No. 22. JULY, 1916. VOL. VI.

FIAT LUX.

The next number of "The Pharos" will appear about December 9th. Contributions should be handed in not later than November 18th.

We acknowledge, with thanks, the receipt of the following Magazines:—"The Erithian"; "The Bromleian"; and "Ruym."

Several Contributions to this Number are held over from lack of space, to be published, if possible, next Term.

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.

The Editor would: be glad to receive names and addresses of any old Boys in the Services or elsewhere who would like to receive Copies.

HEADMASTER'S NOTES.

The Christmas Term will extend from Thursday, September 14th, to Wednesday, December 20th inclusive. Railway passes should be taken up to cover this period.

It is still confidently expected that next Term's School will commence in the new buildings at the top of Frith Road. The interior will be fit for use, though the playground and exterior decorations may be in an unfinished condition.

The Entrance Examination for new boys will be held on Thursday, July 27th.

A Cricket Match, "Fathers v. Sons," will be played at three p.m., on Wednesday, 26th July, on the Dover College Cricket Ground (kindly lent by W. S. Lee, Esq.). The Parents' Association will be "At Home"; and the Band of the East Surrey Regiment will play. Tea at 4.30 p.m.

EDITORIAL.

Change is still the order of the day at School. On the Staff new faces appear and well-known ones vanish—some of them we hope only temporarily. Doubtless, there are Forms to whom at one time it was almost a novelty to receive two successive lessons in the same subject from the same teacher.

Even the light shed by our "Pharos" must now be for a time diminished, as, yielding to the stern necessities of the times, we follow the lead of many of our more widely circulated contemporaries and announce a reduction in the number of pages. Let our contributors note that we modestly hope that the decrease in size of the source will involve no diminution in the brilliance of the rays. In other words, the editorial blue pencil and the "abhorred shears" will be wielded with more intense determination than ever. Verbum sap.

GLEAMS AND FLASHES.

The following members of the Staff have left us this Term in order to take up various forms of War Service:— Mr. O. Tunnell, in training with the 3rd Buffs, at Dover; Mr. A. C. James, in camp with the Friends' Ambulance Unit, in Buckinghamshire; Mr. W. E. Pearce, Naval Instructor, H.M.S. "Defiance," Devonport; Mr. A. I. Steven, Inspector of Optical Munitions; and Mr. E. O. Jones, Chemist Accountant to the Explosives Department, Ministry of Munitions.

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Mr. Wheeler has won high praise from the authorities for his work with the Y.M.C.A. at Malta and elsewhere in the Mediterranean, but he has decided to return home and offer himself for Military Service. He will probably be in England by the time these notes are read. The letter from Mr. Wheeler, on another page, was received just after our last Term's issue had gone to press, but will, no doubt, still be of interest to our readers.

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No appeal for subscriptions was issued in connection with our Sports Day this year. We are asked, therefore, to offer the special thanks of the Committee to the following gentlemen who sent unsolicited contributions towards our expenses:—E. Chitty, Esq., H. F. Bourdeaux, Esq., Captain Perry and Captain West.

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The boys who are leaving us this Term carry with them the usual good wishes from the Staff and boys for their future welfare. They are:—Watts (entered 1909), Bromley ('10), Green ('10), Farley i. ('10), De Coster ('11), Gandy ('11), Plater ('12), Le Sage ('12), Mackenzie ('12), Palmer ('12), Ripp ('12), Lloyd ('12), Atkins ('13), Parker i. ('13), Parker ii. ('13), Virgo ('13), Knight ('13), Aldersley ('14), and King ('15).

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We congratulate Atkins on having won an Engineering Entrance Scholarship at King's College, London, and Green on having gained an "Edwin Tate." Scholarship of value £30 a year, tenable for three years at Battersea Polytechnic.
Atkins will, probably, take up his scholarship "after the War," as he is expecting to join the Army shortly. Watts is also waiting his call to the colours. Thus two of our House Captains leave us for the country's service.

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Some of the vacant places will be filled by the following winners of Junior Scholarships:—Arter, Browne, Lamidey, Scarlett (St. Mary's School, Dover); Booth, Nowers, Strugnell (Barton Road); Broadhurst, Targett (St. Martin's); Cavell (Deal Wesleyan); Quinlan, Watts (Garrison School, Western Heights); Robinson, Trigg (Deal Parochial).

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Of the prizes offered for the best contributions to "The Pharos" during the School year, the senior prize has been awarded to Bromley. For the junior prize there has been keen competition, and the final award goes to E. C. Robinson (Form Ia.) Much good work has been done by Form IIIa., who have proved a mine of information on a variety of subjects. Pudney, Pelham and Blackford deserve special mention. Robinson's work is especially good for so "young a boy, and we hope to receive more of the same, or better, quality from him in the future.

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Form IIIa. have continued their efforts in "War Work" by making Red Cross material. A letter on the subject of their periscopes is printed in this Magazine.

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"Ripp"-ings from a Vb. Exercise Book:—

"Timbuctoo is the centre of caravan roots from Morocco." We often wondered what the camels feed on.

"Millet crows all over the Soudan." We have heard of fish "humming," but this is fresh.

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Donald Davis will be remembered, especially by boys of the Junior School, as a prominent member of the singing classes, and by others as a member of St. Mary's Choir. He left us last Term for Glasgow, and has now been accepted as a chorister at Glasgow Cathedral.

D.C S. AND THE WAR.
Additions to and Corrections of Former Lists.

Baldwin, Charles (05/09)—Transferred from A.A.C. to R.N.A.S.
Belchamber, R. K. (08/10)—Canadian O.E.F.
Clout, S. (01/03)—Transferred from A.A.C. to R.N.A.S.
Dunn, W. (01/04)—Engineer Lieutenant, R.N.R.
Fox, E. H. (08/10)—3rd Battalion The Buffs.
Gann, W. H. (11/13)—R.A.M.C.
Minter, C. H. (/04)—Australian Imperial Force.
Prescott, E. F. (09/10)—3rd/20th London Rifle Brigade.
Smith, S. H. (07/11)—4th Battalion The Buffs.
Wardle, G. B. (/07)—2nd Lieut., 9th Battalion Royal West Kent Regiment.
Grew, W. T. (12/14)—Royal Garrison Artillery.
Saywell, A. C. (09/12)—Royal Garrison Artillery.
Costelloe, W. H. G. (09/15)—2nd Lieutenant, R.E.

1st CADET COMPANY, C.P. (FORTRESS) R.E.

The work of the Summer Term has been of a varied character, entailing much care and thought on the part of the officers and non-commissioned officers, and to the latter we ewe much for their untiring efforts during evening hours. It is no easy task, that of making marked progress through the first year in the life of a Cadet Company, but progress has undoubtedly been made, and has been due to the zeal put into their duties by the members of our unit.

In the first place, we must congratulate ourselves on the ability exhibited by our signallers in the installation of our field telegraph and telephone. For our efficiency in this we have to thank NIL Pearce, and for the materials we acknowledge our indebtedness to the Territorial unit to which we are attached. The telephone proved its utility by the messages that were sent by Corporal Licence to the Commander of the defence during our operations on the Minnis.

In the second place, and expressing the opinion of the officers, we are glad of the enthusiasm displayed by those cadets who are endeavouring to secure promotion. It is no little matter that these give up much time to gain practice in flag signalling and knot tying, in infantry and in engineer work, and, although some find the tests rather severe, yet failure at first seems to have the effect of causing greater determination to succeed later on.

Thirdly, the infantry work this Term has shown a decided improvement; especially has this been noticeable in marching from one part of the town to another. It is in this part of our work that every cadet can shown that he means to make the proficiency of our Company his first thought.

But, undoubtedly, the operations carried out on May 23rd have been the outstanding feature of this Term. Officers, with their Sergeants. were examining the ground for many consecutive evenings previous to that date, in order to make the work as interesting and complete as possible.

The Sergeants of the Left Half-Company gave much care to the details of defence, and correctly anticipated the approximate direction of attack. Their sentry groups and outposts did useful work, but it must be admitted that their scouts failed rather badly. The use made of the telephone was helpful, and allowed for a quick and timely movement of supports, but it was not very flattering to the Right Half-Company that a small flock of sheep at the east end of the Minnis should be reported as "a squad of the enemy approaching from the North-East"!

The scouts of the attacking Half-Company did good work, and were able to report some useful information, and in this connection the work of Cadets Dearling and Horrex is worthy of mention. The plan of attack was well conceived by the Sergeants, but the final assault was of too straggling a nature to be successful, although the judges were certainly surprised by the vigour of the shouting after so tiring an afternoon's work. There is no doubt that the afternoon and evening were enjoyably and profitably spent by every member of the Company, which must record its thanks to Mr. Walker for acting as one of the judges, and to Mr. Thomas for the compass which he has kindly presented to it.

The end of this Term will bring to a conclusion the first year of our existence as a Cadet Company—a year filled with incident and change. We all regret the absence from parade of Mr. Jones and Mr. Pearce—of the former, chiefly because he commanded the Company from its formation; of the latter, because of his readiness at all times to give up his leisure for the benefit of the scientific side of our work, and for the consideration he has always taken for the welfare or our unit. We shall miss them, but we are determined that the coming year shall prove how good a foundation they laid for our organisation.

It is pleasing to note the evidences of the enthusiasm which pervades the Company as a whole; an enthusiasm which has shown itself in the disciplined patience with which the Left Half-Company awaited the attack on May 23rd, in the care taken in every detail of attack by the Right Half-Company, and in the problem, requiring to be solved by the officers, of selection from so many who have shown themselves competent in the tests for promotion.

The opening of the new School will allow us to progress still further, for we shall be independent of the weather in possessing a drill hall; we shall be able to arrange regular band practices; and we shall acquire a rifle range of our own. So that the year which has taken away our officers and such non-commissioned officers as Chase and Brown will have something to give us as a small return.

Let the second year show that in all branches of our work we have gained both in enthusiasm and in efficiency.

THE SPORTS, 1916

No prizes, no band, no tea, no—I was about to say November, but the weather wonderfully upheld our traditions and we were allotted the first fine day in a fortnight of continuous rain. These were indeed wartime sports, and however much there may have been of real economy in their conduct, there was assuredly no economy of energy. It was inspiriting to see the rivalry between the Houses, and although half-way through the events, the Dark Blues kindly (or was it "spoke sarcastic") offered to withdraw their teams, "to give the rest a chance," there was no falling off from the keenness with which the first events were contested.

The Dark Blues scored an overwhelming victory: there is no need of any praise, the number of points obtained speaks volumes for them. Besides, I belong to a much less impressive house, and naturally my sympathies turn towards those who also ran. It gradually became monotonous, this procession of dark blues, at the head of the runners in almost all the events. A welcome dash of colour in the Half and the Mile, was given by Isaac, who won these events in fine style, from quite a small handicap. Apart from a touch of green in the hurdles which Atkins won easily and in the under twelve events, by Costelloe ii., and a few minor successes scored by the rest, the day, as I have said, became a symphony in dark blue.

Green is notoriously a colour denoting inexperience and some people showed their true colours in boasting about the points they were to carry away in swimming—points long "in posse" and never, alas! "in esse." Still, members have learned that they who live in conservatories or greenhouses, if you prefer the term, should not boast, for a fall, in the case of such a flimsy affair, is apt to make much clatter. We have made it, and we are now picking up the pieces, in an endeavour, with the assistance of Reds and Light Blues, to wrest this shield from the arrogant embrace of that piece of blue ribbon.

Perry did extremely well in the Senior Championship, Atkins running up for the cup. Bromley unfortunately disqualified himself by rupturing a muscle very early in the day.

Wood carried off the Junior Championship in fine style, Sibley ii. being runner up.

There was an abnormally large number of entries this year, but so well had boys learned their starts, that event after event went by with a minimum of wasted time.

I am certain that all of us enjoyed the sports, competitors and officials; none of us were downcast at the lack of the band, not even at the lack of a refreshment tent; but on the other hand, none of us will be sorry when business shall be as usual.

In conclusion, we have to to thank Mrs. Whitehouse for so kindly coming to our informal little festivity to present the hard earned cups, and the trebly earned shield. Gare à toi, le bleu!

RESULTS:—

Swimming (over 14), eight lengths.—1, Gandy (10 secs.); 2, Le Sage (scratch); 3, Bromley (scratch). Time, 3mins. 41 3/5ths secs.
Swimming (under 14), four lengths.—1, Wood; 2, Kenyon; 3, Jago i. Time, 1 min 43 1/5th secs.
House Relay Swimming Race.—1, Costelloe's (Wood, A. C. Tomlin, Kenyon, Burke); 2, Bromley's (Ripp, Smith, Bromley, Morrison).
Long Jump (over 14).—1, Perry; 2, Atkins; 3, Bromley. Distance, 16ft. 21 ins.
Long Jump (under 14).—1, Mills; 2, Wood; 3, Pelham. Distance, 14ft. 6 ins.
House Relay Race (Half-Mile).—1, Costelloe's (Watts, Durban, Worster, Palmer); 2, Chase's (Hadlow, Isaac, Dearling, Costelloe).
High Jump (over 14).—1, Worster; 2, Atkins; 3, Lewis. Height, 4ft. 10 ins.
High Jump (under 14).—1, Wood; 2, Mills; 3, Malley. Height, 4ft. 1 in.
440 yards (over 14).—1, Durban; 2, Perry; 3, Boom. Time, 63 secs.
440 yards (under 14).—1, Mills; 2, Wood; 3, Gray. Time, 69 3/5ths secs.
100 yards (over 14).—1, Durban; 2, Perry; 3, Boom. Time, 11 2-5ths secs.
220 yards (under 12).—1, T. Costelloe; 2, McConnell; 3, R. Tomlin. Time, 31 4/5ths secs.
220 yards (open).—1, Mills; 2, Wood; 3, Romney. Time, 27 3/5ths secs.
Throwing the Cricket Ball—I, Perry; 2, Lovely; 3, Atkins.

880 yards.—1, Isaac; 2, Durban; 3, Worster. Time, 2mins. 28 2/5ths secs.
100 yards (under 12).—1, T. Costelloe; 2, R. Tomlin; 3, Chapman. Time, 13 3/5ths secs.
120 yards Hurdle.—1, Atkins; 2, Perry; 3, Hadlow. Time, 19 4/5ths secs.
Obstacle Race.—1, Dearling; 2, C. Day; 3, Worster.

100 yards (12-14).—1, Lawes; 2, Hart; 3, Mills. Time, 13 secs.
One Mile.—1. Isaac; 2, Horrex; 3, G. D. Thomas. Time, 5mins. 37 2/5ths secs.
Tug-of-War.—Heat 1.: Costelloe's heat Chase's. Heat II.: Bromley's beat Street's. Final: Costelloes' beat Bromley's.
Bromley Cup for Swimming (fastest time for eight lengths).—Le Sage (3mins. 41 3/5ths secs.).
Farley Cup (best Mile from scratch).—Watts.
Senior Championship Points.—Perry, 40; Atkins, 34; Bromley, 24.
Junior Championship Points.—R. Wood, 44; Sibley ii., 27; Malley, 9; Pelham, 9; Sutton, 9; Parker, 6; Kenyon, 5; Gosby, 4.

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NOTES OF THE EVENTS.

This year the weather was more suitable than usual to competitors, with scarcely any sun or wind, the turf for field events being in fine condition, and not hard going as in previous years. The general form of competitors, considering there was so little opportunity of training as in past years, was not at all bad, and, at the finish of races, competitors passed the tape in fair condition.

The long jump by Perry was very good, considering it was the first time at the pit; no doubt, if he had had practice, he would ha\'e got nearer the School record made last year. Mills, in the Junior, also jumped well, and, I think, broke the last year's record; at practice, he always set the distance, with Dixon next. In the high jumping there was good jumping, both by Seniors and Juniors. For the Seniors at 4ft. 6ins., it looked as if Perry would take first place, but his jumping went off as the stick went up; Worster, Atkins and Lewis jumped finely, the last-named, although finishing third, has the best style of the three. In the Junior high jump, the order I anticipated was reversed, Wood jumping better than I had seen him before.

In the 100 yards, Durban ran well, without being pressed. In the 100 yards, under 12, Costelloe did well, with Tomlin nard on his heels, making a good race. For the 100 yards, 12-14, Lawes ran well, finishing quite fresh, with space between him and second place. At 220, 440 and 880 yards, the winners were not very hard pressed, and finished quite comfortably. in the mile, Isaac ran well, and finished with plenty of ground between him and Horrex, with Thomas running close up in third place. Most of the entrants finished over the tape, and in very good condition.

Before closing these notes I should like to draw the attention of competitors (more especially the Juniors) to a few comments and hints, in the running events, especially the short distances, many boys did not run the race out and pass the tape, but slackened up in front of the tape, whereas it is often the last effort and going all out which wins or gets a place. In one race, the 100 yards, one boy took second place; if he had made that last effort, and not slackened a yard in front of the tape, he would have had first honours.

In jumping it is much safer to have spiked shoes—they often save a nasty fall or accident. In running at all distances, especially on grass, it is far better to have proper spiked shoes, as they grip the turf. With rubber-soled shoes there is always a slight backward slip, which means a loss of ground in the stride, more especially in sprinting races.

Competitors awaiting their events should rest under cover, and not tire themselves in parading about the grounds. On cold days it chills and hardens the muscles, making the running or jumping slow and stiff, with a great risk of straining the limbs or body. On hot and sunny days, walking about the grounds fatigues and makes one feel slack; but on cold days it is most important in any sport to see that muscles are not cold or hard before starting, The times in running events did not come up to past years, owing to lack of training. But when the School is moved to its new home there will be better accommodation to get fit, and I hope that by next year the inter-County Schools Sports will be taking place, and Dover will come out with first honours.

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SPORTS' RECORDS.

This list gives the best performances since 1912 as far as official records are available. In all races the best time by boys winning from scratch has been taken; Long Jump, Senior.—Costelloe i., 1915, 17ft. 3½ins.

Long Jump, Junior.—Mills, 1916, 14ft. 6ins.
Swimming, Senior, eight lengths.—Fisher, 1912, 3mins. 10 3/5ths secs.
Swimming, Senior, four lengths.—Wood, 1916, 1min 0 43 1/5th secs.
120 yards Hurdles.—Atkins, 1916, 19 2/5ths secs.
House Relay, Half-Mile.—Costelloe's, 1916, 1min. 51 4/5ths secs.
100 yards.—Russell, 1913; 11 2/5ths secs.
High Jump (over 14).—Street, 1915, 4ft. 4ins.
High Jump (under 14).—Eaton, 1912, 4ft. 4ins.
440 yards.—Russell, 1913, 60secs.
220 yards (open).—Russell, 1913, 27 2/5ths secs.
Throwing the Cricket Ball—Holman, 1912, 78 yards.
Half-Mile.—Lyons, 1914, 2mins, 27 4/5ths secs.
Mile.—Lyons, 1914, 5mins. 27secs.

CRICKET (!)

I am asked to write a short notice of the "Cricket, etc."! Had it not been for the "etc." part of it, my observations would have been confined to the title, with, perhaps, a reduplicated exclamation mark—hut still, in these days of Censors—

Up to the time of going to press, we have not had ten minutes' cricket. When we returned to School and commenced to unpack a few really good bats and other extras accumulated during the vacation, we looked eagerly forward to a few pleasant hours on the magnificent ground which belongs to us as ratepayers. But military exigencies deprived us of even one afternoon a week. We do not complain overmuch, it is by no means a failing of ours; we should be the last to deprive our gallant men of even five minutes' pleasure, but we cannot help feeling that a limit does exist in all things, and that here it may have been passed.

Anyhow, we pulled ourselves together and prospected. Sea-bathing has taken up an hour every Wednesday and an hour every Friday, and appears to have been greatly appreciated. The number of divers has wonderfully increased; whilst some of us can swim at least four-strokes. Then we turned an enquiring glance towards tennis, and succeeded in obtaining a court in Connaught Park for the rest of the term—or, at least, we fondly hoped so. Thanks largely to the efforts of a few benevolent well-wishers, and to the short-sighted appreciation of their efforts by a few of the publicists of the town, we have most successfully been dislodged there from, doubtless to seek "a more vigorous form of exercise." We are contemplating the building of a number of aeroplanes in the workshop, in order to disport ourselves in the air—the only playing-field left open to us. Even there "they" might "say" something. 'Tis a weary world, my masters!

I have to thank the boys for the way in which they have made a success of everything we have been allowed to attempt, and to hope that a new Term will see us granted reasonable opportunities for physical exercise.

GAMES FUND.

BALANCE SHEET.—January to April, 1916.

HOUSE NOTES.

The expected happened with respect to the House Football Competition, and it proved impossible to play any matches beyond those reported in our last issue. Thus the other Houses were deprived of the opportunity of bringing down the "Light Blues" from the top of the table, or even of spoiling their undefeated record. Thus, when all cricket arrangements collapsed, owing to the impossibility of obtaining a ground, the destination of the shield had, of necessity, to depend once more on the Athletic Sports alone. Here Costelloe's again proved easy winners. and even improved on their last year's performance. By winning the Swimming Relay Race, Running Relay Race, and Tug-of-War, they showed fine all-round ability, though the runners-up in the last-named event were unfortunate in losing Bromley, whose presence might easily have turned the tables in the final pulls.

The table of points was as fellows:—

Costelloe's. 140

Bromley's. 46

Chase's. 46

Street's. 20

Winners and losers will join in the hope that the full round of contests (football, sports and cricket) will be possible for next year.

OLD STUDENTS' NOTES.

B. HOLMER (06/09)), who was badly wounded in the foot early in the war, and spent several months in hospital and then in a rest camp, has been promoted sergeant, and is doing recruiting office work.

E. S. CONNELL (/09), passed into the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich, in February last.

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BIRTHS.

WALSH.—On April 4th, at Camberwell, the wife of C. E. Walsh, B.A. (05/08), of a daughter.

ELLENDER.—On April 9th, at Beacon Lane Farm, Woodnesborough, the wife of Corporal R. A. Ellender, R.A.M.C. (05/07), of a son (Alan Reginald).

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MARRIAGE.

PARTON-BRISTOW.—On the 21st of March, at St. Paul's Presbyterian Church, Napier, New Zealand, Arthur (/02), younger son of Mr. John Parton, of Higham Park, to Florence, third daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. Bristow, of Southborough.

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A REQUIEM.

[Written in remembrance of a Sergeant in the R.A.M.C., killed in France, and sent in by B. Trim, Sergeant, R.A.M.C.]

CORRESPONDENCE.

Y.M.C.A. Office,

The Palace,

Valletta, Malta.
March 13th, 1916,
 

Dear Mr. Editor,

An uneasy conscience compels me to write to you today to redeem my promise to send some further contribution to the "Pharos." I hope the arrival of this letter will secure for me the necessary absolution.

Since I wrote last, events have moved rapidly, bringing considerable changes to the island. About Christmas time the hospitals and convalescent camps here were full almost to overflowing with the sick and wounded from the Dardanelles, Just before the evacuation of the Gallipoli fronts, the accommodation was increased so as provide some twenty-four thousand beds, in anticipation of the very heavy casualties which were expected during the withdrawal from the Peninsula. Fortunately, this operation was accomplished with trifling losses; the vast provision in the hospitals was not required and the regular stream of sick and wounded ceased entirely. So far, very little has happened at our "Near East" front, and few wounded have therefore come in from Salonica. There are still many thousands of men on this island, but whether these will be followed by others, depends, of course, on the progress of events in Salonica. Meanwhile, most of the hospitals and camps are being run on small establishments, though a few have been closed down.

I believe that the wounded who have been in hospitals in Malta speak very highly of the treatment which they received here. The hospitals are models of comfort and efficiency; the military barracks on the island are as little like barracks as can be imagined, and most of these were turned into hospitals at the end of last summer. The camp hospitals are not less comfortable; as a matter of fact, the wounded soldier would fin it very hard to make a choice between the two types of hospitals.

Malta has been an ideal hospital centre during these winter months. A Malta winter is really delightful. Practically, it only lasts two months, and the greatest discomforts which it brings are occasional periods of heavy rains and high winds. The rains are truly tropical—one night about seven inches of rain fell in five or six hours—and the winds are cold, and certainly as those of us who have to think of tenting know—of the most violent disposition. These trifles apart, our days in winter are days of bright blue skies and glorious sunshine.

The island is picturesque enough to give any intelligent soldier plenty to interest him. Life here is a delightful combination of East and West, of the ancient and the modern. Notwithstanding the fact that English rule and contact with European countries have, to a large degree, "Europeanized" the island, there is much that is Eastern in the character of the island and its people. The language of the islanders tells the story of its history. Maltese, which, by the way, it is practically impossible to learn from grammars, is Eastern, as far as the body of the language is concerned (it is said that the Maltese can make themselves understood by Arabs in certain parts of North Africa), but a great number of Italian, French and English words have become grafted on to the Semitic stock. The island is, as everyone knows, a stronghold of Roman Catholicism. The religious life of the people is closely associated with the colour and pageantry which is characteristic of Southern Europe. Nowhere are such picturesque religious processions to be seen as on certain "festa" days in Malta. Many of the finest processions are connected with the feast days celebrating episodes in the life of St. Paul, whose associations with the island will be familiar to the schoolboy. His statue on the island where he was wrecked is one of the first sights to greet the traveller as he approaches the Valletta Grand Harbour.

The most curious island custom is the Carnival which lasts for four days preceding Lent. One presumes that the origin of the custom must have been the idea of getting a good time before the rigours of the Lenten Season began. A large section of the people give themselves over to masquerading. "Bals Masques" occupy the nights during the carnival, and during the day time the masqueraders thong the streets carrying tambourines, and dancing, singing and indulging their humour at the expense of the spectator or the passer-by.

All this has been the subject of the good humoured interest of the English "Tommy," who is discovering other ways of life than his own during his period of convalescence. One can readily see that for many a long day after the war is over, at the English firesides and in the workshops the British "Tommies" will tell strange stories of the people of other lands, as well as the more exciting episodes of the battlefield.

I have outrun my space, and so, Mr. Editor, must conclude with best wishes for all connected with the County School.

I am,

Yours faithfully,

The Editor,                               T. B. WHEELER.

"The Pharos."

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16/6/'16
Dear Sir,

We have received through Lieut. Lumsden a case of fourteen periscopes made by the boys of Form IIIa. at your Scholl. Many thanks for them. They are of a very useful pattern and will be of the greatest use in the trenches.

Will you please convey to the boys how much they are appreciated.

Yours sincerely,

J. N. CRAWFORD, Lt.-Col.,

Comdr., 2nd Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.

The Headmaster,

Dover County Boys' School.

MERIT LIST.

Form Va.—Lovely (3), Standring (3), Hadlow.
Form Vb.—Gibbons.
Form IIIa.—Brand (3), Kirby (3), Cole (2), Olby (2), Pelham (2), Hart, Head, Loyns.
Form IIa.—Gosby (3), Lawes (3), Pelham (3), Tomlin (3), Twyman (3), Day.
Form IIb.—Deverson (3), Motley (3), Phillips (3), Tomlin (3), Waite (3), Wilson (3), Youden (2), Flinn.
Form Ia.—Bourdeaux (2), Day (2), Law (2).
Form Ib.—Greenstreet.

WAR WORK IN FORM IIIa.

In this present crisis everyone feels that he wants to help the Army or the Navy, or to do something that will be useful. The men join the Army or the Navy; while ladies knit socks, and give tea parties, and so on. But the boys of Form IIIa. are not old enough to join up, except in the Cadet Corps, and it is not in our line to knit socks, so we have made some hospital material.

At first, some bandage-winders were made. The winder is a square frame fixed at the corners with dove-tailed joints, and then three holes were bored on the two sides facing each other. Through these holes some iron rods were put, and a wooden handle (which had been turned on the lathe) was put on the lowest rod. There was a piece of wood on the three rods that was adjusted according to the width of the bandage, to enable it to be neatly rolled. The bandage-winders were made for the Cadet Corps.

The next things we made were leg splints. The board was about two feet long by four inches wide; it was smooth-planed, and then all corners and edges were rounded. These were simple, because the sides and edges had been planed by machinery.

The last things we made were right-angle arm-splints, or elbow splints. A half-lap joint was made at one end of each piece and glued and screwed. When the glue dried, all corners and edges were rounded with a plane, and the ends with a spoke-shave. When each model had been finished, it was cleaned with glass-paper. These were made for the British Red Cross Society, who supplied the material, and we shall most likely make some more splints and other hospital requisites.

"COMBIEN J'AI DOUCE SOUVENANCE."

[A rhythmic translation, arrived at by Form IVa.]

BUDGET.

PADEREWSKI (Form IIa.).