No. 25. JULY, 1917. VOL. VIII.

FIAT LUX.

NOTICES.

The next number of The Pharos will appear about December 8th. Contributions should be handed in not later than November 17th.

We acknowledge, with thanks, the receipt of The Erithian, Ruym and The Bromleian.

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.

School Term commences Thursday, September 20th, and closes on Wednesday, December 19th, 1917. Railway Passes should be taken out to cover both dates.

EDITORIAL.

ANOTHER term has gone and in spite of daylight saving The Pharos is again called on to issue its summer flare to light us through the Valley of the Shadow of Examinations, into the peaceful ocean of the Summer Vacation.

Looking backwards from our beacon light, we view a term which although devoid of any very striking features is not unmarked by changes and events, The passing—very temporarily, let us hope—of old faces and the advent of new ones, thanks to the war still continues, and unfortunately promises to continue into the new term.

The possibility of both sports and cricket has lent increased interest to and aroused fresh enthusiasm over the Sports Championship, whilst the inception of fives and rackets has filled the hours of many and, thanks to worn-out shoes and—hush—broken windows emptied the pockets of some.

One of the most happy features of the past term has been the largely increased numbers of Old Boys who have been to see us, a sign that they have learnt, as we trust still larger numbers are learning to-day, to view their school in the right light—as their alma mater.

With the advent of the not weather, the horticultural enthusiasm described in last term's Pharos has somewhat cooled and apart from a vain attempt to emulate locusts among the weeds, time has been chiefly spent in speculating as to the abundance of the crops. Looking to the future, a few visualise a trip "back to the land" but beyond that everything is wrapped in mystery.

Nevertheless we stoke with a light heart and trust that in spite of a well filled waste paper basket the flare may be a presage of brighter times to come.

STAFF CHANGES.

The going of old and coming of new members of the Staff arising from the need of men for military service shows no diminution in numbers or frequency.

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Last term Mr. Darby, who has played such a prominent part in the School life for the past nine years, left us to join the R.G.A., and Mr. Mamlock, after a short stay of two terms is now in the R.A.M.C.

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Their places have been taken by Miss O. M. Rookwood and Miss E. Bryen.

Miss Rookwood, who comes to us from a large Boys' School in London, holds the Government Teacher's Certificate with Honours in English and the Diploma in Literature of London University.

Miss Bryen was educated at the Simon Langton School for Girls and at Hartley University College, Southampton. She has had three years' teaching experience in British Columbia and has been for the past two years at Bideford Grammar School.

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Both these ladies we hope have now settled down to the conditions of life and work in Dover, including the songs of the syren and the excitement of air-raids.

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The tale of changes is however but half told. The close of the term will see the departure of our Local Secretary, Mr. E. Coope, and of Messrs Baxter, Walker and Davies. Their military destinies are not as yet settled; and the mere mention of their names will be sufficient to recall to the minds of the boys who have known them the very valuable services they have rendered. Mr. Baxter's activities as Sports Master will be taken over by Mr. Slater.

KENT COUNTY SCHOLARSHIPS.

Kent County Scholarships have been awarded to the following boys whom we hope to welcome next term:—
Davies, George John, from Barton Rd. Boys' School
Gambrill, Ernest R, from Barton Rd. Boys' School.
Read, Horace A, from Barton Rd. Boys' School.
Reed, Claude F, from Barton Rd. Boys' School.

GLEAMS AND FLASHES.

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Mr. James is now motor driving with the Friends' Ambulance Unit right up in the front. Amongst his various experiences, is that of being shelled out of bed having to make for safer quarters in the dark with such garments as he could lay hands on. Nevertheless he says "still the experience will be interesting to look back upon and is not without its interest at the time."
 

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Mr. Darby is with the R.G.A. and sends home racy accounts of his doings. He has had the good fortune to maintain excellent health, save when the beans have been exceptionally indigestible.
 

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Many of the senior boys will be glad to know that Miss Penny, who left us for domestic reasons, has now gone back to teaching, and is at present a member of the Staff of Taunton's Grammar School, Southampton, teaching Mathematics and Physics to the upper forms of the School.
 

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The contribution to the Prisoners of War Fund since the last issue of The Pharos amounts to £7 10s. 4d., bringing the total sum collected by the 2nd July to £33 14s. 7d. Dover has now to maintain entirely 80 prisoners, a task requiring about £600 per annum, and we would plead the cause of these sorely-tried men, especially with those who rarely, if ever, contribute.
 

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On the 12th June Dr. Scott, the Chief Inspector of Secondary Schools, paid us a visit.
 

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Mr. O. Jones has been "lent" by the Ministry of Munitions to a munitions factory where he is acting as chemist.
 

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A collection on behalf of Dover Hospital resulted in a sum of £2 being sent to that Institution.

D.C.S. AND THE WAR.
OLD BOYS ON ACTIVE SERVICE.
Corrections of and additions to former lists

Armstrong, W. A. (09/15), Royal Engineers.
Beaufoy, S. L. G. (08/14), Cadet Branch, R.F.C.
Brett, A. A. (8/10), Royal Fusiliers.
Brown, E. W. W. (11/16), London Regt.
Bromley, J. F. (10/16), Training Reserve.
Buss, C. (04/06), Royal Engineers.
Buss, E. (01/04), Engine Room Artificer, H.M. Submarine
Castle, W. G. (16), Wireless Operator, H.M.S.
Connell, E. S. (09), 2nd-Lieut., R.G.A.
Connellan, F. M. (06/10), Lce-Corpl., Yeomanry.
Cook, R. A. (08/14), Artists' Rifles.
Goodwin, F. (01/05), Royal Sussex Regt.
Knivett, C. T. (14/17), Civil Service Rifles.
Laslett, L. W. (01), Lieut., R.H.A.
Lyons, J. J. (10/15), O.T.C., R.H.A.
Oram, A. E. (09/11), 2nd-Lient., Unit unknown.
Prescott, E. F. (09/10), Royal Engineers.
Smith, R. W. (15/17), R.G.A.
Wilson, R. (05/12), R.F.A.

WOUNDED.

HONOURS AND REWARDS.

2nd-Lieut. A. Worster (09), who was at Gallipolli in the ranks, since being commissioned, has been in France and has been awarded the Military Cross. His party successfully held a weak point in the line near Loos and of 6 officers and a platoon that went into action he and eight men were the only survivors. He visited us a few days ago and gave a very cheerful account of the prospects.

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Sergt. L. W. Laslett, RH.A. (01), has been awarded a commission on the battle field in France. He was mentioned in Sir Douglas Haig's despatches of April 9th, for gallant services and devotion to duty. He has practically been in action during the whole of the war. He was with his regiment in India at the outbreak, whence they were at once recalled. He went with the Expeditionary Forces to Gallipoli and thence to France.

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Sergt. J. R Mac W alter (07/09), The Buffs, Military Medal.

ITEMS OF NEWS OF OLD BOYS.

John Bernard Fitzsimmons (10/12), was killed on March 26th, at Hendon, while flying an experimental scout biplane built by the Nestler Company. In a gusty wind he went up to a height of about 400ft. After making a sharp turn a piece of one of the wings of the machine broke away, and he came down through the roof of a shed where mechanics were working.

Fitzsimmons was invalided out of the Army after a years' service at the front, and he immediately took up flying and soon gained a reputation as an exceptionally fine pilot. He was, when in Dover, one of the leading members of the Dover Model Flying Club.

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J. D. Stranks (10/12) has been for some months in the drawing office at Sopwith's Aircraft Factory where he seems to be getting on well.

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J. A. Hopkins (12/16) who was a conspicuous member of the Scouts' Camps is now learning farming near Adisham. The beneficial effects of open air life have rendered him almost unrecognisable.
 

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J. F. Stanley (10/14) has been home for a few' days. He met Standfield (12/14) voyaging in the West Indies and reports him to be doing well.

Stanley's ship has recently been attacked and sunk by a submarine and he himself wounded. The ship's master writes highly commending the way Stanley and another apprentice helped the ship's gunners. He says: "If all the men had behaved as well as the boys, we might have put up a better fight."

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Frank Chase (10/16) travels between France and America, presumably weaving links between the two Allies.

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Both Leonard (03) and Watson Peverley (03/07) have been home recently. Watson is now a 2nd-Lieutenant, R.N.R. He has been voyaging in the North Sea, and on one occasion was very nearly torpedoed. He has had the strange experience of passing t1uough a black snow, and attributes the colour to an eruption of Mount Hecla.

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H. E. Fisher (05/12) has been in France in frequent contact with Ellender and Maynard. lie is now in hospital, having been severely wounded in the arm, back, and leg. He is, we are glad to hear, doing well, lie sent his good wishes for Sports Day.
 

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B. Holmer (06/09), who was wounded in the foot early in the war, has again been wounded—this time in the head—and was picked up after lying in a shell-hole for 18 hours.

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F. Plowright (02/05) met W. Egan (03) at Jhansi.

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J. J. Lyons (10/15) was placed 39th on the Sandhurst List of the Army Entrance Examination, but was medically rejected. He has, however, succeeded in enlisting in the R.H.A. O.T.C. His brother, J. M. (10/15) has been in France for the past eight months.

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C. Armstrong (10/16) has left the Merchant Service and is now in a bank.

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Pascall (12/14) has been in action and had a bombing contest with a German. Fortunately, he bombed first and came out uninjured as the German didn't bomb at all.

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H. Igglesden (01/02), who has been in hospital in London, wounded in six places, is now with his regiment again.

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E. H. Fry (07/12), whose wound was recorded in our last issue, has again gone to the Front, although his arm and lung are still troublesome after heavy exertion. In the charge with him were Webster and Macpherson. The former is a prisoner, and the latter is now in England. Their companies got caught between the German machine-gun fire and our barrage, and only 30 returned.

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J. J. De Coster (11/16) visited us bringing with him some samples of materials used in soap manufacture, an account of which he gave to the VIth Form.

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We have also had visits from P. J. Green (10/16) and Brewin (11/14), who are on the same ship together, Wilbraham (11), F. Canton (09/15), and E. W. W. Brown (11/16).
 

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Cpl. C. G. Ripp, R.E. (12/16) has been injured by an explosion during the battle of Gavrelle and admitted into hospital suffering from injuries to the knee and arm. When last heard of he was doing well.

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Raymond Cook (08/14) has joined the Artists' Rifles, and his impressions of the first fortnight's service seem none too favourable, either from the point of view of fatigue, food, or tone. He says "the drilling is fearfully hard and consists of seven full parades a day (excluding Wednesdays and Saturdays, these being devoted to sports). The instructors, too, are most exacting and, unfortunately, make no attempt to confine any one sentence to words found in the dictionary." He, however, finds life off duty most enjoyable, and, thanks to the presence of some professional artistes in the corps, to the activity of the Y.M.C.A., and to making friends amongst the local Wesleyans, he seems to be bearing up well.

Lest aspirants for commissioned rank via the Artists should be disheartened we hasten to add that the accounts which have reached us from Brown and Mr. Wheeler are much more cheering.

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G. C. Spain (03/07), who was in a Bank at Sandwich, joined the Army in 1916, but was unfortunately attacked by a serious illness, involving several operations. After some months in hospital he is now home on sick leave.

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Cyril Watts (05/15) is in the Motor Transport Section of the Army Service Corps and has been learning motor driving, and, from his account of his work in this direction, coupled with his many moves from one camp to another, he seems to have been working through a practical course of geography based upon an elaborate gazetteer. He has recently heard from Hampden (09/14), who has again volunteered for field service, and from Cahill (10/15), who was going to Salonika.

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Lient. A. Worster, in a letter thanking the School for their congratulations on his winning the M. C., says:—

Do you remember the McWalters? The elder brother was killed some time since (Pharos, Dec., 1916.—ED.) the other is my platoon sergeant, a splendid fellow and very brave. He often talks of the 'hidings ' administered by poor old Scrogger' in the wood-work room. He was awarded the Military Medal for bravery and gallantry at the same time as myself; he did splendidly on the 15th of last month and was of great assistance to me.

The French people around this village are wonderful Old men, women, and children cultivate every available piece of land. Many of these people still cling to their battered houses just behind the firing line. They have complete faith in us, and if one questions them as to their hardships they merely answer quite cheerfully, 'C'est la guerre.'"

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F. W. Ford (11/15) has been invalided home from the Front with chest trouble. He has been in hospital in North Wales, and at the time of writing is home on leave.

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Marriages.

BORROW (05/07)—WHITE.—On April 28th, at St. John's Church, Margate, George Leonard, second son of Mr. and Mrs. M. Borrow, of Gillingham, to Florence Winifred, eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. White, of Margate.

GOODBUN (03/07)—HEALEY.—On May 29th, at St. Mary's Church, Dover (by special licence), by the Rev. C. P. Dale, Lieut. Alfred Miller Goodbun, R.N.R., second son of Captain and Mrs. Goodbun, of 21, Pencester Road, Dover, to Susie, second daughter of Mrs. Healey, and the late Mr. Healey, builder and contractor, of 17, Astley Avenue, Dover.

TANTON (04/05)—KINNINGS.—On June 27th, at the Bondgate Wesleyan Church, Darlington, by the father of the bride, assisted by the Rev. White, the Rev. Ernest C. Tanton, C.F., of Worksop, Notts, son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Tanton, of Dover, to Mary, only daughter of the Rev. A. T. and Mrs. Kinnings, of Darlington.

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Death.

SPORTS.

This term has seen more cricket activity than at any time since the war deprived us of our playing-fields. We were granted one pitch of the Crabble ground for Wednesday afternoons and a practice pitch for Tuesday and Friday evenings from 6.30 to 8.30.

After one practice match, House competitions began, and two at least of the Houses were hard put to it to find an eleven who had played cricket before. However, assiduous practice on the part of everyone concerned brought three Houses up to concert pitch. The Conservatory, as usual, was in a very bad way and had to resign itself to gallant efforts to avoid being beaten by an innings. These efforts were crowned with success on one occasion when Reds, having prematurely declared their innings closed, were obliged to go in again to win by 9 wickets.

The most exciting match of the term was played on June 27th, when Light Blues met Dark Blues in what had turned out to be the match to decide the House Championship. Most of us fancied that Light Blues had an easy task, but Dark Blues under the energetic training of Perry and Mr. Davies their new house-master, had been working away, and surprised everyone by obtaining a lead of three or four on the first innings. The greatest surprise followed, for, thanks to clever work behind the wickets by Perry and smart bowling by Mills, Kenyan and Wood, Dark Blues were left with 30 runs to make. They made these without the loss of a Wicket and so "——" to relate, the colour of the ribbon round the Shield remains the same. (You must fill in the blank yourself!) Appended is a list of the matches and results:—

HOUSE MATCHES RESULTS.

May 16th.—Street's House, 56 and 117 for 3wkts. (Lovely 60 not out.)

Chase's House, 72 and 72.

Street's House won by 7 wkts.

May 23rd.—Costelloe's House, 109 for 3 wkts. (Innings declared closed: Perry 50.)

Bromley's House, 43 and 45

Costelloe's House won by an innings and 22 runs.

June 6th.—Street's House, 123.

Costelloe's House, 62 and 37.

Street's House won by an innings and 24 runs.

June 13th.—Chase's House, 122.

Bromley's House, 18 and 47.

Chase's House won by an innings and 57 runs.

June 20th.—Street's House, 102 for 6 wkts, (innings declared closed. Licence 51 not out) and 23 for 2 wkts.

Bromley's House, 38 and 86.

Street's House won by 8 wkts.

June 27th.—Costelloe's House, 76 and 34 for 1 wkt.

Chase's House, 68 and 40.

THE ANNUAL SPORTS.

Once more the weather proved favourable and our record of a fine day on every occasion remains untouched. A shower or two in the morning and a thunderstorm in the near vicinity in the afternoon made some of us think our luck too good to last, but we were spared even a moment's rain.

Everything went off smoothly and the thanks of the officials are due to the boys for the way in which they found their places and prepared themselves for the start of each race. But for a long drawn-out contest between Perry and Lewis, in the High Jump, we should have been finished by 4.30, and as it was 5 p.m. saw the ground clear.

There was none of the pomp and circumstance of former years: there was less even than last year, since the picturesque obstacles were done away with in an attempt to avoid the employment of labour which might be better utilised elsewhere. One thing was not lacking—enthusiasm. I am sure no more could have been shown had there been prizes of untold value. Every race was won by dogged determination, and it was only by running himself "all out" that a competitor could hope to win.

The House Relay Race set the pitch for the afternoon, and that was finely won by Dark Blues, Light Blues and Reds having a real tussle for the second place, the former just obtaining it. Greens also ran.

The Obstacle Race proved not so much a race as a test of endurance, since there were hurdles to climb, 100 yards straight run, 50 yards in sacks, 50 yards running backwards, 50 yards hopping, 50 yards on all fours, followed by 100 yards egg and spoon!

There were two entrants only for the Senior Championship, Lovely and Perry; by six points the latter won the Cup for the second time. In the Junior Championship, Day, Olby, Deverson and Gray had entered, the first-named winning the Cup. The surprise of the day was the running of S. G. Browne for Greens; minor surprises were the winning of the 220 yards by a Junior who left the track and made a bee-line for the tape—his face when told he had not won amusing everyone; the defeat of Reds in two straight pulls against Light Blues in the Tug of War, and the running of Cooke in the Hurdles, who, but for an unfortunate misunderstanding, would have been easily first.

The superiority of Dark Blues was this year not so obvious before. They finished the day only just ahead of the despised Conservatory.

On the whole a very enjoyable day, without a single incident to mar its pleasure.

The thanks of all concerned are due to Messrs. Highley, Toms and Youden, who were kind enough to help the depleted staff on the field.

Results:—Costelloe's, 86; Bromley's, 65; Streets', 51; Chase's, 50.

TABLE OF RESULTS.

Long Jump (Senior).—1st, Perry; 2nd, Boom; 3rd, Mills. Distance, l7ft. 3m.
Long Jump (Junior).—1st, Browne, S. G.; 2nd, Pay; 3rd, Day. Distance, l4ft. 6in.

(Senior).—1st, Bond; 2nd, Wood; 3rd, Austin.
Swimming (Junior).—1st, Hunt; 2nd, Phillips; 3rd, Deverson. Time, 1mm. 55sec.

Bond wins the Bromley Cup.

House Relay.—1st, Costelloe's; 2nd, Chase's. Time, 4min. 11sec.

100 Yards (Over 14).—1st, Durban (3yds.); 2nd, Romney (8yds.); 3rd, Wood (7yds.). Time, 11 2/5sec.

Obstacle Race.—1st, Dearling; 2nd, Standring; 3rd, Scarlett. Time 3mm. 16sec.

House Relay (Half Mile).—1st, Costellos's; 2nd, Chase's. Time, 1min. 56sec.
100 Yards (Under 12).—1st, Costelloe (5yds.); 2nd, King (10yds.); 3rd, McConnell (5yds.). Time 13 4/5sec.

High Jump (Over 14).—1st, Lewis; 2nd, Perry; 3rd, Wilson. Height, 4ft. 7½in.
High Jump (Under 14).—1st, Pay; 2nd, Pelham; 3rd, Clarke. Height, 4ft.
440 Yards (Over 14).—1st, Mills (20yds.); 2nd, Durban (10yds.); 3rd, Wood, R. J. (20yds.). Time 1min.
440 Yards (Under 14).—1st, Browne, S. G. (10yds.); 2nd, Pay, (S.); 3rd, Toms, (10yds.). Time 1min. 8 4/5sec.
220 Yards (Under 12).—1st, Dead heat, Costelloe and McConnell (each 10yds.); 3rd, Gray (2yds.). Time 32 4/5sec.
220 Yards (Open).—1st, Browne, S. G.; 2nd, Mills; 3rd, Wood, R. Time not obtained.
Throwing the Cricket Ball.— 1st, Perry; 2nd, Costelloe; 3rd, Sibley. Distance, 77yds.
880 Yards (Open).—1st, Wood (4Oyds.); 2nd, Browne, S.
G. (7oyds.); 3rd, Horrex (35yds.). Time 2mm. 29sec.
100 Yards (12-14).—1st, Browne, S. G. (2yds.); 2nd,. Twyman (1yd.); 3rd, Strugnell (5yds.). Time 13 2/5sec.

120 Yards Hurdles.—1st, Lovely (S.); 2nd, Cooke (S.); 3rd, Standring (2yds.). Time, 19 2/5sec.
Tug of War.—Chase's beat Street's by two straight pulls.
Mile (Open).—1st, Horrex (75yds.); 2nd, Robey (210yds.); 3rd, Sibley (50yds.). Time, 5mm. 28 4/5sec.
Durban, first from scratch wins the Farley Cup.
Perry remains Senior Champion.
Day becomes Junior Champion.

—:—

NOTES ON THE EVENTS.

HOUSE CHALLENGE SHIELD.

As has been mentioned, the destination of this Shield was not known until Wednesday, June 27th, when Dark Blues, for the third time, took possession of it on their defeating Light Blues.

Appended is the disposition of the points:—

HOUSE NOTES.
COSTELLOE'S HOUSE.

The summer term has been an eventful one for all houses—for none has it been more fortunate than for Dark Blues.

The Sports showed that we were still "top dog" in at least one branch of sport. Every competitor did well but perhaps Durban, R. Wood and Mills deserve special mention. Robey ran the mile well and Gray would have done better had he not entered for the Junior Championship—but practice makes perfect and we look forward to retrieving the Junior Cup next year.

But in spite of our victory on May 30th, the shield appeared to be lost to Dark Blue—to beat Light Blue seemed a task far above our humble achievements. Everyone was therefore surprised and many sorry at our victory. The team bucked up rippingly, but Mills gained for himself the chief honours of the day.

Although Mr. Darby is temporarily absent from School we were all pleased to know that he still took an interest in his house. Such being the case we are all the more pleased at winning the shield. We have also to thank Mr. Davies who was kind enough to "carry on" for Mr Darby, and who took the photo of our house cricket XI.

A.V.P.

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CHASE'S HOUSE.

The house suffered a defeat in their first match this term, against Street's House. The batting and bowling were good (Costelloe 57) but the fielding was very poor.

In the next match we played Bromley's House when we only batted one innings (Costelloe 24, Ayling 19 not out). The fielding had improved a little, but there is still room for plenty of improvement.

At the Swimming Sports on May 24th, the house gained 16 points {Jut of 36. Bond swam a good race, easily taking first place in the Senior eight lengths. In the relay race Austin made a tremendous effort to overtake Wood who had a good two yards, but the latter touched a second before. In the Annual Athletic Sports the house made a very poor show, although great keenness was shown. Everybody looked forward to the match with Costelloe's House which would decide the winner of the shield. In the first innings the Dark Blues were leading by 11 runs, and in the second innings the team completely collapsed. The bowlers in spite of tremendous efforts were unable to separate Mills and Sibley before they had made the winning score. Next year we hope to give the Dark Blues a harder struggle for the shield.

H.D.

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STREET'S HOUSE.

Our efforts this year, though far from being successful, have met with slightly more success than on previous occasions.

In the Sports it is gratifying to note that many mote boys competed this year and despite the fact that we had to take a third place, the keenness displayed by all members of the house far surpassed that of former years. The Tug-of-War team put up a splendid fight until it came to the final, when their previous success gave place to most abject failure. Pay and McConnell, both of whom are junior members of the house, were very instrumental in helping to secure our present position.

On the cricket field, our efforts were unquestionably a success and the team is to be heartily congratulated. We hope that our improved score for this year will act as a strong incentive to even greater efforts in the future.

W. S. LOVELY.

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BROMLEY'S HOUSE.

Throughout the whole year, Bromley's House has displayed admirable enthusiasm and spirit in all sports. There was always a good sprinkling of Greens at the Sports' practices, which were used to very good effect. Although we were unfortunate in football and cricket, we managed to take second place in the Sports, exceeding our last year's score by nineteen points "mirable dictu." Browne went through all his events in fine style, and proved himself a credit to the house. Horrex did especially well in the mile, Costelloe kept well up to his standard of last year, while Hunt swam and won the Junior four lengths with ease.

With regard to cricket, Wilde proved himself one of the ablest members of the team. The general fielding leaves much to be desired. The increased number of entries for Sports, combined with the increased enthusiasm and the increasing ability, promises well for the future career of the Green House.

I trust the time will come, when the "Conservatory" will not be the butt for the scorn and sarcasm of the other houses. But until that time comes, Greens, "vivamus, speremus et temptemus," and then we may be able to say, "venimus, vidimus, vicimus" and not "venimus, vidimus, victi sumus."

H. E. COOKE.

MERIT LIST.

Form V.—Costelloe (2).
Form IVa.—Pelham (2), Brand (1).
Form IVb.—Wilson (1), Waite (1).
Form III.—Day (3), Burbridge (2), Lawes (1), Gosby (1), Pelham (1), Tomlin (3), Twyman (2).
Form IIa.—Deverson (3), Gilbert (3), Phillips (3), Motley (1).
Form IIb.—Scarlett (3), Strugnell (3), Watts (1), Arter (3), Stewart (3), Drake (1), Browne (3), Booth (3), Glogg (3), Trigg (2), Robinson (2), Goode (2), Pay (2), Quinlan (2), Ross (1).
Form IIc.—D. Day (3), Law (3), Lamidey (3), Churchard (2), Broadhurst (2), Virgo (1), Nowers (1), L. Bourdeaux (1).
Form Ia.—Pay (1), Walls (1), Grinstead (1).
Form Ib.—Gunn (3), Delibridge (3), Barwick (2), Watts (1), Cobley (1), Watson (3), Greenhaigh (2), Whitewood (1).

1st CADET COMPANY C.P. (F) R.E.

At the beginning of this term the effects of the postponement of the usual Saturday parade were apparent in the general appearance of the Company both on the parade ground and on the march. For this reason the appointment of Sgt.-Maj. Coombs has been most valuable since it occurred just at the time when the need of his experience and knowledge was so felt. It is gratifying to find that the Cadets as a whole are responding with a will to his efforts, but there are one or two who do not yet realise that the Cadet movement is a serious matter, and these are not among the recruits, who, we are pleased to report are becoming very efficient and that with great rapidity under the instruction of the Sgt.-Major.

The Band has been fortunate enough to obtain the loan of some drums from the C.P.(F.) R.E., Dover. The Officers of the Company take this opportunity of expressing their thanks to Capt. Mowil, R.E., for his hearty willingness to assist us in every way. Now it is the duty of the new members of the Band to justify by their work the interest taken in them. They should remember that the smartness of the Company depends much upon the Band and its appearance, and therefore tie marching of the Bandsmen must show great improvement.

We were pleased to meet Cpl. Brown new a Cadet in the Artist Rifles O.T.C. During the past term we have missed the services of Sgt. Hadlow, Sgt. Kniivett and Cpl. Smith. Each of these is now doing his bit in this crisis, the first in an engineering works, the second in the Civil Service Rifles at Hazeley Down Camp, Winchester, and the third is at work in the R.G.A. Their services to the Corps during its early days have been of great value and we have confidence that the new sergeants will carry on just as they did.

It is hoped that arrangements may he made for a Field Day after the School has gene down for the summer vacation. If this is possible particulars will be posted early and all Cadets will be expected to parade.

The following notices have appeared in orders since last term:—

To be Q.M.S.—Sergt. Lovely.

To be Sergeants.—Corporals Costelloe, Licence, Dearling, Perry.

To be Corporal.—Lce.-Cpl. Romney.

To be 2nd-Corporels.—Lce.-Cpl. Austen, Lce.-Cpl. Loyns, Lee.-Cpl. Bond, Lce.-Cpl. Ryland.

To be Lance-Corporals.—Scarlet, Bordeaux, Garland, Blackford.

Recruits.—Kenyon, Igglesden, Virgo, Phillips, Howgego, Pay.

The Company expresses its best wishes for success to Cadets who have left the School:—Sgt. Knivett, Sgt. Hadlow, Cpl. Smith, Lce.-Cpl. Sutton, Cadets Isaac and Tomlin, A. C.

SPARKS FROM THE CLASS ROOMS.

"Mohair is got from the animals on the highest plateaux and so is wheat."

The spring buck also lives in the steppe and the wild dog." We quite understand the dog was wild—we should be.

"Since the shortage of food, they (schoolboys) have cultivated any ground they can get hold of and plated vegetables of different kinds."

We thought the boys' part generally took the form of removing them from the plate.

"In hotels big dinners need not be served as they ought to be kept down."

"Jussit equites cedere''—He ordered the cavalry to fall off!

THE SONG OF THE BOOKWORM.

EN PASSANT.

"Honest labour bears a lovely face." B - - D.

"Happy those days when I shined
In my angel infancy." (LAMENT by L-V-N-S.)

"Silent and chaste he steals along
Far from the gay world's busy throng." H-RR-X.

"And like music on the waters
Is thy sweet voice to me." MR. - - - -

"But the voice of the weeper
Wails manhood in glory." H - - T.

"Alas for the rarity
Of Christian charity under the sun." (ON PARADE.)

"Where ignorance is bliss
'Tis folly to be wise." C-S-E-L-E.

"No nightingale did ever chant
More welcome notes to weary bands." (HALF-TERM.)

"Blest pair of Sirens—pledges of Heaven's joy." (DOVER.)

"They kept the noiseless ten our of their way." (FORM IIc.)

"Whose saintly visage is too bright.
To hit the sense of human sight." D-I-D-N.

"Thus have I had thee as a dream doth flatter,
In sleep, a king; but waking, no such matter." HONOURS.

"Yet leaving here a name I trust
That will not perish in the dust." MR. E. J - - - .

"Let me not to the marriage of true minds
Admit impediments. (ADDRESS to FORM, V.)

"The moving finger writes
And having writ—moves on." G.T.S.

ANTS OF AFRICA.

One of the most interesting and wonderful insects of Africa is the ant.

Our soldiers in the German East African campaign undoubtedly find. them mare troublesome than the enemy an numerous occasions.

There are red, white and black ants, the red being the most formidable.

This insect, which is about three-quarters of an inch in length, has two fangs on the head with which it grips its victim with a grip like a pair of pincers, and, if one attempts to pull it off, the head and body dissolve partnership, so tight is the grip.

The black and white ant fight whenever their paths cross, but it is always a feast for the black ant, which is much larger in size. It has been known, when these ants have met, that not a single white ant has escaped being eaten.

Altogether there are about fifty various kinds of ants of different sizes. One in particular is an ant which has recently been named the torpedo ant, owing to its peculiar shape. Its average size is about an inch in length, wide body in centre, tapering off at ends. It is jet black, and its body touches the ground as it moves along.

Everything which is brought into contact with these insects is useless, and on numerous occasions our soldiers have been robbed of their dinner, which has been visited by a troop of these ants.

The stench of these ants and everything they come in contact with is abominable.

Ants never move along singly, but in long columns stretching very often for nearly a mile.

To watch the ants working is splendid; they toil home with loads many times their own weight. Ant hills from twelve to twenty feet in height are very common.

A. KENYAN (Form III).

THE ELEMENTS.

There are four elements:—fire, water, air, and wind: there may be some more, but those are all I know of.

Fire may be caused by striking a match and lighting a candle or something like that. The heads of matches are made from brimstone and son1e other things mixed up together: when you strike a match the brimstone lights itself. That's what you call spasmodic combustion. Before, matches were invented people used to get fire by rubbing two sticks together.

I tried this method once: I cut a nick in the edge of my desk, and rubbed the edge of the ruler over it. I believe I should have got fire in time, only I got tired, and besides, there wasn't much ruler left.

Water is the element which is the direct opposite of fire. If you pour water over a fire, the water will put the fire out. But of course water is used for other things besides putting fires out: for instance, you can drink it, but it isn't nearly so nice as with sherbet in it. Sherbet is all right in water, but not in tea; that's certain! I tried it once in my tea instead of sugar, but it did not seem to go down very well. Of course, some people's tastes differ. Water can be used for almost anything but lighting fires with.

Air is the most necessary of all elements. If there was no such thing as air there would be no such things as pneumatic tyres; and that would be a sad loss. Solid tyres are all very well in their way, but they're just a wee bit too solid when you go over a brick at top speed. I had a bicycle with solid tyres once. They were splendid until my brothers got the idea of cutting bits out of the tyres for india-rubbers.

Wind is the same thing as air, only a little different. There are four kinds of winds, namely:—east, west, north, and south. There is also a wind called an ill-wind, which people say, does not do much good, but as I have never met with it I cannot say whether this is true or not. I like a good gusty day; then it's a grand lark watching men's hats being blown off. I believe ice is an element, but as I'm not sure I won't say anything about it. There is one kind of element I can't bear, and that is the "Elements of Geometry."

J. BURBRIDGE (Form III).

A WONDERFUL CURE.

Mr. Tomlinson in a letter to Mr. Whitehouse tells us of the following:—

A Canadian Colonel was badly smashed up a few months ago, forehead smashed, brain protruding, part of nose shot away, one eye out, remainder of nose pushed half way down the cheek. He was given three days to live; then they operated. put back the eye, patched up the bones of the head, and have grafted part of one of his ribs, and made a bridge to his nose. He has made a fine recovery.

A PEACEFUL SPOT.

In a small village in Hampshire stands a quaint old country house, surrounded by its tennis-court, orchard, garden. and lawn. In the immediate neighbourhood are woods, lanes. a stream which drives a water-wheel, and meadows in which cattle are grazing. The whole scene is one of absolute peace and quietness. The house itself, standing on rising ground, gives a view of the countryside. In one direction the view that meets the eye is lovely wooded country, with its various shades of green and brown intermingled. In another the heather adds to the beauty of the scene. The village street, with its post-office, smithy, ancient inn, and its general shop, leads you to the village green, where, near a cluster of cottages, stands the old church. A short stroll brings us to the lake where fishing may be had. In the woods the song of the birds delights the ear.

Standing as it does in the midst of all this lovely scenery, our old-fashioned country house is one of those delightfully quiet and peaceful spots where one may even forget the war.

And yet Old Sheet House, Sheet, is less than twenty miles from Portsmouth.
F. E. II. (Form III.).

A VISIT TO A COAL MINE.

A few days ago I had the pleasure of visiting a coal mine. My friend and I went to a small shed where the lamps were obtained and lighted, and we were shown the little machine, worked by electricity, which, when applied to two terminals at the bottom of the lamp, lighted the wick. This method has to be adopted, because if the lamp was always being opened the fittings would become loose and so cause a danger of any coal gas exploding.

After getting a lamp each, we went to number one head gear and entered a cage which seemed to be full of hot, damp air. We soon started, and my guide told me to gulp if I felt a pain on my ear drums, because the air pressure became greater as we descended. When we had been in the cage for a little while we passed a pumping station at six hundred feet, then the other cage, and then the eleven hundred and forty feet level, and then we arrived in the regions of "Old King Coal."

We were in a room with doors all round it. We started off and went through a door with buffers on it, so that when a tub comes along it can go through without harming the door. We noticed a sort of spring on the rails, and we were told that it was a piece of apparatus used to oil the axles of the trucks.

We went into the deputy's room, where we left our jackets and were provided with little short thick sticks, which we used to walk along the tunnels with. As we were walking along various tunnels we saw sacks hanging at the mouths of some of them, and on asking we found that they were to make the air current go in another direction. A deputy or foreman told us that the one draught is made to go round every tunnel, and that if ever we lost ourselves to go against the current and we should soon arrive at the pit base.

On the roofs of the tunnels we kept on seeing "pot holes" or fossils, and the deputy said that these things often fall and crush men. We then passed on to the pit ponies' stables which are cut out of coal and white-washed. All the ponies have big, stiff leather masks to keep them from hitting their heads on the pit-props. We saw one pony who drew his tubs along the level, kicked the chain off, ran down the slope and waited at the top of the next one for his tubs.

We then saw an electric hauling apparatus which is used to drag about thirty tubs up a steep incline. We went down the slope and entered a tunnel where the men were working. It was low, hot and stuffy so we had a pick at some coal and then got into the air. While we were in the low tunnel, a miner said that if a piece of flat rock made an acute angle, the seam of coal went. down, but if the angle was obtuse the seam went up.

We then made our way back to the pit base and then to the top. The atmosphere felt very different but we were soon in the engine house, where the safety appliances were shown to us. The first was a clutch that came down on the governor balls if they went too fast. The second was another grip on the governor balls and the third was on the head gear, and if the cage came up too far, the cable would be automatically taken off and the cage held up on the top.

We then saw the turbines and condensers and stoked up some furnaces and then started home at 11 p.m., very happy but very black.

"BLACKIE (4a)."

A CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTOR'S APPEAL.

DEAR LORD DERBY,—I am not a good walker, which prevents me joining the infantry. As I have no experience of horses, the cavalry is out of the question. The artillery I object to on account of the noise, and flying makes me giddy. The A.S.C. does not appeal to me, and the R.A.M.C. would entail some very unpleasant duties.

So you had better not worry about me.

Perhaps when the finer weather comes I may think about joining the Navy. I am rather keen on boating, don't you know, and have spent many happy hours on the river.

Yours, etc., "A SLACKER."