OPINION

In the cross-country race held on Wednesday; 18th October, with the School competing against Sir Roger Manwood's, J. D. Gardner, our head-boy, who came first, narrowly missed beating the record for a 4½ mile course. His time was 28 minutes, 22 seconds, the school record being 28 minutes 9 seconds. This is the second time this year that this has occurred, for he almost beat the record in the mile last Sports Day. This race, the first of the Season, was won by a good margin, all eight of the school team coming in the first ten. A fine performance was exerted by Woolford and Styles who, although only only 14 and 15 years old respectively, came 3rd and 6th. The race had started with a very fast pace which almost immediately drew the field out on the firm but muddy course. The strong wind proved useful in the end as it helped the runners up the hilly part at the end of the course. The placings were as follows:- School: 1st, 3rd, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th.
Manwood's: 2nd, 4th, 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th, and 15th, their last man retiring before the first mile had been completed. A well-earned tea was provided for both teams afterwards.

It was reported that schools in Southend will have thoir half-term holiday put forward a week to coincide with the teachers one-day strike over the Government's pay pause. This ridiculous action was decided by the town's education committee. The local Labour Party described the move as "provocation". This is about the most sensible thing the Labour Party have said for some time, only we wish they had indicated who would be provoked to do what?

The report that tea-break strikes have spread to a school in East Ham makes one wonder how trivial boys can get; surely this would never happen at D.B.G.S!

The young ladies at the girls' grammar school were excellent hosts to this most enjoyable and successful conference on the subject of the Common Market. The speakers - Professor Carrington, Mr. W. Briginshall and Mr. Patrick Jenkin - obviously all know what they were talking about but, unfortunately, those attending the Conference would not always understand what the speaker was getting at. Professor Carrington gave an interesting and informative (if slightly biased) account of moves towards a united Europe before 1945 and this was followed by a short break, during which "fraternization between the sexes" reached dizzy heights.

Mr. W. Briginshaw argued fervently against Britain joining the Common Market, his speech was delivered with great sincerity and gusto but basically his argument was weak and rather difficult to follow: he did, however, succeed in holding the attention of the audience with his pithy remarks.

Mr. Patrick Jenkin, on taking the stand to speak in favour of Britaint's full participation in the European Community received a great ovation as a result of his supremely witty comment, "I don't know what I'm doing here". At this stage in the proceedings neither did we. Mr. Jenkin proceeded to give an extremely coherent, witty, informative and sound argument for Britain's entry into the Common Market and his skilful speaking kept the audience attentive for the duration of his address. The supreme moment in Mr. Jenkin's speech came when it slipped out that he was employed by a distilling company at last something that everybody could appreciate! The Conference, was considered a great success by all who participated. Finally, the editorial board of Opinion would like to say, on behalf of the entire D.G.S.B. contingent, how well we thought the Conference was organized. and carried out.

The parade of the school's Combined Cadet Force made me think of the TV programme "The Army game". Two boys were without belts, many lacked gaiters in the army section, whilst two members of the RAF section had no uniforms at all and, in addition to all this, three naval cadets were without shoulder flashes.

They formed up quite well, only one marker failing to respond to the command - "Markers, get on parade". The others acted quickly on command, they then proceeded to march quite well in the confined area, with only one bay (with brown shoes) out of place among the others (all of whom wore black boots).

When the rifles came came on well, talk about ancient! They are the remains of the 1914 stock, after coming through two world wars and the hands of many eager A.C.F. boys. Why are there only 10 Mark 4's? The training by classes was well organised but why not take all Friday afternoon for class-work? Or failing that, all day Saturday on the hills doing practical training? This would make the corps much more interesting. I am not trying to say that the corps is inefficient, but it could be given a lot more scope.

Late of Liverpool Collegiate School CCF.

Ed. Another very interesting letter concerning the cadets that should have been in this edition was, unfortunately, censored.

How famed is the generosity of the British Public; how eagerly they gave to all good causes and societies; and perhaps many more would be as generous as the others if not handicapped, as they obviously are, in some way.

My first attempt at flag-selling left me with the conclusion that at least half the general public must be either deaf or blind, or very mean, and we all know that the British public is never the latter.

I began timidly, rather ungracefully adorning the kerb edge, with my box round my neck, and the empty tin in my hand. for some minutes the prosperous citizens of Dover streamed past unheeding, and then an old gentleman, whom I had noticed standing near me, slowly shuffled up and, carefully putting his coin in the tin, received his flag proudly - a lesson for all.

I found that children under 10 were usually very eager, for they like to hear the coins drop int he tin. As they passed I could hear them say "Mum, mum, look mum - can I have one mum?" and mum would delve into her purse obligingly to quiet her "troublesome" child.

As I had been posted in the market square ar mid-day, I soon encountered many young friends, however, and only because of his did i manage to sell so many flags. My thanks to the Editor of this paper for stopping and helping me for an hour. His audacity encouraged me to step out and be bold, but at least 40% of the people did not see me as they developed a sudden interest in the opposite side of the road or did not hear me as I asked for their help and support.

My thanks to the other 60%, especially those who came unasked, unchallenged and with a smile. And far from being discouraged, I hope to do it the next time with a renewed enthusiasm, for i know the British Public are very generous at heart - and the best of luck to all fellow flag-sellers.

A postcard, postmarked "Keswick, Cumberland," received at the school during September.

I am pleased to be able to tell you that your newspaper has been read on top of Catbello in the Lake District and photographed. It has also been carried to the top of the Saddleback.

from a Reader"

Ed. Opinion has now obviously achieved a "high" degree of popularity.

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A formidable list of casualties has already accumulated via the rugby, football and soccer pitches during the first five weeks of the season it looks like being one of those years! Although certain persons would have us think that rugby is the sport for gentlemen, at this school at any rate, the game merely provides an excuse for mass rioting with no quarter given or asked. Only a few weeks ago during a rugby-football match one unfortunate boy broke his shin bone, in the traditional British manner, the game went on and consequently by the time the ambulance had arrived another name had been added to the toll of victims, this time with a fractured collar-bone. This situation cannot continue unchecked, soon there will be more boys in hospital than at school, as it is the school already looks like a convalescent home with various pupils hobbling about on crutches with arms and legs in plaster casts. In an attempt to gain a reputation as a rugby school we are merely following a policy of self destruction and if the school is not to be converted into a nursing home (or a mortuary) positive action must be taken. If nothing is done when the time comes for us to ask ourselves "What have we achieved with rugby?" the answer will be something like thrcc dead, six wounded and two ruined for life! Never in the history of Dover rugby have so many bones been broken by so few.

- Do cadets have to change into their uniforms in the library during Friday dinner hours?

Mr. Leney has been our "School Benefactor" for some time now, amongst his gifts being the visit to the Old Vic to see "Dr. Faustus", made by 10 boys of the School at his expense on October 7th. This is no isolated case and we would like, once more, to thank Mr. Leney most sincerely for his generosity.

The editors of Opinion take great pleasure in announcing that Sangster - late of Archer's Court - and retired editor of Arrow Newsheet - has, recently joined, the staff of Opinion. This had led to a slackening off of the cold war between Archer's Court and D.G.S.B. and better relations have been established via an exchange agreement by which editions of Arrow will be available to readers of Opinion and vice-versa. We hope that everyone will take advantage of this scheme.

We would also like readers to take note that our price is once more only 2d. and we would be pleased to receive any articles of topical interest from anybody - within or without the school - in particular, we would welcome letters on any controversial subject.

I think it is the epitome of laziness for boys to catch the 'bus from the school to Tower Hamlets.

We are having to separate boys and girls for lunch; there will be time for fraternity after.

I am writing to your newspaper to say how well-organised I think the Friday dancing classes are; this is an excellent idea and seems to defeat the idea that-co-educational schools are the only way to promote good relations between the sexes. May I also say how proficient the teachers seem to be and how their friendly way of teaching soon dispels any nervousness.

The Prefects' Dance will be held on Wednesday, 20th December, commencing at 7.30 p.m. and ending at 11.30 p.m. Tickets will cost 3/6d. single and 5/6d. double. This price includes refreshments and whatsoever other frivolities are organised by the Prefects. Dress is to be informal and optional but certain standards of decency are to be observed.

We are very pleased to be able to give the results of our July Competition. In it you had to explain - to form master or mistress - why, because you had failed all your G.C.E's., you have acted in a certain way. It was to be a telegram, each word beginning with the letters: NEWSHEET. This was won by Mr. R. H. Payne with the telegram:-

He also made an amendment which could have replaced the last three words: Engaging Extra Tuition. For this effort Mr. R. H. Payne duly received our prize of a plaster pumpkin, plus a 1962 Diary.

Visiting cards, headed stationery, letter-headings, tickets, programmes and similar printed matter are all within the Guild's capabilities. If anyone in the school would like the Guild to undertake any printing jobs for any of his relations or friends will he please contact one of the Guild. The Guild will be pleased to supply an estimate.

CLUES

Across

(3) The house that.....built

(5) Tough dog.

(6) Dirty

(8) "I" in Latin

(9) An untidy person

(12) Unstable state

Down

1) ... would a-wooing go

2) Welsh name

4) Sleepy fish!

7) Bullrush birth

(10) Noisy and uncouth

(11) Mexican bandit

The prize for this month's competition will be S. C. Dixon of 2X, whose services will be available for one day.

The Grammar School for Girls' production of Shakespeare's, "The Winter's Tale" began a little shakily as regards both the thrones and the acting but soon improved both because of better acting and more exciting developments in the plot. We see Leontes, a King confused and jealous, convincingly portrayed by M. Muge, ordering one of his noblemen to poison his wife's lover, Polixenes, King of Bohemia. Here, the lack of scenery was fully made up for by the excellent costumes, rich colour combinations conveyed all the majesty and grace of the court. The distraught queen and her loyal companion, Paulina were well acted but those who really stole the show were small parts, notable among them being the goaler and the shepherd's son. The latter was played by S. Macfarlane who acted for every minute she was on the stage and even succeeded in distracting the audience from the main course of events.

Part II, the "shepherd scene", was gaily presented and the sadness of the lovers, Flonzel and Perdita, contrasted well. In the course of 16 years only some of the characters had, appeared to have aged, Hermione, despite the King's doubts, seeming as youthful as she was at the opening of the play. "Men" were only to be distinguished by beards and, hat feathers, for no attempt appeared to have been made to vary their ages or "masculinise" them with grease-paint.

Finally, after elopements, trials, murder death and the unlikely discovery that Perdita, the rejected child of Leontes and Hermione, has been brought up a shepherd's daughter and wants to marry the son of Leontes' most deadly enemy, the King of Bohemia, all ends happily with the reconciliation of Hermione, and Leontas, Leontes and Polexenes, Polexenes and Perdita, Perdita and Leontes respectively.

"C'est avec un plaisir évident que j'ai assisté à la réprèsentation do la pièce "la Ville se Réveille" donnée par la classe de 3A.

Votre directeur m'a demand d'en faire la critique et je sais donc essayee en ces quelques lignes de donner mes impressions.

La pièce par elle-même était pleine d'un amusant comique qui a provoqué l'hilarité générale.

Les acteures, ils sont en général tous à féliciter, ils ont fait un gros effort pour surmonter leur accent anglais. Bien sûr, il est difficile de prononcee les "r" ou les "u", mais je trouve que pour une classe qui en est seulement à sa troisième année de français, cela est mervelleux de parler français comme ils l'ont fait. Il est seulement regrettable que, par moment, certain des acteurs sient baissé le ton et ils devenaient inaudibles pour le public et leur prononciation sonnait trop anglaise. La prononciation française est très gutterale et l'on est obligé do délier terriblement la langue.

Mais l'on doit félicitee tout parculiè rement, le jeune garcon qui jouait le rôle du maire, il a une parfaite élocution, et un bon accent français.

Je suis ravie d'avoir vu cette pièce et encore une fois je felicite organisateurs et acteurs

This performance by the Old Vic Company on Saturday, 7th October, could well have been called "Saturday Spectacular" at the Old Vic, for "Dr. Faustus", said by its Author, Christopher Marlowe, to be "a period play for all time", was indeed spectacular. From the moment Faustus started enriching himself, through the Black Arts to the point at which he was borne out to his death by a procession of wild black devils, the theatre was alive with evil, blood-red, bejewelled costumes, sinister shapes, and sin. The fixed set of a grey-stone arched chamber by no means limited the scope, for it seemed to change easily from Faustus' study in one light to the Emperor of Germany's Court in another. But no amount of spectacle could hide the fact that, "Dr. Faustus" is not a deep plot; perhaps a little, obscure, but not complex. As one of the ten who visited the Old Vic with Mr. Murphy remarked: "The Company made the most that they possibly could have done from Marlowe's plot". Indeed, the intriguing twists thought up by its producer, Michael Benthall; made up for this deficiency. Paul Daneman as Faustus was excellent, but for the fact that he did not present the expected picture of a necromancer and appeared too young. The conflicting Good and Bad Angels, depicting Faustus' conscience, were arresting, but their contrast was not fully attained because the Good Angel chanted, whereas the Bad Angel did not. The Seven Deadly Sins oozed evil, and one instinctively revolted against them. Lucifer could have been even more frightening, as it was he seemed almost effeminate, for his costume was not sufficiently bloody, and under the lights seemed pink. Touches of brilliant humour from people like Faustus' servant, Wagner, relieved the séance and, although the plot, that of a man selling his soul to a devil and his inevitable downfall, seemed a little too straightforward, the production was really excellent.

On Monday; 16th October, 1st Form 1st & 2nd XI house matches were played. Astor was unable to produce a 2nd XI, but the following games were played:-

The 1st form 1st XI match between Frith and Astor provided an entertaining game, Frith being dominant throughout the game. The best player of the match was Frith's right-winger, Pearce, who scored two excellent goals, which both resulted from skilful solo runs. MacMahon, the captain, scored twice (once from a penalty in the last few minutes of the game).

Results of games played' so far between house
1st XI's

This Club has proved an immediate success, so many people turning up that the members have had to split into two groups; beginners and players with some experience. The lighting in the dinning hall is not ideal by any means for badminton, but the players seem to be adapting themselves to this and hope soon to be having a match, at home, against St. Roger Manwood's Badminton Club. Mr. M. H. Smith is in charge of our Club.

This activity has also proved very popular and is now ranged over three nights to allow all the fencers to rove a fair mount of time "fighting" with the foils. Mr. C. P. Singer runs the Club.

Both P.T. Clubs, senior and junior, seem to be more popular than usual this year (could it be the trampoline?) and the senior section meets three dinner hours a week now. Work on the rings, the parallel bars and the trampoline has now been introduced into the "tests" system. The standard gets higher every year (or so we think) and flik-flaks are becoming more commonplace. There are even about six people who are attempting handwalk along the box - an unheard of event a few years ago. Mr. A. O. Elliott and Mr. C. P. Singer are in charge of the Clubs.

6th form practices Thursday dinner hour. Several house matches have been played: Seniors Frith beat Astor; Park beat Priory. Juniors Frith beat Astor, Priory beat Park.

It is much regretted that, owing to printing difficulties, this issue is a few days late.
R. E. ARMSTRONG
M. J. DAVIDSON
T. J. LACE!
Editors

Tell your friends about "The Merry Wives of Windsor" on 15th, 16th & 18th December at 7.15 p.m. at the School.

FRITH (1st XI)	5	ASTOR (1st XI)	0
PARK (1st XI)	4	PRIORY (1st XI)	7
PARK (2nd XI)	2	PRIORY (1st XI)	0

ASTOR	4	PARK	4
PRIORY	3	FRITH	1
FRITH	2	ASTOR	1
PRIORY	1	PARK	2
FRITH		PARK
ASTOR		PRIORY