No. 20. DECEMBER, 1915. VOL. VI.

FIAT LUX.

The next number of "The Pharos" will appear about MARCH 15th. Owing to the difficulty of printing under War conditions, it is requested that Contributions should be submitted to the Editor well in advance of the date, and, in any case, not later than February 23rd.

Copies of the current issue of "The Pharos" or of back Numbers which are in stock may be obtained from the Editor; price, 6d.; post free, 7d, We acknowledge, with thanks, receipt of "Ruym" and" The Harveian."

HEADMASTER'S NOTES.

    The next School Term will begin on Thursday, January 13th, and end on Wednesday, April 5th. Boys who come in by train should take up railway passes to cover these dates.
    The Annual Prize Distribution will be held at the Town Hall on Tuesday, December 14th, at 6 p.m. It is hoped that a beginning at this hour will enable country visitors to return home by early trains, and avoid too much inconvenience from the darkened streets.
    There will be special parents' tickets, available, as last year, at early doors, to give parents the first claim on the accommodation of the Hall.
    No book prizes whatever will be given, but boys who in a normal year would have received prizes will be presented with a suitable certificate. It is hoped that these certificates will be valued, not only as tokens of merit, but as mementoes of a little personal self-sacrifice in the national cause during the Great War.

EDITORIAL.

    The beginning of this Term saw many changes in the School. Never before in our history have we had to welcome at one time so many as seven new masters. Probably, the changes in organisation and accommodation which have enabled us to increase our numbers to one hundred and ninety boys, and to abolish (though only for a few days) the "waiting list," will have the greatest permanent influence in our School history. To some of the "old stagers" among the boys and on the Staff the beginning of the Term must have resembled the first days at a new school.
    "The Pharos" itself has to appear under a new editorship, owing to Mr. Wheeler's having undertaken War service, as announced elsewhere. Those responsible for the appearance of the Magazine during his temporary absence take this opportunity of wishing him abundant success in his work and a safe return.

GLEAMS AND FLASHES

    The new School continues to make steady, though slow progress, and begins to show promise of the imposing building it is, no doubt, destined to become. Outward signs of this progress are not always very obvious from day to day or from week to week, but we are assured that the work is going forward as satisfactorily as the difficulties of the times permit.

—:—

    Contributors to "The Pharos" are requested to note that the prizes for the best contributions are again offered for the present School Session, to be awarded next June.
    The re-distribution of the Forms will make no difference, as the prize for Juniors is still offered to Forms I., II., and III.; and that for Seniors to Forms IV., V., and VI. Special attention is drawn to the note on our Front Page, referring to the date of submitting contributions.

—:—

    The sudden departure of Mr. Wheeler immediately after the summer holidays caused little surprise to those who knew something of the extent of his activity and interest in the work of the Y.M.C.A. amongst the troops at Dover. He has now gone to organise and superintend the work of the Y.M.C.A. huts at Valetta, Malta. We print in another part of this issue some extracts from a letter recently received from Mr. Wheeler by the Headmaster.

—:—

    Mrs. Clout's (Miss McNeille's) last week with us as music mistress gained additional interest from the visit of Dr. Arthur Somerville, H.M. Inspector of Music in Secondary Schools. Dr. Somerville, in his eulogistic report, remarks that "all the work is most satisfactory," and looks forward to the future development of the subject in both sections of the School under Mr. Taylor.

—:—

    The changes in the School which were decided on at the end of the Summer Term caused considerable curtailment of the holidays of the Head Master and some members of the Staff. An unusually large number of boys attended the entrance examination on September 11th, and most of them now have places in the School. The alterations in the Science Lecture Room caused some surprise, and, no doubt, added interest to the lessons given in that room during the early days of the Term. The disappearance of two of our cherished features—the "Well " and the "Gallery" may serve to show how tradition must yield to necessity. Let us hope the new partition will prove as effective in inspiration and as enduring in substance as the gallery of former days.

—:—

    We congratulate W. H. G. Costelloe on his success at the entrance examination for admission to the Royal Military Academy at Woolwich. Costelloe sat for this examination soon after passing the lower age limit, and gained the twenty-eighth place out of about seven hundred candidates, the number of those successful at Woolwich alone being over two hundred. He has now started his training for a commission in the Royal Engineers.

—:—

    Mr. Tomlinson (Lance-Corporal, R.A.M.C.) is still at Aldershot. He is now in the X-ray Department at the Cambridge Hospital, where he holds a responsible position in charge of X-ray apparatus.

—:—

    Of the boys who finish their School career this term, Street has passed the examination for Boy Artificers, while Morford has already left to join the s.s. "Kanawha," sailing for Halifax, Novia Scotia. Street gained top place on the Boy Artificers' List, gaining 78 per cent. of marks, as against the 54 per cent. of his nearest competitor. Both Street and Morford will be greatly missed from School and House sports.
    Ford has left to join the Army.

HOUSE NOTES.

    House activities during the Term have been confined to the evening football practices at the College Ground. These have been taken up with enthusiasm, and well attended, in spite of interruptions due to bad weather. The practices are now suspended owing to failing light, but will be resumed as soon as possible after the Christmas holidays. We understand that House matches will be started next Term, as a commencement in deciding the next holders of the House Championship Shield.
    The present holders of the trophy (Costelloe's) have been the first House to part with their original captain, who will be much missed. Watts has now been appointed captain, with Perry as sub-captain. If rumours as to impending departures are true, there may be great changes in the relative strengths of the Houses next term. Juniors should note this, as the future of a House will now depend increasingly on the ability and keenness of its younger members.

CRICKET NOTES.
D.C.S. v. OLD Boys.

On July 28th last the School team met the Old Boys at Crabble, and an interesting game ensued, the Present beating the Past. As two extra players turned up, the captains agreed to play twelve a-side. Score:—

BOWLING.
1st Innings.—Street, five for 7; Coswlloe, six for 20.
2nd Innings.—Street, four for 15; Costelloe, seven for 29.

—0—

PRINCIPAL AVERAGES FOR 1915.

BOWLING.

BATTING.

MATCHES.—Played, 6; won, 3; lost, 3; drawn, 0.

GAMES FUND.

BALANCE SHEET for the Two Terms ending July 31st, 1915.

FOOTBALL NOTES-CHRISTMAS TERM.

    We have a very successful record as far as our football activities are concerned: ground difficulties were overcome by our being granted the Crabble Athletic Ground on every Wednesday, and on Saturdays when not needed by other teams: team difficulties were overcome by discovering Perry to be an outside left, and Atkins, to be a better half than forward. As to enthusiasm, no difficulties were met there: every Wednesday, when practice games are the rule, sees between ninety and a hundred boys on the ground in four games.
    So-called "Club" matches have been arranged this term, for the first time: a "Club" team is supposed to be strengthened by the inclusion of masters, but there have never been more than two masters in such games as have been played. Opposing quite strong adult elevens, the School record, this term, is one of which to be proud.
    There have been no House matches up to the time of going to press; these will take place next term, and we are sure of their being enthusiastically followed, judging from the way in which supporters have made their presence known in the different school matches.
    This brief summary must not close without some reference to the disappearance from our midst, of W. H. G. Costelloe, who has gone up to "The Shop". Always an enthusiast, he has occupied most positions, both in the team and in the Committee. Street, as captain, deserves the thanks of us all; a tower of strength (and a master of impossible attitudes whilst kicking the ball) at left back, all will admit that it is very largely to him that we owe our success. To Chase our thanks are due, for his labours as interim, and—now that Costelloe has left us—as permanent secretary, and also in much troublesome work behind the scenes: those of us who know what it is to keep four footballs up to playing condition, know what he has done, and thank him proportionally.
    We look forward to a number of highly interesting games next term, and in the meantime look round, with many misgivings, in search of next year's First Eleven.

—:—

At the Annual Football Meeting, held at the beginning of the term, the following officers were elected:—

1st. XI. Captain. H. H. Street.

Vice-captain. E. W. Dewell.

Secretary. W. H. G. Costelloe.

2nd. XI. Captain. J. F. Bromley.

1st. XI. MATCHES.

Played 5; won 2; lost 1; drawn 2; goals for, 24; goals against, 14.

RESULTS.

D.C.S. v. ROYAL FUSILIERS' BAND.

The match was played at the Duke of York's School, and resulted in an easy win for the D. C. S., by 11-1. Dewell 4, Atkins 2, Deading 2, Lawes 1, Perry 1, Street 1, were the scorers. D. C. S.—Hichens, Lovely, Street (Capt.), Watts, Costelloe i., Chase, Lawes, Dearling, Dewell, Atkins, Perry.

—0—

D. C. S. v. HARVEY GRAMMAR SCHOOL.

Played at F'olkestone, resulting in a win for the School by 7-6. Atkins 2; Lawes 2; Morford 2; Dewell 1. D. C. S.—Morford replaced Deading, but otherwise the team was the same as previous week.

—0—

D. C. S. v. 6th FLOTILLA WRITERS.

This match was played at Crabble on October 13th, and resulted in a win for the School by 4-3.

At half-time, the Writers were leading by 3-1, but owing to Dewell's fine work during the second half, we were able to retire the victors. Dewell 3; Morford 1.

—0—

D. C. S. v. 6th FLOTILLA WRITERS.

The return match played on November 3rd, resulted in a draw, 2-2, after a very evenly contested game. Dearling and Lawes netted for the School.

D. C. S.—Hichens, Lovely, Street (Capt.), Watts, Costelloe i., Atkins, Lawes, Morford, Dewell, Deading, Perry.

—0—

D.C.S. V. 6TH FLOTILLA WRITERS.

On November 17th the School team again met the Writers at Crabble, and an interesting game ensued. At half-time neither side had scored; but, following the interval, our opponents pressed hard, and netted twice. The School could not find the net, and so retired the losers by 2-0.

—0—

CLUB XI.

By including Mr. Slater, Mr. Baxter and Mr. O Jones, we have been able to play several teams which the School could not have tackled.

RESULTS.

Played 4; won 0 ; Lost 3; Drawn 1. Goals for, 7; Goals against, 11.

—0—

D. C. S. v. 3rd Coy. KENT R.G.A. (T.) 2nd XI.

The game was evenly contested and resulted in a win for our opponents by 3-2. Mr. Slater and Dewell netted for the School.

D. C. S.—Hichens, Lovely, Street (Captain), Watts, Mr. Baxter, Mr. Slater, Lawes, Morford, Dewell, Atkins, Costelloe i.

—0—

D. C. S. v. NORTH SEA DRIFTER PATROL.

This match was played at Crabble on October 2nd, and resulted in a win for the Drifter Patrol by 3-2.

Mr. Jones and Mr. Slater scored for the D. C. S.

D. C. S.—Mr. Jones took Costelloe's place, but as Mr. Baxter was unable to play, owing to injury, Costelloe was included.

—0—

D. C. S. v. NORTH SEA DRIFTER PATROL.

The return match resulted in a draw 2-2, Mr. Slater and Lawes being the scorers for the Club, Mr. Baxter being still unable to play, Chase took his place.

—0—

D.C.S. v. 3rd Co., LONDON ELECTRICAL ENGINEERS.

This match was played at Crabble on November 24th, and resulted in the Club XI. losing by 3-1. Mr. Slater was the scorer.

—0—

D.C.S. v. 3rd Co., KENT R.G.A.

The return match with the R.G.A. at Maxton was commenced, but, after five minutes' play, had to be abandoned owing to heavy rain, not, however, before Lawes had scored.

Mr. Tunnell and Mr. Owen Jones took places in the team.

—0—

SECOND ELEVEN.

Up to the time of writing, two matches only have been played, the first being easily won, and the other lost.

—0—

On October 30th, the second match was played at Deal against St. Andrew's Club, when the score was 5-3 against us. Team:—Knight; Lloyd, Bromley (captain); Hadlow, Worster, Baumer; Green (1), Standring (1), Roberts, Costelloe ii. (I), Sibley.

SPORTS DAY-1915.
BALANCE SHEET.

STAFF CHANGES.

    The following new members of the Staff have joined us in consequence of the departure of Mr. Tomlinson and Mr. Wheeler on war service, the appointment of Mr. Schofield to Loughborough and the increased accommodation provided in the Senior School whereby an additional 40 boys have been admitted.
    Mr. ALFRED I. STEVEN. M.A., B.SC. of Glasgow University, was formerly Lecturer in Physics in the University College of Wales, Aberystwyth, University of Liverpool, and Senior Science Master at Kilmarnock Academy. He comes to us with exceptional qualifications and wide experience, and there is doubtless full opportunity for his energies in Dover.
    Mr. E. OWEN JONES, B.SC. was formerly Science Master at St. Mary's Secondary School, Melrose N.B. and comes to us with a high reputation for hockey and football and Cadet Corps work. Mr. Jones has received a commission in our School Corps.
    Mr. ERNEST JONES, is an Honours Classics man of London University, and was formerly at the City of Westminster School. Most probably he will be joining the Army at the end of the term.
    Mr. JOSIAH SLATER, B.A. London, of Birkbeck College, London and Caen Lycée, was formerly at the Tollington Boys' High School, Muswell Hill, and was a member of his School Cadet Company, Middlesex Regiment. He, too, as we have learnt to appreciate, always takes an active interest in school sports. He has received a commission in the Cadet Corps of the School.
    Mr. W. E. PEARCE, B.SC. of London, comes from one of the London County Council Schools. He was formerly the senior school prefect of Rochester Mathematical School, and pursued his studies at Birkbeck College. We look forward to his being especially helpful in the Science work which will be done in connection with the Royal Engineers Cadet Corps. As he has himself contributed to various educational journals on Mathematical and Science subjects, perhaps he might write for the Pharos also. We should all like to know how to make a simple periscope.
    May the stay of all of them be long and pleasant!

CORRESPONDENCE.

    Both Old and Present Pharosians will probably find interest in the following letters:—
    Dear Sir,
        Being a Pharosian I have been asked to contribute an account of my experiences as a soldier. I enlisted at the Deptford Town Hall, August 14th, 1914, in the R.A.M.C. and completed my training at Tweezledown Camp, Aldershot.
    In June I was drafted over to France, and after two weeks at Havre, we were sent up to the firing line. I may as well mention that I was attached to a Field Ambulance as a stretcher bearer. Our work was to carry wounded from a dug-out at the rear of the trenches across to our dressing station, a distance of about five hundred yards. At the dressing station, the patients receive the first medical treatment, but are not kept there very long before the motor convoys convey them down the line. The fetching and carrying of wounded is generally done at night as the ground we have to cross is open country and even then the light from a star shell is to be dreaded, because anything that the enemy sees moving is fired at, so down we have to get till darkness comes again.
    Shell fire is nerve racking; one never knows where a shell is going to fall, but these are only side-lines of war.
    Well, here I am back in dear old Dover, where it is even darker than it is in the trenches.
    As regards going back, well, I shall go with a good heart because we are fighting for a just cause against a determined enemy.

—:—

    Dear Mr. Whitehouse,
    I haven't had an opportunity during the week I have been on the island, to write you a letter, the first days as you might guess being fairly full up.
    We have only been here a week. You may have heard that our voyage was prolonged to nearly three weeks. We started on October 3rd, but only got as far as Gravesend, for we were run down by S.S. Membling in one of the London docks. We put back for repairs and eventually left London on October 5th. Then we had to call at Devonport for further stores of a lively variety—we were a Government store ship—and the rest of the journey was made without incident. Part of the way we were escorted by armed mine sweepers.
    I have had a very interesting week on the island the time has brought a thousand fresh impressions but I have settled into this new life with remarkable ease. Malta is a curious island. In some ways it is very Eastern and especially in the leisurely character of the people. The leisurely business methods would madden an energetic character like yourself. But it's no use to try and hustle them, they won't allow it to be done.
    I have had a busy time getting to know people and making my plans. I had an interview with His Excellency the Governor last Saturday and he sent for me again this morning. He is a charming man and is very anxious to give us all the assistance in his power. He has given us offices in the Palace and the assurance that we have only to ask for what we want and he will let us have it. He has asked me to extend our work here considerably. I have just put up two marquees in a big convalescent camp which His Excellency will probably open next week, and I am putting up another in a hospital camp. Then we are to put up several more marquees on the island and the Governor also wants me to go over to Sicily to provide Y.M.C.A.'s for a very large hospital and convalescent camp centre which is to be opened up there.
    You can scarcely realise the need for our tents here. The island is full of sick. The number of dysentery cases is very high. One sees pitiful sights in the hospitals—the wreckage of war is seen here in its most pitiful forms. We have had a right royal welcome from all parties. I have never met such kind officers. Both Staff Officers and C.O.'s are anxious to help us all they can. Our Adjutant said the Y.M.C.A. counted for far more in the matter of discipline than he did, and the Adjutant General told me he could never thank the Y.M.C.A. too much for what they had done to lighten his work.
    In my next letter I will try and tell you some of my experiences amongst the soldiers. I hope to have a good many interesting stories from the men as I get about amongst them.
    The climate is a little trying for us newcomers. The Sirocco has been blowing these last days and made the atmosphere very oppressive. It is quite as warm even now as on a sultry June day in England.
    With very kind regards to you all,
                    Yours sincerely,

SCOTT ON THE PHAROSIANS, (Lay of the last Minstrel.)

H - -R- X -A leap of thirty feet and three He made. II. xxi.
C - -E --
His timid mien and reverend face. Introd. 38.
GR - -N -
In studious mood he paced. I. xii.
C-ST-LL- ii at CrabbleIssueo forth his mandates loud. . III. xxvii.
D-W-LL The mystic (History) book, to his bosom prest, Felt like a load upon his breast. II. xxiv.
To W- -TS --
The wild birds told their warbling tale. II. xxv.
C-ST- -L- - I and ?-
A fairer pa ir were never seen. II. xxiv.
S- - - -t v. RF. That warrior Was dark with sweat, and splashed with mud. III. iii.
OUR GOALIEStill in act to spring. III. xv.
Football TeamUp, and mark their nimble feet. I. xv.
The SchoolMany a valia nt knight is here. I. vii.
Mr.He was of stature passing tall. IV. v.
On entf'ring Vb. form roomThe unearthly voic(.s ceased. I. xviii.
Voices unlike the voice of man As if the fiends kept holiday. II. xxii.
Vb. and VI.Each was other's mortal foe. III. iv.
Ora MaritimaI swore to bury this mighty book. II. xv.
Mr.-on seeing W- -d's exercise.Swore that a storm was near. I. xiii.
SCOTTI cannot say how the truth may be I say the tale as t'was said to me. II. xxii.

THE CADET CORPS.

The arrangements for this Corps are now practically completed, and official recognition has been received from the War Office, through the Kent Territorial Association. We are attached to the Cinque Ports Fortress Engineers, and are to be known as No. 1 Company (Cadets) Cinque Ports Fortress Engineers. We are commencing with every encouragement, as over sixty boys have signified their willingness to join, and have already been measured for their uniform, which is to be of khaki and service pattern. Four members of the Staff, including the Headmaster, have accepted commissions, namely, Mr. Whitehouse, Mr. Slater, Mr. Pearce and Mr. Owen Jones. The officers have all had military training, and this will help them considerably in their duties with the Corps. We have received permission to use the Royal Engineers' Drill Hall and all their apparatus, including about 80 rifles. For this, we are very much indebted to the Commanding Officer. When the new Gymnasium and Armoury have been erected, thanks to the generosity of our Chairman of Governors, we shall indeed be in an excellent way.

As soon as the uniforms arrive, drills will commence, once a week at first, together with an occasional route march on Saturday. Instruction in Company Drill, Musketry and in the use of the Engineers' apparatus will be given, and we hope to reach a high standard of efficiency by the end of the present session of the School.

We are glad that the muster roll of cadets shows such d goodly number of boys interested in the Corps, but we would welcome as many more as would care to join. The Corps is open to all boys in the Senior School, and to boys in the Junior School who are at least four feet ten inches in height. May the number reach the century in a very short time! It is desirable that all boys, at this time in the history of our Country, should undergo some form of military training, and as the Corps is attached to the local Engineers, a splendid opportunity is offered to obtain useful scientific knowledge, as well as soldierly qualities and the elements of military education.

Mr. Pascall has kindly consented to act as Sergeant-Major.

—:—

LIST OF OFFICERS AND CADETS.

Captain and Officer Commanding ............ Mr. Whitehouse.
Captain .................................................. Mr. Owen Jones.
Lieutenants............................................. Mr. Slater and Mr. Pearce.
Sergeant-Major ....................................... Mr. PascalI.

Cadets:—

D. C. S. AND THE WAR.
OLD BOYS ON ACTIVE SERVICE.

Additions to Former Lists.

Best, C. (04/05)—1st/8th Middlesex Regiment.
Brenchley, W. (04/05)—Serving in Army; unit unknown.
Cahill, C. L. (10/15)—R.E. (P.O. Telegraph Section).
Coley, William (03/04)—2nd Lieutenant, 3rd Battalion The Dorsetshire Regiment.
Costelloe, W. H. G. (09/15)—Cadet, Royal Military Academy, Woolwich.
Fisher, R. H. (05/06)—A.O.C.
Grimer, R. (07/12)—H.M. Transport ———.
Keeler, D. (07/08)—R.E.K.M.R.
Mackenzie, A. D. (08/14)—R.F.A. (T.).
Parker, H. G. (06/07)—Winnipeg Rifles, C.O.E.F.
Peverley, L. (/03)—Sub-Lieutenant, R.N.R.
Pilcher, R. R. (08/09)—H.M. Hospital Ship ———.
Port, H. (06/08)—Sub-Lieutenant, R.N.R.
Reeder, R. (07/10)—3rd Battalion Artists' Rifles.
Spain, V. C. (09/13)—R.F.C.
Standfield, H. A. (12/14)—H.M. Transport ———.
Whorwell, H. E. (10/12)—R.N.A.S.
Gordon, V. A. (10/11)—Lance-Corporal, 4th Royal Fusiliers.
Stewart, A. (/04)—New Zealand Imperial Forces.
Baldwin, J. (06/08)—R.E.
Gann, E. H (05/ )—Lieutenant and Quarter-Master, R.A.M.C.
McWalter, C. E. (/07)—Sergeant, The Buffs, previously gained the D.C.M., and has now been promoted on the field, Lieutenant, and transferred to the King's Own (Royal Lancaster Regiment).

—:—

OLD BOYS.

F. O. Wilbraham was in Dover during the Summer Holidays, after having been "submarined" on the S.S. Dunsley. In the course of conversation, he said that he was at the wheel when the submarine opened fire with shrapnel. One shell blew away a grating just behind the spot where he was standing. Another shell fell amongst the men who were obtaining life belts, one fragment bruising T. Hood in the back. The "Arabic" was sunk immediately afterwards, and Wilbraham attributes the large number of saved to the fact that her passengers and crew had assembled on deck to watch the shelling of the "Dunsley", and so were ready to get into the boats. As the "Arabic" sank so quickly, many more lives would have been lost had the passengers had to find their way on deck through unfamiliar passages.

About the same time, the "Caber" was also sunk by a submarine, and amongst the crew was H. R. Mowll, whom many will remember. He was picked up and brought ashore by a Danish ship.

Several Old Boys have been home un leave from the various "Fronts". Tom Durban, one of the oldest Old Boys, spared a few moments from his short leave—his first one—to come and see us. He has been fighting in Flanders for a full year, having been in some of the heavy struggles when the German rush was stayed.

Lance-Corpl. S. Banks, (08/10) of the Buffs, has, we hear, been invalided home with dysentery. We wish him a complete and rapid recovery.

David Morgan, (05/09) of the "Marines." has also been home after seeing service, both in German East Africa and the Dardanelles.

F. B. Day (05/07) of the Kent Cyclists Batt, has been made a full Corporal. We should be glad to hear of any other promotions which have been given.

Many will remember MacDonald, although, strictly speaking, he is not an Old Boy. From a post on General Seeley's staff, he has been appointed a Flight Lieut. in the R.F.C.

C. Osborne, (07/10) and D. H. Smith have also recently been home on leave. The former, in the H.A.C., was wounded in the recent big advance, whilst the latter, in the R. E., has been invalided home from the Dardanelles, after a severe attack of fever.

D. McPherson, (R.E.K.M.R.) has been home on sick furlough with a broken collar-bone, caused by a fall in the riding school at Uckfield, Sussex.

J. Hampden, (R.A.M.C.) has completed his period of training at Seaford, and proceeded on foreign service.

Kyle, A. (07/13), has been home for a few days' leave, after serving a six-pounder anti-aircraft gun for four months "somewhere in France." He has now gone to a home depot for a special course of training. He says he found his School carpentry most useful, being the only man in his Section who knew anything about it, so that he became the recognised "chippy."

OLD STUDENTS' NOTES.

Lilian M. West (04/10) was married on November 5th to Mr. John Morris (Sergeant, Pembroke Yeomanry), of Rosemarket, Pembroke.

Lily V. Vass (/12) has obtained her degree of B.A. at London University, with third class honours in Modem Languages (French and English).

FALL OF YE WELLE.

Now it came to pass that as those of Ye Welle plied themselves diligently to their work, for the enemy Exam was at hand, their leader, a mighty man of valour, whose fame spread through all the land, was called to serve the Over-Lord who ruled the land. Wherefore they pad no leader, but were even as a flock of sheep. Yet did they attack Exam and smite him sorely, so that he gat him hurriedly from the spot. Then did they withdraw themselves for a space unto their homes to rest.

But as they rested and made merry, there came unto them a man known unto all, Ruomur, son of Thrut, who when he had gathered them together, said, "Woe unto you, ye mighty defenders of that great castle, 'Ye Welle,' for ye are like sheep without a shepherd, and behold your mightiness is gone, and ye have become the servants of others, even of strangers." Then said Verte unto him, "Wherefore speakest thou these strange things? Have we not smitten Exam so that he is gone from our sight? How sayest thou, then, that we are overcome?"

And Ruomur answered, "Ye have indeed smitten Exam, but a greater and a mighty power hath come, whom ye know not, even from the land of Newboys, and, led by six mighty leaders, hath ravaged the land and laid low the stronghold, ' Ye Welle.'"

Then was there great stir among them, and they gathered themselves for battle. But as yet there was none to lead them, wherefore they took counsel together and chose unto them one Kinsat to be their leader. Now this Kinsat was not lacking in strength, neither in courage, and he was loved by all, for he hated the scourge of Tongues and the burden of Worke. Then they gat them in haste to the valley where was the castle, but they were overcome. Then did the enemy become as taskmasters over them, and did put them into an inner dungeon, where was much dust and little light, and did scourge them with the scourge of Latine and beat them with the rod of Lerninge and did feed them with bread of Maths and water of Punishmente.

Albeit, there were some who, when they saw that the enemy was full strong, betook themselves to their heels and left these others to shift for themselves. Foremost among these was one Organ, who loved not his task, neither his masters, but who turned again to his home. And after a space the hearts of the prisoners did wax wroth, and they did struggle against their taskmasters to escape from their plight. And it came to pass one day that one named EI Costi, of exceeding great strength, did flee unto the Over-Lord. Then did the taskmasters get themselves grievous crabtree cudgels called Lawes and fell upon them and beat them fearfully, in such sort that they were not able to help themselves or to turn them upon the floor.

Thus are the mighty fallen.

MY TOUR ROUND A BISCUIT FACTORY.

When I was staying at Reading, a friend of ours gave us a pass to go all over Messrs. Huntley and Palmer's biscuit factory. It was very interesting, and it took us all the afternoon; we were going from one department to another all the time. The machinery is very interesting. At one place you see the biscuits put into a very large oven at one end; then you have to walk through a narrow space between two large ovens, and by the time you get to the other end the biscuits are being taken out "done." It is very hot passing between these two ovens. The large tin plates that the biscuits are on are worked on rollers, and they keep passing through. The men at one end put the biscuits in, and at the other end they are taken out by other men, all finished. The men all have white sleeves and big white aprons; they look very smart. We tasted many kinds of biscuits. The old man making the gingerbread told us he had been there for over forty years, and he showed us the whole process of making gingerbread nuts. It was funny to see the large pails full of treacle being poured in. After we had seen the making and cooking of the biscuits, we went up to the packing room. There we saw every kind of biscuit made in the factory. I think they told us there should be twenty-two different kinds of biscuits in the best mixed. It is strange to see the men going along scooping out a certain number of each sort for the mixed tins. We also saw them putting the patterns on iced cakes; it is done very quickly, and when it is finished it looks very tempting. The last thing they have to do is to push the large crates full of biscuits down a chute. When they get to the bottom the men put them straight on to the railway trucks, as the firm have a branch line running into the factory.

MERIT LIST.

Form Va.—Brown (2), Dewell, Hadlow, H. Lawes, Lovely, Standring (2), Street.
Form Vb.—Gibbons (2), Cocks, Lloyd, Ripp, Roberts (2).
Form IVa.—J. Costelloe, A. C. Tomlin, J. Licence, K. Bourdeaux, Graves, Broadhurst, Gravener.
Form IVb.—Cooke (2), Hollaway (2), Jasper.
Form IIIa.—Kirby (2), C. Pelham (2), Brand (2), Head, Pudney, Corner, Olby, Drayson.
Form IIIb.—Smith, Trevor (2).
Form IIa.—A. C. Lawes (2), R. A. Pelham (2), C. A. Day (2), Twyman, Francis, H. Tomlin.
Form IIb.—R. Tomlin (2), Wilson, Phillips (2), Motley (2), W. E. Waite (2), D. H. Davis.
Form Ia.—Law, L. Bourdeaux (2), R. Day (2), Glogg (2), T. Costelloe, Mumford (2), Priest (2).
Form Ib.—K. Robinson (2), Greenstreet.

THINGS WE SHOULD LIKE TO KNOW.

Where to look for Truth now that the Well has been removed.

Whether the frosted glass was put into the screen as an act of kindness. If so, do Form IIIb. or Form VI. reap the benefit?

Whether the confiding member d the W.V.R. who left her correspondence in a Form VI. desk did so intentionally.

Who will wear the most vivid hood at our next Speech Day.

Whether the School Authorities will imitate the good example of the Cadet Corps, and fix a minimum height for new boys.

Whether the Cadet Corps will accept E.M. as a recruit to carry the big drum.

Whether the Senior School, or the Junior School, or the Cadet Corps Band will give the first School Concert.

IN THE LABORATORY.
I.—RADIUM AND HELIUM.

Radium, about which comparatively little is known, is an element possessing very remarkable and novel properties, discovered by Mme. Curie in 1902. It possesses an astonishing degree of radio-activity, emitting light and heat of such an intensity as is produced by no other known substance.

Its weight is over 250 times that of hydrogen, and, to give one an idea of the size of an electron, it may be said that 10,000 electrons can be placed on the diameter of an atom, according to chemical calculations by Sir Oliver Lodge.

Radium is obtained mainly from pitch-blende, a greenish or black rock of pitchy lustre, mined chiefly in the Erz-Gebirge, and also from uranite, a white substance, whose origin is in pitch-blende. It is, however, found in infinitesimal quantities, approximately one ton of rock being required to produce a few grains of radium.

The process of its extraction is very long and tedious. The uranite is first extracted from the pitch-blende by means of fusion in sodium carbonate and solution in dilute sulphuric acid; the residue of the pitch-blende contains radium and various other metals. This residue is boiled with a solution of concentrated sodium carbonate, and the solution of the residue in hydrochloric acid is precipitated with sulphuric acid. The insoluble barium and radium sulphates are converted into chlorides and bromides, and separated by repeated fractional crystallisation. Even then the radium is not isolated, and its compounds obtained may not be pure. Of these compounds bromide and chloride of radium are best known, being characterised by colouring the flame carmine, yielding a well-marked spectrum and forming an insoluble sulphate and carbonate.

Radium is generally supposed to be present in the sun, and many successful experiments have been executed regarding its strengthening effect on human beings.

Helium, which is also found in uranite and cleveite, is contained in a gas given off by radium, but in such small quantities that its weight cannot be directly and accurately determined even after a year's evaporation. It is the next lightest gas to hydrogen; it is colourless, and, although it may be present in minerals in some form of combination, such as in radium, all attempts as yet to make it combine with other elements have teen fruitless.

It can be distinguished from similar gaseous elements by its density and the characteristic spectrum, containing a distinctive yellow line, which is produced when an electric discharge is passed through the rarified gas.

AN IMPRESSION.

For nearly half an hour the train pursues its way through a bewildering maze of rails, signals and sidings. On either side stretch miles and miles—as far as the eye can see—of great warehouses and dingy streets, the whole obscured by a haze of yellow smoke and fog, lit up by the last rays of the sun. Here and there a church steeple towers above its surroundings, and occasionally a glimpse of the river, crowded with shipping, is obtained. Rapidly the daylight dies away, and people, like ants, fill the streets, which, after those of an east coast town, appear brilliantly lighted.

Blinds are drawn at London Bridge, and from thence to Charing Cross nothing is to be seen.

But, on leaving the latter station, what a spectacle awaits the eyes! It is quite dark now, and the streets are ablaze with electric lights. This is London; the heart of the Empire; the great city of mystery, adventure and fortune, whose centuries of existence have rejuvenated instead of ageing her appearance. Everywhere are people hastening to and fro, each intent on his own particular business. Beneath all the brilliancy and life of the scene there lurks a faint feeling of hostility and cruelty.

Faces float by, are lost, forgotten, and succeeded by countless myriads of others. Faces smiling and frowning; beautiful and ugly; careless and thoughtful; intelligent and brutal—all are there. Every actor on Life's stage is here "each in his own role—from the Emperor returning in state to the Continent, to the beggar, clad in rags and grime, who solicits alms from the passers-by. It is like a dream, puzzling and bewildering the reason, which in vain attempts to cope with it; a dream in which there is an element of nightmare. In Trafalgar Square looms dimly the Nelson Monument, leading the eye away from the blaze of shop-lights to where, high up, the searchlights move slowly across the sky—seeking slowly and remorselessly for the Zeppelins which have not yet come.

Above, the twinkling stars and the slow-moving search light; below, a roaring torrent of human beings and vehicles set in a blaze of electric lights.

AUSTRALIA'S ONLY BATTLEFIELD.

It may be interesting to some of the readers of "The Pharos" to know that, although our Australian troops have fought so gallantly on the blood-stained fields of Gallipoli, Australia itself has only one spot where European has fought European.

It was on December 3rd, 1854, that the short but fierce struggle took place between gold diggers and a body of infantry, aided by a large number of police. One of these police was quite different from the familiar English "man in blue," and, like the French gendarme, was well mounted and armed with sword and revolver.

The diggers were much imposed upon by the authorities, and any person wishing to search for gold had to procure a licence. This could only be used within half a mile of the police station, and had to be produced whenever demanded, so that the digger, who was perhaps working up to the knee in mud and water, had to keep the document in his pocket, and, of course, was likely to lose it or to have it destroyed by water, in which case he was liable to a fine or imprisonment.

At last, from these causes, aided by the bullying manner of the police who inspected the licences, the indignation of the diggers burst into flame. Incited by two persons, named Lalor and Black, the miners from Ballarat marched to the Eureka Plateau, where they built a stockade, and commenced drilling vigorously, while parties were sent out in search of arms and ammunition. They kept a very lax watch, and on the morning of December 3rd were surprised by the appearance of a body of infantry. At first they managed to check the oncoming soldiery, but, one by one, their leaders were either killed or wounded, and the soldiers swarmed over the stockade.

The insurgents were surrounded and made prisoners, and martial law was proclaimed through all Ballarat.

Though the Eureka Stockade was only a very little "battle," it had consequences more important than those which have followed many a furious struggle, for never since have the diggers had to complain of injustice.

AN INCIDENT.

In a large restaurant could be seen a man sitting beside a chum of his at an empty table.

A waitress approached them, and the man ordered some Turkey without any Greece. The waitress said, "Are you German?" and the man answered, "No; I'm Hungary." "Then I intend not to Servia," she said. "But if I pay for the dinner, you must serve me." Then the waitress hurried and brought the dinner. When he had finished, she returned, saying, "Do you intend to Roumania? " "Yes; I want Samoa," was the reply. As the waitress did not return, the customer left the restaurant very much annoyed.

REJECTION AND EJECTION.

A. C. LAWES.

J. BUDGEN.

C. A. HART.