that the moral tone of the School and the boys' standard of honour was very high, and I believe that all who were at St. Peter's in Mr. Handford's time will agree that their schooldays were both happy and well spent. 7
SCHOOL OFFICERS. CHRISTMAS TERM, 1940. G. W. VERO (Head of School, Head of School House). F. F. STEELE (Head of School, in succession to Vero; Head_ of Clifton Rise). Monitors : E. P. BULMER (Head of Temple House). H. S. TAYLOR. R. EARLE (Head of School House). H. C. BELCHAMBER. A. A. SHORT. Captain of Rugger—F. F. STEELE. C.S.M. in O.T.C.—G. W. VERO. Hon Secretary of Shooting—R. EARLE. Hon. Secretary of Squash—F. N. BUCKLER. Editors of " The Peterite ": G. LONG, F. F. STEELE, H. D. REVILL, E. P. BULMER.
VALETE AND SALVETE. VALETE. SCHOOL HOUSE. G. W. Vero. 1935-40. Upper VIth Modern. Head of SchooL. Head of School House. C.S.M. in O.T.C. Played for 1st XI, 1940. Played for 2nd XI, 1940. 2nd XI Colours. Played for 1st XV, 1940. Played for 2nd XV, 1940. School Shooting VIII, 1939-40. Certificate " A," 1938. Secretary of the Games Committee. Secretary of the Photographic Society. Member of the Debating Society Committee. Editor of " The Peterite." Member of the Scientific Society Committee. Member of the Curtain. Assistant Platoon Commander, No. 1 Pn., Home Guard. H. D. Revill. 1937-40. Upper VIth Modern. House Monitor. Rowed for 3rd IV, 1939. Rowed for 2nd IV, 1940. 2nd IV Colours, 1940. Shot for Shooting VIII, 1939-40. Played for 2nd XV, 1940. Editor of " The Peterite." First Class Shot. Certificate " A," 1939. Corporal in O.T.C. 8
G. W. Denby. 1937-40. St. Olave's, 1935-37. Lower Sixth. Certificate " A." Platoon Sergeant (acting), O.T.C. Member of Gym. Squad, 1938. Member of the Curtain. G. K. Ward. 1939-40. Va. Cadet O.T.C. W. R. Child. 1936-40. Vb. CLIFTON RISE. H. L. Taylor. 1935-40. Upper VI Modern. School Monitor. Played for 2nd XV, 1938-39. Played for 1st XV, 1939-40-41. 2nd XV Colours, 1939. 1st XV Colours, 1939-40-41. Rowed for 3rd IV, 1937. 2nd IV Colours, 1937. Rowed for 2nd IV, 1938. Rowed for 1st IV, 1939-40. 1st IV Colours, 1939-40. Captain of Boats, 1940. Rowed for 1st VIII, 1937-38-39-40. Shooting VIII, 1940. School Librarian. Certificate " A." Corporal in O.T.C. E. J. Hillyard. 1935-40. Upper VIth Classical. House Monitor. School Librarian. A. D. Coombe. Lower VIth Modern. Cadet in O.T.C. Certificate " A." P. V. Mitchell. 1938-40. SALVETE. SCHOOL HOUSE. W. E. Chantry*. W. A. Stratton*. P. Shardlow. P. Hodgson. R. D. Preston. CLIFTON RISE. J. H. Hope. TEMPLE HOUSE. J. C. G. Washington. * From St. Olave's.
HOUSE NOTES. SCHOOL HOUSE. Miss Thompson was married this term to Mr. J. Jackson. We congratulate them both, and wish them the very best of happiness in the future. In rugger our junior team beat Temple, but lost, after a very close match, to the Rise. The first team beat Temple in the semi-final, and we would here like to congratulate Temple on a hard-fought and good-spirited game. We lost to the Rise after a fierce struggle, both sides playing very well indeed. 9
G. W. Vero, unfortunately, had to leave us after only a few weeks as Head of the School, to join the Royal Corps of Signals. We send him all our best wishes for a quick promotion. R. Earle is to be congratulated on being promoted from a senior to a School Monitor, and thence to Head of School House. We also congratulate P. A. Lockwood, H. D. Revill, F. N. Buckler, J. P. Pulleyn and D. D. S. Evans on their promotion to House Monitors; also R. Earle, F. N. Buckler and J. P. Pulleyn on being awarded their 1st XV colours for 1940, and F. N. Buckler on gaining his 1st XV cap. THE RISE. We have made a good start to the year by winning both the senior and junior rugger. This makes it the fourth year in succession for the senior, and judging by the number of Risites who will still be with us next September we ought to make it five. A Musical Society has been started in the Rise, and, more important still, it has not died a gradual death ; in fact, it has shown no sign of dying. Usually societies of this sort live for a month chiefly on their novelty, then disappear. This one, we are pleased to report, has gone from strength to strength. J. E. Thompson has given a number of cinematograph shows to his colleagues of the common room. We did produce a concert, nothing like up to last year's standard, but it was enjoyed and produced a large number of laughs. We were suddenly told we had to give it a week earlier than expected, and the result suffered somewhat from lack of rehearsal. For the benefit of Risites and old Risites, the " Risite " in consequence, as usual, of the war, will only be printed once a year instead of three times a year, and this annual issue will be a big number produced at the end of the Summer Term. TEMPLE HOUSE. We take this opportunity of extending a hearty welcome To Mr. I. C. Bendall, who has succeeded Mr. Wrenn as Housemaster. As usual in the Christmas Term, Temple House has had little opportunity to distinguish itself, mainly owing to 10
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the lack of inter-House events. However, we have been well represented in the rugger world. H. C. Belchamber, E. P. Bulmer, G. Long and A. Broadhurst were regular members of the 1st XV, and are to be congratulated on receiving their School rugger colours. E. A. Shearston and P. G. R. Dench, both of whom played for the 1st XV on occasions, were regular members of the 2nd XV, and the former is to be congratulated on receiving his 2nd XV colours. In the semi-final of the Inter-House Rugger, Temple House lost to the School House by 20 points to 11 points after a very good match. In the Junior Rugger, Temple lost to School House by 21 points to nil. Congratulations to E. P. Bulmer on being appointed Head of the House. Also to H. C. Belchamber on being appointed a School Monitor, and to G. Long and E. A. Shearston on being appointed House Monitors. Congratulations to E. P. Bulmer, G. Long, E. A. Shearston, A. Broadhurst and J. A. Denison on being awarded their House rugger colours, and to R. G. Langstaff on being awarded his House shooting colours. The eagerly awaited Temple House concert will take place early next term. Mr. Stead, who was Housemaster before the war, has now taken up a post in South Africa. We wish him the best of luck. Congratulations to R. M. Garth on winning the Recruits' Shooting Cup. Once more Temple House won the Work Cup—in fact, we are the only House to have won it. This speaks very well for the keenness for work in the House, exemplified by G. Long, who received four prizes at the Speech Day.
PRIZEGIVING. Despite war-time difficulties there was an excellent muster of parents and friends of the School on Wednesday, the 27th November, at the Prizegiving ceremony, which for this year took the place of the customary St. Peter's Day Commemoration. The chair was taken by the Very Rev. the Dean of York, and Maj or-General E. C. Gepp, C.B., D.S.O., distributed the prizes. 11
In his survey of the work of the School during the year the Headmaster emphasised the unexpectedly normal course which our activities had taken. The spirit of service for the country in its present need had naturally made the older boys unsettled in regard to their immediate future. " Like all the youth of the nation they feel anxious to do whatever they can to help the country's cause; but their enthusiasm has found an outlet, at any rate to some extent, in the opportunities provided by the Home Guard." Every boy over 17, who was in the O.T.C. had joined the Home Guard, and several who have not reached that age had managed to persuade him and their parents to permit them to join. " I would like to say on this point," said the Headmaster, " that I feel we have every right to be proud of the part we, as a school, took in the creation of the L.D.V. of York." " It has been my constant advice to older boys," continued the Headmaster, " that, while still at school, they will be serving their country best by preparing wholeheartedly for their chosen careers, and that this choice should, so far as possible, be made without regard for the present abnormal conditions. I know how difficult it is to do this, but those of us who can in any way influence our boys, whether as masters or parents, must look a good deal further ahead than the present war. It is happily quite unnecessary in this country to beat the war drums in order to secure the response of our young men to the national call, and I can assure you that there is no school more imbued with the spirit of service and selfsacrifice than our own." Showing that the progress of the School had been more than maintained by the numbers of boys, which also reflected the confidence of parents, Mr. Dronfield said that the Senior School pupils were now more than 50 per cent. above the 1937 level and the boarding houses were full to capacity. The Junior School was also full, and it had been necessary to provide an overflow dormitory. The total of the Junior School this term exceeded the 100 mark, as it did three years ago for the first time. The outstanding development regarding school work had been the continued expansion of the Sixth Form, which now contained 52 boys divided into three years and into sets, according to their specialist work. 12
In the normal course all these boys would take the Higher School Certificate examination, and many would continue after that stage with a view to university scholarships and other examinations. In the examination last July the School obtained six Higher School Certificates. Earle obtained the " Very Good " mark at his first attempt in three subjects, and Battrick got his certificate some time before he was 16. During the year thirty-one School Certificates were obtained. Many boys gained 5-8 " Credits " and there were eighteen " Very Good " marks. The results in French, Geography and English were outstanding, and the Science and Mathematics reached a high standard. Referring to a revival of Latin in the Middle School, Mr. Dronfield said : " There has been a tendency in these practical days, when one hears so much about vocational training, to decry the teaching of Latin as having no practical value. " We at St. Peter's do not in any way ignore the necessity for preparing boys for professional, business, or industrial careers, but we do maintain that our first duty is to give our boys a liberal education, and I am convinced that the study of Latin should take an important place in any scheme of general education. " There is no duller person than the man who may know all there is to know about his own profession but has no knowledge or interests outside it." Referring to the dangers of too early specialisation, he said that the standard demanded by universities in their entrance scholarship examinations was sometimes considered to be a danger in that direction, but it was a fallacy to suppose that a boy would learn more of his specialist work by devoting the whole of his time to it than by a more liberal scheme, which enabled him to spend part of his time on non-specialist work. " Until the School Certificate stage is passed, we have consistently opposed any kind of specialisation, and I have been gratified to know that an increasing number of parents agree with me in this matter." The School continued to be well represented at the universities, though this was necessarily affected by the war. The numbers in the O.T.C. exceeded 120, so that for the first time it had been necessary to form a fifth platoon. Twenty-five cadets had this year obtained the provisional certificate—the war-time replacement of Certificate A.. 13
Referring to the Shooting, the Headmaster regretted that once again circumstances had prevented us sending a team to Bisley. The shooting in the School was of a very high standard. There were, in fact, more first-class shots in the Junior Training Corps (as the O.T.C. now had to be called) than ever before. The School had finished third of the twelve teams in the Lancaster County Rifle Association League. In his references to the games, Mr. Dronfield mentioned that the 1940 fixture had been the 50th anniversary of our cricket matches with Ampleforth, an occasion which in normal conditions would undoubtedly have been appropriately celebrated. Of all the sporting events in the year, pride of place ought to be given to the " boaters." The First IV succeeded at York Regatta in winning the White Rose Cup for the first time. The School First and Second IV's also beat Leeds University fours in a private fixture. The activities of the various School societies, all of which were in a flourishing condition, were touched upon, and in particular the Headmaster referred to the School War Savings Group, which, since its inauguration in June, had realized over £200 in contributions from the boys alone. Information about Old Peterites who were serving was invited, in order that an up-to-date list might be kept, and in this connection reference was made to the distinction conferred on the School by the recent award of the D.F.C. to Flight Lieutenant Phillips. In conclusion, the Headmaster thanked the School and the Staff for their co-operation in the difficult times through which we were passing, and expressed his complete confidence in the future. Through the long centuries St. Peter's had survived many international upheavals and emerged with its strength and usefulness unimpaired. The spirit of the School, Mr. Dronfield said, was never better than to-day. The future was in the hands of the parents and Old Boys, and he could confidently leave it there. Following the Headmaster's review, Major-General Gepp distributed the prizes. On this occasion the prizewinners, at their own request, received only a single book as a token prize, the balance of the money-value being credited to the particular boy's war savings account. A full list of the prize-winners was published in the last issue of " The Peterite " and need not be repeated here.
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In his brief, but clear and forceful address, General Gepp was concerned mainly, as was natural, with the reperi- cussions on school-life of the tremendous crisis through which we are now passing. He complimented the School on the sterling work which had been done in connection with the Home Guard, a vital link in our defences of which the importance could not be overestimated. He dwelt, too, on the great value of a properly-run Junior Training Corps. Such experience would be a tremendous help to boys when they joined up. Nowadays commissions were only through the ranks, but recruits were carefully watched, and there was no doubt that good fellows who had been members of a Junior Training Corps would get speedily into an O.C.T.U. Illustrating his point by reference to recently-recorded deeds of heroism and fortitude by land, sea, and air, General Gepp urged the boys to be filled with the joy of life. It was their duty, at this time particularly, to discipline themselves and keep themselves fit, morally and physically. " Above all," he said, " be glad you are alive in these days of high and magnificent endeavour and great service." A vote of thanks to General Gepp for his address and for his generosity in sparing the time from his exacting professional duties was proposed by Archdeacon England, and seconded by F. S. Wood, Esq., an Old Peterite who has recently joined the Governing Body, and whose part in the proceedings of the afternoon had thus a special interest. The ceremony as a whole had a smoothness and coherence which made it a model of what such occasions should be; and there was little doubt that all who were present carried away a strong conviction of the health and fundamental soundness of St. Peter's at a time when so many schools are passing through a difficult and critical phase. As Dr. Bate, the Chairman of the Governors, observed in his presidential remarks, " the School exhibited vitality in every conceivable way." He looked forward, he said, to the distant future, not with vague expectations, but with a whole-hearted confidence.
CHAPEL. Two main events happened this term. The first was the School's annual visit to York Minster on Advent Sunday. The Precentor of York, Canon Bell, was the preacher. The second was the Carol Service, held on the last Sunday of term. It went off very smoothly and was much enjoyed by a full congregation. 15
Several anthems have been sung by the choir this term, and each one shows that the quality of the singing is becoming better and better. Pieces out of Handel's " Messiah " have been practised, and three have already been sung. MUSIC. In the last year or so the interest in music throughout the School has increased considerably. This is shown by the growth in the number of boys taking music and by the formation of three societies devoted to music. There is a flourishing musical society in the Rise run by Mr. Corkhill, Mr. Fawcett has instituted one for School House, and most important of all, a Glee Club has been formed and has given a concert. This concert, the compere informed us, was the first of a series to be given by the Glee Club, and we are eagerly looking forward to the next. For a first attempt, the concert was excellent, and was thoroughly enjoyed by the audience. The syncopation and tunefulness of the Hungarian dance were well appreciated ; Steele played the " Moonlight " sonata with nice feeling. Its wistful melodies and stately harmonies are easily understood by any audience. Mr. Molony was not quite at home in " Drake's Drum," but gave a spirited rendering of " The Drum Major," which was thoroughly enjoyed. Taylor, II., played a well-known trumpet tune of Purcell's, and played it well. The counter point between the bass of the piano and the melody is one of the chief attractions of this piece. Hort played two solos, Sinding's " Fruhlingsrauchen " and Chopin's Nocturne in E flat. The " Fruhlingsrauchen " is a well-known and popular piece, and for a boy, calls for a fair amount of technical ability ; it is to Hort's credit that he gave a rendering free from any wrong notes. Once or twice the accompaniment was louder than required, and he tended to make the demisemi quavers of the melody into semi-quavers. The Nocturne was very well played ; he has got a very nice touch, and the rubato, so important and so essential in playing Chopin, was good. The songs sung by the Glee Club are all well-known and popular, and went with a swing. 16
The singers were obviously enjoying themselves, particularly in " The Mermaid "—a grand song—" Waltzing Matilda " and " Alouette." They finished with Parry's England "—one of the noblest and most stirring songs written. A so-called criticism has been levelled at this concert; it is that the audience were not asked to join in and sing. It is obviously impossible for an audience not knowing the words completely to shout the words they do know and " la la-a-a " those they don't. If they want to sing, the obvious thing to do is to join the Club, which, we understand, merely entails going along to the Geography Room on Sunday nights. In fact, we are going to set an example by joining the Club ourselves! The members of the Glee Club have asked me publicly to record their thanks to Mrs. Baird. Mrs. Baird has given up a lot of her time and taken a lct of tr ouble to organize and produce the concert, and the Club and the School are very grateful to her and appreciate all she has done. Congratulations, Glee Club, and thank you, Mrs. Baird. GLEE CLUB CONCERT. Duet—Hungarian Dance (Brahms) P. F. Tee and. P. L. Hort Songs—" Let the Bullgine run " " Johnny was a Shoemaker " " Shenandoah " Glee Club " Billy Boy " Piano Solo—" Moonlight Sonata " (Beethoven) ...F. F. Steele Songs—" Drake's Drum " Mr. Molony " The Drum Major " H. L. Taylor Trumpet Solo—Trumpet Tune (Purcell) Songs—" My Bonnie " " King Arthur " " All through the night " Glee Club " The Mermaid " Piano Solos—" Fruhlingsrauchen " (Sinding) P. L. Hort Nocturne in E flat (Chopin) Songs—" Swing Low Sweet Chariot " " Waltzing Matilda " " Alouette " Glee Club " England " The National Anthem.
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THE LIBRARY. Librarian : L. BURGESS, Esq. Assistant Librarians : E. J. HILLYARD, G. LONG, H. L. TAYLOR, F. F. STEELE, D. E. BROWN, D. L. HORT, R. E. DODD. During the term numerous additions have been made to the Library. Books have been presented by Mrs. Baird, Mr. Barnby and Mr. Bendall. A very welcome gift of £10 to be spent on books for the Library was made by Mrs. Honig. Several books have been bought with this gift to date and are noted below. Work has been continued on the upkeep of the Library, and every effort made to encourage the use of the reference books. However, the result of this work has been somewhat nullified by the distressing habit of some Library users of making no attempt to replace the books correctly on the shelves. Attention to this vital point would make the location of books much easier. The Librarians would like to use this space to launch an appeal for books suitable for inclusion in the Library. Gifts of books would be extremely welcome and would without doubt be put to good use. The following books have been added to the Library since the last edition of " The Peterite " Life of Lord Kitchener (3 vols.). Sir George Arthur. (Presented by Mrs. Baird.) J. Forrest. Golf Made Easy. G. E. Lardner. Golf Technique Simplified. (Presented by Mr. Bendall.) John Buchan. Memory Hold The Door. (Presented by the Rev. F. H. Barnby.) A. Tilley. Moliere. Lytton Strachey. Landmarks in French Literature. Histoire Illustree de la Litterature Frangaise. Germany: A Companion to German Studies. Jethro Bithell. The Literature of Germany. J. G. Robertson. Germany in the Eighteenth Century. W. H. Banford. The Romantic Movement in Germany. L. A. Willoughby. The Classical Age of German Literature. L. A. Willoughby. The Romantic Movement in French Literature. Stewart and Tilley. 18
The Classical Movement in French Literature. Stewart and Tilley. A Preface to Moliere. H. Ashton. Harrap's Standard French and English Dictionary (Part 2: English—French). Harmony. T. Keighley. The Oxford Companion to Music. Percy A. Scholes. John Evelyn's Diary (2 vols.). Byron's Poetical Works. Palgrave's Golden Treasury of Ver se. Chaucer's Works. Longfellow's Poetical Works. Last Chronicle of Barset. Anthony Trollope. Barchester Towers. Anthony Trollope. Small House at Allington. Anthony Trollope. Phineas Finn. Anthony Trollope. Doctor Thorne. Anthony Trollope. The Golden Lion of Granpere. Anthony Trollope. Anthony Trollope. The Warden. Fanny Burney. Evelina. Mrs. Gaskell. Cranford. Mrs. Gaskell. Sylvia's Lovers. Machiavelli. The Prince. Reliques of Ancient Poetry (2 vols.). Thomas Percy. Electricity. W. L. Bragg. E. N. da C. Andrade. Engines. E. N. da C. Andrake. The New Chemistry. M. Minna ert. Light and Colour in the Open Air. S. Reed Brett. John Pym. Arthur Herman. Metternich. R. W. Seton-Watson. Britain in Europe, 1789-1914. The Works of George Borrow (5 vols.). The Novels of Jane Austen (7 vols.). (The books by George Borrow and Jane Austen represent the first selection of books bought with Mrs. Honig's gift.) E. J. Hillyard, School Librarian. (Note.—The departure of E. J. Hillyard at the end of the Winter Term, 1940, means a very real loss to the Library. We wish to place on record our grateful appreciation of his enthusiasm, efficiency and thorough grasp of the essentials of librarianship which should prove a real inspiration to those who follow in his footsteps.) 19
THE SCHOOL PLAY. " THE SPORT OF KINGS." Ian Hay's domestic comedy was presented by the St. Peter's Players on the 18th and 19th December with the following cast:— Algernon Sprigge D. G. Middleton Sir Reginald Toothill, Bart. G. W. Denby A Barmaid D. E. Byass A Newsboy A. G. Reynolds Dulcie Primrose R. S. F. Webber Mrs. Purdie G. E. K. Reynolds Amos Purdie, J.P. P. G. R. Dench Bates G. Long Joe Purdie D. H. Denholm Katie Purdie J. E. Thompson Lizzie K. R. G. Harper Jane P. Hodgson Cook D. C. Thompson Albert T. C. Middleton Panama Pete W. H. W. Ping Police Sergeant R. R. L. Pryer Production was by Mr. Leslie Burgess The Rev. P. P. Noble Fawcett was responsible for stage management, and A. E. Schofield was stage carpenter and electrician. The players are to be congratulated heartily on their undoubted success. On both nights the play was very warmly received by appreciative audiences. The later performance, when the minor uncertainties inseparable from a first night were no longer evident, was especially good, and it is safe to say that " The Sport of Kings " will take a high place in the record of School productions. The play proved an excellent choice. Ian Hay's comedy is an undoubted " winner." The author is too good a craftsman to overlook a point not infrequently missed by lesser dramatists—that, besides comic dialogue, good farce requires plenty of farcical situations—and there is in " The Sport of Kings " an abundance of good fun which the Players exploited with real success. The play is not without its weaknesses, and one of them, the short opening scene—an undeniably dull, if unavoidable, preamble which would tax the powers of the most experienced actors—did indeed prove too much for D. G. Middleton and Denby. Another difficulty presented by the construction is the somewhat prolonged " wash-up " at the end, whereby the author (characteristic20
ally) ensured with scrupulous thoroughness that any linen which may have been soiled in the course of the play is returned suitably laundered. But in this case, D. G. Middleton, who had to shoulder the responsibility, was more than equal to the occasion and, with the invaluable co-operation of the other actors on a full stage who, whi'e they had only rare lines to say, did not forget to act, successfully avoided the very real danger of the play petering out. Apart from its general excellence as comedy, " The Sport of Kings " had the advantage of giving scope to an exceptionally large cast, and the experience gained by the players (many of them very young) will prove invaluable in the future. Almost none of the actors had appeared previously in School plays, and it is greatly to their credit that their inexperience could hardly have been apparent to the audience. For the years immediately to come there should be no dearth of talent. Indeed, the generally good quality of the acting was one of the satisfying features of the play. The smallest parts were played better than competently, and there were none of those inequalities which are so often manifest in large casts. The play never flagged when the minor characters were left to hold the fort. The performances of D. C. Thompson, as Cook (Providence built him for the part), and Hodgson, as the Parlour Maid, and of Harper, as the tearful tweeny, received a thoroughly deserved recognition from the audience. And for their brief appearances in the opening scene, Byass (the Barmaid) and A. G. Reynolds, as the Newsboy, were quite adequate. Pryer was convincing as the Police Sergeant, a small part which he combined with some invaluable service behind the scenes. It would be invidious, and, indeed, difficult, to attempt to differentiate between the performances of those who bore the heat and burden of the day (or rather night). D. G. Middleton, as Algernon Sprigge, played a most important part extremely capably and, particularly at the second performance, when he had got into his stride, acted with the freshness and life which the role demands. Dench played what was perhaps the most difficult part in the play —that of Amos Purdie—with conspicuous success. He has genuine ability which is bound to develop as he gains further experience. The observation that very occasionally he played too long on one note and tended here and there to repeat gestures unduly, implies commendation rather than 21
criticism. The part called for exceptional versatility, and the fact that his lapses were rare and that he succeeded far more often than he failed in achieving that most difficult thing in acting, the expression of light and shade, is a real tribute to his performance. In the episode at the close of the second act he succeeded, with the equally strong cooperation of Long, as the Butler, in carrying through a most exacting scene with flying colours. Long, indeed, was an unqualified success as Bates. He played confidently throughout, and his transitions from the sycophant butler to the ex bookie's clerk were always natural and convincing. Moreover, there were times when he allowed the reality of " Bert Briggs " to show through the veneer of the sanctimonious and obsequious Bates in a way which showed a true subtlety of interpretation. And he made telling use of gesture, movement and facial expression, holding them long enough and making them sufficiently decisive to be really effective. In this respect he set an example which some of the other players might have followed with advantage. Particular credit was due to Webber for the success he made of the part of Dulcie Primrose. The playing of female characters by boys is beset by initial difficulties before " acting " in the ordinary sense can even begin, and in Webber's case they were greatest of all, in that his part was a " straight " one with no marked " character " to help it along. It is difficult to imagine any boy making a better job of it than he did. The inevitable incongruousness never obtruded, and even in the acid test of the romantic passages he pulled it off. There were others who may have made their parts more obviously effective, but in many respects Webber's was perhaps the most sustained and intelligent piece of acting of all. The efficient playing of the female roles was not the least important contribution to the production. J. E. Thompson, as Katie, left little to be desired. His complete naturalness and his ability to act with every part of him made his spirited rendering of Mr. Purdie's tom-boy daughter one of the good things of the play. G. E. K. Reynolds, too, never faltered as Mrs. Purdie. He was always telling, and put over his few scenes with real effect. Denby, as " Toots," the foil to Sir Algernon Sprigge, contributed some excellent work. It was a part which lent itself readily to parody, but Denby, very creditably, played with the necessary restraint and was thereby the more -
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effective. He almost always got his laughs, and there is no doubt that by his lively enthusiasm he helped along many difficult scenes. Denholm, as Joe Purdie, made a good partner to Katie, and, if his part was of the sort which should come most readily to a boy, he deserves every credit for the easy naturalness with which he played it. Ping, as " the real Panama Pete," showed conclusively that he has in him the makings of a good character player. At times there was a slight tendency to over-act his part, but it was barely perceptible. He thoroughly understood the role, and there is no doubt that his breezy entrance fulfilled the author's purpose of administering a tonic to the third act just when it was in need of it. Lastly, a word about " Albert " (T. C. Middleton). Like " Joe," this part gave a real opportunity to a boy actor, and Middleton took it. There was little to criticize in his rendering except an occasional inaudibility, against which he should guard in future. Most certainly the play succeeded in the prime function of comedy—that of making an audience laugh. The company would have done still better in this respect if they had had sufficient experience to wait longer for the laughs. In general they did not offend greatly in this, but there were times when incipient laughs were nipped in the bud by overeagerness to get on. Occasionally, too, good comedy lines were " thrown away " when they ought not to have been— presumably because the actors, inevitably staled by rehearsal, had ceased to see that they were funny. Conversely, however, good jokes which were well and efficiently " plugged " fell on stony ground. But that is the inevitable lot of comedy actors. Mechanically the performance rarely faltered. In a play of this type, slickness and good timing are of paramount importance. The timing was usually good, no entrances or exits were fluffed, and no " business " bungled. The general smooth running of the play was a creditable feature. None of the hitches which might so easily have happened in a rather complicated production occurred. The actors were particularly fortunate in one most important respect. They had the advantage of an excellent set. For this, Mr. P. P. Noble Fawcett, who designed it, deserves our heartiest congratulations, as do his helpers, Schofield, Miller and McKinlay. It is but rarely that one sees so good a set on an amateur stage, and Mr. Fawcett's interior at " Newstead Grange," executed with the skill and attention to detail which we now expect from him, 23
thoroughly earned the round of applause which it elicited from the audience when the curtain first rose on it. The professional services of " Bert " with wigs and make-up (an innovation well worth while) added a finishing touch to a production upon which all concerned are to be congratulated.
NOTES AND ITEMS. As usual, in the Christmas Term, the School attended the service on Advent Sunday at the Minster. This term a Glee Club has been formed under the direction of Mrs. Baird. The Club gave the first of what, it is hoped, will be many concerts. This was much appreciated by the School, and Mrs. Baird is to be congratulated on its success. An event of particular interest this term was the visit of Group-Captain Trott, R.A.F., who spoke to the School on opportunities in R.A.F. Air Crews. Group-Captain Trott, who outlined the training and duties of Pilot, Observer, and Rear Gunner, was very successful in stimulating the interest of the more senior boys. Congratulations to G. W. Vero on being appointed Head of the School, and to F. F. Steele on his appointment as Head of the School on Vero's departure. E. P. Bulmer, H. L. Taylor, R. Earle, H. C. Belchamber and A. A. Short are to be congratulated on being appointed School Monitors. This term the Pilgrim Players gave a performance of T. S. Eliot's " Murder in the Cathedral " in the Big Hall. Congratulations to F. F. Steele on being appointed Captain of Rugger, and to G. R. Morris on his appointment as Vice-Captain of Rugger and on the award of his cap. F. N. Buckler is to be congratulated on being awarded his School Rugger cap for 1940. Congratulations to the following on being awarded their School Rugger colours for 1940: H. L. Taylor, D. Cole, A. Broadhurst, G. Long, R. Earle, E. P. Bulmer, H. C. Belchamber, J. P. Pulleyn, D. Taylor, A. A. Short, W. H. W. Ping. Also congratulations to E. A. Shearston, S. H. Beetham, C. A. F. Cookson, D. D. S. Evans, A. C. Brown, P. H. 0. Ruddock and W. E. Veitch on their 2nd XV colours.. 24
The Speech Day and .Prize Distribution was held on Wednesday, November 27th, and the prizes were distributed by Major-General E. C. Gepp, D.S.O. E. P. Bulmer has been appointed an Editor of " The Peterite." Congratulations to F. N. Buckler on his appointment as Captain of Squash, and to F. F. Steele on being appointed Captain of Hockey for the coming term. Dr.. Whitmore gave a series of lectures on what is termed " Modern Physics." These lectures were extremely instructive and interesting, and were well attended. As we hope Dr. Whitmore will continue this series, we propose leaving a detailed account to our next number, when we shall give a full account of all the lectures.
CRICKET—ST. PETER'S v. AMPLEFORTH. A correspondent, T. Watkinson, of Rose Cottage, Oswaldkirk, has supplemented the statistics (published in the last number of " The Peterite ") of St. Peter's v. Ampleforth matches by sending information relating to the years for which no record could be traced:1914 St. Peter's 58, Ampleforth 73, Away, Lost. 1915 No match arranged. 1922 Scratched. 1931 Scratched. These additions complete the record of matches played since 1890.
THE DEBATING SOCIETY. President : THE HEADMASTER. Chairman : L. C. LE TOCQ, Esq. Committee : F. F. STEELE, A. A. SHORT, G. LONG, R. L. PRYER. The first meeting of the term was held on Saturday, 5th October, and the motion was that " Athletics was a finer training for mind and body than Hockey." J. P. Corry's first point on rising to propose the motion was that training for athletics required far more selfdiscipline and self-denial than was needed for hockey, and self-denial is a good thing for mind and body. Training for athletics required strict and fixed hours—early to bed and 25
early to rise made a man healthy and all the rest of it. After a short speech he sat down. F. F. Steele was then called upon by the Chairman to oppose the motion. Steele argued that athletics was a selfish sport. Though admittedly stricter training was required, the training is carried out for self, and whenever a person began thinking about himself only, that person's mind became warped, and thus athletics was bad for the mind. That it was good for the body, Steele did not doubt, but he contended that the resultant distortion of the mind more than counterbalanced the increase in physical fitness. Unless a person was a born athlete, athletics was not an enjoyable sport. Hockey, however, could be enjoyed by anyone, be he a good or bad player. H. D. Revill, in seconding the motion, said that in this time of war he considered a knowledge of how to run essential (laughter) He then touched on the serious accidents which occurred in hockey, and said he knew of few things he would less like to face than a team of female hockey players. His next point was that as running was the basis of hockey, if the School learnt to run, the standard of hockey would improve. D. Cole, seconding the opposer, said that far from athletics improving the standard of hockey it had greatly lowered it. The hockey team, which got into its stride about half-term, then had to stop and give way to athletics. A few years ago this School had a reputation for first-class hockey, not merely in England, but in Europe. But this reputation, like our reputation for squash, was dying. Cole stressed the importance of the team spirit which hockey cultivated. The debate was then thrown open to the house. Long rose, and traced hockey back to " Shinty," an Irish game, and to a game played in Central Africa by natives using tree-trunks and skulls. Hockey, according to Long, pandered to the viciousness in man in that it encouraged them to maltreat a harmless ball. Denby was up in arms against athletics, talking with great volubility and fluency for five minutes. He then said he didn't know what he was talking about, and sat down to allow an astounded house to recover. After some more speeches from the house, Steele summed up for the opposition. Corry replied in favour of the motion. After a vote, the motion was defeated by 23 votes to 10. 26 .
The next meeting was held on Saturday, 19th October. The Chairman called upon G. W. Vero to propose the motion that " This House would approve the policy of purely reprisal raids over Germany." Vero's first point was that bombing towns in Germany would increase the morale of the British people in the towns which had been so severely bombed. These persons would be able to stand up to this bombing very much better if they knew that German women and children were receiving it too. The damage we did to military objectives was easily ringed off, and thus the German people did not realise how powerful and accurate our bombing was. To show them this, we must bomb towns and villages. This would smash Goering's boast that no R.A.F. plane would fly over Germany. T. B. Boulton, in opposing the motion, did not think it fair that we should add to the suffering of the German women and children. " How," asked Boulton, " could we construct a world of friendship between nations with a German nation remembering the suffering caused by our inhuman attacks ? " He then argued that to bomb women and children was a waste of bombs, petrol and planes, because those bombs and the journeys across Germany, instead of maiming a few thousand civilians, could blow up ammunition dumps, factories, etc. Boulton concluded by an appeal to the chivalry of the British nation, whose tradition it was to obey the rules of war. J. A. Denison, in supporting the seconder, made a concise and clear speech, his points being:— (1) Deep shelters are impossible in Berlin because of the numerous lakes surrounding the town. (2) The effect on the morale of our people caused by the bombing of German towns. (3) The Germans were not so prepared as we were for air attacks, as we had had some experience of them in the last war, whereas Germany had not. R. Pryer, in seconding Boulton, stated that railway sidings should be specially attacked, thus causing an increase in the food shortage. He also stated that our bomber force was so small that we needed every plane available for bombing to smash German invasion bases.
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Dr. Whitmore agreed that our bomber force was too small to waste on children, but H. Brown was for bombing the children and getting them out of the way (reason unknown but presumably because they will fight in the next war), and then bombing the women, thus causing a shortage in labour. Several speakers spoke somewhat irrelevantly and at great length from the house before Boulton was called on to sum up against the motion. Boulton ridiculed some of the sillier speeches, and reiterated his points. Vero, in summing up, said that we had a very large bombing force, and that indiscriminate bombing would ruin the morale of the German people. We don't know where he got these ideas from, but he seemed very sure of them. A vote was taken, and we have to record that the motion was carried by 19 votes to 11. The last meeting of the term was held on Saturday, 16th November. After the minutes had been read, the Chairman called on G. W. Denby to propose the motion that " This House believes in Ghosts." Denby rose and urged us to rid ourselves of the idea that ghosts were condemned souls who walked about clanking chains. He then produced his theory, viz., there is no proof that there are no ghosts, therefore, there are ghosts. He then told us some soul-shaking ghost stories, but just when he got to the point, would break off and announce to the house with complete conviction that this therefore proved the existence of ghosts. Spiritualism and mediums were brought before a sceptic house as examples of the better class of ghost. He then sat down, leaving it to the good sense of the house to deduce the correct answer from the mass of evidence he had placed before them. Mr. Burgess rose to oppose the motion. He made a very clever and amusing speech, exposed Denby's fallacies and himself made a number of remarkable statements. For instance, he stated that Shakespeare was a quack charlatk_i, who deliberately bolstered up ghosts to obtain a facile dramatic effect. Many members of the house welcomed this attitude to Shakespeare. It appeared that even Shakespeare, whom we were taught to regard as a god, had feet of clay. He wrote, in common with all writers from the beginning of civilisation to the end, for money. 28 •
Mr. Burgess's crowning argument against ghosts was that never, while listening to the wireless, had we heard something like, " This is Sir Walter Raleigh, who will speak to you of his experiences in the Bloody Tower." No ghost had been brought before the microphone; the B.B.C. had brought everything that existed into their studios, and he was therefore certain there could be no ghosts. He sat down after telling the house some flattering things about its intelligence. G. Long, rising to support the motion, was surprised at Mr. Burgess's estimate of the intelligence of the house. He, Long, had heard Mr. Burgess express his opinion of this intelligence in other terms than those used to-night. He hoped Mr. Burgess was not descending to flattery to obtain votes. " Romance," said Long, " is disappearing from our modern life ; and a little romance is a necessary thing. Ghosts provide it, therefore let us believe in ghosts." Ghosts were a typically English institution, an English tradition and one of the many things English which America envies and desires. America can have no real ghosts. What American ghost can compare with. Anne Boleyn stalking the Bloody Tower with her head tucked underneath her arm. The only ghosts America can produce are the shades of Al Capone and his fellow gangsters rattling their submachine guns in Chicago back-alleys. People like ghosts—witness the popularity of ghost stories. He reminded the house of their own school ghost— ye famed red slippers. A ghost added tone to a place—of what value was a castle or tower without its ghost ? The English ghost, like the English butler, is the envy of other countries. They can import our butlers, they can't import our ghosts. D. Middleton, seconding the opposer, based the whole of his speech on science, and dismissed the ghost as a wholly useless and moneyless institution. The debate then wandered into a technical discussion on the biblical quotations which Denby had scattered ,T#broad. Steele very neatly attempted to extract an admission from Mr. Burgess that he held science in respect, but Mr. Burgess, at the expense of destroying his colleague's argument, denied it. Various members of the house, with many blushes and smirks, then brought forward their ghost stories. The 29
debate ended with the respective principals summing up, and a vote being taken the motion was defeated by 28 votes to 12. This debate was a very amusing and clever debate, Long and Mr. Burgess being outstanding. The Debating Society has now to say " good-bye " to Mr. Le Tocq. In 1937, as Chairman, he re-started the Society. Thanks to his efforts, it is one of the most flourishing Societies in the School, always sure of commanding large audiences and always certain of providing an amusing and enjoyable evening. It is with deep regret at the loss of his service and with sincere thanks for all he has done that we wish him the best of luck in the Army.
THE SCIENTIFIC SOCIETY. President: THE HEADMASTER. Vice-Presidents : W. N. CORKHILL, Esq., L. C. LE TOCQ, Esq., A. W. PING, Esq., Dr. WHITMORE. Hon. Treasurer: A. W. PING, Esq. Hon. Secretary : F. F. STEELE. The Society continued a very active life, and in the course of the term a full and interesting programme was carried out. One of the most successful events was the joint meeting with the York Field Naturalists' Society, when Mr. Vear gave a talk on " Birds in their Natural Haunts." Not the least interesting part of Mr. Vear's talk was his exposition of the technique of photographing wild life, of which, as the slides showed, he was so obviously a master. Other interesting lectures included in the term's programme were " The Practical Difficulties of Working at Low Pressures with Gases," by Mr. Corkhill, and " Soap Films," by Mr. S. Melmore, B.Sc., the latter also a joint meeting with the Field Naturalists' Society. The usual " Exhibition Night " was held. Prominent among the exhibits was Mr. Ping's collection of coins and medals, the medal struck by the Germans to commemorate the " victorious " sinking of the " Lusitania " in the last war arousing particular interest. 30
SWIMMING. ROYAL LIFE SAVING SOCIETY AWARDS. The following gained• both their intermediate certificates and bronze medals for life-saving last term :—Clephan, Revill, Ping, Corry, Ruddock, Cole, Penniston, Dench, 'Hanson, Reynolds (A. G.), Sheriff, Long, Reynolds (G. E.), Penty, Smith, Anderson (D.), Cave, Wyman, Tayler (I.), Cheesewright, Donaldson, Miller, Burton, Godsmark, Rodwell, Leigh, Tee, Pryer (R. R. L.), Robson (J. C.). Dodd attained his bronze medal only, and Pryer (D. L.) gained his intermediate certificate.
THE HOUSE CONCERTS. •
We have never seen any entertainment quite like the House. Concerts. They have properties which are definitely all their own, some of the humour being, of necessity, of a topical nature. As the Headmaster aptly femarked, they reveal talent for mimicry hitherto entirely unsuspected. However, we feel that they are decidedly a Good Thing, and hope that they will long continue to amuse US.
THE SCHOOL HOUSE CONCERT. The concert given' by School House was heralded by n epidemic of strange posters throughout the School, mostly of a highly-coloured nature (it was later learned that they were the work of Olavites). One, at least, which held the place of honour below the clock in Big Hall made the beholder ;:ertain that he must be in a state of intoxication, for the letters were swimming about in an alarming manner. The concert began (almost on time) to the applause of an enthusiastic audience, with a sketch of school life, during which we saw tinned apricots consumed at a tremendous rate, and were given the " low-down " on what happens in School House during Prep. (we had often wondered). It would appear that the members of that establishment divide their time between slanging the Staff and listening to enemy propaganda (which was surprisingly well-informed of school affairs). Through the medium of the wireless we heard a series of character sketches of members of the School and Staff (one of the earlier ones being accompanied by a familiar grunt from the back of ,
31
the hall). The School devoured this with relish, greeting each new witticism with roars of mirth. After this a mixed fare was presented to us, from the singing of popular dance tunes of the day to short sketches of married life (My hat!), and from accordion playing to imitations of repertory companies. Then came a strange affair which we were given to understand was a pantomime entitled " Cinderella," and served up " a l'americain." The language was impossible to understand ; the plot was too complicated to be followed; and yet it contrived to be very funny indeed. Denby's American accent was really one of the funniest things in this performance. The pantomime ended in a flurry of shooting (blank cartridge pistols and air guns ingeniously converted into sub-machine guns were used) and for no apparent reason the " bulls " carried off one of the Ugly Sisters to the " sneezer," apparently because she had " rubbed out " some " guy " with an " equalizer." (Tills epidemic is catching!) Last of all we were given the " piece de resistance," the famous Tuck-shop Scene. Its principal feature was the impersonation of sundry members of the Staff, and, in poiit of actual fact, the sketch was good. The School heartily enjoyed it. Middleton, as Mr. Cosp*r, deserves special mention, and also Denby, if not for the quality of the impersonation, at least for the humour which he himself gave to it. So it may be said that the School House Concert Nvf:s enjoyed by all who saw it, and we hope that they will continue to give us these shows. THE RISE CONCERT. It was the Rise who, last year, gave the lead in the matter of House Concerts, and it is a pity that their effort this year fell short of the high standard which we had been led to expect. However, the show was produced at great speed, and but for the inevitable comparison with their previous production, the Rise would have been considered to do very well. There were, indeed, outstandingly good performances, which we will deal with as we come to them. The concert opened with the inevitable " prep " scene, which was rather a well-worn subject by now. The idea of pieces of dialogue from the various studies combining to form an amusing whole was rather lost. 32 4
We cannot, of course, deal with all the items here. The writer, following the example of " 1066 and All That," makes no attempt to summarise the concert, but is relying entirely upon his memory. The items which are " memorable " are obviously the important ones. A feature of the show was Hort's piano playing, which was enjoyed by highbrow and low-brow alike. Definitely of the latter class, however, was D. Taylor's humour. His pantomime speech was very well done, and went down very well. The two principal characters of the " melodrama " were also very good, Taylor again, as an extremely offensive villain (we beg his pardon!), and Thompson, J., as the demure young heroine, were really good. Unfortunately, they were poorly supported, but otherwise this was the best sketch of the evening. (As a matter of interest, we have it on good authority that Taylor has been advised, by one competent to judge on these matters, to go in for low comedy on the music-halls, where, he is assured, he would make a fortune. We understand that he is very indignant.) The last scene of all, the once more inevitable " staff " scene, showed us the masters in the army. Taylor, D's impersonation, and that of Thompson were very realistic, the former in voice, the latter in appearance. So the House Concerts ended for this term. We think that we are justified in saying that both were immensely entertaining.
" Reviewer."
J.T.C. NEWS. This term the J.T.C., as the O.T.C. is now called, has been much larger than has been the case for some time past, as in all there were five platoons, one of which consisted entirely of recruits. As regards training, No. 1 platoon, consisting of post certificate "A" candidates, prepared for the promotion examination, which was held during the last week of the term. No. 2 platoon underwent training for the certificate " A," which was held in December, and the results of which appear elsewhere. Nos. 3 and 4 platoons underwent the usual drill and attended several lectures, and No. 5 platoon, 33
under Sergeant Major Puddick, were instructed in elementary drill. Next term we are losing the services of Lieut. Le Tocq, who has had to answer the call of his country, and in this capacity we wish him the best of luck. We extend a hearty welcome to 2nd. Lieut. K. H. Rhodes as our new Company Commander.
THE FIELD DAY. On November 26th the whole contingent went to Strensall by bus and had a Field Day, four of which have now to be held yearly. A platoon of the West Yorkshire Regiment, kindly provided by Major Craig, demonstrated a mock attack to us, and this was well described from stage to stage by Major Craig. For the sake of convenience the Company was divided into three platoons, and when the attack was over, one of these carried out the same attack under the watchful eye of 2nd Lieut. K. H. Rhodes, while the other two were instructed in visual training and march discipline by Lieut. Le Tocq and Sergeant Major Puddick respectively. By the end of the afternoon each platoon had carried out each of these three items of training. May we take this opportunity of thanking Sergeant Major Puddick for preparation of all the equipment for us. CERTIFICATE " A." On December 9th the Certificate "A" was held at the Barracks, and out of twenty-three candidates for this examination eighteen passed. To say that this result is good is superfluous, but we may add we would be far more pleased with a 100% pass. The successful candidates were: Battrick, Beetham, Brown (A. C.), Davison, Frost, Hannon, Langstaff, Long, Miller, Mitchell, Morris, Ping, Pryer, Reynolds, Robson (T.), Shepherd, Taylor (D.), Webber. RECRUITS' SHOOTING COMPETITION. During the course of the term, Sergeant Major Puddick very kindly organised a shooting competition for the recruits, but the number of entries was regrettably low. It is to be hoped that in future many more recruits will enter, for it is the recruits who will one day be the backbone of 34
the J.T.C., and it is they who receive particular attention from an inspecting officer. Successful entrants who received small trophies were as follows : Garth (1), Sherriff (2). PROMOTIONS. Sgt. G. W. Vero to C.S.M. (26/9/40), Sgt. G. D. Jefferson to C.S.M. (29/10/40), Cpl. Steele to C.Q.M.S. Cdts. Cole*, Short*, Barker*, Pulleyn*, Ruddock (P.) *, Buckler* to L/Cpls. * As result of the promotion examination.
SHOOTING. Shooting this term has unfortunately been restricted, as Mr. Le Tocq has been fully occupied with his duties in the Home Guard. In spite of this, however, a high standard has been maintained, and the difficulties presented by the blackout have been mostly overcome. We had one private " Country Life " fixture with Durham School. This we won by 84 points. The individual scores were as follows :Earle, 65 ; Cole, 76 ; Buckler, 61; Steele, 74 ; Vero, 74 ; Langstaff, 74 ; Taylor, 52 ; Frost, 62. St. Peter's, 538; Durham, 454. The Public Schools Shooting League matches have been resumed this term. So far two matches have been shot. The first was against Ampleforth College; this was drawn, each team scoring 127. The second was against Repton " A," who won by 8 points. St. Peter's School v. Ampleforth College. R. Earle, 33 ; J. R. Frost, 32 ; F. N. Buckler, 31; R. G. Langstaff, 31; Total, 127. St. Peter's v. Repton " A." R. Earle, 28 ; H. D. Revill, 32 ; F. F. Steele, 29; R. F. Langstaff, 30; Total, 119. Repton, 127. In these matches six people shoot, and the four best scores are taken. We look forward to a very successful season next term. 35
HOME GUARD. Home Guard activities this term offered a complete contrast to those of last term. Night patrols were abandoned, and parades were devoted, as far as the School was concerned, to lectures, demonstrations and shooting. One very interesting feature was introduced when York Aerodrome was visited. After explaining to us, as far as possible, the intricacies of the Westland Lysander, the Squadron gave us a fine exhibition of supply and message dropping, and the picking up of messages by use of this aircraft. Dive bombing was also to have been included in the repertoire, but, unfortunately, the weather prevented this. We also paid a visit to Strensall, and there tried out a new type of gun with which we had been equipped. This is a very good example of the fine co-operation between the Home Guard and the Regular Army. Another example of this was seen in a visit to Fulford Barracks. Here we were given a brief course in anti-aircraft defence. Finally, lest any should doubt it, the St. Peter's Home Guard, we can safely assert, is ready for any eventuality which may happen, and the people of York can rest assured that we will play our part to our utmost ability should the need arise.
ST. PETER'S SCOUTS. It was decided to continue the troop in spite of the fact that Mr. Crews has temporarily departed, and Mr. Cooper took on the job of Scoutmaster. There are now only fifteen scouts in all, including several sleeping partners, but quite a useful programme was carried out until the evenings drew in to such an extent that meetings had to be abandoned. There seems to be very little time for scouting and no new members have been enrolled recently, so that it looks as if the troop may be disbanded through lack of support. This would be a great pity, and we hope that some of the young entry will be able to find time for scouting. Those scouts who come regularly will tell you what is done during the meetings. 36
FAMOUS OLD PETERITES-Vi. CHARLES PALEY SCOTT, K.C. Mr. Paley Scott was born on the 17th of June, 1881, and attended the School in the latter half of the '90s under ,
he seems to have been quite an athlete, as he played for the
1st XV at rugger as both a forward and a three-quarter, and to judge from the team characters he was a very dashing player. He played for the 2nd XI at cricket, and from available statistics excelled at athletics and gymnasium, representing the VIth Form in the latter pastime. As regards his studies I am unable to find any reference to any examination or prize winning successes that he might have had. In " The Peterite " of 1900 I find that 112 was Secretary of the Programme, a club which, I presume, corresponds to " The Curtain " of to-day. In the same year he took the part of a priest in " Twelfth Night." On leaving School, Mr. Scott went to King's College, Cambridge. He passed his Little-go in 1900. The next information that I can refer to is that in 1906 he was called to the Bar in the Inner Temple, and immediately joined the North Eastern Circuit, of which he has remained a member ever since. In 1917 he joined the army. He was commissioned in February, 1918, and in April of the same year he went to France, where he remained until February, 1919. In the years following the War he became one of the busiest Junior Counsel on the circuit, and in 1923 he was appointed Recorder of Doncaster, a position which he occupied until 1933, when he was made a K.C. and Recorder of Kingston-upon-Hull, in which capacity he remains to this day. He is a bencher of the Inner Temple, and in 1936 he was appointed Chancellor of the County Palatine of Durham. Mr. Scott's most outstanding case so far has been the renowned " Girl Pat " case, which caused such a stir at the time; in this case he was Counsel for the Prosecution. I understand that among his legal colleagues, Mr. Paley Scott has a reputation as a clever caricaturist, and from what I have seen of him in court he has an exceptional sense of humour. To conclude, I must add that we are very grateful for Mr. Scott's noble, but vain effort to close Love Lane, which runs right through the School grounds. G. D. Jefferson.
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THE BRITISH SHIP ADOPTION SOCIETY. Contact with our " adopted " ship has been maintained since news last appeared in " The Peterite." Our last voyage with the " Holmpark " was a journey home with sugar from Mauritius, and extracts are printed below from letters from Capt. Richard and Mr. Martin about the island. Capt. Richard has been transferred to the " Wellpark," and, as usual, we have followed him. We have just completed our first voyage with this ship, a comparatively new flushdecked vessel somewhat smaller than the " Holmpark." Naturally, little can be said of this voyage, but it was made without damage from the enemy, and at the time of writing " our " ship is well away outward bound once more. Mr. Martin has also left the " Holmpark," but his correspondents are keeping in touch with him on his new ship, so we can look forward to some more of his interesting letters. We were glad to see him at the School in the summer, and hope to hear shortly that he has recovered from the attack of fever which has interrupted his latest voyage.
MAURITIUS. An island of volcanic origin, Mauritius is described by patriotic residents as " The Pearl of the Indian Ocean " and the " Rainbow Isle." Frequent showers in the hills ensure that the latter title is fully justified, and it is seldom that a day passes without providing at least one of these vivid splashes of colour. The island is situated to the east of Madagascar, and distant from Durban and Beira some 1,500 miles. Only 29 miles wide and 39 miles long, it seems hardly big enough to support a population of 400,000. Visitors may be tempted to give it a third title—" The Disappointing Isle." It is disappointing to find 300,000 Indians and 10,000 Chinese in such a spot. The other 100,000 include 70,000 Creoles of African or Malagasy origin, 20,000 Mauritians of French descent, and about 300 Britishers—mostly English. Great Britain won the island after an argument with the French in 1810. The chief products of the country are sugar, pineapples, copra, turtles, malaria and cyclones. The French language is used by all races, and it seems slightly improper to hear Indians and Chinese conversing in that tongue. 38
Numerous rivers provide good fishing, while the sea offers plenty of thrills for big-game fishermen. All round the coast there is ample opportunity to catch tunny, becune, barracuda, sailfish and Marline swordfish. Fresh and salt water both entice swimmers, and nature has arranged excellent protection against sharks. Lagoons surrounded by coral reefs keep these hungry pests away—the reefs keep them outside the lagoons. One of the best lagoons is Blue Bay. It is the crater of an extinct volcano, and the water is very deep, and even among bright blue lagoons this one stands out by the vividness of its colour. Residents are proud of the fact that this stretch of water inspired the title of de Vere Stacpoole's novel, " The Blue Lagoon.", The coast is well sprinkled with old Dutch forts (they had a finger in the pie at one time) and numerous French fortifications, which were used as protection from revengeful Corsairs who had been driven out during the 18th century. The latter earned an honest crust by raiding the East India fleet of merchantmen as they passed to and from Europe via the Cape of Good Hope. From November to May cyclones are to be expected, but there is usually 24 to 48 hours' notice, due to sudden big drops in barometric pressure, and the " feel " of the atmosphere. Shipping takes full advantage of the warning and leaves the harbours for the open sea, while people on shore take in the family washing and prepare generally for a spot of bother. In 1931 the bridge over the river at Baie du Cap was lifted by the wind and scattered over the countryside some miles away. Malarial mosquitoes are most active during this period, and it is advisable not to remain at the seaside after sunset during these months. Port Louis is the only harbour in use to-day, except for small craft. The town is rather a ramshackle place and the buildings are very much in need of paint. It is a typical " native " town, although there are two or three beautiful avenues. They remain beautiful in spite of neglect. A noticeable feature of the town are the gutters in the streets, and more particularly the storm water canals which wander from the foot of the mountains to the harbour. The gutters are wide and deep in order to cope with the large volume of water which has to be carried away during every tropical shower. Past experience must be responsible for the construction of the storm water canals. They are about 50 ft. wide and 20 ft. deep and built of brick. So great is the volume of water which rushes down from the mountains 39
during the cyclones or cloudbursts that the canals are full of water travelling at high speed. Amongst the countries with dense tropical vegetation, Mauritius is perhaps one of the most fortunate, inasmuch as there are no snakes or wild animals to fear, and it is possible to flounder about to one's heart's content in safety. Malarial areas must, of course, be avoided during the " bad " months. At one time rats overran the country, and the mongoose, that deadly enemy of the snake, was introducel. Unfortunately a mistake was made, and instead of two malesa pair was liberated, and now there are millions of them. Chickens suffer most from the attention of these little chaps, but there are now no rats, so perhaps the mongoose may be forgiven for any inconvenience he now causes. Monkeys are also numerous, but nature provides ample food for them, and they keep to the trees. When one is motoring on the country roads, monkeys are often seen in large numbers, sitting in the road apparently in conference. As the car rounds the bend the monkeys leap for the trees, and on arrival at the spot there is not an animal to be seen. Large numbers of deer roam the hills, and stag shooting is a popular sport among Europeans. Sugar plantations cover a large area, mostly on a plateau about 1,100 ft. above sea level. All volcanic activity has now ceased, but there is evidence in every direction that eruptions of great violence must have taken place in the past. Nowhere is this more obvious than in the sugar plantations. Rocks of all sizes are scattered all over the countryside, and the smaller ones have been neatly stacked in piles. The cane is planted between the piles and around the larger rocks. In spite of the cheap labour and large numbers of men available for the work, no attempt has been made to remove the obstructions, partly because the cost would be great and time an important factor. Another and perhaps deciding reason is that the rocks provide some shelter for the cane and help to keep the soil from blowing away during cyclones. Pineapple growing is not on a large scale, but tinned pineapples are exported as well as jam. Apart from the agencies and some larger shops, all shops are run by Chinese, or perhaps it is more accurate to say that all Chinese are shopkeepers or merchants of one kind or another. They are healthy and clean looking, and like most Chinese they are friendly souls. Indians also own shops, but 90% of them are labourers and plantation workers. When the French administration wanted workers 40
they turned to their possessions in Indo-China, and when the British arrived they naturally brought Indians to work the greatly extended plantations. Even now the rapid increase of the Indian population is a problem, and the time is not far distant when a scheme of migration will have to be introduced. They live in villages under the most primitive conditions, and prefer to live in squalid mud huts, rather than to spend the energy needed to build with timber which is there for the taking. The country has been opened up by a number of good roads. The main ones are paved, but the secondary ones are also in good condition. The road from Port Louis rises to a point 1,500 ft. above sea level—at Curepipe. So gradual is the rise that the fifteen mile climb is not noticed during the upward journey. However, a car can " coast " nearly all the way back. Curepipe is a town and district situated in the healthiest and most pleasant part of the island. Naturally the British live there. Golf courses and other pleasure grounds, as well as pleasant houses and gardens, are plentiful. On the edge of the town is a low extinct volcano. The lip of the crater forms a perfect circle and the floor is about 200 ft. below the lip. It is a perfect natural arena. This volcano occupies the exact centre of the island, and if it is responsible for all the havoc of past years it is no wonder that it is dead—from exhaustion. From the rim of the crater, round which the road runs, there is an excellent view over the district of Curepipe, and beyond to the mountains near the coast. If it were not for the latter it would be possible to see the entire coastline of the island. The crater was at one time a favourite drinking place for stags, hence its name, " Trou aux Cerfs." Another day's run, to Tamarind Falls, was enjoyable. These falls are also known as the " Seven Cascades," a descriptive and much more pleasing name. The water drops from a height of 1,500 ft. over seven ledges of rock, to the floor of a gorge. At one time this gorge was probably an arm of the sea, but an earthquake or other disturbance raised the level. On looking down the gorge towards the sea, two headlands—standing on dry land—stand out prominently, and beyond is a small plain extending about a mile to the sea beach. The view from the edge of the cliffs is a direct challenge to persons fond of rock climbing, but there are also plenty of less difficult ways of reaching 41
various points of vantage. The cascades, from the point we viewed them, were too far away for effective camera work, except with a telephoto lens, and a week-end camp would be the best way of assuring good photos. A fine specimen of calabash near the cliff edge recalls to mind a still more curious tree—the banyan. The young banyan grows at first just like any ordinary tree. Later it sends out branches at right angles to the trunk, which stretch out for many yards.. Without support these branches would sag to the ground, so each branch sends out a shoot towards the ground. The shoot gets longer and thicker, until it reaches the ground, where it takes root. This process continues in all directions, until one tree has so many " trunks " that it appears to be several trees, the trunks of which have interlaced. One good specimen we saw would provide shade for the whole parade ground at St. Peter's, and had 29 " trunks." A short holiday at the right season of the year would be very enjoyable, but there is nothing to attract the permanent resident, other than those who have business interests of course. The best proof of this is that there are no Europeans in the island who live there because they prefer it. Theatres do not exist, and there are no entertainments other than the cinemas. The latter are not reserved for Europeans as they are in South Africa, so this form of entertainment is not available. A strict colour bar is observed in private social circles, but public places and vehicles are open to all. Amusement for Europeans is of their own making, and consists largely of house parties, golf, tennis, etc. In the cool season most people camp at the seaside, and return to the hills in the hot weather. —Extract from letter from F. Martin, Esq., W/O., S.S. " Holmpark." February, 1940.
MAURITIUS. Mauritius is a fairly small island about 35 miles long and quite mountainous, the highest point being about the 3,000 feet mark. Port Louis is the chief port for ships, where about ten ships of our tonnage can be berthed, and is reported to be none too healthy, although I am pleased to say we fared quite well. The island is in the cyclone belt, 42
so moorings have to be good, and still one does not feel too happy. We had some wind at times but got nothing bad, and on the whole the weather was hot but not unpleasant. We were fortunate through the kindness of friends there to be able to see quite a bit of the island, and to have several car rides. The island is volcanic and I visited one extinct crater. Port Louis is the chief business centre, but owing to its bad reputation for health, the Europeans do not live in the town, but leave before dark and go away to various parts in the hills at an elevation of 1,800 to 2,000 feet. For its size the island appeared to be well supplied with good roads and plenty of cars. We drove through many miles of sugar cane in various stages of growth, sugar being the principal export. I also visited the Marine Museum where I saw the boat from the " Trevessa " which, you may remember, was lost in the Indian Ocean, and the crew made a long journey in their boat to Mauritius. I also saw some interesting relics from a British frigate which was lost in a sea battle with the French in past days. The fine copper nails were in fine condition. The island appears to be very fertile, and at the various settlements in the hills there are some beautiful gardens. Their only drawback seems to be the cyclones, which at times play havoc with the canes, as they get beaten down and broken off at the roots.
1940.
—Extract from letter from Capt. Richard, Master, S.S. " Holmpark."
FRAGMENT . . . There came a man born on a sea of greed, And swept to power by every evil need, Who cried into the new born infant's ear, You shall see death, and treachery, and fear, And know it not . . . R.J.L. 43
DOW CRAGS IN WINTER. A TRUE EXPERIENCE. The air was bright and clear when one morning last December a party of climkers left Coniston Youth Hostel for Dow Crag. We knew that we should encounter snow, because we could see it lying on the mountain tops, and we accordingly carried our ice-axes. The walk to the crag was gentle and pleasant, the mountains with their white winter coats forming a charming background for a party of eight, all wearing an assortment of old clothes, and carrying ruck-sacks and ropes. The steady crunch of nailed boots on the crisp snow and the chink of ice-axes on the stones were the only sounds that disturbed the pleasant surroundings. But soon the crags were in view, and the murmur of voices grew louder as we discussed with one another whether this or that climb would be possible under the conditions at present prevailing. A further half-hour's walking brought us to the cave, which we use as our " headquarters " for the day's climbing. Accordingly we divested ourselves of our ruck-sacks and put on our extra sweaters and balaclava helmets, for climbing in winter is very cold sport. More discussion followed as to what climbs should, and what climbs should not be attempted, and finally—irrespective of what the others were doing—a companion called Robin and myself decided to try " D " buttress. Under summer conditions " D " is an easy climb, but under the winter conditions which faced us we were prepared for anything. We took a hundred feet of rope and commenced the preliminary scrambling to the foot of the first *pitch of the climb. During this we found ourselves up to our knees in snowdrifts on more than one occasion, and this gave us some indication of what we were faced with later on. We roped up, and it was decided that Robin should lead, so after making his -belay he began to climb. As he climbed he had to do a great deal of " gardening " to clear the snow from the holds, and by the end of the first pitch I was completely covered in it, since my position was exactly in the path of the small avalanche which he was sending down. After some minutes waiting, Robin shouted down that he had found his belay, and I began to climb. It was at this 44
stage that I realised why the leader had climbed so slowly, because after climbing but a few feet, it was necessary to stop and restore the circulation to one's fingers by much blowing and beating. This is no easy task when one is balancing upon approximately two square centimetres of rock with a drop of tens of feet below. On reaching the top of the first pitch I found myself standing upon a ledge about the size of the average mantelpiece, and at this stage I had to change places with Robin to enable him to lead the next pitch. To make matters worse the ledge was covered with snow, and although we had only ascended about one-fifth of the climb, our hands and feet were completely numb by this time. We climbed steadily, using similar technique to that applied on the first pitch, for about two hours, and then we found ourselves on a wide snowy ledge which marked the top of the climb. The view was pleasant although it was really nothing spectacular—one does not take up rock climbing in order to see views, although the pastime is one which does no harm to anybody and may be enjoyed in conjunction with the sport. After resting awhile we gave our thoughts to a route of descent. The obvious route was down a type of gully known as " Easy Terrace," and so we set out for the start of this descent, pushing our way through deep snow. This entailed a traverse across a steep snow slope which was at an agle of about seventy degrees with the horizontal. The usual method applied on such a traverse is to cut steps across with the ice-axe, but as we had not brought them up the crag with us we had to simply kick footholds with our boots. This procedure is not a very safe one, but with the aid of careful balance and good belays we managed to get across without accident. We were now at the top of the gully and saw that the problem with which we were faced was a mass of deep snow several hundred feet long and about three feet wide, the average angle of slope being about sixty degrees. Under normal conditions one descends this by sliding down the I:scree, but under " Alpine " conditions it is a very different matter. We remained roped together, and led alternate pitches, but since there were no belays, the only guard against falling to the bottom if one made a false step was the .degree of security with which the second could wedge him45
self into the soft snow. That descent was a nightmare. When it was my turn to move I was so careful that I seemed to take half an hour to descend the fifty feet until the rope became taut, and when Robin was descending I wedged myself so far into the snow that it took some time to extricate myself when the pitch was over. The rest of the day was spent in doing one other climb and then walking back to the Hostel, where a good supper awaited us, and, believe me, after a day's climbing such as we had just completed, one's appetite is somewhat whetted. No one can even hope to describe the joys of climbing in so many words, much less those of winter climbing when the standard of skill required is higher than that for the corresponding climb under normal summer conditions. Let it suffice to say " every man to his own sport." But the man who takes up mountaineering will be the king of all sportsmen. He will not only become healthy in body, but also in his mind. The sport will teach him to think out his problems gradually and while he is at grips with nature. It is a case of man against rock, of man against nature—either may win the final victory. J.McN.I. (Leeds University Climbing Club). * Pitch—Climbs are divided into a number of pitches to facilitate the progress of the climbers. Between each pitch there is usually a belay. -I. Belay—The climbers only move one at a time, so that if the one who is moving falls, his second may hold him by means of a loop of the rope round a spike of rock—this is the belay. Scree—Masses of loose small stones which will move down the slope when any weight is put upon them.
THE WAR IN THE AIR-HI. In our last article it will be remembered that amongst other things we spoke freely of the performances and armaments of the aircraft of the day. If this were peacetime, we could probably do the same thing now. But we are at war, and to discuss the secrets of our latest machines would be, to say the least, very unwise. So we must ask readers not be irritated if we tend to become elusive. By now one can safely say that Britain is hardened to air-raids. There must, indeed, be few people who at least do not know any friends whose homes have been bombed. 46
And, knowing the R.A.F., one can say even more so the same for Germany. From this one fact is obvious : neither side has yet found an effective way of stopping the night bomber. And it seems fairly obvious that in order to deal with the menace successfully a long-range fighter is required, equipped with apparatus for detecting other aircraft and giving their direction. This method would be far better than groping around with a searchlight until one enemy plane is picked up, shooting that down and then looking for another. Another use for the long-range fighter becomes apparent from a consideration of the German aerial attacks on convoys at sea. There the raiders are safe from Hurricanes and Spitfires, and the only opposition is antiaircraft fire and long range flying boats, for example, Short Sunderlands and Saunders Roe Lerwicks. The Short Sunderlands have already proved themselves more than a match for enemy bombers. However, by the employment of long-range fighter aircraft our convoys would be even more securely protected. As regards the fighters actually in service, the days of the Hurricane and Spitfire are numbered. Fast, heavily armed, twin-engined fighters are on the way, and already many must have heard of the Westland Whirlwind*. These, together with the American fighters which are being imported, should effectively keep the Luftwaffe at bay for quite a while. Ever since war began it has been obvious that the Bomber Command has been, and still is, working to a definite plan. To understand this plan let us consider for a moment one factor which would very quickly swing the tide of the war in our favour. That is, an internal revolution in Germany. It is known that Hitler has for some time been attempting to induce the English people to sue for peace. He has tried to do this by trying to terrorise the civilian population with unrestricted bombing raids. The spirit of the peoples of Coventry, Birmingham, Sheffield and Manchester bears testimony to the uselessness of that method. Equally so, it would be foolish to treat the Germans in this way, as the civilian population, bound in strong subjection by the Nazis as they are, are not likely to be the ones to start a revolution. It is within the armed forces that the seed of discontent must be sown, for no soldier is going to fight, knowing that the material with which he is expected to fight is almost non-existent. 47
The plan of the Bomber Command has, therefore, been to avoid, as far as possible, bombing civilians, which is a colossal waste of material, and to concentrate on pounding the enemy military machine. Since the capitulation of France our bombers have been attacking Hitler and his Axis " partner " with everincreasing ferocity. Their first object was the exceptionally vital task of rendering useless the all-important French occupied Channel Ports. During September not a day or night passed without a visit from the R.A.F., which always resulted in large fires, easily visible from the South Coast. There is no doubt that in that month the Bomber Command postponed indefinitely the much heralded plans of that " nazi little man." In raids over Germany our main object seems to be to drive the industries of the Nazi war machine to the east, where communications are poor. Then, using long-range bombers, the R.A.F. will aim mercilessly blow after blow at the production machine, till none but charred ruins remain. Amongst the new bombers which are being used by the R.A.F. is the Short Stirling. This is a four-engined machine with a large range. Besides the Short Stirling there is also the Avro Manchester. These two bombers are far in advance of anything any other country has yet produced. One of them is reputed to have attained a speed of 335 m.p.h. From this piece of evidence it may be stated that they are 50 m.p.h. faster than America's much publicised Flying Fortresses. Several American bombers are also being used, such as the Douglas Boston, our only bomber with a tricycle undercarriage. The D.B.7B., the latest model, is reputed to attain 350 m.p.h. France ordered 120 Consolidated B. 24 four-engined bombers. Britain has taken the order. These planes are notable because of their highly efficient wing design. Newspaper reports regarding the quantity of aircraft which are arriving in this country from America should be treated with reserve. The monthly output figure now stands at 300-350. It is hoped that this figure will rise to 550 early in 1941, but it is not expected to reach the 1,000 mark until the end of the year. Some excellent aircraft are now being built in the U.S.A., together with some that are not so good. The 48
P.B.Y.5 flying boat bomber, with its great range (it can cross the Atlantic with ease) will be a very valuable addition to our Coastal Command. Large numbers of this type are being bought, and deliveries are just beginning. There has been a great deal of nonsense about the twinengined Lockheed P.38. American journalists talked of 500 m.p.h. It now transpires that the maximum speed is 404 m.p.h. Moreover, as the wing loading is high, it is to be expected that its manceuvreability will be poor. The tubby little Brewster Buffalo is gaining a high reputation in the R.A.F. for its great manceuvreability. Unfortunately, its top speed is only 310 m.p.h. Lastly, a word about Italy. Although Italian aircraft are undoubtedly well designed and constructed, they do not seem to have been used very effectively. The Italians seem to be no more anxious to put their air force into real action than they are to put their navy to sea. The air unit which was formed specially for the bombing of the British Isles does not seem to be at all eager even to approach our coasts. Italian fighter policy has always been to mount as few guns as possible on a fighter aircraft. In spite of this, there are no really fast planes. However, what they lose in speed they gain in manceuvreability. The biplane Fiat C.R. 42, in the hands of a good pilot, is, although slow (272 m.p.h.), not a machine to be taken lightly. At the moment, as far as fighting qualities are concerned, the R.A.F. is decidedly " on top." However, we suffer a numerical inferiority to the enemy with regard to planes, and this must be remedied as soon as possible. Once we are superior to the Luftwaffe in numbers, then we can confidently face Hitler, assured that we can beat him at any game he chooses to invent. Motrevlock. * The Westland Whirlwind is one of three new fighter aircraft now in service with the R.A.F. It is powered with two of the latest Rolls Royce engines, which give it a speed of just over 400 m.p.h. The crew consists of one man, and it is safe to say that the armament of the Whirlwind is superior to the Hurricane and Spitfire by 50%. The second new fighter is of the single-engined, single-seat variety, it is built by the Hawker Aircraft Company, and is a worthy successor to the now famous Hawker Hurricane. The Tornado—as it is called—is stated to be faster than the Whirlwind, its armament consists of eight machine-guns and three twenty millimetre cannons. The third one is a twin-engined, two-seat fighter, of which very little is known, except that it carries an exceptionally heavy armament, and that it is probably the fastest fighter in the world.
49
RUGBY FOOTBALL, 1940. RETROSPECT. With only three old colours and a very young first game, the prospects of this season were not encouraging. It seemed likely that a workable pack would be produced, yet behind would be a weakness with newcomers of inexperience and youth. The performance of the side early fulfilled this expectation; in spite of a heavy defeat from Worksop, the pack secured the ball in a majority of scrums ; behind was poor defence and slowness in attack. As the season progressed the backs made commendable progress and, indeed, turned the tables and finished as the strong part of the side. Frost and Broadhurst particularly made great strides. The team was well captained and really may be said to have made the best of things in view of the lack of outstanding talent. More robust fitness and a more serious view of training would be welcomed; it is to be hoped that the good work of the captain in the lower games will not be unproductive, and that we shall develop more of a tradition for Rugby football in the School than exists at present. 1st XV caps : F. F. Steele, G. R. Morris and F. N. Buckler. Points F. A. P. W. L. D. 74 261 4 8 0 ... 12 1st XV 128 0 5 0 14 ... 5 2nd XV 23 3 0 17 4 1 Colts
1st XV CHARACTERS. * Denotes a cap. The whole team are colours. F. F. Steele*. Captained the side with ability and enthusiasm. Play improved considerably as a back-row forward. Line-out work particularly valuable. G. R. Morris (Vice-Captain). Changed from forward to centre three-quarter to bolster up the backs. Attack vigorous but not yet skilful, although improving. Defence good generally but positioning a little weak.
H. L. Taylor. Has had great success as hooker and also open field play much improved. Has tackled well on occasion. G. Long. Front-row forward. Packs well and also active in the loose. A vigorous player. H. Broadhurst. A very promising centre who has come on splendidly. Good kick and turn in. Tackling improved after a weak start. Should gain in speed next year to develop the swing out move in attack. J. R. Frost. A clever but rather slow fly-half. Combined very well with Buckler. Knows how to swing in, but not fast enough for the opposite manoeuvre. Passing improving but still apt to be wild under pressure. Good kick. Should do very well. F. N. Buckler*. A really good scrum-half who has worked very hard for the side. Very unselfish. Reverse pass good, fearless tackle and stopper of rushes. D. Cole. Full-back. Has played well in this position. Handicapped by slowness of footwork, yet his play is generally safe. An accurate but not lengthy kick; defence good near the touch-line. E. P. Bulmer. Wing three-quarter. Fast and much improved in the last few games. Needs confidence; must try to change his running position.
A. A. Short. Secured his place as wing three-quarter by virtue of his determined tackling. Showed a good sense of football. Woefully slow, however.
R. Earle. Second-row forward. Packed very well, useful in the line-out. With more devil would make a good player.
W. H. Ping. Fitted well in the second row. Will do well next season.
J. P. Pulleyn. Loose forward. A very good little footballer. Has a fine sense of position and dribbles well.
H. C. Belchamber Back-row forward. Has not yet the .
knack of breaking wide to catch the opposing fly. Needs more devil and should always finish the tackle. Will do well next season. 51
D. Taylor. Front-row forward. His weight is very useful in the tight scrums, and he packs well. Inclined to lethargy in the loose. Shows his fiery temperament too rarely. RESULTS. 1ST XV. Sat., Oct. 5th. 9th. Wed., Sat., ,, 12th. ,, 19th. Sat., 23rd. Wed., „ 26th. Sat., Sat., Nov. 2nd. 6th. Wed., 9th. Sat., Wed., „ 20th. Sat., ,, 23rd. 30th. Sat., PP
pp
PP
pp
R.A.F., Linton R.A.F., Clifton ... St. John's College ... Worksop College ... Boys' Co. Signals, Catterick Catterick Garrison ... Giggleswick School ... Army Pay Corps, York York ... Durham School Leeds G. S. ... Ampleforth College
Lost Won Lost Lost Lost Lost Won Won Lost Lost Won Lost
F.
A.
11 15 3
38 6 34 41 9 56 3
6 17 3 11 8
8 6 10 50
74
261
F.
A.
8
10
3
19
F. ... Lost 0 Won 12 Lost 5 Lost
A. 6 5 3 9
17
23
2ND XV. ... Lost Sat., Oct. 19th. Worksop College ... ... Lost „ 23rd. Drax G. S. 1st XV ... Wed., Wed., Nov. 6th. Drax G. S. 1st XV ... ... Lost „ 13th. Ripon G. S. 1st XV ... Lost Wed., „ 30th. Ampleforth College 2nd XV. Lost Sat., COLTS' XV. Sat., Oct. 12th. Giggleswick School ... ... Sat., Nov. 23rd. Durham School Wed., Dec. 4th. Worksop College ... „ 7th. Ampleforth College Sat.,
52
SCHOOL v. WORKSOP COLLEGE. Played at Worksop. The unusually hard ground, two very fast Worksop wings, a hefty and clever fly-half in Buchanan, and the poor tackling of our wings were the causes of our defeat. Their two wing men were much faster than ours. Cookson did tackle the man when he could catch him, but lay back too far and often could not get up to him. The game started with some loose forward play which was pretty even. Then Worksop heeled and passed to Buchanan, who broke through a loose scrum and passed to a forward who went over. Their wings were always dangerous, and it was only Cole's fine tackling at full-back which stopped them from scoring more tries. Revill's man got through twice, and both tries were converted. Buchanan broke right through the pack and went over with three men clinging on to him. Halftime came with the score at 0-18. Our pack were very much better than theirs in the tight, and in the whole game we only lost the ball some six times in set scrums. We scrummed our line-outs and got the ball back from the loose fairly frequently. The second half was very much a repetition of the first. The pack playing very well, though they were bad at tackling in the loose, their wings and Buchanan breaking through. Taylor hooked really well, Buckler showed pluck at scrum-half and Cole played a good game at full-back. Our backs showed signs of attack later on in the second half, and Morris very nearly got through. Morris still does not realise his capabilities ; when he does he will become a very effective, bustling centre. A feature of the game was Buchanan's superb goal kicking. He converted seven of their tries, some of them really fine kicks. Result : School 0, Worksop 41. Team :—D. Cole; C. A. F. Cookson, A. Broadhurst, G. R. Morris, H. D. Revill; J. R. Frost, F. N. Buckler; D. Taylor, H. L. Taylor, G. Long; R. Earle, W. H. Ping, H. C. Belchamber, P. H. 0. Ruddock, F. F. Steele. 53
SCHOOL v. GIGGLESWICK SCHOOL. Played at Headingley. It had poured all morning and was still raining when the teams took the field. For the first time this season we played a full team. In spite of all the rain, the ball, though slippery, was fairly easy to handle, and there was some back play. The Giggleswick forwards were a hefty, bustling lot who did some grand rushes, but their back play was weak. The game started with a series of rushes by their forwards, which we managed to hold. We heeled, and Frost took us back to the half-way line with a grand kick. Play was very scrappy, the handling on both sides being bad, but our backs showed more science and were very much more dangerous than theirs. Frost, at fly-half, was following up a good game against Catterick with another. He is still a little slow off the mark, but he was kicking well and cutting through with discretion. By means of the dubious trick of holding the ball in the scrum we got a kick in front of their posts, and Belchamber made no mistake. Soon after, Belchamber kicked another penalty kick. Then we lost Short after 10 minutes' play. In tackling Wilson, he got kicked on the head and had to be taken off with concussion. Belchamber went out of the scrum on to the wing, and after one mistake which allowed Wilson to score their only try played a good game, tackling well. Our seven forwards had to put in an enormous amount of work to hold their pack. Time and time again Giggleswick were almost over. The second half was a ding-dong forward battle with an occasional spurt by our backs. The ball would be on our line and we would rush it back to theirs. In the last quarter of an hour their weight began to tell, and it was Steele's falling and tackling and taking which saved the game. At one time near the end, after a series of 54
tremendous forward rushes by their pack, it looked as if our pack would crack; but they pulled themselves together and fought magnificently, no-side coming with the ball back in the middle of the field and the School victorious by six points to three. Team :—D. Cole; E. P. Bulmer, A. Broadhurst, G. R. Morris, A. A. Short; J. R. Frost, F. N. Buckler; G. Long, H. L. Taylor, D. Taylor, R. Earle, W. H. Ping, H. C. Belchamber, J. P. Pulleyn, F. F. Steele.
SCHOOL v. DURHAM. Played at Durham. The School were without both Taylors, and this considerably weakened the pack. Pulleyn hooked as well as H. Taylor, but we missed D. Taylor's thirteen stone. It poured all morning, but cleared up before the match began. The game began with some scrappy forward play, in which it was evident that their pack was heavier. The backs on both sides made some tentative movements, more with the object of searching out weaknesses in the opposing defences rather than scoring. We were getting the ball back from the tight fairly easily, but the backs were not running fiat out. Throughout the game they persisted in standing in front of the man with the ball. We were much more dangerous than they were, but all the time our backs gave one the impression that if only they would spurt a little more they would get over. The pack rushed the ball down to their line, and from a set scrum the ball came out, travelled along the line, and Bulmer went over unmarked. They equalised soon after, one of their wing forwards backing up his threes, scoring the try. The game developed into a ding-dong battle with both sides going hard and both coming near to scoring. 55
Midway through the second half Durham scored again from a break through round the scrum. Frost nearly got over, but was tackled on the line with two unmarked men outside him. Our backs showed more science than theirs, but did not play with determination, possibly upset by the long bus journey. Durham had one dangerous centre, and a pack which had some good rushes. The game was a very even and enjoyable one. Durham are our oldest enemy. Records of rugger matches with them go back eighty odd years, 1866, I think, but matches must have been played before then. It is a longish time since we beat Durham on our ground, and the last time we beat them on theirs was somewhere in the 1870's. We must beat them next year. Result : School 3, Durham School 6. Team :—D. Cole; C. A. F. Cookson, G. R. Morris, A. Broadhurst, E. P. Bulmer; J. R. Frost, F. N. Buckler; D. D. S. Evans, J. P. Pulleyn, G. Long; R. Earle, W. H. Ping; H. C. Belchamber, E. A. Shearston, F. F. Steele.
SCHOOL v. AMPLEFORTH COLLEGE. Played at Ampleforth. The Leeds match gave us some inkling of what was going to happen in this match. The pack, with Earle off, was again lifeless, and except for a period in the second half with good rushes, rarely did anything. The Ampleforth pack was a fast one, with three really good back-row forwards. These three, Vidal being outstanding, were always up with their three-quarters, and scored three or four tries through this backing up. Their backs were fast—too fast for ours—and scored fairly easily. 56
Our backs, on the defensive the whole time, as the pack rarely got the ball back, tackled well and put up a good show against what was virtually a three-quarter line of seven. Ampleforth scored fairly regularly and we got two tries ; Broadhurst ran through their defence and Buckler touched down after a good dribble. Result: School 8, Ampleforth 50. Team :—D. Cole ; E. P. Bulmer, G. R. Morris, A. Broadhurst, A. A. Short; J. R. Frost, F. N. Buckler; G. Long, H. L. Taylor, D. Taylor; D. D. S. Evans, W. H. Ping; H. C. Belchamber, J. P. Pulleyn, F. F. Steele.
HOUSE MATCHES. In these games School House beat Temple fairly easily and themselves lost to the Rise. McKinlay played very well in the first game for School House and in the final with Rise. Buckler did his best to compete with the powerful Rise pack, but had to admit a heavy defeat by 25 points to 3. Coombe was in good form for the Rise and was chiefly responsible for their success. In the Junior House competition the Rise triumphed again, although not with the same ease as in the Senior. The score was 9 points to nil. Brown, A. C., played well for the Rise. In the challenge round, Temple, although defeated, had a promising player in Walker.
COLTS RUGGER. The Colts, although they only won one match, have had the best season of all three teams. They lost 0-6 to Giggleswick, but in this match were playing without Brown and Cookson, and they did not play as well as in the last two matches. In the Durham match •we were attacking consistently and were rarely out of their half, but they tackled well and we did not score as often as we might. We won, 12-5. 57
The Worksop match was a very hard-fought and even match, and a better result would have been a draw. Time and time again both sides were nearly over. The Ampleforth match was played in a biting wind and on a very muddy pitch. The game was a good one, which we lost 5-9. Wyman fought his way over and Hanson converted with an excellent kick. The following have played for the Colts :—A. C. Brown (Captain), C. A. F. Cookson, R. E. Dodd, B. Rodwell, D. H. Denholm, P. Penniston, J. A. Denison, R. H. Hanson, A. L. Wyman, G. McC. Donaldson, G. H. Oxtoby, D. E. Byass, I. McL. Ormiston, B. Rodwell, D. J. G. B. Burton, P. McD. Steele, P. G. R. Dench, J. P. Caley, R. L. Miller, F. D. Godsmark.
THE JUNIOR SCHOOL. After many thoughts and scares about invasion during the summer holidays, it was really rather a relief to find that the Christmas Term could start in practically a normal way, and we welcomed many new boys to St. Olave's The total number of boys attending the Junior School has been 104, and with the exception of a few cases of minor complaints towards the end of term, the attendance has been very good. Shortly after we returned, Mr. Harding had to leave for military service, and so Sergeant Major Puddick again took the Junior School for P.T. instruction. It had been planned to have the Gym. Display this term, but we were only able to have a full rehearsal, and so we hope to hold the Display early in the Easter Term. We hope a good number of parents will be able to some and see it. Several crazes have been in evidence during the term, particularly the making of a cunning scientific toy called a Cartesian Diver. Clay ovens were so great a rage at one time, and the smoke produced was in such volume that coughs developed and clay ovens had to be stopped. A Stamp Club was started and held a few meetings, but the " blackout " rather interfered with the meetings. The usual end of term examinations were held with the usual enthusiasm ; unfortunately, just about this time Mr. Ping had to be away from school owing to illness, but he 58
managed to return all right for the end of term celebrations and to see the boarders safely on their trains. The Junior School attended the first performance of the School play, and enjoyed it immensely. We would like to congratulate all the Players on their first-rate performance, but, of course, we were especially pleased to see so many Old Olavites " doing their stuff." We also congratulate I. S. Macpherson on successfully passing a music exam. On the last day of term, Mr. Cooper held a tremendous " lottery auction," in which he distributed valuable and invaluable articles of vertu to all who attended. A jumble sale wasn't in it ! We wish Mr. Cooper a very " bon voyage " if he cannot be with us for next term, and we wish him all good luck wherever he may be.
Day Boys. R. McL. Lockwood.
VALETE.
Boarders. W. E. Chantry (to School House). W. A. Stratton (to School House). J. J. Walker. Day Boys. G. Harker. D. A. Harker. D. B. Gray. G. Arnott. R. I. Thomson. M. J. Wright. A. W. Rowntree. R. M. Stanley.
SALVETE. P. J. Temple. P. A. Moore. S. E. A. Douglas-Smith. J. B. Copnall. M. J. Bealing. M. Barnes*. G. J. W. Washington*. D. S. Endicott.
Boarders. J. D. North. D. S. Endicott*. * 1941, 1.
W. S. Samuels. H. L. Dixon*. Remainder 1940, 3. 59
ST. OLAVE'S GAMES REPORT. This term has been quite a successful one in spite of the fact that both Mr. Harding and Vero were called up when we were just forming the rugger team. However, Short and Ruddock stepped into the breach, and we have been able to have four games, three soccer and one rugger, for the greater part of the term. We should like to thank Mr. Corkhill for taking a soccer game on Wednesdays, and helping the regular Junior School Staff at a time when they were hard pressed. For the first time we have produced a team composed entirely of members of the soccer game, and although Terrington proved far too strong for it, it played extremely well both times against Red House. The rugger team has the makings of a very good side and should do well in matches next term. It is a pity that the coaching has been rather spasmodic this term, but the team played keenly in all matches, and had one very notable win against the St. Peter's Juniors. RUGGER. As most prep schools play soccer, this term we could only have three matches, two of them against Peterite sides. This meant that it was difficult to build up an experienced team, especially as we were very short of fixtures last year. Norwood, as captain, set the team a good example in both attack and defence, and Copnall should prove a very useful scrum-half if he can speed things up a bit. Clark was the best three-quarter, whilst Legat and Drummond were outstanding among the forwards. On October 30th we played a team of Old Olavites, and they proved rather too strong for us. Although the tackling was very keen we were unable to stop them from crossing our line eight times. Both McKinney and Drummond were unable to play, which meant that our side was considerably weakened. Copnall's tackling was a feature of the match, and Legat played a good forward game. The forwards on the whole were very slow to get down, and this really proved our undoing. On December 3rd we played another team of Peterites. Although it was not quite as strong as before, it contained 60
at least five Old Olavite colours, and we did very well to beat them. We attacked nearly all the first half, and everyone played extremely well. At half-time we led 11-0, but after the interval, McDermid broke away and scored for them. We replied with a try and then they scored between the posts, narrowly missing the goal. For the last ten minutes we had to fight hard to keep them out, for their heavier forwards were getting the better of things, but the final whistle blew with the score still at 14-6. The whole team played an excellent game. McColm tackled everyone within reach with almost superhuman energy, and the forwards fought like tigers from start to finish. The following scored tries, Norwood converting the first one :—Arnott, Haysey, Clark and Norwood. On December 11th we visited Worksop and played the College Prep School. In spite of the long journey by bus and the strange ground, which was much firmer than we are used to here, we held them well in the first half, and they led by one try at half-time. We had quite as much of the game as they had, and one or two forward rushes led by Legat nearly resulted in tries for us. However, it was noticeable that the forwards were nothing like as lively as usual, and the threes did not keep their positions. In the second half our opponents scored four more tries, converting the last, but we did some of the attacking, and Haysey nearly scored twice. We are looking forward to a return match here next term, and hope to have our revenge. They beat us because they played a more enterprising game, but we feel that we can reverse the decision next time if we play really well. The team was :—McKinney ; Haysey, Clark, McColm, Gillgrass ; Norwood (capt.), Copnall ; Barker, Hutchinson, Drummond, Denison, Cadell, Legat, Faulding, Arnott. The following also played :—Dodsworth, Boyes, Dook. SOCCER. On October 16th we played Red House here with a very small team, but it played with such dash and everyone kept his position so well that we managed to win 5-3, after being 1-2 down at half-time. The scorers were Wakenshaw 3, Macpherson 1, Dennis 1. It was a most satisfactory result, and the same team played Terrington the next week. This 61
was a most disastrous game, since they ran right through us and scored sixteen goals, which is one more than our first team got against them last year! On November 16th we visited Red House, and this time they beat us 5-3, so honours were easy. The scorers were Macpherson, Wakenshaw and Dennis. In this game, Darley played a very good game at centre-half, but the forwards did not shoot straight enough. We have now played Red House at both cricket and soccer, and each game has been extremely exciting. The soccer team was :—Shearston ; Temple, Hardisty ; Dench, Darley, J. Amos ; Wakenshaw (capt.), Moreton, Dennis, Macpherson, Lambert. On November 18th our " rugger toughs " tried their hand at soccer against Terrington. They had only two practice games before the match, but they played very well together. The captain, Clark, was outstanding, and he scored our only goal with a glorious run from our half. They led 1-0 at half-time and the game finished 3-1 in their favour. Man for man we were quite as good as they were, and we played very well. The match was an excellent example of good teamwork, their passing and positioning being really good and winning them the game. Team :—Legat ; Barker, Haysey ; Andrews, Norwood, McColm ; Copnall, Dook, Clark (capt.), Cadell, Gregory.
ST. OLAVE'S SCOUTS. There are now thirty scouts in the troop, probably a record. We welcome the following new members :—Peewits— Hutchinson and Lee ; Curlews—Amos (J.), Sim and Taylor; Hawks—Brindley (D.), Edinger, Brindley (P.) and Collinson ; Woodpigeons—Cadell, Drummond and Davidge. Copnall, who had already gained his second class badge, and Temple are also new members of the troop, but have not been allocated to any patrol yet. Congratulations are due to Legat for gaining his second class badge, and there are several others who are within reach of this. In the inter-patrol competition, Peewits easily came first, but there was only one point between Curlews and 62
Hawks for second place, the former gaining the lead on the last competition. Woodpigeons were only two points behind Hawks, so the issue was always in doubt. Apart from the usual games and passing of tests, at which everyone showed great keenness, we did some most enjoyable tree felling, and cleared up the mess afterwards. Altogther it was a most successful term.
ST. OLAVE'S CUBS. We welcome the following new cubs :—Blue Six, Gibson, Gray and J. Harrison; Yellow Six, North and E. Thompson ; Red Six, Cameron ; Green Six, S. Amos. We are slightly down in numbers this term and only have twenty-two cubs in the pack. But that does not seem to make much difference to the noise we make! For the first time the Blues, who have always either won the competition or else been runners up, were bottom in the list, but they were only four points behind Reds, the winners. Yellow just beat Green for second place. We have played the usual games with the usual enthusiasm, and were very pleased that summer time stayed on, because we could continue the afternoon meetings until almost the end of term. Congratulations to Bainton and J. Harrison, " the twin," on gaining their second stars. The signalling was a long struggle, but they won in the end.
63
EDITORIAL NOTICES. " The Peterite " is the magazine of St. Peter's School, York, and is conducted by the boys. The Editors solicit literary contributions and general correspondence from past and present Peterites. No notice can be taken of anonymous correspondence. Contributors may, if they prefer it, send their name in a separate envelope, which will not be opened unless the contribution is accepted. Where the contributor's name is not intended for publication, his " nom-de-plume " should be enclosed as well. All articles should be written on one side of the paper only. The subscription to " The Peterite " is 3s. Od. per annum, payable in advance, i.e., before the issue of the first number of the year (January). Members of the O.P. Club, to which the subscription is £1 per annum, receive " The Peterite " gratuitously. " The Peterite " is published three times a year, at the beginning of each term. If any members of the O.P. Club should not receive their numbers of " The Peterite," the Editors would be obliged if notice could be sent at once to Lt.-Col. H. C. Scott, Secretary of the O.P. Club, 1 Clifton Green, York. The Editors of " The Peterite " are L. Burgess, Esq., G. Long, F. F. Steele, H. D. Revill, E. P. Bulmer. The Editors of " The Peterite " will be glad to supply any past numbers which they may have to those desiring them, at the price of 6d. per copy. Applications for advertising space to be made to The Bursar, St. Peter's School, York. 64
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