No. 90. MARCH, 1939. VOL. XXIX.

FIAT LUX.

NOTICE.

    The next number of The Pharos will appear about 22nd July. Contributions must be submitted to the Editor not later than 9th July.
    We acknowledge with thanks Ruym (Chatham House County School, Ramsgate), The Ashfordian, The Langtonian, The Harveian, The Bordenian, The Anchor (Gillingham County School), Faversham Grammar School Magazine, The Limit (Loughborough College), The Raven (Brockley School), The Beccehamian, The
Lion, The Magazines of the County Schools for Girls of Ashford, Beckenham, Dover and Gravesend.
    Copies of the current issue of The Pharos, or of back numbers which are in stock, may be obtained from the Editor, price 9d.
    Summer Term, 1939. The Summer Term will begin on Thursday, 27th April, and end on Wednesday, 26th July. Holders of season tickets should see that their railway passes are made out to cover both these dates.

EDITORIAL.

By the death of Mr. Whitehouse on 30th January the School suffered a great loss. Right from its infancy till the end of 1936 he had watched over its destiny and he had the great satisfaction of seeing it grow from small beginnings to its present stature. The School, in fact, was his life's work. His memory will live long in the hearts of the many boys who came under his influence, while his name is bound to endure in the annals of the School he loved so well.

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It is most fitting that the fine appreciation of him that appears in this issue of The Pharos should be from the pen of an old boy of the School, for we are certain that to all who have passed through the D.C.S. his death came as an almost personal loss.

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The School was closed on the afternoon of the funeral, and all boys at present in the School, who had known Mr. Whitehouse, found their way to St. Mary's Church, to join with a large and representative body assembled there to pay their last respects.

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And now, through the medium of The Pharos the whole School—Boys and Staff—expresses its deepest sympathy with Mrs. Whitehouse, for so many years a popular figure at all School functions.

—:—

THE LATE HEADMASTER

PARENTS' ASSOCIATION.

I am confident that every member who knew the late Mr. Whitehouse would wish me to express, on their behalf, their sense of the loss of a real friend, and one who took such a prominent part in founding the Association and shaping its usefulness. The Committee knew they always had his complete sympathy and support.

I remember when he attended his last annual meeting as Headmaster, it fell to me, as a member of the Committee, to pay my humble and very inadequate tribute to him, and I am
glad and grateful I had that opportunity. Mrs. Whitehouse and her daughter already know they have our sympathy in the great loss they have sustained.

The Memorial which is being raised to him is to take a form he would have approved. Nothing more appropriate could have been chosen than an award to assist boys in their after-
school careers, and on behalf of the Executive Committee I have no hesitation in appealing to members for a generous response to such a worthy purpose.

The Social events of the season have again proved very enjoyable. They included a Whist Drive, the ever-popular Christmas Parties, and a Dance. The Committee are indebted to a large number of helpers who contributed to the success of these events, and take this means of thanking them for their willing and invaluable assistance. They also extend warm thanks to Mrs. Bispham for her ready co-operation and help.

Parents are greatly indebted to the Headmaster for arranging the Careers evening, which attracted a good attendance on 15th March. Helpful and instructive talks on the openings and
prospects for boys in their respective professions were given by Mr. M. H. Bolt, Chief Constable; Mr. R. J. Briggenshaw, Education Secretary (General Municipal work); Mr. W. F. Cook, Manager of the Midland Bank, Dover; Mr. A. W. Gilham, Messrs. Flashman and Co., Ltd.; and Mr. W. A. Munford, Borough Librarian. We are extremely grateful to these gentlemen for giving us such a profitable evening, and assure them that their addresses were greatly appreciated.

A number of Parents have expressed the hope that it will be possible for similar meetings to be held in the future.

The yearly meeting of the Deal Branch of the Association, held at Deal on Wednesday, 22nd March, was very successful, considering the inclement weather, upwards of 60 Parents and Staff being present. During the evening violin solos were rendered by Mr. Kahn, accompanied by Miss Tipper, and added much to the enjoyment. Mr. Booth, in thanking the Deal members of the Committee for making the arrangements, briefly addressed the Parents on those aspects of School life which Particularly affected country boys.

May I add a reminder that, though the membership of the Association has shown a large increase since the annual subscription was reduced to one shilling, there are still a number of
Parents who have not yet joined.

W. HAYDON Hon Sec.).

OLD PHAROSIANS.

The Annual Re-union Dance, held on New Year's Eve, at the Grand Hotel, Dover, was well attended, there being 94 present. Once again we have to thank Mr. R. H. Cuff, our Dance Secretary, for the able arrangements and a very enjoyable evening.

The vacant office of Assistant Secretary for Deal and District has been filled by Mr. I. H. Pittock. It was with deep regret that the resignation of Mr. E. H. Baker from the Committee was accepted on his removal to Maidstone. Mr. Baker will be greatly missed by the Committee, as he was such a keen and enthusiastic member. Being so intimately connected with the School, his help was invaluable to the Secretary. The vacancy on the Committee has been filled by Mr. H. J. Burt.

A great blow came to all Old Boys this term in the sad death of our late Headmaster, Mr. Whitehouse, after a comparatively short illness. There is no need for me to elaborate on Mr. Whitehouse's achievements, they are too well known for me to state them here. We were all extremely sorry that he should have enjoyed his well-earned retirement for so short a while, and offer our heartfelt sympathy to Mrs. Whitehouse in her sad bereavement.

As already announced, a general appeal is being made for a fund to provide a suitable memorial to our late Headmaster. It is hoped that such memorial may take the form of a fund
from which assistance can be given to any boys of the School who may be in need of some help in their after-School careers.

The form of the award will be largely dependent on the response to the appeal. Contributions to the fund should be sent to the Treasurer, Mr. Slater, at the School.

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We congratulate Reginald Alfred Crofts on his marriage to Valerie Marjorie Kenward, at St. Mary's Church, Dover, on the 3rd December; and the Rev, and Mrs. J. A. M. Clayson on
the birth of a daughter on the 8th February.

G. L. J. Bailey has been awarded the Ph.D. of London University for research in physics. He is, by the way, President of the Dramatic Society of the Royal College of Science.

R. A. Newing has also been awarded the Ph.D. of London University in the Faculty of Science.

Henry Morris has obtained a commission in the Royal Naval Air Arm as Midshipman "A."

Harold J. Pudney has been appointed Senior Inspector of Produce, Agricultural Department, Nigeria.

R. H. Wigmore has been appointed County Sanitary Inspector for Kent.

W. F. Dunn, Guy's Hospital, was successful in the Final Examination for the Licence in Dental Surgery of the Royal College of Surgeons.

R. F. Muston is a Corporal in the R.A.F. clerical section.

R. Archibald has just commenced flying instruction with the Civil Air Guard, with a view to transferring to the Auxiliary Air Force when he has his Pilot's licence.

G. B. Donald, who is at Catterick, plays Rugger for the Battalion. On 26th January he was commissioned to the Royal Corps of Signals. He was presented at the King's Levee on Tuesday, 7th March.

Paul Coles is still on the sick list, but is well on the way to recovery. He is looking forward to School Camp this summer.

F. G. West-Oram is an Assistant Lecturer in Sheffield University, and the Hon. Secretary of the Yorkshire Section of the Society of Glass Technology. He is also a Private (actually "Driver") in the R.A.S.C. (T.A.).

J. G. Lloyd has been appointed referee to take charge of the Senior Kent Cup Final on Easter Monday.

L. H. R. ABBOTT,   

Hon. Sec.

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Old Pharosians' Football Club.

The playing record to date is:—Played 22, Won 18 Drawn 1, Lost 3, Goals for 107, Goals against 27. The Club should be runners-up in the Dover and District League, Division II., and
is in the Final of the Charity Cup Competition, open to that League.

Success of this order calls for some ability to propel a football in the desired direction. Of greater importance, however, is the pleasant relationship which must exist within the club, and in this direction we count ourselves fortunate to have gained the services of so many boys just leaving school. We hope that many others will be encouraged to join the club. While gaining much we have suffered an irreparable loss through the departure of Mr. E. H. Baker, who undertook the office of Secretary in less successful days, and by his enthusiasm
had raised the club to its present standard. He will long be remembered for his assistance on the touch-line, for his friendly words of encouragement at half-time. and for his unfailing efficiency as selector, director, trainer, manager and wardrobe master. Both to him and to Mrs. Baker the club extends its best wishes for their success and happiness in Maidstone.

The following have assisted the club during the season: W. Baker, L. Boorn, H. Burt, A. Butler, J. Davis, J. Frampton, J. Hennessy, K. Hickman, A. Kappler, A. Lyons (capt,), J. Miriams, A. Paddock, L. Philpott, K. Ruffell, K. Smith, J. Stribley, J. Thatcher, P. Wraight.

K. H. RUFFELL.

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Old Pharosians' Cricket Club.

The Annual General Meeting of the Club was held at the School on 2nd December, 1938, Mr. J. C. Booth presiding over a good attendance. Consideration of the Hon. Secretary's Report showed that the season of 1938 had been satisfactory, especially in respect of the "A" XI., whose record for the second half of the season was excellent, with eight wins and only one defeat. Complete programmes of matches for the season were arranged for both Elevens.

The Hon. Treasurer, Mr. F. W. Ockenden, presented a satisfactory Balance Sheet, in spite of the somewhat heavy expenditure incurred during the season. The General Meeting expressed its sincere thanks to those four officials, so necessary for the smooth running of matches, namely, the Umpires, Messrs. XV. Couzens and T. J. Tye, and the Scorers, Mrs. W. F. Baker and Mr. W. T. Smithen.

Among the officials elected for the coming season were the following:—Hon. Secretary, Mr. A. C. L. Browne; Hon. Treasurer, Mr. F. W. Ockenden; Captain, 1st XI., Mr. K. Ruflell; Vice-Captain, Mr. N. V. Sutton; Captain, "A" XI., Mr. J. Slater; Vice-Captain, Mr. H. J. Burt; Match Secretary, Mr. A. L. Youden.

It is to be regretted that since the Annual General Meeting it has been found impracticable to carry out the proposed Tour in Sussex during August Bank Holiday week.

We should be glad to hear from any Old Boy who wishes to join the Club for games and regular net practice on the School ground at Astor Avenue. Any information will be gladly given by the Hon. Secretary, 31, Stanhope Road, Dover.

A. C. L. BROWNE, Hon. Secretary.

IN MEMORIAM.

Alas! F.W. is no more. The news of his somewhat sudden passing must have awakened memories of school days in the heart of many an Old Boy of D.C.S.

As long ago as 1901 there arrived in Dover a young man, Mr. Fred Whitehouse, who was destined to leave his mark on the history of secondary education in the town. He was an Oxford man—an historian—and a Midlander. After spending some time as a lecturer at St. John's College, Battersea, he came here to take charge of the Pupil Teachers' Centre, and after the passing of the Education Act of 1902 he found himself appointed Headmaster of the new County School—a mixed school of about 40 pupils—housed in the Technical Institute and in premises on Priory Hill. Under his leadership the School grew rapidly, and after the boys and girls had been separated to form two schools, during the dark days of the Great War new premises for the boys were opened in Frith Road.

With the rapid expansion of secondary education the School continued to grow, and it soon became evident that the Frith Road building was not large enough—the Junior part at that time being accommodated in the Technical Institute. Steps were taken for the provision of a new building large enough to house the whole School. So a new site was obtained in Astor Avenue, and in due course work was commenced on a building to accommodate 550. With fitting ceremony the new School was formally opened in December, 1931, by H.R.H. Prince George, and the occasion must have been one of the proudest days in the Headmaster's career.

So proud was he of the School, that he rejoiced to welcome to the Annual Speech Days such prominent public men as Dean Inge, Lord Stamp, Lord Burnham, Lord Dunsany, to mention only a few who have addressed the School on these occasions.

Mr. Whitehouse was now one of the foremost figures of his profession in Kent. In 1929 he was elected a member of the Kent Education Committee, and he served on several of its Sub-Committees. In addition to holding at various times prominent positions in educational associations in the County, he was a member of Canterbury Diocesan Board of Education. Apart from actual school work, however, Mr. Whitehouse was always ready to assist on local Committees. He was, for instance, a member of the local Education Committee, and of the Library and Museum Committees. He played a large part in the establishment of a Public Library in Dover. In addition to being Headmaster of the County School, he was for a long time also Director of Education at the Technical Institute. Moreover, when the Works Training Centre was founded in Dover by Major Astor he gave the project his whole-hearted support and became its Hon. Secretary and adviser. In 1932, in recognition of his services to the town, he was presented with the Freedom of the Borough.

In 1936 he felt that the time had come for him to hand over the responsibility of Headship to a younger man, and his retirement was the signal for a widespread appreciation of his work. He left the School for the last time late on one December afternoon, with the knowledge that he was passing it on to the safe keeping of a fellow historian, Oxonian and Midlander.

But even now he could not sit back and rest, for to him hard work was the only real enjoyment in life. He had always been an ardent Churchman, and now he began to assume more responsibilities in this direction. He was also an enthusiastic Mason, and occupied many important offices, local and provincial.

Although he was not again seen at the School, he still took a very live interest in its welfare, and particularly in the many Old Boys who went to him for assistance and advice. In the autumn of 1938 he lost a close friend by the death of Mr. Hugh Leney, who himself had the interest of the School very much at heart, and it was perhaps fitting that the last words to appear from the pen of F.W. in The Pharos should have been a tribute to the memory of "Mr. Hugh."

Mr. Whitehouse was not a man to seek popularity in life, but rather one who felt that he had a duty to perform for his fellow men. He required of others a high standard, but he set that same high standard for himself, and the School he has left behind shows that be did not fail to reach it. His name will live long in the annals of education in Dover, and his memory will endure in the hearts of all those Old Pharosians, scattered far and wide, who knew him at School.

On a February afternoon (true D.C.S. weather) we laid him to rest, and as I paused by the graveside my thoughts went out to his wife and daughter in their sad bereavement, for he, himself, was ever one to remember those in sorrow and distress. Only those who have passed through the Valley of Sorrow know of his many kind actions and thoughts. But perhaps the bereaved gained some measure of comfort and support from the spontaneous tribute from all walks of life to one who had always worked for the welfare of his fellows.
And so—Farewell, Freddie, Farewell

"PHAROSIAN."

HOUSE NOTES.
Buckland House.

A moderate 1st XV. has been fielded this term, but unfortunately Buckland has been unable to maintain its former unbeaten record in Rugby. In the defence, which has played well, Pelham's game at back has been outstanding, while McQueen has worked hard as a wing forward. A light pack, slow to follow up, has been the team's weakness, and this is largely due to lack of enthusiasm in the Fifth Forms. The recent loss of Merricks is also keenly felt by all members of the team.

In the 2nd XV. several junior members have played well, amongst whom McKeown deserves special mention.

The Colts XV. has been disappointing this term. The individual play of some members of the team has been good, but combination is lacking. The Juniors, though not very successful, have set an example to the House in keenness.

We congratulate W. D. McQueen and W. J. Pelham on their promotion to House Prefects, and welcome the following new boys to the House:—D. Battershy, D. B. Gale, P. A. Salmon,

W. A. Pratt. B.A.B.

—:—

Country House.

The House is to be congratulated on a successful term. The 1st XV. have maintained a 100 per cent. record throughout the term, and thus ended Buckland House's spell of three years supremacy on the Rugger field. This is due rather to co-operative effort than to individual brilliance. The final of the Coles Cup has yet to be played, and the delay is regrettable, as Maxton will have to field a much weakened team.

The Colts and Junior teams have had a good season, and the former are to be congratulated on winning the East Cup. This trophy is very much Country's—we must try to keep it in the cricket season.

At present we are head of the House Table, but the Swimming Sports are yet to come. The House will be grateful to all those who make an effort in this branch of the House activities, and the effort must start soon if it is to be successful.

G.L.W.

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Maxton House.

From the point of view of Rugger this term has been fairly satisfactory. Although sickness and injuries have often prevented us from fielding our strongest 1st XV., we have managed to draw on three occasions—quite an achievement for Maxton. Axford, Manning and Baxter have played consistently well. The team has included many young players who show considerable promise, while others are showing commendable keenness in the practice games.

In the first round of the Coles Cup Competition at the end of last term, a strong Maxton XI. defeated Town and so qualified for the final. This has yet to be played, and we are sorry to record that two of our best players, V. J. Alcock and J. F. Stribley, have since left.

The big event of this term for our Juniors has been the East Cup Competition, in the first round of which our team met a rather heavier Country XI. In spite of the trying weather conditions, Maxton put up a very good fight, Pilcher (capt.) and Grogan especially playing well, but they were narrowly defeated by three goals to two.

The Colts team has done moderately well this term and the Junior 1st XI. has been really outstanding, remaining, at present, undefeated.

Lastly, thanks are due to all those younger members of the House who have turned out, often at a few hours' notice, when conditions made it difficult to field complete teams.

We welcome D. G. Crust and K. G. W. Stevens to the House this term.

E.C.M.

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Town House.

Lack of Seniors has at times proved a big handicap, but a fairly strong team has nevertheless been fielded for each 1st XV. match. Wilde, Grant and O'Brien especially have distinguished themselves. Meanwhile we all regret that Wilson should have broken his collar-bone while playing for the House. The Colts, led by R. W, Lambert, have had quite a successful term, which has culminated in their defeat of Buckland. In quite a handsome margin, in the first round of the East Cup Competition. In the final they played a fine game but failed to win.

Despite illness, two teams have been fielded from among the juniors, of whom we have a large number. The Junior 1st XL by winning most of their games, have gained a good many points for the House. The Junior 2nd XI. also have won most of their matches.

We are glad to welcome K. J. Norton, R. H. Piggott, E. Pill, L. B. Stevens, and A. Valente as new members of the House.

R.J.F.

TOBIAS AND THE ANGEL. (Click to view)

In its presentation of James Bridie's Tobias and the Angel, on the 10th and 11h of February, the Dramatic Society, in spite of serious last-minute difficulties, fully maintained the high standard set by previous performances. Those who made the journey to the School on either of those dates were well rewarded. To begin with, the play itself was a happy choice; the theme is an interesting one, and is presented by the dramatist with great good humour and charm. Tobias and the Angel follows closely the story from the Apochrypha as far as the plot is concerned, but the characterization is the dramatist's own, and many details of reference are modern, without, however, entirely obscuring the Hebraic origin. To me, one of the most interesting features of the play was the constant, but unaggressive, juxtaposition of modern turns of speech and contemporary references with characteristic features of Old Testament Jewry.

Tth principal characters in the play are of unusual and diverse types, but Tobit, the saintly old patriarch, and the Archangel Raphael, were to me the most interesting. The interpretation of the part of the blind old Tobit by E. A. Wilde was exceedingly well done; it gave us a most convincing impression of a character in whom a generous saintliness is mixed with exceptional common sense, and whose afflictions have not been able to disturb those qualities. Although Tobit had most of the speaking in the opening scene, in which there is a minimum of action, he held our attention throughout; this was a severe test of both play and player.

P. C. Gane as Tobias, Tobit's son, was very successful in conveying without exaggeration the constant changes from weak timidity to boldness and an easy self-satisfaction with his successes, 'which followed his obedience to the influence of Raphael. His enunciation and gesture were easy and pleasing. He kept within good comedy a part which might easily have been allowed to descend to clowning.

The Archangel himself is an original conception in supernatural figures. The part presents difficulties to the actor in reconciling earthly limitations with a heavenly detachment from the necessities of men. G. L. Watt as Raphael was in a part which suited him well. His voice was always effectively managed, being subdued or resonant as the occasion required. From his first appearance as the porter our interest in this authoritative archangel was maintained. During his education of Tobias we became increasingly aware of his angelic powers, and were thus led up to the dramatic situation in which, aided by all the fury of the heavens he exorcised the demon Asmoday. The vigorous acting of the part was continued in the psychologically interesting scene with Sara, and in the scene of transformation where the impression of gradual separation from the world was achieved; so that the final disappearance came as an expected climax. Briefer mention must be made of the other characters, all of whom played their parts with a finish that showed careful study. R. J. Fox as Anna, Tobit's wife, was quite womanly, and what is more, a woman of ample proportions. The natural pitch of his voice made it more easy for him to carry the part through successfully. Anna is the type of housewife, "careful, and troubled over many things," whose lack of logic is made up for by a lurid imagination, and full use was made of the humorous aspects of such a character, a difficult part, ably interpreted.

Sara, Ragucl's daughter, with such a record of strangled husbands, although perhaps not exactly ingenuous, has no malevolence. Indeed, it seemed to me that dignity was her outstanding trait. Many of her poses and gestures were strikingly biblical and beautiful. Her attendants all acted well, and were particularly effective in their verse speaking. Raguel himself, always serenely ceremonious, but with the proper quota of subtlety, gave a light touch—as, for instance, when returning with his grave-digging tools—to a situation with a somewhat macabre background. There remain to be mentioned the thin-skinned bandit with his "abominable taste in rhetoric," and Raguel's slave, a most tacitly obedient servant.

The play was well cast by the producer, and it was obvious that much hard work had been put in by all concerned. The settings, lighting and effects supplied a most successful background, and the stage managers are to be congratulated on the excellence of their work. The fight between Raphael and the Demon was spectacular, and required the closest co-ordination between actor and effects producer. The sunrise, too, with its incidental music and fine colouring deserves special notice. From the moment the curtain went up the confident bearing of the actors ensured the success of the piece. The prompter can have had but very few, if any, anxious moments during the three hours of the play. The costumes and the make-up deserve special commendation for the part they played in producing the proper local colour. The School Orchestra played selections during the intervals. In fact, everything combined to make the whole performance a notable success.

D.J.A.

Cast.

SENIOR DRAMATIC SOCIETY NOTES.

The first half of the Spring Term is our period of greatest activity, culminating in the performances of the School Play. This year the excitement was all the greater as, to begin with, new members had to take over important parts in the play; then the 'flu epidemic made rehearsals ragged and unsatisfactory; lastly, at the beginning of the final spurt the Producer went down with 'flu, and so the coordinating of all the various parts of the production had to be done without him. He was, however, allowed to see the actual performance as a spectator; he declared that he enjoyed it, and congratulated us all on our effort.

We must thank all those outside the Society for their splendid help; the audiences, where, by the way, the County School Boy was not very apparent; Miss Lawford and Miss Rookwood, who so kindly obtained for us the beautiful costumes; the gardener artists for producing a banana tree complete with fruit at such short notice; the Headmaster and Staff for their patience during final rehearsals; most of all, Mrs. Bispham for keeping us fit with teas and suppers charmingly served, and for stepping into the breach and taking on the difficult and rather thankless job of make-up artist.

Saturday's performance was followed by the usual delightful supper on the stage, so kindly provided for us by the Head and Mrs. Booth: it was a bitter disappointment that Mrs. Booth, also a victim of the epidemic, could not be with us. The night police of Dover must have had several shocks as the cast had its traditional costume parade in the early hours.

The trip to a London theatre is at the present moment being arranged for the cast and members of the Orchestra; it will probably take place on the last Tuesday of term.

The question of next year's play is already being discussed; a few suggestions have come in, but the Producer will be happy to receive others, either from members of the Society or from any of our friends in or outside School.

In conclusion, we should like to take this opportunity of thanking Mrs. Whitehouse for her kind additions to our wardrobe and property cupboard.

G.L.W.

SIXTH FORM DEBATING SOCIETY.

Again we have to report that our meetings have not been as numerous as one could have wished, owing to the usual difficulty of finding vacant evenings.

6th December, 1938.

The Hon. Chairman presided over a General Meeting called to discuss the future of the Society. This meeting was a very important event in its history, for after some discussion it was decided to open the Society to the Fifth Form.

13th December, 1938.

Forty members were present at a Municipal Election, under the Chairmanship of Mr. Thomas. The "Borough " was divided into three wards—the Staff Room Ward, the Cloisters Ward, and the Library Ward, in each of which there were two candidates. In the Staff Room Ward, F. H. Webb, the Independent Unprogressive Candidate, secured 16 votes, and defeated F. A. Wilde, the Independent Non-Ratepayer, by a narrow margin. J. W. Menter, Independent Non-Ratepayer, was elected in the Cloisters Ward, receiving 28 votes and defeating R. A. Howard, National Socialistic Communist. The National Socialistic Communist Candidate for the Library Ward, E. C. Mantle, was also defeated, J. J. Myers, the Independent Non-Ratepayer, being returned with 25 votes. Rumour has it that one of the Candidates gained his seat by suggesting amalgamation with the Borough of Frith Road

28th February, 1939.

At the beginning of this meeting, G. L. Watt was elected to the Committee. The meeting took the form of a debate on the motion That this House considers the attitude of His Majesty's Government towards the Spanish Question to be a dastardly betrayal of all democratic principles." (It will be remembered that it was at this time that H.M. Government recognised General Franco.) The Chair was taken by Mr. L. W. Langley, and 55 members were present. G. L. Watt proposed the motion, with J. R. Ravensdale seconding, while the opposer was F. A. Wilde, seconded by S. J. Cody. It was passed by 31 votes to 11

Our meetings may have been few, but they have been successful, and we hope this standard will be maintained at the meeting following our annual tea, for which arrangements are in hand at the moment of writing. In conclusion, we should like to express our thanks to the Fifth and Sixth Forms for their support, and to numerous members of the Staff for taking the Chair during the past season.

P.E.P. (Hon. Sec.).

SCHOOL NOTES.

The annual School Parties were held at the beginning of the Term, the Junior on the evening of Wednesday, 11th January, and the Middle School on the following evening. Mr. Langley once again very kindly took over the arrangements for the entertainment of the guests on both evenings—and very jolly affairs they proved to be, thanks to him and his band of helpers. The Prefects' Dance was held on the Saturday evening, and that too, as usual, was most enjoyable, a new feature, the Running Buffet, being voted a great success by all present. The thanks of all are due to the Ladies' Committee of the Parents' Association, and no less to the Kitchen Staff who, under Mrs. Bispham's skilful direction, spared no effort to make the catering a success.

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The Prefects this term have been:—G. L. Watt, P. E. Philpott, E. C. Mantle, J. R. Ravensdale, R. J. Fox, P. J. Harvey, J. W. Menter, F. H. Webb and R. W. Haines.
 

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We offer our congratulations to Mr. W. G. King on his recent marriage, and we wish Mr. and Mrs. King every happiness and success in married life.
 

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It is with deepest regret that we record the death of Mrs. Ashington, which occurred in February. Having for some years been in charge of the School catering, she retired only last December, and will long be remembered by a large number of Dinner Boys.
 

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The contributions to the Benevolent Fund up to date amount to approximately £30 0s. 0d.

YE CHRONICLE.

Whenne thatte olde Hiems wynde's didde blowe and grevouse chyle snawe was leyd thicke ysprad, Walsi Tout, ye overresquier, and eek Serym conspyred in plesaunterie biforn ye scole. Wunder it was to seen ye singers and ye buffoones, in special ye thinne and eke lyssome forme of Yodll, y-dekked withe hewyre of redde. Joliffe wcren we alle whan thattc Serym didde laughe with fulle grete hertinesse by resoun of hys owne jestynges, or whan thatte Walsi Tout didde wundermagyk withe hys musikkewande. Nathelesse, Serym is ygoon from oure mydste, and withe hym Coddpack, ye grete roofe-clymbere, and we doute not thatte they practyse stylle hir olden trikkes, wherat I trowe they been handidandi. Desolaat is ye Pier du Nord, and Lytel Ordrie is forlorne and eek konfortlesse, een tho there be anotherre squiere to soothen hir sorrowe. Alasse, for is nat ye cloke of Serym yfallen uponne ye shouldres of De la Rcnvas, of soni nose?

Dayes weren of Janiveni whan thatte ye curies and ye squiers diden daunce fetislych in ye Chastelet, which was enjolivee withe sondrie feyre demovselles, and eek wyves, y-cladde in roobes of eggseedinge beauteouse hewes; and in soothe I wol nat tellen wher certaine of ye cnytes weren y-smoote withe Cupides arrowe, for thatte they diden hemseives straungelie disporte. Afterre alle, to mi mynde, ande so to speken, sheyme is thattc dyvers squiers, greete lovveres alle, been so soonc despysed by hir demoyseles; wherefore they nowe have ye blewes thatte whilom weren of so grctc cheere. Butte enoughe of thisse.

Scoledynneres, heretofore moost rudelych ycleped "stuffe" bi ye yonge varlets, been nonthe of merveilous daintynesse, and given muche bely-joye to ye squiers and to more than oem buxome cnyte, Further-ovene, we han a newe scrybesterre.

Nouthe is ye sesoun of ruffruggerre-sporte, wherinne ye grete goon to hir greyvcs unwasshen and unslung. Butte allasse, monic eggys and muchel peny-ale, and eek ye tenoure voyce of oure hansoom sclendre kapitaine bringen noon victoires. Monie been they that do on muchel bataille atte ye fystykuffes; and monie been they thatte doon rennen and lopen, for to combattc in ye listes yc menne of Fowkestounc and of Cantaurberri.

Grete sikkencsse, lyk ontil ye fowle Blak Deeth of nyntyffyve, bismoot ye Chastel, and Sire Tawt was y-lcyed lowe withe ye pleye atte hys hyte. Natheless, bi ayde of Walsi Tout, yclept Erchebysshoppe Raffles, alle was welle. Lytel Tobyas dide falle in luf, wheratte monie wercn ye jallousies and marryages, ye thonderres and lytninges, ye sturmynges and fisshyfites, and eke daemons affrytted bi stinkynge-baccysmook. Ye tykkettes weren in ye kapable handes, ande ye monies in ye kopieusse pouche of Sire Gink and his Sixkommerse of olde renowne. Butte thise been nowe in eggsyle.

Ye puissante of oure Chastel, and eke ye sapyaunte been ful sik atte herte by resoun of ye ruthelesse and eke ye daungerouse doktrynes of divers of ye squiers. Sire Glen Gay dyde tellen ye varlets, with wordes of wysdome, thatte Walsi Tout dide butte speken rotte. Butte allasse, soore doth it peyne ye scrybe for to seen monie fyst-klenchynges and eke flaggys of redde, and to heren muremures and whyspyred mutterynges of ynsnrreccioune, and of oomberrellas y-flonge downe. Woe is me, for fulle y-chaunged been ye tymes (I speke nat nowe of a noospaperre), sithenes wroot ye scribe De la Renvas, ye prymus.

And woldestow lerne, O gentil redere, of ye vyces of ye yonger generacioune, thatte thou mootest dhem knowe, be they nat wel ychronycled in ye boke Pharos?#

DE LA RENVAS (SEKUNDUS) YE SCRYBE.

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

The term's outstanding feature for the Corps was the presentation to Major, by members past and present, of a gold watch in token of the gratitude and warm feeling we all share for his long years of energetic service. A letter, which is quoted in full, appeared in Orders in his own fair hand:—

5, Beaconsfield Avenue,

Dover, 2nd January,

1939.

To,

     The Officers, N.C.O.'s and Cadets, past and present, and all who so kindly subscribed to the beautiful Presentation Watch I wish to tender my very best thanks. I am delighted with it and shall always count it one of my greatest treasures. In addition to keeping correct Camp Time, it will always remind me of the very happy times I spent with the 1st Cadet Company C.P. (F.) R.E., and the many good friends I made among the members of that Corps. To all of you, wherever you may be, I wish the very best of luck and prosperity. Once again I thank you very much indeed.

I am,

Yours sincerely,

HENRY COOMBS,

Sgt.-Major.

The Quartermaster is now struggling with all the intricacies of the new drill, which, he informs me, is inspirational rather than formal, and he finds fishing style a great help in learning how to handle a rifle in the present manner. Rumour has it that our antediluvian rifles are to be replaced by more modern engines of war.

Highly successful efforts to attire recruits in the best obtainable uniforms have reduced the Quartermaster's store to a pile of refuse, and we wonder what the B/M. will say next camp about our tunics, now smarter than ever.

Recent events have given rise to grave speculations concerning next Camp's arrangements. Will the Officers' Married Quarters be larger than the Lines? If so, will the Senior-Sergeant be allowed a similar annexe to the Mess?

Extra routine activities range from weapon training to boxing and lectures on rugger. Lively participation in these features, which are, after all, only the beginnings of the wider life of the Corps, have aroused great interest in many boys outside the roll, and recruiting shows great promise War Office interest has caused tightening up of discipline in regard to attendance at parades, and in this respect, the Band, as ever, gives the Company a fine lead. Sickness has depleted the Platoons on several occasions, but it does not explain the repeated absence of certain Cadets. Slackness in the matter can no longer be excused. The interesting nature of the new drill, and the importance of each individual N.C.O. and Cadet under the new organisation make everyone who is worth his salt keen to pull his weight.

The following are congratulated on passing Certificate "A" (O.T.C.) Theory:—Sgt. West, Sgt. Wilde, Cpl. Bilby, Lce.-Cpl. Myers.

The Corps is very pleased to note the successes of several of its old members in His Majesty's Forces. In addition to those mentioned elsewhere, H. Gillman has obtained a commission in the R.A.F., and ex-Sgt. F. G. Ryeland a Cadet Commission.

On Friday, 24th March, the following Cups were presented by the Headmaster:—.The Bird-Terry Cup to Cpl. Bilby, the Ravensdale Cup to Lce.-Cpl. Williams, the Paxton Cup to Cdt. Donoghue, the Ken ward Cup to Lce.-Cpl. Gane, and the Cups for best turned-out tents to Sgt. West and Cpl. Hall.

The Annual Field Day will be held on Saturday, 22nd April. Parade at School at 10.00 hours.

EXAMINATION SUCCESSES.

The following were successful in the December London General Schools examination

—:—

C. Paddock was successful in the recent Examination for Admission to the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, being placed 9th on the list.

MERIT LIST.

Upper IV.—R. F. Atkinson (3), M. Bond (3), B. Friend (3), B. F. Gray (3), A. McFarlane (3), S. A. Price (3), J. Brabham, K. O'Brien, P. Sherred.

Middle IV.—F. E. Davies (2), A. Hill (2), H. G. Bennett, D. G. Eagles.

Upper III.—R. D. Pilcher (3), E. G. H. Bailey (2), F. C. E. Dane (2), K. E. Flanders, E. N. Foster, K. H. Marsden, A. Mulcahy.

Lower III.—B. G. Ashman (2), D. A. Snowden (2), J. F. Wilkinson.

Upper II.—J. A. Forwood (3), A. T. Ing (3), R. D. Price (3), G. L. Bowyer (2), G. R. Cooke (2), S. Gomar (2), F. R. Beach (1), R. S. Henbrey (1), D. W. Smith (1).

Lower II.—A. Alcock, R. Balsdon, R. K. Marsh.

Upper I.—E. A. Atkins (3), J. Glass (3), W. C. Harris (2), D. J. Russell (2), A. C. Allin, G. A. Chatfield, A. G. W. Humphries, C. J. King, J. Martin, F. Sedgwick, M. Watts.

Middle I.—K. Bailey, K. G. Grant.

Transition.—K. Dadds (1), J. Flavin (2).

MUSIC NOTES.

The School Orchestra began a busy term by preparing music for the intervals of Tobias and the Angel. The items selected included the Finale of the Fifth Symphony; a Strauss Waltz the famous Wine, Women and Song; a selection of melodies from Pagliacci (Leoncavello); and two well-known marches—Under the Double Eagle, by Wagner (not the celebrated Richard), and Unity, by Charles Woodhouse.

Practices have since been resumed, and some interesting work has been undertaken, including selections from Verdi's Il Trovatore, and some more Strauss Waltzes.

These are the last practices which we shall have during the present School Year, and therefore it will not be out of place to include the names of the members of the Orchestra for 1938-1939:—D. J. Andrews, J. and R. Arnold, A, E. Barnacle, H. G. Bennett, G. L. Bowyer, G. Carter, G, J. Coulter, R. W. S. Haines, F. J. King, H. Löbl, E. C. Mantle, H. E. Nodiroli, W. J. Pelham, J. E. Quested, C. R. Reynolds, S. A. Rigden, A. Smith, G. R. Snelgrove, and R. L. Weeds.

W. J. Pelham, who played the clarinet in the Orchestra leaves this term.

Further recruits for the Orchestra are needed if numbers are to be maintained during the next School Year. All instrumentalists are, therefore, urgently requested to join.

D.J.A.

PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY.

The Society has been meeting regularly every fortnight and has had several lantern lectures which have aroused considerable interest, especially among the Fourth and Fifth Forms.

On Monday, 5th December, Mr. Thomas gave a very instructive talk on "Portraiture," which was well illustrated by means of the epidiascope.

This was followed on 19th December by a lantern lecture issued by Messrs. Ilford, entitled "Better Picture Making." To a Society such as ours, consisting mainly of novices, this proved to be extremely helpful and dealt adequately with the usual mistakes of the beginner.

At the first meeting of the Spring Term, on Monday, 30th January, a similar lantern lecture, on "Faults in Negatives," was read. This was of a rather technical nature, dealing chiefly with the use of plates, and proved to be of little use to the members of our Society, who use roll-films almost exclusively.

A third lecture by Messrs. Ilford was given on the 13th of February, the subject this time being "Night Photography." We found this lecture to be highly entertaining, and the really beautiful slides were much appreciated. Such a lecture does give the beginner some idea of what can be done with the precision miniature and modern materials.

Here, I think, a word of thanks is due to our Chairman, Mr. Baxter, who has so willingly read the script of these three lectures.

Throughout the term there has been a regular distribution of photographic literature, the chief of which has been the "Ilford News."

We hope to finish the term with a few practical demonstrations in preparation for the coming active photographic season, and we extend a cordial invitation to all those interested in photography.

E.C.M.

THE SCHOOL LIBRARY.

We acknowledge with many thanks the following additions; we are also particularly grateful to Mrs. Whitehouse for her gift of two albums of photographs illustrating the history of the School.

Next Term we intend to publish a second article dealing with the usefulness and purpose of the Library.

W. UNCLES,
School Librarian.

ADDITIONS, SPRING TERM, 1939.

Reference Department.
Donation Copies.

MRS. WHITEHOUSE—" The Mill on the Floss" (Eliot)

"Pilgrim's Progress" (Bunyan)

"A Book of Story Poems" "Medea—Euripedes" (Murray)

"King Albert's Book" "Poems" (Clarke)

"An Inland Voyage" (Stevenson)

"Sheridan's Plays" "The Covenant Explained" (Whelen)

"On the Art of Reading" (Quiller-Couch)

"On the Art of Writing" (Quiller-Couch)

"Essays" (Emerson)

"Virginibus Puerisque" (Stevenson)

"English Seamen in the XVIth Century" (Froude)

"Harold, The Last of the Saxons" (Lytton)

" Essays of Addison" " Old Mortality" (Scott).

F. L. KENDALL, Esq.—" Emile" (Rousseau)

"Dark Scenes of History" (James), Vols. I. and II.

—:—

General Library.
Donation Copies.

To VIth Form Library—

MRS. WHITEHOUSE—"Last of the Barons" (Lytton)

"Food of the Gods" (Wells).

A. R. MAKEY.—"The House of Wrath" (Miliward)

To General Fiction—
MRS. WHITEHOUSE "The Fortunes of Nigel" (Scott)

"Food of the Gods" (Wells)

"Quentin Durward" (Scott)

"Talisman" (Scott)
"Ivanhoe" (Scott)

"Kenilworth" (Scott).

A. R. MAKEY "The Big Row at Rangers" (Carr)

"The Wrecker" (Stevenson)

"Psmith—Journalist" (Wodehouse).

To Junior Library—
MRS. WHITEHOUSE "Stories from Dickens."

A. R. MAKEY "The Champion Annual for Boys."
 

R.A.H.

BOXING.

Since the last issue of the Magazine, boxing has been very successfully revived in the School by Mr. Dixon and Mr. Thatcher, who have both spent a good deal of time in the Gym, after school, instructing the boys in the noble art of self-defence. Although the number of boys who attended the classes last term was not very encouraging, Mr. Dixon persevered and gained a good deal more support this term. Even so, the enthusiasm shown by members of the Senior School is not yet all that might be expected. Next term, perhaps with a little more publicity given to the classes, this indifference will be remedied.

The Finals in the Competition took two evenings to decide, and on both occasions some good contests were witnessed. The weights ranged from under 5 stone to 11 stone, which goes to show that the keenness for this manly exercise runs throughout the School. Mr. Dixon, Mr. Thatcher and Mr. Ruffell acted as judges and time-keepers. The Junior contests consisted of three one-minute rounds and the Senior of three two-minute rounds.

Every contest was a good clean fight, with little bloodshed. There were, however, some combatants who seemed to be scared by one another and hence fought rather too warily. Others went at it hammer and tongs, and showed all too little of the science of boxing, although they provided plenty of excitement for the spectators. Most of the contests proved very even. The results were as follows
Junior.

(Flanders v. Cropton).

Senior.

W. D. MCQUEEN

SCHOOL SOCIETIES' ACCOUNT on 18th March, 1939.

CORRESPONDENCE.

ROYAL SIGNALS MESS.
CATERICK CAMP.

YORKSHIRE.
17th Fcbruary, 1939,

The Editor of "The Pharos."

SCHOOL RUGBY.

At first sight prospects of fielding a good XV. this season seemed rather small, but the team selected has since made for itself a reputation for playing hard and well against teams superior in weight, experience and quality.

—:—

THE EAST CUP FINAL.

Once again Country retained the East Cup, which they almost regard as their own property, beating Town 3—2 on Saturday, 11thy of March. In the semi-finals Town had overwhelmed Buckland to the tune of 6—2. Country had a bard task in beating Maxton 3—2, after being 2 goals down at half-time; only their grand fighting spirit pulled them through.

The final was a grand fight all through, and I thought a fairer result would have been a draw. The attack of both sides was fairly equal, though Country were slightly better served in defence.

Play in the opening stages was mainly in the midfield, with Town doing most of the attacking. The Town right-winger, Castle, was prominent in many thrusts towards goal, though Austin in the centre could not get going. Williams was also doing well. For Country, Garside and Wilkinson tried valiantly to open up their attack, but were handicapped by lack of inches. Culver tried bard in the centre; while Gomar and Kiers on the right were efficient; Lambert was prominent in the Town defence.

It was Town who opened the scoring; Castle, who had been giving the Country defenders plenty to think about, broke away on the right, and taking the ball down shot it into the far corner of the net. After this reversal Country began a series of lively raids, Wilkinson and Gomar being prominent with good shots. Town were now on the defensive, and it came as no great surprise' when Gomar, with clever ball control, scored a nice goal from just inside the penalty area. The whistle blew for half-time shortly afterwards.

Country opened the second half with a series of attacks in which all members of the forward line were promll1ent. Town provided a shock when they scored another goal to take the lead. It was easily the best goal of the match; Marsh, the Town left-winger, received the ball near the half-way line and raced cle2.r of the Country defence, scoring with a beautiful low shot from about five yards outside the penalty area. This was certainly a set-back for Country, but they refused to give up hope. Kiers, who was deputising for Neill (sec.), was now getting more of the ball and swung over some good passes; it was from one of these that Country equalised. Kiers put in a centre which the Town goalkeeper caught but held far too long, so that by the time he threw clear he was surrounded by Country men, and in the ensuing struggle Wilkinson netted to 'mark up' Country's second. Town fought back, but the Country defence was sound, SnowdE"11 kicking with confidence. The game seemed destined to end in a draw, but in another scramble in front of goal Garside scored the deciding goal for Country. Town never lost hope, and in the last minute Thompson was forced to make a great full-length save.

W. S. NEILL.

RUMOURS

That there is an earnest endeavour on the part of the Prefects to improve the standard of Essay-writing in the School.

That there is no truth in the report that the fish used in the production of Tobias and the Angel was caught in the School Fishing Competition.

That a certain sinister laundryman is suspected of sabotage in the case of a School rabbit hutch.

That VI. Commerce are inconsolable owing to the disappearance of their Homework Register: they simply card get on without it.

That the results of ballroom dancing instruction were noticeable at the Prefects' Dance.

That the Angel apparently got entangled in his harp when he disappeared in the last act.

That next year's play is to be Clifford Odet's Waiting for Lefty.

That the Times is a newspaper.

That according to recent statistics susceptibility to influenza is greatest when examinations arc in the air.

That Professor Squelch is to record his two most popular ballads, Turn the Air down first and Speaking from Memory, assisted by the black-eyed baker.

That the Prefects are supplied with Red milk.

That that is why umbrellas are taboo.

A NIGHT ON THE BREAKWATER.

Very gently night lets fall her dark mantle over the bustle and the grime of the busy port; the flood-lit Castle stands out boldly from its dark background; the Sea Front is a line of twinkling lights; out to sea ships glide slowly in the darkness like huge fantastic glow-worms. Near the Breakwater a fish leaps, and the water gleams with light; the Breakwater wall itself shines with a lambent glow; a passing ship ploughs pale blue furrows of foam; overhead the moon sails serenely from behind darkly massing clouds. A broad silver highway lies betwixt us and France; all is beauty, all is peace; Nature here holds sway.

The rotating beam of the lighthouse silhouettes silent figures on the Breakwater-the fishermen, poor souls! who have chosen to stand there all night long, rather than sleep snugly in their beds. Patiently the v wait till suddenly a bell tinkles. Then there is a scampering of feet, a buzz of excited voices, till after a time the whole eager band resumes its patient waiting, all on the qui vive for the next bite. This goes on throughout the night.

With dawn, however, comes the wind—and the rain; waves lop over the "wall." The rain gradually soaks in, one gets thoroughly wet and cold. At 8.30 the boat is seen rounding the end of the Prince of Wales Pier. Up tackle, and along to the landing-steps! To crown it all, however, the boat misses the steps, and is away before we can attract the boatman's attention. Bad luck! That means waiting at least another hour with nothing to do. At length we are taken off, and are soon nearing the Crosswall; one thought, as usual, is uppermost—how soon can I get out there again?

You think this is a mug's game? Well, come out fishing on the Breakwater for just one night, and if you have any poetry at all in your soul you will surely change your mind. "What has poetry to do with fishing?" you ask. Quite a lot. Go fishing merely to catch fish, and you will more often than not be disappointed; go to find good company and to commune with Nature, however, and you will be fully rewarded. Depression becomes a foreign word, examinations become things of no consequence, the European situation is forgotten, selfishness disappears, snobbishness finds no place, pessimism is ridiculed, life takes on a new and brighter aspect. A night on the Breakwater is, in fact, a sure way of changing you from a cynical, materialistic pessimist to an idealistic optimist.

But what about the actual catching of fish? you ask. Oh, that I Well, you can buy them cheaper at a fishmonger's; and after all, why go fishing merely to catch fish? Anyway, a night out there on the Breakwater is a fine experience.

G.L.W.

VALETE.

L. F. MERRICKS (1933—39).—School Colours; School 1st XI. Cricket (1936—38, Cap. 1937, vice-capt. 1938); School 1st XI. Football (1938, capt.); School 1st XV. Rugby (1938—1939, capt. 1939); Captain, Buckland House; School Certificate (Matric. Exemp.) (1938). To Sun Life AssuranceCompany.

V. J. ALCOCK (1933—38).—School Colours; School 1st XI. Football (1936—38, Cap. 1937, capt. 1938); School 1st XL Cricket (1938. Cap.); House 1st XV. Rugby; School Sports Committee; Inter-School Athletic Team (1935—38); School Choir; School Certificate (Matric. Exemp.) (1938). To Civil Service Clerkship.

W. J. PELHAM (1933—39).—House Prefect; School 1st XV. Rugby (1939 Cap); School 2nd XI. Football; House 1st XI. Cricket; School Choir; School Orchestra; School Certificate (Matric. Exemp.) (1938). To Messrs. Clementson and Co., Chartered Accountants.

R. S. HARMAN (1930—39).—School 2nd XI. Football; House 1st XV. Rugby; House 2nd XI. Cricket; School Choir; Cadet Corps; School Certificate (1938). To Messrs. Tersons.

B. G. BOOTHROYDE (1933—38).—House 1st XV. Rugby; house 2nd XI. Cricket; School Choir; School Certificate (Matric. Exemp.) (1938). To Clerkship, Southern Railway.

L. A. LAWRENCE (1933—39).—School Certificate (1938). To Town Clerk's Office.

G. E. PARRETT (1933—38).—House 2nd XI. Cricket; School Choir; School Certificate (1938). To Royal Air Force.

A. G. PADDOCK (1930—39)—School 1st XI. Football (1938 Cap.); School 2nd XI. Cricket (1938); Pharos Committee; Bronze Medallion, R.L.S.S. To Town Clerk's Office.

K. R. GILLMAN (1933—39).—House 1st XI. Cricket and Football 1st XV. Rugby; Cadet Corps. To Commission in Royal Air Force.

I. A. AUSTIN (1934—38)—School 2nd XI. Cricket; House 1st XI. Football. To Royal Air Force.

P. SPEAR (1934—38). D. B. WRIGHT.

"THE FIVE AGES OF THE SCHOOLBOY."

TOBIAS AND THE ANGEL.
(Tuck-Shop Version.)

Finding business in the Hall rather slack during an interval on the second evening of our splendidly acted School play, Tobias and the Angel, I decided to go "back" stage, to see if I could find any customers amongst the scene-shifters and electricians— not that I expected the actors to want anything. I thought they would be much too noble and carried away by their parts to want to eat.

To my astonishment, however, the moment I was sighted, the entire cast literally fell on my neck and greeted me as an angel in disguise. There was something very "earthly" about the way Raphael (whom I had been watching with awe and reverence from the front) tucked into his milk chocolate, and the "dear old man" frantically tried to borrow tuppence before his favourite sweet sold out; and it was a real joy to see the sinister "devil" with his mouth full of toffee.

I came away with a considerably lightened tray, and the feeling that Tobias and Co. were a very human crowd indeed.

J. McCULLOCK (Middle IV.).

ICARUS.

THE DELINQUENT

(Pure fiction).

They had just finished their gym and were having their "showers" in turn—all but one of them. He went over to where the clothes were hanging, slipped his hand into one of the pockets and drew out a watch, which he quietly fastened on his own wrist, glancing anxiously about him. He heaved a sigh of relief; apparently lie had not been noticed. Then he ruffled his hair thoroughly and began slowly to dress himself, mingling with the rest as he did so. The master walked past him, little realizing what he was up to.

When they were dressed they all went off to their classroom, but there was one boy, John by name, who had a rueful look on his face—he knew what had happened. It meant he would have to see his friend after school; it was a point of honour. Meanwhile the culprit, fearing that all risk of detection was not yet over, kept a furtive look-out. Nothing happened and at length school ended. He hurried off to the cloak-room and then away down to the bicycle shed before John had time to see him. Soon he reached home, but a few minutes after he arrived there was a knock at the door, and his father went to see who was there. It was John; he asked if he could see the boy outside for a minute. Outside, John said, "I have not been trying to get out of paying what I owe you. In fact, I have been trying to catch you up ever since School ended, but you were in such a desperate hurry to get away that you left me behind." "Well," said his friend, "I did dodge taking a 'shower' after all; so you owe me twopence. Is that what you called for?"

"Yes," said John, and lie handed over the coppers and went home.

R. PORT (V. General).

STORMY WEATHER.

People who live in large inland towns, and who come to the coast only in summer for pleasure, see the ocean when it is very calm, with a gentle summer breeze rippling the glass-like surface.

If they came in winter they would hardly recognise the place, for instead of a beach bathed in sunlight, full of colour made by gay holiday makers and bathers, they would find a dim, dirty coloured beach littered with rubbish, and see beach combers hobbling about. The once calm sea would simply be furious with her "flung spray and blown spume," lashing waves which break over till long concrete breakwater, making it look more like a huge submarine, with a glittering white lighthouse as a periscope. The harbour that was so neat and trim, with small steam yachts, is now a refuge for clumsy tramps sheltering from ,the devastating waves outside.

All this makes a happy holiday maker scratch his head, for he cannot believe it. He imagines the sea to be ever calm and gentle, always blue, and bathed in sunshine. But if he had come to Dover last week he would have changed his mind.

R. E. GRIGG (Middle IV.).

RUGGER.

REQUIEM.

WOMEN'S FIRST-AID FOR A.R.P.

For the past six weeks mother has been attending lectures in order to obtain her Ambulance certificate in connection with A.R.P.

Each night of the week before the examination our house looked like a casualty ward of a hospital. Father was stretched out on the floor with his legs in splints and bandages all over him, and I was nearly as bad.

On the night of the examination the doctor asked mother what she would do if she went home and found father with his head in the gas oven. She told us she said, "I would put another shilling in the meter."

We are now wondering if she has gained her certificate.

J. E. LLOYD, Lower II.

THE TRIERS.