No. 8. MARCH, 1911. VOL. III.

FIAT LUX.

NOTICES.

    The next number of The Pharos will appear shortly after Mid-Term.
    All contributions intended for that number should reach the Editor before June 15th, 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 May 3rd, 1911.
    Contributions are acknowledged from:— C.M.B., W.D., Rosalind, H. Friend, F. Thomas, Morford, R.Y., B. Blackford, F. Carlton, A. J. Took, D. Golden, W.H.C., G.D., C.R., L.B., D.G., A.P., D.S., L.I.M., A.L.H., J.L., F.H., D.T.G., J.E., J.J.M., C.M.C., C.L.F.

EDITORIAL.

    THE Editor and readers of The Pharos are again indebted to the girls of Form V. for timely aid. Some account will be found in this issue of the concert which resulted in the removal of one pound sterling from the debit side of the Magazine account.
    Attention is directed to the report of the meeting of the Old Students' Association which resulted in the formation of a new "Club" of looser and more elastic organisation, but attempting to attain practically the same ends as the former body.
    A definite difficulty arises for the Magazine; we have for this number attempted to get promises to purchase from such Old Students as could be reached without expense. We shall be glad if as many as possible of the Old Students will let us know their intentions in the matter. It is apparently difficult to sell 50 Magazines among the hundreds of Old Students of the School.
    The next number of The Pharos will record, we hope, a successful Sports Day. Given fine weather, enthusiasm and hard work should do the rest.

GLEAMS AND FLASHES.

    Will all Old Students, whether they be in Dover, Buckland, Hastings, London, Stone-in-Oxney, Sevenoaks, Sandwich, or other ultimate parts of the earth, please remember that we are very anxious to receive items of news and contributions from them. Small items will be received with joy-it is keeping in touch that is important.

—:—

    Our best wishes go with Norman Belchamber, who left Liverpool on Tuesday, March 14th, on the Grampian for Canada (Manitoba). Canadians sometimes complain that we don't send them "triers"— they will hardly say that in this case. The Football Committee at a recent meeting gave N. B. along with his colours their best wishes for success.

—:—

    Alice Clipsham has been appointed to Sturry School.

—:—

    The Old Boys' Race at the School Sports will be run under the usual conditions if there are sufficient entries by May 6th, otherwise the event will be arranged on the ground.

—:—

    The Hockey practice on Wednesday, March 15th, was interrupted in the second half by an accident to Morgan. A rising ball gave him a nasty, and at first sight alarming, gash over the right eye. Belson helped admirably in doing what was needful and Malley ably seconded him. We hope to see Morgan quite fit again shortly and are glad the accident was not worse.

—:—

    The Old Boys' Dinner will probably be arranged for some day in Easter Week.

—:—

    The Preliminary Certificate List (Part I.) includes for the School:—

Hardy passed Matriculation in January.

—:—

    The Scholarship Holders who took Locals and Matriculation last year have decided to give a Championship Cup to be competed for at the Annual Sports, and to be held for one year by the boy gaining the most points (on some system to be decided) at the sports.

—:—

    The Upper School Library starts a new stage in its career this week with 58 new volumes.

—:—

    On Saturday, January 28th, 1911, the Staff of the Boys' School were at home to the Girls' Staff and a few friends; we think a very enjoyable evening was passed.

—:—

    The Old Boys' Match (Football) is arranged for April 12th.

—:—

    The profound sympathy of every member of the Staff and School is with Captain and Mrs. Morrison and family in their great sorrow. A. Morrison was, as his father says in a letter to the Head, "always very zealous for the honour of the School and proud of belonging to the Scouts." Further he was a boy towards whom no member of the Staff or School ever had any but the kindliest thoughts; that is a great deal to say; indeed it is what few of us can hope to gain. As a mark of sympathy and respect the School attended this (Wednesday) morning at the Priory Station on the departure of the body for Gravesend.

HOWLERS.

    Caedmon used to mind sheep; at night when their work was done they would all sit round a table, and each in turn had to sing.

    St. Augustine was a heathen, but his wife Bertha was a Christian.

    He resolved to put a cheque on luxury.

    They the Athenians held a meeting on oyster shells.

    Frankfurt is a great sugar-beet growing centre from which sugar is made.

    A heroine is a brave woman and a female hero.

    Authors are always very clever men and must develop their minds. They write their works and publish them at low prices. Taking authors on the whole they are not very popular during their lives, but the cleverness comes out after.

    Dickens also wrote books that the poor might be able to read them, and obtain a little education and teach them how to behave.

    Scot also wrote plays. Some of the best are "Merchant of Venice,'' "Julia Cæsar,'' "Macbeth," and "Antony and Cleopatra."

    The Cart-Horse (from the French).— His agony incites a last effort, his feet make a digression; he falls, and behold him broken under the shaft!

    During the last two terms some rather funny answers have been given. During a geography lesson, a boy said "oak and acorn trees grew on the Carpathian Mountains." Then in a French lesson "autant de bonté" was said to mean "afternoon tea." "The sailors were cleaning typhoons on the deck," and "The man died of naptha," were given in during an English lesson.

SPORTS' DAY.

    The Sports will be held at the Athletic Ground, Crabble, on Wednesday, May 31st. As will be seen in the list of events there is a sufficient variety to enable every boy in the School to compete. No doubt the Classic race, 100yds., will account for the most entries. It behoves every boy to have a light pair of running shoes, pumps, if possible, otherwise the lightest pair of shoes obtainable. A word of advice to the sprinters-practise starting, whether it be the American style or the crouching English. The 100yds. is often won in the first five yards. In practising for this race, run only 40 yards each time the first week, gradually increasing the distance week by week, but do not run 100 until a few days before the race.
    The hardest race, 440yds., ought to prove very popular, especially among the scouts and "footer" players. Pumps will prove of the greatest advantage here, there being no waste of energy in gripping the ground when wearing them.
    In all the races, do not give up because you feel tired, and others are in front, remember, if you are exhausted, the leaders are probably in the same condition and on their "last legs," ready to surrender if challenged.
    Last, but most important of all, after every race put on your sweater instantly.

R.S.S.

SPORTS.
HOCKEY.

    The practices this term have been much better than those before Christmas, and the Sergeant is getting quite hopeful. Three Sixth Formers were almost dragged to the Danes, when to their own surprise they found that hockey was really worth learning.

—:—

    A match was played against Folkestone County School at Folkestone, and we lost!!! But it was said that if their backs had not formed a gate of steel across their goal we might have won???

—:—

    On February 22nd we played against St. Patrick's, and after a good fight the score was 2-2.
    DOVER COUNTY SCHOOL.— A. Thorpe (goal); L. Clout, E. Wilson (backs); E. Philpott, O. Marsh, G. Daniels (half-backs); O. Saville, W. Killick, H. Ainslie, D. Fell, G. Ogg (forwards).

—:—

    Form VI. played a match against an eleven picked from the rest of the School, and they were defeated by 5-4.
    FORM VI.— C. Young (goal); M. Nowers, L. Clout (backs); B. Cheeseman, F. Wilson, W. Howard (half-backs); E. Philpott, O. Marsh, H. Ainslie, I. Hopper, G. Ogg (forwards).
    THE SCHOOL.— A. Thorpe (goal); M. Akhurst, G. Daniels (backs) ; K. Greenwood, I. Golden, B. Williams (half-backs) P. Back, W. Killick, D. Fell, O. Saville, M. Jackman (forwards).

—:—

    The return match with St. Patrick's will be played on March 15th. [Later-cancelled].

H AINSLIE, Captain

FOOTBALL.

    On January 25th the School played Folkestone Harvey Grammar School on the Danes, and after a hard game were the winners by 6-1. The scorers were F. Hardy (5) and G. Coombs (1).
    DOVER COUNTY SCHOOL.— Hardy, sec. (goal) ; Feeder, pri., Reeder, sec. (backs); Clout, Grimer, Dunn (half-backs); Russell, Took, Hardy, Coombs, Fisher (forwards).

—:—

    On February 1st the opponents were St. James' F.C., a local eleven composed of players from various clubs. The game was rather one-sided, the School forwards proving too much for the St. James' defence, and the School defence did not give the opposing forwards many chances to break away. The School won 6-1, Hardy scoring 5 and Coombs 1.
    DOVER COUNTY SCHOOL.— Fisher (goal); Reader, pri., Burnard (backs); Clout, Grimer, Malley (half-backs); Russell, Took, Hardy, Coombs, Carey (forwards).

—:—

    On February 22nd the School Eleven journeyed to Canterbury to play the return match to Simon Langton School, and also to give them a surprise, as it was really a win for the School, but the referee did not think so. A strong wind was blowing, and, kicking with the wind, the School scored two goals in the first half, and the good work of the defence in the second half saved the School from defeat. We were rather unlucky in the fact that our opponents were allowed two offside goals. Scorers: Hardy 1, Coombs 1.
    DOVER COUNTY SCHOOL.— Fisher (goal); Reeder, pri., Burnard (backs); Clout, Dunn, Grimer (half-backs); Russell, Took, Hardy, Coombs, Carey (forwards).

—:—

    On March 1st, with the same team that played on February 22nd, the School met Ramsgate County School on the Danes. The School commenced to play with the wind and in the first half obtained 5 goals to Ramsgate's 1. At the change over, Ramsgate obtained two more goals and the School one, leaving the School winners by 6-3. Scorers: Hardy 5, Coombs 1.

—:—

    Results of term's football up to date:—

One match to be played.

—:—

    The football this term has been much more satisfactory than that of last term. Much the same team has been played, but with an alteration which has proved beneficial, i.e., Fisher as goalkeeper and Burnard from goal to back; both these players have done good work this term, as also have the players in the forward line.
    The one great surprise of the term's football was the match at Canterbury against Simon Langton School, with whom we drew, whereas we have lost several previous matches by a large margin. The play of the defence in the second half was well worthy of comment, as was also that of the forward line in the attempts to score against such a strong head wind.
    So far we have succeeded in carrying out our intention, that is of turning the goal average for us instead of against. At present we have scored 44 goals and have bad 43 scored against us. There is still one match to be played against the County School at Ramsgate, and with a little luck we should win it.
    It is encouraging to see that more interest has been taken in the football this term, and that more boys have turned up at the Danes to encourage the team. From the result of the last match on the Danes when a good few boys turned up it can be seen what difference a little encouragement will make. For the success of the term's football we are indebted to the efforts made by members of the Committee and also to those who kindly organised the tea after the match with Ramsgate County School.

FRANK P. HARDY,        
Captain, 1910-11.

FORM II. FOOTBALL.

    Our football team has had a rest. Perhaps it is weeping over the much regretted departure of Gordon (?). In short it has not played a match this term.

J. M. L.

CRICKET FIXTURES, 1911.

SPORTS' DAY.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 31st, 1911.

The following are the events:—

1. 100 yards for boys over 14.

2. 100 yards for boys over 12 and under 14.

3. 100 yards for boys under 12.

4. 440 yards for boys over 14.

5. 40 yards for boys under 14.

6. 880 yards.

7. 120 yards hurdle.

8. Sack race.

9. Slow bicycle race.

10. Obstacle race.

11. Three-legged race.

12. High jump for boys over 14.

13. High jump for boys under 14.

14. Long jump for boys over 14.

15. Long jump for boys under 14.

16. Tug-of-war.

17. Throwing the cricket ball.

18. Old Boys' race, 220 yards.

Entrance Fee for each event, 2d.
Composition Fee, 6d., to be paid by May 6th, 1911.

CASH ACCOUNT OF GAMES.
FOR YEAR ENDED JULY, 1910.

GAMES.

    I think it would be a very good thing if all the Forms had an annual paper chase. Perhaps we might get a games club together and everybody who joined would have to pay a small fee. Then we could arrange games for Saturday afternoon. We could also divide it into two parts, one part could play against the other.

J. L.

MERIT LISTS.

THE LITERARY EVENING (GIRLS).

    A Literary Evening of the Literary and Debating Society was held on February 14th. The subject was "The Works of Dickens," and a more interesting one could hardly have been found.
    The meeting commenced with a very interesting paper on his life and works, read by R. Valiance. This short account, crammed so full of anecdotes both humorous and pathetic, seemed to bring the author nearer to the bearers than any amount of reading his works could have done.
    The Sixth Form contributed "Miss Squeers' Teaparty," from "Nicholas Nickleby," followed by "Tom Cratchit's Christmas Party." The amusing part of this was that the same football which did duty as the goose was smuggled out and afterwards borne in  tiumphantly as the pudding!
    G. Daniels then read "Boots of Holly Tree Inn," which, though not well known, is a very attractive little story.
    The Fifth Form then read a scene from "Pickwick Papers," in which the much harassed hero is discovered by his three friends convulsively clutched in the arms of the fainting Mrs. Bardell.
    The great feature of the evening was the Student Teachers' contribution from "Martin Chuzzlewit," Mrs. Gamp's teaparty in her bedroom, in which she and her friend squabble as to who shall have the next turn at the teapot which does not contain tea.
    The last item on the programme had to be cancelled owing to the lateness of the hour, and the meeting closed, adding one more to the successful meetings of our Society.

THE LITERARY AND DEBATING SOCIETY.

    On Monday evening, December 19th, quite a large number of girls assembled in the Hall to enjoy the second Literary evening which has been arranged since the birth of our wondrous Society. This time we considered the works of Tennyson. Several girls read papers on his writings, while others helped to reproduce scenes from some of his longer poems. In addition, five or six songs were sung.
    The Fourth Form again showed their talent as actresses by reproducing their scene from "Queen Mary" very well indeed.
    The Fifth Form took their extract from "The Princess." The scene chosen was the one where the Prince, with two of his friends disguised as maidens, visits the palace of the Princess.
    The Sixth Form gave "The Passing of Arthur," and thus made other members of the Form conjure up thoughts of Form IV. days and the "Junior Oxford." In this piece Sir Bedivere did his best—but slippers on wooden steps hardly conveyed the impression of "juts of slippery crags ringing sharp-smitten with the dint of armed heels."
    The last item on the evening's programme was very interesting and stirring; taking the form of a recitation by Rosalind Valiance.
    The poem was "The Revenge," which appeals to English girls quite as much as to English men and boys.
    So far nothing has been said about the papers which were read and these must not be ignored, for they were the real nucleus of the meeting. Those on the "Dying Swan" and "Guinevere" appealed to me most, but all reached such a high standard of excellence that it is impossible to say which were best. Miss Cole bemoaned the fact that girls never wrote such good essays for her.
    The items took much longer than was anticipated, and the meeting lasted over two hours. In consequence there was no time for dancing afterwards, but the evening had been so thoroughly enjoyable that we forgot to be disappointed.

D. H.

THE NEEDLEWORK EXHIBITION.

    The Annual Exhibition of Needlework took place at the Girls' School, Maison Dieu Road, on Friday, December 16th. It was a very wet evening, but in spite of the wet many people were good enough to turn out to come and look at the needlework. The Senior Choir sang some carols, and also a song called "O, mistress mine." The Lower Forms performed some very pretty French action songs. These pieces were greatly appreciated and well applauded. Altogether the evening was very successful.

D. G.

THE CHRISTMAS PARTY.

    The Lower School Christmas Party was held on January 21st. It was on a Saturday evening commencing at 5 o'clock and ending at 8. It was held in the hall where seats and chairs were arranged round the room. Most of the teachers were there who took it in turns to play the piano. The first game was called "The Jolly Miller" which was joined in by everybody. This was followed by other games, and then there was a pause for refreshment. The best game was two or three boys had hats on their heads on which were suspended "ginger biscuits." They had to walk along the room trying to catch the biscuits in their mouths and the one who ate it first won the prize. Another exciting game was four rows of potatoes were laid on the floor and at each end was a plate. Four boys had a spoon each with which they had to pick up the potatoes and put them in the plate. The one who got the potatoes in the plate first won the game. The games were continued till 8 o'clock when more refreshments were partaken of. After this we all went home having thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.

P. ROBINSON.

THE OLD STUDENTS' RE-UNION.

    The second and last Annual Re-Union under the auspices of the O.S.A. was held at the Town Hall on December 27th. Owing to Christmas festivities and other causes, a comparatively small gathering was present, giving the hall a rather cold and cheerless aspect.
    The first part of the evening was occupied by a concert, this entertaining those already arrived and covering the arrival of late ones. Then the company adjourned to the Council Chamber for refreshments. Dances and card parties were arranged, acquaintances renewed and experiences exchanged by college students and old school friends. With the assistance of a splendid orchestra dancing commenced about 9 p.m., and continued with intervals till midnight. It was a very enjoyable evening for dancers and card enthusiasts, and perhaps for onlookers, though they would have been happier had they taken an active part.
    The evening terminated with the singing of "Auld Lang Syne" and "God Save the King."

OLD STUDENTS' ASSOCIATION.

    The Annual General Meeting of the O.S.A. was held in the Lower School Room on December 30th, Mr. Whitehouse in the chair. The proceedings were long—very long—and it is impossible to trace them here in detail. Perhaps an equally useful purpose will be served if we attempt to indicate very briefly the views of the various sections of the meeting and to state the outcome of the conflict among the views.
    The President reviewed the history of the Association and called attention to the problems to he faced by the members.
    Miss Chapman, while giving it as her opinion that separate associations for Boys' and Girls' Schools were in the long run inevitable, emphasized the fact that she would not stand in the way of continuance of the Association under present conditions.
    The views of the bulk of the meeting (it was not really very bulky) now came slowly forward. They may be analysed thus:—
    (1) There was a section that thought definitely that this Association served no useful purpose; that the result achieved by it could be achieved without so much elaborate machinery of organisation; and that the Magazine did not interest them much.
    This section proposed that the Picnic and Re-Union should continue and be arranged for as they came along, so to say; also that there should be an Annual Dinner.
    (2) There were very many of the meeting who for sentimental reasons would have preferred no change. Many of them seemed very vague in their knowledge of what the Association really was, and what were its intentions. We should not care to say that this section was inglorious, but it was certainly mute.
    The views of section 1 finally prevailed, but the weak point of their scheme was seen to be the lack of any official body by which the preparations for the Picnic, etc., could be made. The suggestion was adopted that the present officials and committee should be taken over.
    The discussion of the Dinner question showed sharp difference of opinion. Miss Thomas put the case quite clearly in saying that she objected to seeing the Association, which had all along been for all Old Students, split into sections for men and women respectively. It appeared probable that further conversation at another meeting would have led to compromise on the question. The dinner could easily have been an unofficial function.
    Finally, on the question of funds, all present guaranteed to be responsible for 1/- of the expenses to he incurred during the year.
    The Net Result.— There is an Old Students' Club consisting of all Old Students; there is no entrance fee and no subscription; every Old Student of the School is a member ipso facto; there will be an Annual Re-Union of Old Students at Christmas; there will be a Picnic and an Old Boys' Dinner.
    There is perhaps a Committee. Steps are now being taken to ascertain its whereabouts, with a view to the Dinner and Entertainment at Easter.

FORM NOTES.

    The Form garden consists of a table with four or five sweet-boxes on it. These are filled with sawdust which is soaked through by the gardener (W. Canton). One or two plants were grown in the dark and when brought out they looked as though they had been having a race with the gardener to see who could grow most.

—:—

    It was discovered by one of our Form the other day that Romney Marsh consists of 24 jurats and a bailiff (poor men!) Whilst the scouts will be glad to know that one of the recruits ate a lion of mutton.

FIFTH FORM CONCERT.

"Yet once more, O ye laurels! And once more
We come to pluck your berries harsh and crude
.  .  .  .  Bitter constraint and sad occasion dear."
                                        [Dear friends, it has all gone from me.]

    To be perfectly frank, the cat was the making of this concert. Dolly Varden suggested it when she saw that we had no scenery save a painted fireplace and two china dogs. "A red geranium," said she, "and one cat washing itself will immediately strike the note of comfort." It was surprising to see how many had "just the right sort of cat." We nearly chose a white Persian from the neighbourhood of S. Radigund's Abbey; but at last, fearing to wear down its legs on the country roads, we decided upon a cat in Ladywell. Leaping from the table, like the "nimble marmoset," it scaled the florist's handiwork. For that large-hearted man had made the stage like unto some happy isle, heaping luxuriant undergrowth with unsparing hand at a ridiculously low figure. The cat's digression drew all eyes to his liberality, so that we feel this advertisement given to Messrs. Clark and Co. may possibly refund their loss of a remarkably fine leaf.
    Mr. Collins had orders to be fatuous. He was. But he would not have been for ever known to history had it not been for two large safety pins at the back of his collar, one of which probed through his plait and bit him sore. Now the incessant re-adjustment of a neck band aids materially in the background of his particular suit; and on seeing him declare the "violence of his affections" no "elegant female" present but must have realised this gesture was so great a find as almost to compensate for the absence of a snuff-box. Even as the callow youth will scrape one foot along the hoards, or hastily replace the half-consulted watch, so did our reverend gentleman raise an exclusive hand with its fine signet ring towards his dignified and fatuous neck.
    Elizabeth was "uniformly charming"—more than Early Victorian, for she was that little queen herself, and we would echo the gallant speech of an old French gentleman à propos of the widow—" Oui, oui elle était gracieuse dans sa jeunesse, la Reine Victoria; elle avait un joli cou."
    Who would not wish to have a "joli cou"?
                    (If not-why not? Give 3 reasons.)
    We would explain, en passant, that Mrs. Varden will be happy to wear her paniers at the next performance. She had forgotten—for the moment—to add them to Mrs. Bennett's skirt. But why repine? One does not weep for what one does not feel the lack of—

[quotation-probably Hamlet.]

    We refuse steadfastly to praise anyone in particular, although we know that everyone, without exception, expects it of us. Not even a word for Miggs the resourceful, Simmuns the Napoleonic, or Mr. Varden so suave and benign in two shades of art serge (no expense
spared in buttons).
    It was such a kind audience, and like many an old-time banquet, composed of the unexpected. We bore up under the absence of many old familiar faces, for, after all, our seats were filled and our sweets were sold. Sweets to the sweet. (Sense and sensibility.)
    It was a nice concert—especially the sweets. When everyone had gone, the stage manager and scene shifters were found dividing the last chocolate in a corner. Gently they were helped out by their supporters, and requesting with their last breath that someone should find the cat before it stole the cash box, they were swiftly borne down stairs and tenderly tucked into a bath chair number "0" by a wise old chairman named Oblivion.

FORM II.
THE GIRLS' SCHOOL PARTY.

    I and my friends arrived safely in a cab, shouting to the cabman as we got out, "10 o'clock sharp." We ran along to the door and other cabs and taxi-cabs followed after us.
    First we had musical chairs; this was great fun and there was a great deal of tumbling over each other. Then we had a polka and an obstacle race. Oh! that obstacle race, I shall never forget it! I threaded my needle, added up my sum, and then blew out the candle and lit it with my left hand; but after that I was so excited because I got all the marbles out of the bowl except one, and I trembled so much that I did not win. After that supper came, which was a great relief after our exertions. We greatly enjoyed our supper, and after it came more games, competitions and charades and a great deal of fun. The Staff acted a very nice charade, and Sophia was the crowning point, and very good at screaming.
    At the end, the cab called for us, and we rode home, very tired but yet very gay, and thinking over all the happy things we had done.

OLIVE CLOUT.

FORM IIb. LIBRARY.

    We have got a Library of about 40 books. Some of them came up from the Senior School. We have a book out each Friday. The money that was gained from the party is going to be spent on books for the Library. Some of the boys have kindly lent some books whilst others have given some.

D. STRANES.

CAMPING.

    Last summer holidays five of us—"Archie," "Bubbles," "Bunny," "Timmy" and myself—decided to spend a fortnight of our holidays camping out; accordingly one fine Saturday morning saw "Bubbles" and me on our way to the Warren in possession of an Army bell tent, three large boxes of provisions and two knapsacks containing our spare clothes.
    On our arrival at the Warren Halt our first troubles began. It commenced to rain. However, there was no turning back and coming another day, so we journeyed along a slippery chalk path a little over a quarter of a mile long, and frightfully rough, with the tent slung over the pole between us.
    By the time we had reached the site on which we were to camp it was raining hard, and I assure you it was not a very pleasant job erecting the tent and making four more journeys to get the rest of our provisions in a heavy shower. However, we did it, and then had tea and changed our clothes. At half-past eight the same evening we arrived at the station to meet the other three, who were bringing with them the cooking utensils and five deck chairs. We left these three to go back to the tent, while "Bubbles" and I walked into Folkestone. Having spent about three hours there, we thought it time to return. The return journey was certainly a memorable one. After the rain the chalk paths were as greasy as they could possibly be, so we certainly travelled "home" rather quickly, especially where the paths were steep. We did our best to keep to the path, but our best efforts were all in vain. "Bubbles" remarked "It's a good job the paths are white, so that we can see them." Hardly had he finished speaking when we found we had wandered away from the right path and were about two yards off from the edge of the cliff. However, we arrived at the tent about one o'clock in the morning, to find the others peacefully slumbering. On Sunday morning we awoke about mid-day, and after a good meal of "herrings in tomato sauce" we spent the rest of the day either reading or going for a walk. By Monday things were in full swing; we arose about twelve, had a good dinner—the menu of which included beef, custard, biscuits and bread and butter and jam—and then messed about in general till three, when we went for a swim. The first part of the evening was spent in making a raft, the wood for which we took from some neighbouring works, and the latter part in fishing till about midnight, and then a game of cards till two in the morning.
    In this manner were most of the days spent, and I am sure I have never enjoyed a holiday as I did that, and in saying this I know I can speak for the others also.
    Of course this is only the bright side of the affair, and mere details such as an occasional thunderstorm during the night, which, if accompanied by rain, swamped the tent and its occupants, or having to get out of bed during the middle of the night to slacken the tent ropes are all in the game.
    I may say that one of our favourite "dishes" was a "Cuddy" biscuit spread with layers of butter, jam, Nestle's milk and bloater paste, indeed a dish fit for the gods.

"MYSELF."

MY FIRST FIELD DAY.

    My first day's scouting was at the Minnis, when half the town were against half the town. We got to the Minnis about half-past one. After we had planted the flags about 25 yards apart we were ordered to go 150 yards out where we were posted all round the likely spots where the enemy might come. After about an hour-and-a-half scouting round the place where I was I caught sight of them coming up the middle of the field. Just then the trumpet blew and we all came back to the square. We then formed into troops and marched home, and I expect nearly all the boys slept like tops, at least I did.

"ANTÆS."

AN ECHO OF AUGUST.

    Here is a rough road; on one side is a cornfield, where the wind moves softly through the yellowing ears of barley; beyond a green field, intensely green, from which the last load of hay was carried some days since; beyond again cornfields, hedges, meadows and stretches of low woodland lead the eye away into the distance, where a line of white and a bank of blue against the sky indicate the cliffs of Pegwell Bay. On the other side of the road is a piece of ground, once woodland, now overgrown with flowering grasses, whose million pendant blossoms look like clouds of imprisoned mountain mist. Among the grasses are tall hemlocks with polished red-brown stems and large white flowers; while here and there the purple blooms of slender-stemmed thistles may be seen. All is suffused with warm, silent sunlight, except where shadows thrown by the gnarled limbs of the few remaining forest giants, seem to claim again the land that once was all their own.

C. M. BRADLEY.

A TRIP IN SPAIN.

    We crossed over Gibraltar Bay on a steamer and came to a port called Algeciras. We went in a hotel in the afternoon; we went on some donkeys for the afternoon. We went to a place called Cork Woods, or Almerima. On the way we passed an old Roman arch, and then we got on a small pathway which led to the Cork Woods. As we went we saw some pretty butterflies, which we tried to catch. We then came to the entrance of the woods, and passed very stony pathways; the trees had still some cork on. We passed a house, and the children run about half naked. We came to a pipe in the rock which was pouring water. At a little later we had a bathe in a river near by, it was almost warm, but there were too many rocks so we could not swim in it.
    We caught an eel, he was very strong, but he slowly gave way and we found him to be about lft. 3ins. long, we put him in a bag but he was wriggling for about half-an-hour afterwards.
    When we came back, we saw a ship load of cork just going to different places. It was flattened out by some Spanish factory.
    The trains of Spain are too big for the engines so they do not go fast, and the rails are very much wider.

N. HOPE

"UTOPIA."

    Among the columns of The Daily Telegraph of March 21st, 1931, there catches our eye an advertisement which excites not a little interest. In head letters we read, "County School, Dover; excellent accommodation, healthy position; playing fields, four acres. Pupils prepared for degrees."
    We are impelled with a desire to see this new building and to note the improvements which have been made upon the old home in Ladywell, where the School of Art was used for more purposes than one.
    As we ascend a gentle gradient the fine block of buildings meets our eye. The entrance is approached by a long avenue of trees with fields upon either side. Over the doorway is a fine arch, through which we gain a flight of steps leading to a spacious assembly hall. At one end is the Headmaster's desk, while round the walls are hung photographs of illustrious scholars.
    From the central hall are several doors leading into the various class rooms, each bearing in Roman numerals the grade of the form within. We had not been in the school very long before a stirring sound of electric bells is heard all over the building; this was for a change of lessons, just as the clock of a neighbouring church struck ten.
    A class then filed out from Form V. Room, and on looking at the School time-table we find that they are to have a dose of "physics," though not of the same kind as that administered by Mrs. Squeers. They ascend another shorter flight and pass through a swing door into the laboratory. This is a fine room; the centre is occupied by three highly polished benches, having at the corners four upright brass rods, which support two horizontal bars of the same material. In one corner of the room is a fine walnut-polished case, furnished with the most delicate and expensive scientific instruments. The apparatus necessary for the study of electricity can scarcely be of a more ample character. Can it be wondered at that students for B.Sc. frequent Buckland more now than formerly?
    On the same landing is the chemical laboratory, second only in equipment to the one just entered. Time will not permit of experimenting here, though we should like to do so.
    Passing through the hall once again, a notice board catches our eye. Among other items of interest is an announcement that seems to suggest connections with the old County School:—
    "A series of lectures will be given in this hall during the spring, commencing March 1st, as follows:—
    " 'The position that women should hold with the spread of education'—Miss L. V. V,— M.A.
    " 'The part played by elementary school teachers in building up the stamina of a nation.'—R. R, Esq., D.Sc.
    "  'A Romance of Old Dover.'—S. H. S—, Esq., President of the Royal Archæological Society.
    " 'Reminiscences of a Head Prefect.'—F. R. H—, Esq., M.A.
    " 'Travel as a part of Education.'—W. A. D—, Esq., F.R.G.S.
    " 'A sense of humour—its joys and limits.'—H. E. F—, Esq. ,M.A.
    " 'The danger arising from professionalism in games.'—O. C—, Esq., LL.D.
    " 'The future of aerial navigation.'—C. R—, Esq., F.R.S.
    " 'The force of habit.'—S. F. C—, Esq., M.I.C.E.
    " 'Determination—the key to success.'—E. F— , Esq., BA."
    We feel that Dover is to be congratulated upon being able to secure the services of such distinguished scholars.
    A talk with the Headmaster completes a very pleasant visit to the modern secondary school. In course of conversation we touch upon the things that were in days gone by and remark how—
                    "The old order changeth, yielding place to new."
As then, so now, the principles which maintain the reputation of the School are expressed by Mrs. Browning:—
                        "Whoever may
        Discern true ends here, shall grow pore enough
        To love them, brave enough to strive for them,
        And strong enough to reach them though the roads be rough."

W. G. STUART MORISON.

REMINISCENCES OF CUBA.

    Havana! Havana! The harsh voice of the steward accompanied by resounding blows on the cabin door rudely broke in upon my peaceful slumbers. A vision of rows of impatient officials demanding my immediate presence caused a slight feeling of alarm as I hastily sprang up and commenced a rapid toilet. We had expected to arrive at 7 am., it was now only 5 o'clock; but a glance through the port hole showed me that we really were in the harbour, while various noises indicated the stopping of the engines and dropping the anchor. The succeeding two hours spent in waiting for the men of law and medicine taught us Cuba's chief motto "No hurry."
    The promised land of Havana at which we gazed with longingness lay only half a mile distant and looked most alluring as its white buildings glistened in the morning sun.
    During the six weeks which I spent in Havana I pondered often on the question as to what gives the city such a charm? Its streets may be untidy and its houses dilapidated, as they are in the older parts, and yet the whole is charming. It must be the colour scheme which so pleases the eye, rich green of the stately Royal Palm in contrast with the heavenly blue of the tropical sky, the white, yellow, or pink of the houses lit up by the sunshine, and the picture completed by the line of gleaming surf along the shore dashing on the yellow rocks and bordering the ultramarine blue of the Atlantic. I do not wish to leave the impression that Havana is a decayed city. The modern parks and squares, wide carriage roads and handsome houses, such as one sees along the Prado, would be difficult to rival, and these main streets are kept in spotless condition by a large band of men, the "white wings of the city." Many of the older streets are so narrow that shop awnings stretch from one side to the other and form a welcome shade. Along these, pavements of the narrowest description are allowed; not only is it absolutely impossible for Lye people to walk side by side, hot a lady wearing a reasonably large hat has to progress by carefully balanced movements which reminds one of a tight-rope performance. Then rushing along at a furious rate comes the electric car and the poor foot passenger has no option but to flatten himself against the houses into as small a compass as possible and wait.
    It is fascinating to watch the stream of people passing along the streets and through the parks. The Cuban lady—head gracefully draped in a black lace mantilla is followed by her ebony sister from Afric's sunny shore, gaily attired in the brightest colours and with no head covering save nature's thick thatch and black wool; while mingling with these come olive skinned Chinese whose faces wear a look of patient resignation and whose heads have an unfinished look shorn of the familiar pigtail. Finally among the ranks we see a sprinkling of Americans smartly attired, usually in white, which colour is exceedingly popular with both sexes. What an enormous amount of washing must be done in Havana to keep all these people in such spotless white garments.
    It is quite to be reckoned among the chief industries of the city which have been stated to be tobacco, sugar, fruit preserving and laundries; to which I think might be added pilfering—petty and otherwise.
    Having your laundry done in Havana is not only an expensive luxury but is attended by a certain amount of risk. A lady guest to Cuba sent her first consignment of washing and joyfully looked for its return at the end of a week. Five long weeks dragged out their weary course ere she saw her clothes again and then examination showed that they had not spent an idle existence. Another new inhabitant was more surprised than pleased at meeting her favourite white muslin dress in the street car adorning the person of her washerwoman!
    These are some of the little things that the inhabitants of Cuba get quite accustomed to and treat as necessary evils, the same attitude being taken towards the fact that a large number of the population have no sense of distinction between "meum" and "teum." Among my American guests hardly one had not had some loss, from diningroom chairs to sapphire rings. Even I—a six weeks' visitor did not escape. Returning at 8 o'clock one evening after a few hours' absence I found my bedroom in marked disorder and the open wardrobe doors quickly revealed my fate—three of my smartest dresses had departed and the visitor had thoughtfully added a scarf to drape them, and a sheet from the bed to save them from the dust of the street! My brother and I paid a visit to the secret Police that night.
    It has always been a puzzle to me what is secret about those police. Their domicile is labelled in letters large and clear "Policia Secreta," they are all perfectly open in their goings and comings, and far from keeping secret what we imparted to them, it was promptly published in the following morning paper; so I have decided it must be a joke. They were exceedingly kind, in fact as cheerful companions and ready sympathizers, they were all that could be desired, but as detectives their suitability is more doubtful. When we appeared, one of them at once ceased his occupation of drawing little pictures on a scrap of paper and gave us his best attention.
    A week later one of them came to my brother and offered to arrest any person or persons he cared to name (what a chance to get rid of one's enemies!), looking most depressed when my brother refused to do so and suggested that it was his place to find someone to arrest. You will not be surprised to hear that nothing has been discovered as to the fate of my gowns.
    The Cuban cooking requires time to get accustomed to; their dishes are not always palatable to English people. Everything has a strong odour of garlic, and oil is freely used; while the good old Spanish onions of their forebears appear in an uncooked form at most meals. As in India, rice is a staple food and so are bananas; both raw and cooked by various methods.
    Poultry is bought alive in the morning and cooked for lunch; in fact the only things we really appreciated were the fresh fruits and a few of the native preserved fruits.
    The people seem for the most part to be a happy kind hearted race, having inherited grace and beauty from their Spanish ancestors, rejoicing in the sunshine and living up to their motto "Manana"—to-morrow—as regards all worry or excess of work. "Why should I work," says the Cuban, "I have done no wrong?"
    The present Cuban Republic has now lasted for nearly two years, and during my visit I heard several opinions that its days were numbered. America appears to look on Cuba as a school for naughty boys, permitted to experiment in self-government, as long as they behave nicely, but threatened with a return of the master and the rod if there are any disturbances.
    For a holiday, as prolonged as circumstances will admit, Cuba is surely ideal.
    As we steamed out of the harbour at 12 o'clock at night it was with real regret that I watched the fairy-like lights of Havana gradually becoming more and more dim.

LIST OF NEW BOOKS IN UPPER SCHOOL LIBRARY.