No. 48. MARCH, 1925. VOL. XV.

FIAT LUX.

NOTICES.

The next number of The Pharos will appear about 25th July. Contributions must be submitted to the Editor not later than 6th July.

We acknowledge with thanks Ruym (Ramsgate County School), The Harveian, The Ashfordian, Beckenham County School for Girls' Magazine, The Halton Magazine, Ashford County School for Girls' Magazine.

Copies of the current issue of The Pharos or of back numbers which are in stock may be obtained from the Editor, price 9d.

The Editor would be glad to have the names and addresses of Old Pharosians and others who would like to receive copies. The Pharos is now issued free to all members of the Old Boys' Association.

HEAD MASTER'S NOTES.

The Summer Term, 1925, will commence on Thursday, 30th April, and end on Wednesday, 29th July. Holders of season tickets are asked to see that their railway passes are made out to cover both these dates.

School Fees.—The Kent County Council have now approved of the proposal of the Kent Education Committee to reduce the fees from £15 a year, as at present, to £12 a year (or £4 a term) inclusive of the use of books. This is to take effect as from the beginning of the Summer Term, 1925, and doubtless will be welcomed by the parents of fee-payers, as well as by the parents of intending pupils who have been waiting for the reduction in fees before sending in the form of application for admission.

It is anticipated that we shall have to extend our accommodation in order to meet the needs of the School in September. It will, therefore, assist the Authorities in making the necessary provision if parents will kindly make early application for forms of admission and return them as early as possible so that there may be no disappointment when the School Year begins in September, 1925.

Sports Subscription.—It is a matter of common knowledge that our sports activities during the past two years have increased in variety and extent. We have enjoyed the visits of teams from schools at a greater distance, and have sent our teams to play the return matches, but the School Sports Fund has not been able to bear the additional expense, and we are considerably in debt. The Parents' Association Committee, the Staff, and the School Governors have approved of our raising the sports subscription to 2s. 6d. a term, which it is believed will enable us to continue our sports activities, our School Magazine, etc., as at present.

The School would like to express its gratitude to the four or five of the parents who, knowing that the Sports Fund debt was over £30, have sent us monetary assistance in our need, and I imagine that now I have made the fact of our debt known through the medium of the School Magazine, other parents will follow a good example.

The Kent Education Committee have added to the amenities of the Sports Ground by offering to supply us with some eighty deck chairs in order to provide seating accommodation when parents and visitors come up to the cricket field. We are grateful they have done so much in this direction, and all will agree that more could not have been expected of them.

Employment.—On the whole the School has been fortunate in securing employment for all the boys who left last term, particularly in view of the fact that very large numbers of boys between fourteen and eighteen are unemployed. How serious this matter is becoming may be gathered from the debates in the House of Commons early in March and the debate in the House of Lords on Wednesday, 18th March. Parents, therefore, are well advised to allow their boys to remain at School until they have secured employment of some sort. I am glad that this advice has been increasingly followed during the last twelve months, and I am sure that to all concerned it has proved beneficial.

Speaking generally, the best method of securing a post and of starting on a career is to gain a school leaving certificate as a first general recommendation for employment.

Attention has been called to the fact that the number of candidates entering for the Consular Service Examination during the last two years has been less than sufficient to meet the requirements of the Service. Vacancies have remained unfilled. The number of competitors is low and, judging by examination lists, the standard of attainment is not as high as one would expect it to be. Some of the boys now going up to the University would be wise to remember that the Consular Service has been placed on an altogether improved basis, with better remuneration and allowances, and in addition there is the element of adventure which should appeal to young men.

Kitchener Scholarships.—We are sending in candidates for the Lord Kitchener Memorial Fund Scholarships this year, and the work of interviewing the applicants is going on apace. The Scholarships Committee in reviewing last year's work reported that the number of applications had declined because Head Masters and boys alike are becoming more fully aware of the standard of attainment which is looked for, but even so there were 500 applicants for 61 scholarships. The 61 successful candidates represented 55 schools, and only 4 schools obtained more than one scholarship. We may judge the standard from the fact that about 24 of the successful candidates had already won scholarships or exhibitions at the Universities. It is interesting to note that the age limits have been raised, and are now 17-21 years instead of 16-20. I suppose about 60 scholarships are awarded yearly.

Extra-School Activities.—All those who have anything to do with placing Secondary School boys into employment were impressed by the very sound observations made in Dr. Adami's recent report on the work of the University of Liverpool, where he seeks to show that for progress in any calling scholarship alone is not sufficient. Parents and schools cannot be regarded as having fulfilled their duty when the boy has successfully passed an examination. There is a danger that our Secondary Schools send out too many students who, in their intense desire to succeed, proceed along a path that is all too narrow. Not scholarship alone, but knowledge of humanity is essential, and that knowledge is gained by entering heartily into the corporate life of the School, by taking an active part in games, in the Cadet Corps, and all other such societies, and thereby mixing with and encountering other boys in various capacities. An all-round, well-trained man knows how to deal with both his superiors and his inferiors, and the opportunity of such training is amply provided for at School. It has already been indicated that the award of the School prizes for the current year, 1924-25, will depend to some extent upon the boys' records in these matters, as well as upon Merit Cards, Terminal Reports, Examination Lists, etc.

Wireless Telegraphy.—So many people are interested in Wireless Telegraphy nowadays that parents may be glad to know that the Marconi Wireless Telegraph Company has vacancies for several pupils to undergo training in the Company's Telegraph School. Candidates must be between 16 and 17 years of age, and are expected to hold a London Matriculation Certificate or a first-class school leaving certificate. Pupils undergo an eighteen months' course of training, and for this a premium of £50 is asked, which may be paid in two installments of £25 each. During the second nine months of their training pupils receive a salary of £1 weekly, and on appointment to the Operating Staff will commence at a salary of £108 per annum, plus bonus. Subsequently they may go up to a maximum of £400 a year, or to higher grade posts if they develop suitable ability. But even for a premium appointment in London such as this, a school leaving certificate is required.

Advanced Course of Instruction.—In the early part of next term the School will be making up its mind with regard to an application to the Board of Education to recognise us for what is officially known as "An Advanced Course of Instruction." If this can be secured the School will take a higher position as an educational institution, but the success of any application we may make to the Board depends mainly upon the number of parents who would be willing to allow their boys to stay on at School until the age of eighteen in order to profit by the course provided. It would probably be what is known as "Advanced Course A," embracing Science and Mathematics, in which already so much work of an advanced type is done. I should be glad for parents of the boys in Forms V. and VI. to think the matter over. The Advanced Course of Instruction would be planned to extend over two years immediately following the Oxford and Cambridge Joint Board School Certificate Examination, and the Board of Education would require to be satisfied that the number of qualified pupils attending the Course is some dozen or thereabouts. In my opinion the School is not fulfilling its proper function until an Advanced Course of Instruction has been established by us and approved by the Board. This would be the best evidence that, in the words of Lord Eustace Percy, we are "improving the quality of the education given at the Public Secondary School and preparing a higher percentage of its scholars for the University."

EDITORIAL.

The work of many faithful and efficient correspondents lightens the Editor's task in composing an editorial article—or makes it more difficult, according  to the point of view. Certainly little need remains for comment on any of our varying school and extra-school activities.

One point calls perhaps for notice. Some lack of keenness in sports and games is indicated in reports received from House Captains and others interested in this aspect of School life. The special attention of boys and of parents is drawn to the fact that the School provides an abundance of opportunities for recreation, and the boy of normal health and physique who neglects these opportunities and fails to take up at least one of the branches offered is doing his duty neither to himself, nor to his fellows, nor to the School.

Special attention is drawn to the reference made to this matter by the Head Master in his notes, and we may hope that the indifferent ones will rally to the support of their House Captains and of the School games and sports in general.

We thank the very large number of boys who sent in contributions for the Magazine, and regret that so many of their efforts must necessarily remain unpublished.

GLEAMS AND FLASHES.

The School Sports will be held next term, at Crabble, on 3rd June.

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Swimming practice will be resumed after the holidays, when the Baths re-open for the season.

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The contributions to the School Charity Fund for this term, up to 14th March, amounted to £8, making a total for the School year to date of about £20.

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Honourable mention is awarded to the following boys for articles crowded out of this issue. Some of these contributions may be used next term if space permits:—S. T. Newing, E. L. Trist, R. Wood, G. S. Standring, R. Forfar, L. Byrne, I. C. Austin, A. L. Youden, J. Cooke, J. Holland, A. Hunt, H. Marsh, P. Connor, O. Shenton, C. Mercer, I. P. Watt, H. Evans, L. E. Flisher, D. Gibbs.

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The boys of the Upper Forms, on 17th February, were given the opportunity of hearing the pianist, Sapellnikoff. A party of twenty-four visited the Town Hall and much enjoyed the concert.

EXAMINATION SUCCESSES.

    Oxford and Cambridge joint Board School Certificate Examination.

PARENTS' ASSOCIATION.

The first three days of the New Year were occupied by the now established feature of the Christmas vacation—i.e., Christmas parties.

The hope of last term's Editorial of the Pharos was fully realised—"Best on record." Our boys and their guests were accorded a splendid time at these festivities, which are proper to the season. The very generous response by the parents of gifts of money and kind was much appreciated. Although the labours of the Ladies' Committee were shared by many parents, the success attained merits all the praise it is possible to bestow on Mrs. Whitehouse, the Ladies' Committee and the Honorary Secretary.

I do not think it would be out of place to record that the boys themselves continue to gain proficiency in that sphere of the parties which makes for enjoyment—I refer to dancing and musical games.

On 28th January a successful Soirée was held—a very enjoyable affair—but owing to other equally attractive ventures being held that evening the attendance was not large.

On Wednesday, 18th February, the members of the Association resident at Deal and Walmer held an At Home at Deal. which was attended by the Head Master and Staff and their wives. The gathering was in every way the success it deserved to be. That the Deal and Walmer parents take a very warm interest in the School was evident from the large number who, were present.

The Soirée arranged by the Staff, on 7th March, was a very enjoyable event. The Staff are to be congratulated on the excellence of their evening's entertainment.

The 8th March last year saw the cutting of the first sod on the site of the new School. The past year has seen great progress made on the preparation of the playing fields and planting of trees in the grounds. The top of the hill is gradually being reached, and we trust that when we pen our notes a year hence we shall be able to record that further progress has brought us within sight of the buildings which will be "our School"

DEAL, WALMER AND DISTRICT.

A company of about seventy met for a very enjoyable social evening at Oatridge's Restaurant, Deal, on 18th February, when the parents of the boys from Deal, Walmer and District entertained the School Staff and the Executive of the Parents' Association.

After tea and a pleasant chat, when Parents and Staff got to know each other a little better, the Chairman for the evening, in welcoming the guests, referred to the valuable service rendered to the Association by Mr. S. E. Parker, the former Deal Representative; he also spoke of the gratitude felt by the parents to Mr. Whitehouse and his staff for the useful training given to the boys. He alluded to the presence of the Head Masters of the local Elementary Schools, who had in many cases laid the educational foundations on which the County School built.

Capt. Rowe, the popular Secretary of the Association, dealt with the School's success in examinations, especially in the recent Oxford and Cambridge Joint Board, in which Dover results were well above the average.

Mr. Tomlin, Chairman of the Association and one of the Deal representatives on the Executive, emphasised the importance of combining character building with literary instruction.

The Head Master, in one of his characteristic addresses, full of practical wisdom seasoned with sparkling humour, dwelt upon the difficulty of choosing a career for lads leaving school, and the assistance rendered by a good educational certificate in obtaining a start in many walks of life.

The speeches were interspersed with pianoforte selections by Mrs. Munroe, three finished pieces by Mr. Le Gallez, a violinist of a high order, two well-rendered songs by Mrs. Le Gallez, and a humorous recitation by the Chairman.

Mr. Bach moved, and Mr. Masters seconded, a very hearty vote of thanks to the Staff and to those who had entertained the company. Mr. Darby responded, and the meeting closed with the National Anthem.

OLD BOYS' ASSOCIATION NOTES.

Again the Re-union, held at the Town Hall on 27th December, was most successful. Over 270 dancers were present and, despite the fact that no expense had been spared in catering for the comfort and enjoyment of those participating, a profit of £14 10s. 1½d. resulted. At a meeting of the Committee, held 3rd March, it was decided to divide £10 of this amount between the O.G.A. and O.B.A. and devote the balance to replacements and additions to the tableware on the occasion of the next Re-union.

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The Fancy Dress Dance of 14th February was almost as successful, an absence of fancy costumes amongst the males, however, being rather marked.

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We now look forward to the Dance on 14th April, which concludes our winter programme.

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I would take this opportunity of reminding members that the Annual General Meeting takes place on 15th April. This is by far the most important of the year's events, and it is earnestly hoped that a big gathering will attend.

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During the term the (new) Old Boys' ties have come to hand, and it is generally agreed that they exactly meet requirements and represent exceptional value.

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The Association continues to increase its membership, and the following are the names of those joining since last we went to print:—
A. C. Harrison, 171, Folkestone Road, Dover.
A. G. Parton, Box 44. Hastings, New Zealand.
H. R. Thacker, 24, Queen Street, Deal.
W. F. Clark, 12, Alexandra Street, Maidstone.
C. Binfield, 9, Park Place, Dover.
S. W. Booth, 98, Osborne Road, Willesboro', near Ashford.

HOUSE NOTES.
Country House.

We are fortunate in being once more top of football; the position has been more keenly contested this year than for the past six years, but we have succeeded in retaining our place, despite the competition from the Maxton House. It is gratifying to find that such competition exists, since it causes boys to take a more eager interest in their House. In the games with the Buckland House we were unfortunate in having several players away from school, suffering from influenza, so that on that occasion the teams were not up to their usual standard. Apart from this, however, we have been able to field our two strongest teams in every game, with results which are well known.

I am glad to say that, as a whole, the House is still very enthusiastic; there is very little slackness apparent, and I sincerely hope that this will continue to be the case.

The points obtained from football, together with those gained in the cross-country runs of last term, give us a considerable lead, and I think we may look forward with confidence to seeing the shield once more decked with green, provided only that enthusiasm does not decrease.

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Maxton House.

This season Maxton House has done very well in coming second to Country in the House Football Competition. The 1st XI. has proved itself the best balanced team in the competition, but has not been as successful as it should be, owing to the tendency of some members to wander about the field. This applies especially to the inside forwards: they should remedy the fault and so make a really good side next season. The 2nd XI. has not been so successful, partly owing to the unavoidable absence of some of last year's players, and partly because of the deplorable lack of HOUSE spirit among the junior members of the House. Granted we are the smallest House in the School, but for that very reason we should be the most enthusiastic. I strongly advise the Middle School to "buck up," else in two or three years time we shall not have a 1st XI. worth talking about.

The cricket season will soon be upon us, and in this connection I must inform all members that the practice pitches need rolling during the holidays. I rely on the enthusiasm of the House in this matter. The Reds have a great chance this year of wresting the championship from the Greens; everything depends on our display on Sports Day. Members of the House who intend to take part, and I hope most of you do, should very soon begin training. Remember it is no use postponing this till a few days before the heats. Play the game, Reds, for the School for the House and for yourselves.

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Buckland House.

The football fixtures have now been completed. We cannot look back upon the work of the term with any great satisfaction. The 1st XI. has certainly won more points than last term, but its victories have been unconvincing and its defeat was the result of a very poor display. The 2nd XI., from the point of view of football, has not performed so well as last term, although it has won almost as many points. The trouble is that there are too few seniors playing football and, as a result, the 1st XI. has had to be filled with junior boys who could not do themselves justice in it. In this way the 1st XI. has been made most unevens and the 2nd XI. has been deprived of its best players.

For those who do not play football there will be ample scope next term. There is a dearth of cricketers in the House, and even' boy has the opportunity to win a place in the team. I would therefore urge every member to get in as much practice ~s possible, so that the task of your future Captain may be the lighter.

S.J.N.

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Town House.

Apathy in the senior part of the House towards games continues; but it is compensated to some extent by the keener attitude of the younger members of the House. This is encouraging since it means that unless they lose their interest it will be possible within a few years to draw an XI. from the two top forms. As long as House Captains are obliged to go to Form III. for boys to play in the 1st XI., the younger members will be spoilt and the School is not likely to produce many capable players. This reflects no credit on some two dozen boys who cannot be persuaded into taking an average interest in the House Competition. Some dozen are in Forms V. and VI.; the very boys that should be the "back-bone" of a House are content to vegetate like cabbages instead of waxing vigorous as healthy boys should. There are also another twelve who are luke-warm and delightfully disinterested. The remaining forty constitute the Town House; the others have no right to wear the House Colours on their caps.

I do not intend to follow the example of many other House Captains in giving the members of the House a stirring motto which, in spite of its moral excellence, is usually ignored in practice. It should be, however, the ambition of every boy to play for his House.

The 2nd XI., in spite of their small size, are on the whole quite promising, and in time should be able to play quite good football. The 1st XI. has tried very hard, without much success—due chiefly, I think, to the inability of the forwards to adopt bustling tactics and "first-time" shooting, although their combination has been very good at times. The defence have accomplished a great deal of work, and have been very consistent.

S. T. NEWING.

FOOTBALL.
House Matches.

1ST XI.

Jan. 29—Maxton, 4; Town, 3. Buckland, 3; Country, 2.
Feb. 19—Country, 6; Town, 0. Buckland, 2; Maxton, 1.
Mar. 5—Buckland, 2; Town, 5. Country, 1 ; Maxton, 1.

2ND XI.
Jan. 29—Maxton, 5; Town, 1. Buckland, 3; Country, 3.
Feb. 19—Country, 16; Town, 0. Buckland, 0; Maxton, 3.
Mar. 5—Buckland, 3; Town, 2. Country, 4; Maxton, 0.

Final House Positions.
1924-5.

CROSS-COUNTRY RUNNING.

SPORTS ACCOUNT.

LITERARY AND SCIENTIFIC SOCIETY.

On 30th January Mr. Constable gave a lantern lecture, entitled "How a Modern Newspaper is Produced." The numerous stages by which our daily papers are produced were briefly described, and an insight was given into the various departments of a big newspaper office. The type machines and the ingenious contrivances by which the type is set up proved of great interest to the audience. who doubtless realised the responsibility which attaches itself to the position of editor.

Mr. Constable gave another lecture on 12th February, entitled "A Trip Round the Zoological Gardens." The slides were of an exceptional quality, and presented many fine studies of animal life. They could only have been secured by patient watching on the part of the photographer. An especially fine picture was that of the tiger, and indeed all were admired. A description was given of the more important animals, their habits and characteristics, and various incidents in their life in Rege;1t's Park were related. The Junior School were given the opportunity of seeing these slides, and they heartily enjoyed the lecture which was given by Mr. Langley.

On 6th March Mr. Uncles interested the Society with a lecture entitled, "Life in Ancient Athens." The city-state of Athens, and its port, the Piraeus, which were connected by a wall five miles long, contained about 160,000 inhabitants, and together would probably equal Southampton or Sunderland in size. The clear, bright atmosphere of their land enabled the Athenians to give that form and proportion to their architecture and sculpture which have rendered them immortal. Mr. Uncles described the buildings, customs, social life and habits of the Athenians; and a short account of a typical day in the life of a wealthy Athenian was given. The people treated their slaves. well; and it is interesting to note that many slaves, such as Aesop and Rhodope, became famous.

It is a reflection on the Sixth Form that, in spite of their thirty members, only one has delivered a paper during the Winter and Spring terms. Previous Sixth Forms have set an excellent example in this respect, and it is to be hoped that this example will be followed.

S. T. NEWING, Hon. Sec.

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

The first business of this term was the reorganisation of the Corps. By the new regulations boys under fourteen are not officially recognised; but all those who are already Cadets will be placed in a special section. Every boy must also attend at least twenty parades per year, so a company parade was held in mid term to supplement the attendances of each Cadet at other parades.

Signalling parades have been keenly attended, and each section is busy training flag-waggers for the competition at camp.

At shooting parades, too, many Cadets have turned up each half-holiday at the Territorial Drill Hall, and the shooting has been so good that there is a possibility of the Corps entering for the King's Shield.

Two field clays have been held this term—one on 7th February and the other on 7th March. The first was perhaps the more exciting. Sections I and 2 defended Guston against Sections 3 and 4 and the Training Section. The attack just won, Largely through the smallness of the defending force and the leniency of the umpire, for the whole of the advanced party were annihilated by a concealed body of defenders while trying to capture some "dead' men. Then the feint attack was twice wiped out, once by a single marksman in an impregnable position, and the second time by a detachment on the same side.

On 7th March, Sections 3, 4 and the Training Section defended Pineham, which was attacked by the rest of the Company. This time the defence was successful, for the attack, after crawling behind haystacks and creeping across the horizon thinking themselves invisible, were caught between two fires and all "killed." As last year, the Corps has entered for the Lady West Memorial Shield, and the physical training team has already put in three practices. Last year we were top of Kent; this year we hope to do better still.

C.G.J.

1st CADET COMPANY C.P. (F.) RE. BALANCE SHEET.

MERIT LIST.

Form V. Science Exam.—Waterhouse, Horn, Booth.

Form V. Arts.—Jarrett.

Form IVa.—Dilnot (2), Cooke, A. H., Stanway, Overs, Horn.

Form IVc.—Tapley.

Form IIIa.—Brooker (2), Castle (2), Peters (2), Kennett, E., Bach.
 

Form IIa.—Crofts (2), Bird (2), Martin (2), Moseling (2), Sparham (2), Tombleson, Darby, Cooke, J. R.
 

Form IIb.—Austin (2), Dellbridge (2), White (2), Kemp, Thompson, Peters, King, Sharp, Carpenter, Byrne, Deverson, Blackford.

Junior School.

Form IIb.—Bussey (2), Claw (2), Kenton (2), Ware (2), Harrison, Meadows, Scott, Pitt, Pittock, Phillips, Newman.

Form I.—Hover (3), Marsh (3), West (3), Marson (2), Mumford (2), Sharp (2), Kalfuss (2), Wake (2), Boom, Cole, Gutsell, Johnson, Smith, Tapley.

Trans.—Allen (3).
 

Prep.—Meacock (3), Watt (2), Magub (2), Cockfield.

VALETE.

A. R. CARPENTER.—Prefect; School 2nd XI. C.; House 1st XI. C.

M. B. HAUSEY.—Maxton 2nd XI. F.

F. L. FROW.—School 2nd XI. F. and C.; House 1st XI. F. and C.; Inter-County School Sports, 1922-23.

J. F. W. COLLINS.—Lce.-Cpl. Cadet Corps.

R. F. PILCHER.—School 2nd XI. F.; House 1st XI. F.

S. C. WRIGHT.

L. R. BAILIFF.

THE ARGONAUTS AND THE SIRENS.

AIRCRAFT OF THE PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE.

To obtain a really good idea of air-craft as known to-day, of course, a manual on the subject is needed. In the following I am treating it in its widest sense.

In the course of our Latin studies we have all met the legend of Daedalus and Icarus, and this gives the general trend of thought concerning flight. That was to imitate birds, but, man not being possessed of inherent stability, this did not succeed and several brave experimenters met their death.

Probably the first time man actually "conquered" the air was during the eighteenth century, when, by heating the air in a silk balloon of generous dimensions, the man standing in a suspended basket rose into the atmosphere. With the discovery and extreme lightness of hydrogen, great possibilities were opened up. This saved heating the air, and also it was possible to keep up for an indefinite period. Once having ascended, the occupant had no control of the balloon, except by descent, and was driven whither the winds willed.

It was not till the end of the nineteenth century that heavier than-air machines were thought of, and even then they were considered an impossibility. It is mainly to the efforts of such famous men as the Wright brothers, Wilbur and Orville, and others, that we are indebted for the aeroplane of to-day. They succeeded in flying, having full control over their machine within the limits then deemed possible.

The aeroplane has been developed very much in the last few years, largely through the war, and we now have machines capable of over four miles a minute. This is primarily due to the efficient engines and the science of streamlining (designing a body to offer the least resistance to the air).

As yet I have not touched airships such as the Zeppelin and the ill-fated R34; these are divided into two classes, dirigibles, having a stiff steel framework, and non-dirigibles, having no such frame. There have been no extraordinary developments in airships lately, so that these need not be described. Probably in the near future, airships built of very strong steel and capable of carrying many passengers in comfort, will be the conveyance of those days.

It is anticipated that there will he some startling new designs shortly, and the possible adoption of the Diesel engine will present great advantages. The helicopter, that is a machine capable of ascending and descending vertically, is at present receiving much attention. If a successful design is found, this will possibly oust aeroplanes from their present position, and be universally adopted.

There is a decided trend in design to make extremely large machines, and small single-seated motor gliders. The former are being made to carry up to a hundred men, or a cargo of equivalent weight, these monsters having as many as six engines. The latter will in time become as common as the motor car or motor cycle.

When the secret of inherent or automatic stability is discovered, flying will become universal. As it will be a long time before a perfect engine is discovered, we must be content with the present internal combustion engine, and experiment to perfect it and eliminate as many of its faults as possible.

The world flights, when finished or abandoned, will have proved to a certain extent the limits and possibilities of the modern air machine. Before concluding, I should like to draw attention to the state of British aircraft at the moment. Although not holding the higher speed records (mainly from lack of finance), British machines hold an enviable reputation for reliability. On consideration, this is obviously the prime factor where any human element is concerned.

"PER ARDUA AD ASTRA."

A CORAL ISLAND.

A VISIT TO A HOP GARDEN.

I was staying at a farm near Maidstone when I was asked to go and look over the hop gardens. We started out in the afternoon to one, not very far from the farm. On going through the country lanes we saw many hoppers with their children, starting out for their afternoon's work. Many of these persons were well dressed, coming from good homes, and coming down to these parts solely for amusement.

We arrived at the gardens when the hoppers were well into their work. A large basket, made of sackcloth, is put near to the part where the hoppers begin working; one is given to each party. Men come round and cut off some sprigs of hops for them to pick. They are quickly picked and put into the baskets.

When a party have finished their branch they go to another one and pick it as before. Then the men come round and see that the baskets are free from any dirt or twigs. After this the hops are sent to a hop kiln to be thoroughly dried.

We then noticed the hoppers' huts—not extremely comfortable, but they make good use of them. Most of the huts are of two storeys. The hoppers generally strew their huts with utensils, but many of them keep them very tidy. A bed of straw is given to them, which is put on the top storey.

After this we went to the nearest hop kiln, and saw the hops being dried. Inside the kiln there are three or more large fires, made up of charcoal and sulphur, which are kept going day and night. On the second floor, above the fires, there is an iron grating on which the hops are placed. When the hops are sufficiently dried they are stacked up and sent away to a brewery.

A. VOIZEY (IIIA.).

TO BE CONTINUED.
(A PROTEST.)

THE WESTERN SECTION OF THE BELGIAN BATTLEFRONT.
(Concluded from December, 1924). (Start)

From Dixmude we continued to Woumen, a badly shelled town, and then to the Houthulst Forest, after passing through the battered village of Houthulst, which was occupied by the enemy from Oct. 21, 1914, to Scp. 28, 1918. The forest is a very dreary place, full of tall, black, shattered trees that can perhaps boast a leafless branch or two, and which rise high and gaunt against the horizon. Our guide informed us that these trees would, like many others, probably have survived had they not been subjected to so much poison gas.

Upon emerging from the forest, we travelled to Poelcappelle (a place always connected with the first Battle of Ypres), where we saw the fine memorial erected to Georges Guynemer. the French "ace," who, after bringing down over fifty aeroplanes, fell at Poelcappelle. Close behind the memorial lie the remains of a tank in a shell hole, now built into the reconstructed road as a memento.

From Poelcappelle we continued to Yprcs via St, Jean. where the Canadians stoutly repulsed the German,; advancing on Poelcappelle. A fine monument commemorates this deed, and beside the road from Poelcappelle to Ypres then are many cemeteries. Ypres was the scene of four great battles, and consequently suffered more than any other town in West Flanders. Here we visited the famous Gothic building—the Cloth Hall (built during the years 1200—1314)—which stands in the Grande Place, and was considered the most remarkable building in all Belgium. To-day, were it not for the scaffolding around it, the whole building would fall to the ground! The Belgian workmen are, however, attempting to preserve the remains.

Owing to numerous shell-holes and many thousands of bricks lying about, a long walk was not an easy task. With much difficulty we traversed the main streets and arrived at the Garden of the Fountains, opposite the railway station, and from it saw the only remaining part of the old wall round Ypres, not far from which, on the Ypres-Menin road, is the famous "Hell-fire Corner," the scene of many a bombardment. About two out of every three devastated houses have been rebuilt, while the third is nearing perfection, Churches and larger buildings, however, are hardly touched and remain as they fell.

Later, in Furnes, we visited the badly shelled Roman Catholic Church, dated 1628, the interior of which is a magnificent sight, and noticed that several of the windows were still awaiting renovation. Having visited the market and the Hotel de Ville, which was not badly damaged, we left Fumes and continued to Nieuport via Wulpen, which lies amid trenches in the area flooded by the Germans on the Yser Front Campaign. As a great deal of the country is below sea-level and contains many canals and rivers, the flooding was not difficult to accomplish. On the Nieuport-Furnes road stands a huge marble memorial, erected by the Nation, which commemorates the Belgians who died in the Yser Front Campaign.

At Nieuport we entered the Grand Redan, consisting of trenches near the canal used in the flooding. All the trees for miles round were blasted, shattered and broken, standing amid shell-holes and hundreds of barbed wire entanglements; while from the canal protruded the bones of men and horses killed in the Campaign. The canal was effectively dammed by thousands of sandbags, and these can still be seen as they were placed.

Leaving Nicuport we returned to Ostend.

A. BARNARD (V. Sc.i.).

THE PHAROS.

A PARABLE.

Now it came to pass upon a day that John, the son of Smith, saw a vision while he slept. And he saw in the vision a wondrous house, and much people before the entering in of the house. And in his vision he asked of one what the house should be. And it was told him, Verily it is the temple of the god of Marks, who is called Sir, and who giveth unto his followers even as they work.

Now John awoke from the vision and he said within himself, I will arise and go to seek the temple of the god Sir, that I may receive the gifts which he bestoweth, even as his followers (for he knew not what he said).

And he sought many days, but found not; and the Evil One arose before him and pointed with a staff, and John saw the house of his dream, and he arose and went and stood before the house of the god Sir.

And the priests came and ministered unto him, for he hungered. And when he had eaten and was filled, they bade him write upon a scroll the first chapter of the Book of Northandhillard, which being interpreted is Latincomp.

Now there were ten verses within the first chapter of the book, and behold! he wrote not one aright. And they said, Do it a second time. And he wrote not one aright, for he wist not what meant the words of the book. And they said, Do it a third time, and he wrote not one aright, and they went and told Sir, who said: In my greatness I will have mercy. Bid him write the words of the first chapter of the Book of Sezah.

But again John knew not what he did, and again he wrote not aright. And Sir said, Utterbosh, which being interpreted is, That which he hath written displeaseth me. And he bade the priests scourge John six times within the room of scourging; and the room was called Stafrume. Then were the priests bidden to return John whence he came. And it came to pass that they cast him out that he might die in the place called Ig-nor-ans.

Now the meaning of the parable is this: Worship not the god of Marks before that ye know that ye merit the gifts he bestoweth.

J. V. HORN (IV A.).

WRITING AN ARTICLE FOR THE MAGAZINE.

How easy it sounds! Header, have you ever tried it? If so, I feel sure I have your sympathy. After cudgelling my brains for a subject, trying my best to make my topic interesting, furbishing my English, avoiding repetition and tautology, and fairly taking my coat off for the job, it is very sad to be finally met with the inexorable editor's rejection.

The choice of a subject has always been a tough task for me; several descriptions of places I have seen in my holidays, which were very interesting to me, unfortunately did not appeal in the least to the presiding authorities of this journal. My most successful effort was a description of the manual workshop of the School. Truly a dismal subject to most. This surprised me so much that I have thoughts of trying to write something entertaining, entitled "A morning's work in the Chemy. Lab." I have my hopes that on some lucky day I shall make friends with Mr. Editor, when I shall be able to find out from him what he would like to read about, and so settle for ever the momentous question what subject to take. Possibly his answer will be: "Anything if well done."

S. MUMMERY (IV A.).

MY LIFE IN HONG KONG.

I was born in the City of Victoria, in Hong Kong. As I was a delicate baby, my parents moved into the country, on the mainland of China and on the borders of Chinese territory, to a place called Sha-Tau-Kok. I stayed here until I was nearly two years old. I was a bit of a curiosity to the Chinese, as I was the first English baby to live in those parts, so everyone who came near me when I was out with my amah (nurse) wanted to touch me, especially my hair, as it was so very fair. They called me "Pak-mo-yan," or "White Haired Boy." To get to this place we had to cross the harbour from Hong Kong to the mainland and then travel on the Kowloon Canton Express, which has an engine far bigger and more powerful than English ones.

From the express we had to travel on a miniature railway, the carriages of which were like two long garden seats put back to back on a platform fixed on four wheels, with no springs. There was no shelter from rain, and nothing to keep one from fallng off. The noise was terrible, and if one shouted to the next person he could not hear; also if a man's hat blew off, the guard would stop the train and let the man run back for his hat and then get on the train again. This train was afterwards replaced by a miniature main line train, each carriage or coach seating eight people.

There were no roads to walk on, only tlw railway track and the narrow divisions between the rice fields. Near us were large salt pans, the salt being collected from the sea water. During our residence here we had two visits from a large tiger, which carried off and ate two of our goats and killed one other. It was afterwards shot a few miles away, after eating a pony and several pigs, mauling an Englishman, and killing two Indian Police. It can be seen in the Museum in Hong Kong.

From here we went to the Island again, to a large fishing place called Aberdeen. Our house stood on a high hill overlooking the harbour, and it was very interesting to watch the large junks sailing out in the morning and returning at night and arranging themselves in rows and lying up during stormy weather. Sometimes as many as ten or twelve would be roped together across the harbour. There were several large temples here and my father used to take me in to see them, especially at festival times. During the fish festival the Chinese boys had models of fish made of thin bamboo and coloured paper; these were hollow and mounted on a bamboo pole, and at night-time had a lighted candle inside which made the fish appear life like. At another festival the people had small models of junks and sailed them in the harbour, and if they floated out to sea without falling over they thought they were going to have a good fishing season.

After living there some time we went back to the city, as I was old enough to go to school. I went to the British school, and during June, part of July and September we had morning school only, commencing at 8.45 and finishing at 12.45, including Saturdays. These months were very hot indeed, and we had to wear topees (cork sun hats) all day and to keep in the shade as much as possible. I had a tram ride of thirty minutes to school along the seashore. It was fine in summer.

When at home after school I had only Chinese boys to play with, as I was the only English boy there, except those at the barracks. My father taught me to use Chinese chop sticks, and he sometimes took me to a Chinese wedding dinner. The food in a well-to-do house is very good, as the Chinese are fine cooks.

At Chinese New Year, about February. I used to have small squares of red paper in which I wrapped ten-cent. pieces, and the custom is to exchange them with one's Chinese friends and to give one each to the servants. The rich men used to put dollars in their papers and we liked to get these.

We had a large rowing boat and a small one and five boatmen, and during the summer my parents took me with some of my chums for picnics to a large, sandy bay, where we could bathe and have tea. The best part was the long row home in the cool evening time.

I also used to visit a Japanese house, made exactly like those in Japan. The owner had orange and banana trees growing in the garden, and kept bull and chow dogs, pigs, peacocks, a large deer, ducks, pigeons, goats, fowls, several cats, and rabbits running about in a made warren.

The winter-time was very nice, but the summer from April to November and sometimes December was uncomfortably hot. At night-time we slept on our beds without bed clothes, as we had to use mosquito curtains round our beds, and these kept out the mosquitoes and any breeze there happened to be. We had electric fans when in Hong Kong, but in the country punkahs are used. These are like heavy frills of linen fixed to a long pole and hung from the ceiling and pulled to and fro with cords by small Chinese boys for a small wage.

I had a very happy time at Hong Kong; everyone was sociable and happy, including the better class Chinese, who like to be friendly, and are good friends to those who understand them.

The words "Hong Kong" mean "fragrant streams," and it is really a beautiful island and looks very nice at night-time when the houses built on the Peak slopes are lighted up.

A. FLOYD (Form 1.).

A TURN OF THE WORLD. !

THE ROOK.

The rook is a very social bird. It eats wire-worms, cockchafer grubs, snails, slugs and other creatures which destroy the crops. I once saw a rookery which had about thirty nests in it. One rook, however, had built his nest in another tree. The next day, when I visited the rookery I found that the rooks were making a great commotion round the solitary rook's nest. On closer inspection I found that they were tearing his nest to pieces, and next day I found that the rook had joined the rookery and was building his nest. This is a very good example of the clannishness among rooks. The feathers of the rook are dark grey, but when he is a year old he has a bald spot on the top of his head. The eggs are bluish green. While the mother bird is sitting, her mate brings her food and caws pleasantly to her. Rooks build their nests of sticks. plastered with mud and clay.

R. W. AUSTIN (Form I.).