No. 7. CHRISTMAS, 1910. VOL. II.

FIAT LUX.

NOTICES.

    The next number of The Pharos will appear shortly after Half-Term. All contributions intended for that number should reach the Editor before March 1st, 1911.
    Out of Term The Pharos can be obtained from the Editor, County School, Dover; or of Grigg and Son, "St. George's Press," Worthington Street and High Street.
    School Re-opens January 12th, 1911.

EDITORIAL.

    The outstanding events of the Term have been the Prize Distribution and the Inspection. At the former the chief part was played, perhaps, by the audience of twelve hundred, who helped Dover, official and ordinary, to realise the large share the County School now has in the life of the town. Names are occasionally misleading, and Dovorians who filled the Town Hall seemed to require no assurance that prizes were being distributed to their children.
    Concerning the Inspection it may be said that its importance has been realised after the event; we woke, and blushed to find ourselves famous. Well, it has all been very satisfactory, and the heat of the day was perhaps not so bad after all, and anyhow it's getting cooler now and—we're going on! A word of regret may be permitted that the moving finger should have writ five as the complete number of the boys' and girls' Christmas parties. However, thus it is, and a promising series has been summed early in its career.
    But away with melancholy, as the small boy said when made acquainted with the fact of the decease of the lady who was guiding his footsteps in the way of knowledge.
    The disagreeables of Term Examinations will soon be forgotten and we shall be able to set ourselves resolutely to the consumption of Christmas fare. To all members of the School, Head, Staff, Students, Past and Present, and all theirs, The Pharos wishes a Happy Christmas and New Year, and concludes with the wish of the youngest member of the House of Cratchit.

GLEAMS AND FLASHIES.

    We were pleased to know that Newing had been successful in the competition for Naval Artificership, and have since been disappointed to hear that he has been rejected on medical grounds. We wish him better luck in some other venture.

—:—

    R. Hogben is preparing for an examination in Chinese. There would appear to be opportunities for learning on the direct method in his neighbourhood—Poaning in W. China.

—:—

    A Needlework Exhibition was held at the Girls' School on Friday evening, December 16th, 1910, from 6.30 to 8 p.m.

—:—

    A full inspection of the Schools by the Board of Education Inspectors took place during the week ending December 10th. Those who visited us were:— Messrs. White-Thompson, Stead, and Phillips, Mrs. Withiel, Misses Everett and Metcalfe.

—:—

    The Pharos offers a hearty, though perhaps belated, welcome to the new members of the School Staff. They include Miss SeysHowell (Bradford Grammar School), Miss Sandall (Gloucester), Miss Stokoe (Tunbridge Wells), and Miss MacNeille.

—:—

    The Statutory O.S.A. Committee Meeting was held on December 2nd. Arrangements were made for the Re-union to be held on December 27th. The Headmaster has, by the kindness of the Right Worshipful the Mayor, Sir W. Crundall, obtained the use of the Town Hall for that function.
    In this connection we remind all Old Students that they are eligible for the Re-union, whether members of the Association or not. The Committee hope that every Old Student who is in Dover on December 27th will make a point of being present.

—:—

    Mr. Thomas has resigned the Secretaryship of the Dover Scout Association, and has been appointed Secretary for East Kent. It is no idle remark when we say that the duties in connection with the former appointment were more than heavy. The East Kent District includes the six Associations of Dover, Deal and Walmer, Sandwich, Margate, Ramsgate, and Thanet, containing in all 800 scouts.

—:—

    H. J. H. Penn, an Old Boy, is Scoutmaster of the Charlton Troop, the first raised in Dover, and C. Reeder is Acting-Assistant-Scoutmaster of the Hougham Troop.

—:—

    Mr. Burr's offer of Scholarships is specially worthy the attention of our boys. These Scholarships offer a valuable profession to scouts who show the necessary keenness, capacity and ability to pass certain educational tests. Be prepared, and ask for-information.

—:—

    We earnestly hope that all Old Students will give their close attention to the problems that await solution at the Annual General Meeting of the O.S.A. The separation of the boys' from the girls' school affects seriously the future of the Association. There are at least these aspects to be considered:— (a) Continuance of the Association on present lines with possible modifications in detail; (b) Formation of two Associations; (c) This second possibility involves decision on the part of the actual Old Students as to whether they would prefer to form a 1909-1910 club and leave the two new Associations to decide their own policy and future. No attempt is here made to dictate a line of action; we wish merely to indicate some of the possibilities. In any case discussion must proceed from the fact that the two Schools are now two distinct institutions connected perhaps for the moment by ties which must rapidly grow weaker.

—:—

    At the last Examination for Women Clerks Dorothy Green obtained eleventh place with fifteen vacancies. Before the issue of the lists she had been offered an appointment on the result of the previous examination, when she obtained thirtieth place with twenty vacancies. Hearty congratulations.

—:—

    The Countess Grosvenor, at the Prize Distribution, left with the Headmaster a fine copy of Walton's "Compleat Angler" and a leather vanity bag, to be awarded as prizes next year. The Schools will very much appreciate this kindly thought.

—:—

    The date of the Boys' Sports Club Social has been unavoidably altered to Wednesday, the 21st December, so as not to clash with the Girls' First Annual Party.

—:—

    "What! no party, sir. Why?" This is the kind of thing we have had to meet the last few days. Lament, loud and deep and of other dimensions, has met the reply. Logic has been of no avail, neither hath any form of argument sufficed. Still the fact remains that there is no party for the boys, and they are angry with the powers that did this thing.

—:—

    The experiment has been tried this Term in various Forms of the joint purchase of magazines. The cost has worked out at a small sum per head and the result is satisfactory. In Form III. we hear additions to the Library have been obtained in the same way, and Form III. vaunt themselves thereof.

—:—

    Form V. girls wish to announce that they will give a grand dramatic entertainment on January 25th. Among other attractions on the programme there will be scenes from "Barnaby Rudge." It is hoped that the proceeds will pay off the debt on the Magazine.
    Rhoda Marwood has a post in the Infants' School at Marlow, Bucks.

—:—

    Constance King is teaching at Broadwater School, Tunbridge Wells.

—:—

    Nazalie Miller had to undergo an operation at Guy's Hospital in September, and has been absent all the Term. It is hoped that she will be well enough to return after the holidays.

—:—

    A. G. Gooding is engaged in learning German and teaching English at Elbing in East Prussia.

—:—

    Congratulations to Mr. Smith on graduating as Bachelor of Laws, London, and to Mr. Tomlinson on obtaining the Bachelor's Degree in Arts; also to Mr. Thomas, who has received the Degree of B.Sc. ad eundem from the newly-founded University of Bristol.

—:—

    It is practically certain that we shall hold our first Sports some time in the last week in May. That is to say shortly after the beginning of the Summer Term. Thus the Easter Vacation would give opportunity of training to the strenuous ones. Lists of events will be issued early in the Spring Term so that the boys may prepare for them. All ages, sizes and weights will be catered for, of course.

HOWLERS.

    Introduction to an essay.— Story of an engine driver (ortography). —" How I met my death!"
    The Habeas Corpus Act was intended to secure an expedient trial for a prisoner.
    Form VI. girl (after reading "Macbeth.')— "But Miss —was Lady Macbeth his mother or his wife?"

THE PRIZE GIVING.

    The First Prize-Giving, under the new circumstances of the distinct Boys' and Girls' Schools, was held in the Town Hall on November 18th. The audience numbered about 1,200, and was the largest on record.
    There were present on the platform:— The Countess Grosvenor, the Right Worshipful the Mayor, Sir W. H. Crundall and Lady Crundall, W. W. Burkett, Esq., Chairman of the Higher Education Committee, Mrs. Burkett, R. E. Knocker, Esq., and the Headmaster and Headmistress of the Schools.
    The Headmaster's Report consisted of a summary of the past five years' work, a vigorous denunciation of existing conditions, and a plea for a Housing Act.
    Lady Grosvenor apologised for her husband's unavoidable absence, and in a few kindly words thanked the girls for the beautiful bouquet presented to her, at the same time expressing her pleasure at being asked to give the Prizes and Certificates to the successful students.
    Sir William Crundall encouraged those interested in the Schools by promising speedy improvement in housing, etc.
    The Prizes and Certificates were presented amid applause from both sides of the ball. Votes of thanks were proposed and replied to, and the meeting was brought to a close by the singing of "Forty Years On" and the National Anthem.

SPORTS.
FOOTBALL.

    On looking at the results of the football season so far, it might be thought that it has been rather disastrous. We have certainly been beaten several times, and once by a team which has never done so before, but on practically every occasion something has happened which prevented our putting in a full team.
    One match we played with nine players, and the result 6—3 against us was nothing to be ashamed of.
    The match with Deal School, which is the old Sandwich School of four years ago, was a failure as might have been expected; the return match was not played. Coelum non animum mutant.
    There are still several matches to be played, both at home and away, and I am sure we shall do our best on these occasions to put out our strongest XI., and attempt to turn the goal average in our favour instead of against us.
    As last season, there seem to be about thirty boys who take any interest in the game. Twenty-two of these compose the 1st and 2nd XI., so that the number of boys who watch the matches is small.
    It is certainly disappointing that more boys cannot make up their minds to walk to the Danes to encourage the XI.; we cannot expect them to go away by train.
    When the XI. goes to Folkestone or Ramsgate, or anywhere else, there are about fifty at least, boys from the opposing school, who do all in their power to encourage their XI., and this term the general result has been a defeat for us.
    In spite of this lack of encouragement the Committee and the teams do not lose hope. They intend to continue as cheerfully as possible, and meet all difficulties as they turn up.
    The full team is not very much below last season's, and does not even feel afraid of the Old Students' Match.

F. R. HARDY.

FIXTURES AND RESULTS.
1st XI.

MATCHES.

DOVER COUNTY SCHOOL v. RAMSGATE COUNTY SCHOOL.

     This match fixed for October 12th had to be postponed owing to inclement weather. Both sides were disappointed, as this was the first fixture drawn up between the two Schools.
    DOVER COUNTY SCHOOL.—Burnard (goal); R. Reader, Hardy (backs); Dunn, Belchamber, Clout (half-backs); Egan pri., Took pri. Russell, Coombs, Fisher (forwards).

—:—

DOVER COUNTY SCHOOL v. DUKE OF YORK'S ROYAL MILITARY SCHOOL MONITORS.

    This match was also postponed owing to rain. The same team was chosen as represented the School the previous week.

—:—

DOVER COUNTY SCHOOL v. SIMON LANGTON SCHOOL.

    Played at the Danes on October 26th, resulting in the defeat of the School by 5—0. During the greater part of the first half the visitors were pressing and were leading at half time by 4—0. The School played up splendidly in the second half and our opponents only netted once. The match provided an interesting struggle, and the result was much better than we expected. Mr. Coopland kindly refereed.
DOVER COUNTY SCHOOL.— The same team represented the School as the previous week.

—:—

DOVER COUNTY SCHOOL v. RAMSGATE COUNTY SCHOOL.

    This re-arranged match was played at Ramsgate on November 2nd, and resulted in a win for our opponents by 5—1. With the advantage of an extremely strong wind the School kicked off and confined its rivals to their own half until half-time was called. But despite our efforts we could only net once in the person of Coombs, who was enabled to score through an opening by Took. Towards the end of the first half, Ramsgate brought matters level with a shot which gave Burnard no chance. Half-time: One all. It was now the home team's turn to press, and during the second half they netted four times. A few dangerous rushes of ours were frustrated, and at the call of time we retired losers by the above stated score. After the match we partook of tea at the School, and our first match with Ramsgate County School ended with mutual satisfaction.
DOVER COUNTY SCHOOL.— Burnard (goal); Reeder, R., Hardy (backs); Dunn, Belchamber, Clout (half-backs); Egan pri., Took pri., Russell, Coombs, Fisher (forwards).

—:—

DOVER COUNTY SCHOOL v. HARVEY GRAMMAR SCHOOL.

    Played at Folkestone on November 9th. A disappointing day, as defeat was probably incurred through the absence of two of those put down to play; the absence was, we fear, not unavoidable, but enough said. The prominent feature of the game was Hardy's splendid individual work, in which he was ably seconded by Coombs. Reeder and Fisher were efficient, hut over-worked through the disarrangement of the team. Result:— 6—3 against, Hardy scoring all our goals.

—:—

DOVER COUNTY SCHOOL v. ST. AUGUSTINE'S COLLEGE.

    Played at the Danes on November 16th, and resulted in a win for the School by 5—2. The weather was ideal for football, and the School took the most of their opportunities, playing up very well after their series of reverses. Fine individual play by Hardy resulted in his opening the score for the School, and an opening by Coombs enabled the same player to advance the lead. After a dangerous rush by the College had been frustrated, Coombs added in quick succession a third and a fourth goal, and just before the interval Hardy netted again. Half-time: Dover County School 5, St. Augustine's College 0. During the second half the visitors found the net twice, while the School made no further addition to its score. Fisher played splendidly in goal, thus providing the School's great need, and at the call of time, we retired winners by above stated score. Mr. Tomlinson kindly refereed.
DOVER COUNTY SCHOOL.— Fisher (goal); Reeder, R., Dunn (backs); Reeder sec., Burnard, Grimer (half-backs); Russell, Took, Hardy, Coombs, Malley (forwards).

—:—

DOVER COUNTY SCHOOL v. DEAL SCHOOL.

    This match was played at Deal, and resulted in a win for our opponents by 5—3. During the match an unfortunate incident occurred. Hardy, having gained possession of the ball, rushed away, but was charged by the opposing centre-half so heavily that his right shoulder was badly wrenched. The Deal team were much heavier than ours, and scored twice in rapid succession, but their lead was reduced by Coombs. A few minutes later our opponents scored again, but for the second time Coombs netted for the School; just on half-time Deal found the net, and at the interval the scores were Dover County School 2, Deal School 4. Owing to Hardy's unfortunate accident we were practically playing only ten men during the second half. After a little give and take play we were awarded a penalty for "hands," which was converted by Hardy. We were now only one goal behind, but towards the middle of the second half Deal scored the final goal of the match, and at the call of time we retired losers by 5—3.
DOVER COUNTY SCHOOL.— Fisher (goal); Dunn, Reeder, R., (backs); Clout, Belchamber, Reeder, sec. (half-backs); Russell, Grimer, Hardy, Coombs, Malley (forwards).

—:—

DOVER COUNTY SCHOOL v. ST. AUGUSTINE'S COLLEGE, RAMSGATE.

    The game was opened under trying conditions, the wind being very strong. Playing with the wind, the School led at half-time by 1—0, Coombs having scored. On resuming, the College added 4 goals, including a penalty for hands, to the School's 1, by Hall. The School was noticeably weak in the forward line, but a good defence prevented a disaster; the game ending 4—2 against the School. Tea was enjoyed at the College.
DOVER COUNTY SCHOOL.— Brett (goal); Fisher, Burnard (backs) Reeder, sec., Hall, Clout (half-backs); Malley, Grimer, Took, Coombs, Russell (forwards).

FOOTBALL 2nd XI.

    The 2nd XI. football has not been very successful this term, for it has lost the few matches that it has played, and would have lost by a considerable amount more if Reeder sec. had not rendered his assistance in goal. Owing to Russell having to play for the 1st XI., we did not have a very good captain to lead the forwards.

COUNTY SCHOOL 2ND XI. v. HARVEY GRAMMAR SCHOOL 2ND XI.

    The match was played at Folkestone, on the 19th of October, and resulted in a loss of 6—1.

—:—

COUNTY SCHOOL 2ND XI. v. SIMON LANGTON'S SCHOOL 2ND XI.

    This match was played at Canterbury, on the 26th of October. The size of the players of Simon Langton's gave them an easy victory, or rather walk over—of 13—0.

—:—

COUNTY SCHOOL 2ND XI. v. HARVEY GRAMMAR SCHOOL.

    The match was played at the Danes, on the 9th of November. If Reeder sec. had been playing the result in all probability would have favoured the County School, as it was, it lost by 6—2.

FORM IIb. FOOTBALL CLUB.

    This season we have played four matches, and have had the misfortune to have won only one of them.
    The first match we played was against Form IIa., and we had a good game, but they ran out winners by 6—2. Our scorers were Gordon and Lyons who put through his own goal.
    The next match was against Form III. and they won, 4—3. This match was the hardest we played, and they scored the winning goal as the whistle went.
    We played Form III. again and this time we also lost, 5—2, and our scorers were Rigden and Gordon.
    We played a practice match and won 3—2, we had a fine game, and our scorers were Gordon, Walmesley and Morrison.

HOCKEY.

    Winter is now here again, and brings with it the usual sports. The girls at the beginning of the season called a general meeting, during which they elected the following officers— Helen Ainslie (Captain), Olive Marsh (Sub-Captain), D. French (Secretary) and P. Back (Treasurer).
    Sergeant O'Flannagan is again acting as coach. The attendance of the upper forms has not been altogether satisfactory, but it is to be hoped that there will be an improvement next term.

—:—

    The Juniors are quite enthusiastic, and have no fear of the ball or their legs, but they have still to learn that there is such a thing as a "place" in hockey.

—:—

    Early in the term the girls went to Folkestone for a friendly practice with the Folkestone County School.

—:—

    On November 27th a match was played with the Priory School. Both sides were unable to score a goal.

—:—

    The return was played at the Danes on December 7th, when the School lost by three goals. This result was greatly owing to the loss of O. Marsh, the centre-half, who was unable to play through illness.

—:—

    For December 17th a match with Folkestone County School is arranged; and it is hoped there will be a match with the Old Students before Christmas.

H. AINSLIE, Captain.

HOCKEY SONG.
TUNE-" SOLDIER'S CHORUS," Faust.

Unfortunately the muse departed at this point. Will some kind person supply another verse please?

GAMES ACCOUNT.
GIRLS' SCHOOL.
AUGUST, 1909-AUGUST, 1910.

COUNTY SCHOOL SCOUTS.

    Sic transit gloria scati. St. Mary's, 720; St. Martin's, 635 County School, 595. And the treasured adornment of the Science Room now decorates the walls of the National School.

—:—

    "Are we downhearted?" As Mr. Asquith says, "Wait and see."

—:—

    Meanwhile our heartiest and sincerest congratulations to the victors and runners-up. May we give them better sport next time.

—:—

    Ichabod! Who said Ichabod? Not quite. We have the two Dover King's Scouts. One has attained Warrant Rank and is now our Assistant Scoutmaster; the other is lent to Hougham as Acting Assistant Scoutmaster. He only lacks age to get his warrant too, and is, we believe, hard at work daily—getting older.

—:—

    That the School isn't downhearted is shown by the number of recruits this term—9. But the Commissioner wants to see our numbers at 80, and in a School of our size this ought not to be impossible. We recommend non-scouts to read carefully Mr. Burr's offer, and consider not only what it is in itself worth, but also what it signifies.

—:—

    The Recruits are promising well and have already done good work in tracking and preparation for their Scout-life.

—:—

    "It's an ill wind that blows,"— we hear that unkind residents of the hillside quote no further. Our trophy loss has, thanks to the kindness of Mr. Whitehouse in allowing us to spend the proceeds of the sale of the trophy case, given us a bugle, and the dulcet notes that proceed from Belson's vicinity, will, we trust, blow good in blowing him a badge and a valuable aid to the troop.

—:—

    Success in this as in all branches of Scout work depends, however, on but one thing—Practice—Practice—Practice.

MERIT LISTS.
BOYS.

THE CONCERT.

    The local newspapers have already reported the items of the Concert, giving each a measure of praise, in correct journalistic style. Of course they couldn't have the same feeling as we had, we longed for the singing to cease and the water babies to appear. Those of us who love Kingsley's book had our own idea of the costumes worn by the water babies, to our surprise we learnt that they make their little green frocks themselves, and wear with them sashes of sea-weed; some have long hair, some short, they play and dance in their garden to the music of a piano. Like land babies they love sweets, but they know heaps more—think of the ignorance of little Tom. And what a feast for the imagination! First we saw a country lane with flowers and greenery, then the interior of a mansion, then a sea garden—surely we saw with a water baby's clearer vision, for really the scenery was nothing but a screen and a few chairs on the platform.
    We forgot all these delightful scenes, when in swaggered, or more truly if less elegantly, waddled Falstaff. In him we hardly recognized our fellow labourer, he bad indeed mis du corps.
    Just now we had been lauding goodness and cleanliness, but here was a jolly old rascal who appealed at once.
    His plot to waylay and rob the travellers was good, but not half so delightful as the second, which was our secret and not Falstaff's.
    And then, he lied gloriously, he grew more eloquent with the help of many cups of sack, it was a great moment for him, but he did not see the sneers of Hal and Poins. We watched for his discomfiture when the truth was flung at him, but no, with a neatness, totally unexpected, he turned the tables on his young friends, and ambled slowly out, begging for no more tricks "an' thou lovest me."
    Then for the second time we awoke to our surroundings, and settled down for the serious business of the evening.

L. V.

THE COOKERY CLASSES.

    Oh! those cookery classes! How we longed for them! How we discoursed of them, one with another!" And the first thing we cooked! It was a Yorkshire pudding, and we took such trouble (and time) over it, much more than we ever should at home. True, most of the morning was spent in clearing up the mess we made, but there—that was a detail. The next thing we attempted to cook was a fish. Oh, how we worked at it! We peeled the onions, we cut up the suet, and stuffed the fish, until there did not appear to be any "fish" left, it seemed to be wholly composed of bread crumbs.
    Perhaps the scullery work is the best part. We all have certain things to do; for instance, two girls clean the knives, another two scrub the tables, and so on. As soon as we have been told what to do, there is a wild rush (lasting quite five minutes) as we run hither and thither for bowls, swabs, knives, water, etc.
    Then some days we have break (not always, because there is not always time), and this break never manages to come at 10.30. We generally have it about 11 o'clock, so we just enjoy ourselves when the other girls are enjoying (?) their lessons. This morning it rained, so we bad break in the hall, and what a fine time we had! We played "hunt the thimble" for ten minutes, and you may imagine how quiet (?) we were, since one of the teachers had to shut
the fanlight opening on to the hall.
    I am afraid there are very few people who appreciate our cooking. When we asked at home if anyone would have a piece of our Yorkshire pudding, what did we hear, but, "No, thank you." It is very discouraging!

M.

LITERARY AND DEBATING SOCIETY.

    The meeting this term was held on Friday, October 28th. It was a literary evening on Kingsley, and, judging by the number, this is far more popular than a debate.
    Miss Cole took the chair, and C. M. Bradley read a paper on "The Life and Works of Kingsley." It was very interesting indeed, and when the paper was ended I am sure everyone was fired with a desire to read every one of Kingsley's books without a moment's delay. During the evening various people sang some of Kingsley's songs. R. Valiance recited "The Ode to the North-West Wind," which was so much appreciated, that she was prevailed upon to recite as an encore "The Lost Doll."
    Some of the members of Form VI. read a scene from "Hereward the Wake," and Form V. a scene from "Hypatia," and the illustrious Form IV. surpassed themselves in a scene from "Westward Ho!" I think this scene drove away the last signs of stiffness and formality, and everyone settled down to enjoy herself, for John Oxenham and Yeo kept making the audience burst into laughter by their comical speeches.
    The meeting broke up about eight o'clock and everyone went home feeling very pleased with herself and everyone in general.

QUERIES FOR THE GIRLS' SCHOOL.
(AFTER THE PRIZE-GIVING).

1. Do chimney-pots ever smell of paint?

2. What "cool and clear" draughts have caused the ventilators in Form V. and VI. to be closed so carefully of late?

3. Is it true that certain members of the Girls' School thought it necessary to reckon how old they will be two score years hence?

4. Have members of the Senior Choir ever heard of the words "smeeting" and "scoming?"

5. Is it harder to teach to play or to teach to work?

6. Why are last rehearsals such discouraging occasions?

7. Why did Longly walk so long alone?

8. Is there enough water in the back premises of the Town Hall to wash a chimney-sweep clean?

9. Does anyone disagree that at least three hearty cheers are due to those who spent so much time and trouble in turning land-babies into the water-species?

FORM III.
LIBRARY.

    A new novelty of Form III. was to have a form library, as the books which were sent up from the general library were rather old and had been read by most of the boys in the Form. To make the Library a success we held a meeting in which were elected a president, a librarian and a secretary. During the meeting our Form-master gave us some valuable hints, and suggested that we should pay so much a week so as to enable us to buy some new books. Our Form-master played the generous part, for he said he would buy some books and we could gradually pay him back. Soon we had bought ourselves 12/6 worth of books. We agreed that the books should go out every Saturday. At the meeting which was held we decided that when we left the Form we should each take a new book which we had bought. All thanks are due to our Form-master who was the human foundation stone of the Form III. Library, Limited.

THE SECRETARY AND LIBRARIAN.

THOUGHTS AT LEAVING SCHOOL.

    School days, though many girls or boys do not think so, are the happiest times in their lives. When one is far away from home and friends it is very pleasant to look back with our mind's eye to the dear old school where we have spent so many hours, and to think with pride of the escapades and games we used to play. Leaving school is breaking away from our school-fellows only to see them now and then at an Old Students' Re-union. But time, like an ever-rolling stream, bears all its sons away, and we cannot be always happy schoolgirls or boys, so we must go our own way doing well what it is our lot to do, and helping, when we meet them, lame dogs over stiles.

E.M.

VALETE!

    Most people at the thought of leaving school heave a great sigh of relief—good-bye to prep., to unknown quantities, to "unseens," to foreign policies-but at the supreme moment of departure there comes a sinking feeling of harder unknown problems in the near dim future. No more thirteen weeks per annum enjoyed by the merry crowd you leave behind, but a miserable two weeks or even less out of fifty-two. You feel a responsibility, for which you are unprepared, resting on your shoulders; the phrase "Actum est de me" comes home to you with greater truth. Your thoughts travel "forty years on" and you wonder...
    You climb the six-runged ladder and look regretfully back at the well—there are the holes in the window, carefully pasted over with paper by an ingenious "manœuvre," other windows through which no draught penetrates—they won't open—there is also the electric shocker"—all these delights you leave behind for others to enjoy while you yourself depart with weary steps "an old student." No longer the surreptitious moments of genteel converse when you and your fellows are left alone— "trusted," then the stifled laugh and dead silence which succeed at the sound of the master's returning footsteps.
    It is said that all pleasures come to an end, and now you realise that school is indeed a time of pleasure which will remain in life-long memory.

K. N. T.

RAILWAY TRAVELLING IN KENT.
TO AND FROM SCHOOL BY TRAIN.

    Starting to school in the morning the train breaks its record by being punctual. This is quite natural, for if the train starts from Kearsney it can hardly be late if it has been waiting all night on a siding; but if it starts from a station about four miles away it would be about ten minutes late.
    Getting to school is a thing in which we are quite up to time; but it is going home again that our feelings of sympathy for fellow passengers are aroused, especially if they feel as hungry as we do. The train is late, no matter we get home some time perhaps the engine driver was considerate and did not wish to shake up the bones of the passengers by putting his engine to its utmost. Every thing on the station reminds us of weariness, the porters seem weary of their work and laden with their luggage. After about twenty minutes waiting over time the train arrives, to the great surprise of all, who wonder how it can be that this marvellous iron horse is not later.
    We get to our carriage, which is generally occupied by tourists from France, who sometimes have their luggage spread out over the seats. They seem to be unaware that we want to sit down, and they leave their luggage where they put it, but we do not despair, and we manage to find a seat somewhere. The train starts, gets as far as the first tunnel, then stops and shunts off a cattle truck. After this operation we start again only to be held up at the next signal box to allow an express to pass. This causes some amusement to us, whereat our foreign passengers commence to talk, perhaps about the manners of English school children; we listen, think we understand what they are saying, and are quite satisfied.
    When the express has gone by, the train, to our great joy, again commences to wend its homeward way, but our joy is cut short perhaps by someone who, with his head out of the window, announces that a signal is against us. What is it this time? Has the signalman become weary of watching for us? Little blame if he has. Or is some peaceful animal grazing further along the line and the good signalman does not wish to disturb it until its appetite is appeased? However, the guard looks out of his window and is given some words of encouragement by other passengers, the signal drops and again we start, this time not to stop until we arrive at our station. We get home, rather late, in time to have our tea, rest from the exertions of the day, and proceed with our homework. What we do not finish in the evening the kind railway company gives us time to finish in the train the next morning. And so we commence another day of practically the same routine. Who now does not think that a person, who travels much by this well-known railway, has much to put up with?

P.M.

POETRY.

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D.G.

O. M. S.

J. F. BURNARD.

M. E.

N. H.

W. GREEN.

C.B.

"RENE"

T. BUXTON.

C. R.

C. REDGMENT.