- -- ( >

BREEKS CHATTER BOX'l955

Stiffen the sinews, Summon up the blood ; .....................•.................... Now aet the teeth and stretch the nostril wide; Hold bard the breath and bend up ever~y spirit To his full height! On, On, You noble warriors!

. . ,,~

\

,/-

--- - -

- <.tbristtnas 1955

~reetings ,

.. fro1n

Ube ~rincipal anb Staff

19 56

?1ew 4ea't Wis~om

Be hue, Wliateoe'z. happens !

THEM THAT HON.OUR ME WILL I HONOUR. . (£,et u~ take up the challenge.)

- A PROMISE -

"9 will 11ot <Jail thee " . (Joshua 1. 5.)

- AN ENCOURAGEMENT -

~e £,ed them torth bv the right wav (Ps. 107. 7.)

and

THOU ART WITH ME .. (Ps. 23. v,. 4.)

....

,,

. "

- SCHOOL STAFF 1955 -

Standing. L.-R:- Miss H. Kay; Mr. C. Enos; Mrs. Minakahi; Miss I. Toussaint; Mr. W. Mason; Mrs. Ryan; Miss Wiggins; Mr. P.Walker; Miss D.Hurrell; Miss McLeod; Mrs. P.Walker; Rev.J.Darashab; Miss K. Hipwell; Miss M. Patton.

Sitting. L.-R:- Miss A. Atkinson; Mr. C.T. Brinicombe; Miss M. Allen; M~.E.Willy (P~inoipal); M~s.C,T. B~inicombe; M~. G. Fisher; Miss D. Chaves.

PROFITABLE FUN AND FROLIC AT THE NEW NURSERY SCHOOL,

2

The Measure of God's Light in the Wo?'ld is the Power of His human Oanclles.

BREEKS SCHc:_;JOL_ M~NAGEMENT CD.MM JTTEE.

Sri N. Krishnaswa~ii ~.A . 1 ?·L., q~lle?to~ of the Nilgiris, (Ex-Officio), Sri M. G. Mathew, B.A. n L ., ·· sri ' Ie'. -I. 'Th'ornns, MA., B .T., Sri N. Lingan, B.A. , B.L.,

S ri N M. Lingam, B.A. , MP., Mr. E. A. Wi lly, M.A., M.R s .T., (Principal & Secretary), Mr. H. 0. Mclaughlin, I.A .s., Retd. :

LUSHINGTON HALL MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE.

Mr. J. IL Keary, Mr . E. G. R Fisher, Mr. L. Goold, Mr. E. A. Willy.

HOUSE COMMITTEES, BOYS.

I

. - . .. . . - r . . HOUSE HOU'.q& 'MASTER 0A'FT.A1N V. CAPTAIN

Pen tland Rev. J . Darashah R. Webb · A. Conney Stan es Mr . 'I' . J. Brinicombe l. Watson C. Parusmal Stevenson i\ lr. E A. Willy IC Joseph D. Pospisil

HOUSE COMMITTEES, GIRLS.

HOUSE HOUSE MISTRESS OAP1'AlN VI OE-CA PTA IN

Pentland .VJiss . D. Hurrell N . Raman 1-'tan es n'lrs . • J.D. Brinicombf W. Munro G. Haman Stevenson Mrs. E. A. Willy J. Chase S. Sircar

3

God ties knots that we may remember.

GAMES CAPTAINS, BOYS.

GAME CAPTAIN V. CAPTAIN COLTS C !PTA IN - -

Gymnasium R. Webb Cricket R. Webb R. Joseph P. Hill Football R. Webb K. Bond Boxfng R . Joseph Hockey R. ,Joseph R. Webb

I R. Neech

Athletics A. Conney

GAMES CAPTAINS, GIRLS.

CAPTAIN V. CAPT A IN !JUNIOR CAPTAIN

Netball N. Raman W. Munro I C. Raman

SCHOOL PREFECTS.

BOYS

Robt Webb (Head Boy) Ronald Joseph Arthur Conney Parasmal Chnnilal

GIRLS

. Nirmala R aman (Head Girl)

PARENTS-TEACHERS ASSOCIATION

Chairman: Treasurer : Secretary :

Mrs. Goold Mr. T. J. Brinicombe Miss, M. Allan

NATURAL HISTORY S"OCIETY,

President: Chairman: Secretary: Treasurer: Technical advisor: Committee:

Mr. E. A. Willy Mrs. E. Willy

D. Pospisil l\lr. E. l\lichael Mr. T. J. Brinicombe R. Webb June Pritchard

4

Usefulr,iess is the rent we ought to pay for our room on earth.

Petrol Leader

" " " " ,,

DEBATING SOCIETY-.

President: Mr. E. A. Willy Executive Vice President : Secretary: Committee:

Mrs. T. J. Brinicombe R. Joseph Eunice Anderson Jop Chase D. Pospisil P. Darashah

CHRISTIAN UNION.

President: Mr. J. T. Brinicombe Committee: D. Pospisil

E. Anderson B. Robertson J. Chase

SCOUTS. (1st. Nilgiris).

Scouter

Troop

Stags Panthers Bulldogs Beavers Owls Springboks

Cubmaster Asst.

E. G. R. Fisher, A. D. C. 1

Leader D. Pospisil

P. Churchward Second l. Watson C. Holc0mbe L. Stavenhagen K. Bond B. Smith

CUBS.

E. A. Willy, A. D. U. Miss. 'A. Bateman.

" " ,,

"

P. Darashah G. Draper C. Willy B. Abela J. Johnson

Pahk Oou'J'l,cil.

OUb Council.

Akel a. Ghil.

Sixers: A. Gilbert B. Smith

Seconds: D. Sutton N. Willy

E. A. Willy Miss A. Bateman

G. Sterrett Philip Michael D. Pond

C. Kirkpatrick Howard Goold D. Fountain

"A Golden mind-stoops not to shows of dross" (M. of Venice)

JUNIGIR CHRISTIAN ENDEAVOUR.

Miss. K. Hipwell.

Ann Sterrett.

President

Secretary

Treasurer George Whittemore. (up to May)

Terry Teissen. (from May)

~hitnxiaL

As I come to the '55 Editorial, I feel rather "up a tree" for somet bing to say.

I have even reviewed my "Leaders" for the past 34 years and still I am uninspired to encourage the courage of Editors and others. It rings in my ears •if you can't be an inspiration you're of no value." I dislike the thought of self­'pity-'tis a cowardly thing indeed; it dwarfs the manly in us and certainly reflects the moody side of our character.

Perhaps the following lines which I came across the other day (t.Le first verse of which I have quoted before) will arouse sympathy if not " First Aid" for Editors and so impirP. my Readers to do something for them.

In this, 1 think I have made a passionate appeal on their behalf and consider it to be my" good turn" for the day.

The Editor sat in the Editors' chair; Pa,per and pen and ink were there; Not in the chair that wouldn't be fair On the Editors ease! on the table round They lay; and the Editor looked and frowned, And carking care and black despair, Seemed settled for good, as the Editor's share. On trousers and boots pulled out by the root8,­Were crumpled-up mas,ses of Editors hair!

'Now riddle we one and riddle me too' ( W bicb meant what only the Editor knew), 'By all that's blue, if ever anew I take the job of a school review ! I'll eat my hat and swailow my bat, E'rc ever aga.in I prove such a fli}t; _ For nobody cares how the magazine fares, Or what trouble the Editor anguishes thro•1gh !

6

Nature never Wastes a day.

They hunt for snails aud fossilized whales! They pickle the germs of beetles and worms, And any amount from the science fount The drink and never send me aa account And the bumble bee and the orchid tree They study and call it botany ; But they never send stories of " Flora" to me !

I am not going to attempt to comment on the in'ards of these covers but I would like to bring a flash to bear upon the Shakespeare'an inspiration on the front cover" which I consider just the sert of stuff most appropriate for young runners, fighten, swimmers and would - be graduates.

Amis the rough and tough of scho0l life, what courage is required, what Stiffening of the Sinevs what Summoning of Blood and Nerve and what a holding of the breath.

Don't you think that God speaks especially to School - hoys as Ne keeps on emphasizing the same words as those He spoke to one of His Uhief of army Staff­" Fear not " - " Be of good courage •• No School more than ours aiad no genera­tion more than our own needs this bracin~ of the spirit.

The whole of life seems to be in a state of emergeticy and I am sure the daily reactions wh ich so constantly present themselves to the fearful are such that win in obscurity many a moral victory and de'ilerved reward.

Courage, the essential stuff of every sc110ol hoy alive is not only the absence of fear but rather the will to go straight in the face of difficulty and device which are only too ready to down the best in us , trembling in every limb and \ihite to t·•he gills, yet the more determined to see it through.

All of us will surely applaud that and to noble youth, sheer pluck is a fine sight: he will cheer it more than anything else! I've seen a lot of this uncon­querab le spirit in my day both on the field and off and don't you think that our hearts go out to good losers and faithlul failures more than to some of those who win and win and win.

Those of us who have seen ever so little of this indomitable spirit amid two terrifying wars and amid the flood of life which followed, when blow after blow sent men reeling, hit t:iem, hurt them, shook them but the count of only "eight" was heard and they were on theirfeet again and don't you think the same courage is needed in these fearful, crowded, uncertain and dangerous days, whether in school corridors in Christian testimony or moral conflict:

"Whethar we scout, fight the p'etty, face the insidious or meet the overwhel­ming Goliaths" on the play field we need this courage.

That courage a lon e can come from the one who commended it to that long long trail of Victors from Abraham to Paul.

7

Diamonds are chunks of coal that have iluck to their job.

Truly God gave the daring this v si~n and DOW to usward. It is'nt the mQg in the fight which counts but the fight iza the dog said Churchill.

If we attempt the battle without the Captain of our Salvation, we fail-yes, fail.

But the'• Found Near One" (of E's. 46 v I.) Stands by and is ready at a moments call (Heb. ) with vast supplies for the warfare-Strength. Courage, Faith Wisdom Light or Life frem above, and he says in Ezel. 86 v 37. I will yet be enquired of.. . . · ...... . .. to do this for them. Our Vict~y alone lay in '•Looking unto Jesus the ]rile Leader and Vendicator of oui; Faith"

I say all this because aH that is written within these covers is so heavily related to the outside cover whatever the Society or Endeavour.

This brings Warmest Greetings to all Readers for Christmas and New Year. Ed.

SPEECH DAY

AT 10-15 A. M.

Saturday, April 30th 19 5 5

WHE~

Dr. P, V. CHERIAN, M. L. c., (CHAIRMAN, MADRAS LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.)

PRESIDED

AND

Mrs. P. V. CHERIAN,

GRACIOUSLY DISTRIJ3UTED THE ~RIZES

8

Self conquest is the g? eatest of Victories.

Jr0Bram1n£.

INTRODUCTORY MUSIC I. "Flocks in Pastures Green Abiding"

(from the Birthday Cantata)

MIDDLE SCHOOL 2. " Little Boy Blue and Little Bo Peep "

STANDARD ONE

3. Valse (Op. 64. No. 2.)

4. " The Party "

5. (I) Fiary Song (2) Marianina

ANN STERRETT

STANDAI~D TWO

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Bach

Nursery Rhymes

Chopin

from Immortal Hour Czech Folk Song

6. (I) Gavotte E. J . Gossec (2) . Tyrolienne, from'' La Fille du Regiment" G. Domizetti

STRINGS ENSEMBLE 7. "Half the Profit" Hindi Play

UPPER SCHOOL 8. Song from "Merrie England"

(staged and adapted by W. Mason)

(I) King Neptune sat on his lonely Throne

(2) Robin Hood's Wedding

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Principal's Annual Reports.

Distribution of Pri!ilcs-Mrs. Tara Cherian.

CHAIRMAN'~ REMARKS.

VOTE OF THANKS

NATIONAL ANTHEM.

9

A drop of ink maJces millions think.

As visitors to Ootacamund this year we were asked to write a constructive criticism of the Speech Day Function. However, on arriving at the Assembly R0oms we were inv ited to special seats reserved for the writers of an appraisnl of the ceremony. We refused these at first on the grounds that we were l'.lileant to be the critics, and someone else was meant to be the appraiser. Whereupon we dis­covered to our horror that we wern expected to fill both positions. What follows is an effort at critiappraisalicism.

It is necessary to begin with a tribute to the Clerk of the Weather, for tha clear day with its sunshine, morlerate temperature and pleasant breeze could not have been more perfect . That in part JH> doubt accounted for the very early fill­ing of the Assembly Rooms by the parents , anxious to Sde their ckildren on their best behaviour, and by well wishers of Breeks School. They irreatly apprcciatc(l the Introductory Music as a means of passing the time until the main part of the programme commenced.

We were glad to see the piano on the platform this year, so that young players were on full view. This was very good for them, and also enabled the onlookers to appreciate the excellent post.ure of all performers. If there was nervousness it was well concealed. We would have preferred A Major at the 12th chord of Chopin's short prelude in 0, Minor, but no doubt the pianist felt more at home with the Jess used minor sequence.

It Il'l"'ight be useful to mention that performe;:s ought to pause at the k~yboar<l for a moment after ending their recital, and wait for the applause to begin before bowing to the aNdience. We ree;all one performer who had both bowed and dis­appeared before we had time to r.iommence our clapping.

After the arrival of Dr. and Mrs. Cherian, we had a Feast of Trumpets from three o.f the boys, and then the main part of the programme commenced .

The \l iddle School sang an excerpt}rom Bach's Birthd.ay Caatata entitled Flocks in ~'astures Green Abiding. The 11inging was excellent, and the diction such as to enable us all to follow the words witho11t difficulty. Those concerned with the preparation of this and othor singing items by the Middle School, are to be congratulated on what must have been unlimited patience and perseverance in bringing the ch ildren to such a pit.ch of perfection. They must however feel ,with us that the limited sil!';e of the stage causecd the children to appear to bH uncomfort­abl_y crowded together.

We passed very nppropriately from Flocks in Pastures Green Abiding, to Little Boy Blue rendered by Htandard One. Jt is doubtful who enjoyed this th<: most-., performers or audience.. As nsual tlae smallest performers stole the thunder ... of apµlause. We wou ld have liked a longer peep at the sheep of Ho Peep, especially at their tailf'.

IO

Let be my ·name until Z make my name; my deeds shall all speaic • .

When our merriment had died down we were treated to a quiet and well ren­dere~l Chopin Valse by Ann Sterrett, who obviously has great things ahead musically if she persists.

Standard Two th en came on the scene with a short play entitled' ' The Party" Polly did her best to organise it, but her guests found so many excuses .for depart· ing that the aid of Sukey bad tribe enlisted to Take at off Again. ·

The Midd le School Two then treated us to two more songs, which were suffici­ently contrasted to enable the audience to delight in the ability of the singers to deal with various technical difficulties.

When we h c1. d q ll ie tened down again a String:g Ensemble dealt capably with what was probably the most difficult item on the programme. We are }<Joking forward to the time when the school can produce an Ensemble which is .completely pupil !an .. ..... au even more difficult proposition no doubt, but worth the striving. We hope then that pianist will be sideways to us.

At th e request of the Governor of Madras, who kindly presided at the Rpeech · Day in 1953, a Hindi Play was included in this year's programme. It was given by th e Upper School. and was Air Conditioned, i.e. one hetter than _First C lass. The Play was entitled "Half the Profit," with three scenes telling how a nobleman's watchman received his due rewHrd for corruption. Bow the said watchman was able to take twenty obviously cracking and painful stripe~, and afterwards man­age to walk out of the Assembiy ~fooms was not revealed. The fisherman who came in at Scene 2 might have just come from the Shandy.

Congratulations on a successful innovation. Encore please another year.

The Middle ·school then closed that part of the programme with some spirit­ed singing, which took us to the gloomy depths of the sea, R.nd to the glades of Sherwood Fore8t, Neptune in the former was not quite so fortunate in his search for a bride as was Robin Hooa in the latter. Perhaps he was well pleased, for unlike Robin, he did not have tu produce an encore .

The stage was then se~ for the Principal's Rep0rt, and the distribution of prizes by Mrs. T. Cherian. It was unfortunate that until the enormous cups and shields had beeri carried off the stage, they quite hid the Chairman from the, audience . However, he w..is not at all perturbed about thi'i, and made h1~ official remarks most graciously and kindly," before the singing of Jana Gana Mana l~rought the proceedings to 11. close.

We made a note that the stage curtains were not alwavs handled as care­fully as might have been, and once or tw~ce they were dropped too soon even for a photographer to take a fl ash p hotn; on another occasion they were not pu lied b a ck far enough to permit to us to see the performeB standing at the side; and once or twice the side curtain~ were left Gpen between items, to give a view behind the scen es, which we are qu it e rnr e was not intended.

We wonld like to sug gest th fl. t there should be so;:rn incidental music to bridge the gap between items.

Well-done Breeks ! N. A. KARA:

11

What are men better than sheep or goats, if, Knowing God they lijt not their hands in prayer.

Principal's Annual Report.

Dr. and Mrs. Cherian, Your Highness, Ladies and Gentlemen;-

I am very glad to be able, on behalf of the Committee oi Management, to welcome you here to-day . . Our friends will readily remember that it is not the first or second time that Dr. and Mrs. Cherian have been with us at Speech Day, and we regard them as the school's real and sincere friends,

Dr. Cherian is Chairman of the Madras Legislative Council. Recently I read a newspaper report that the Speaker of a State Assembly had forbidden the mem­bers to read their speeches; I trust that Dr. Cherian will not impose such a ban upon me to-day.

I have pleasure in reporting that the Director of Public Instruction has sent us a message of good wishes for to-day's function.

,COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP.

We are thankful to the gentlemen who during the past year have in turn held the office of Coilector of the Nilgiris, and have thereby been at the head of our Management. Mr. P. K. Nambiar. who was with us a year ago, was followed by Mr. J. Perianayakam for a -few months; and since December we have had the help and guidanee of our present Collector, Mr . N. Krishnaswami. He has, like his predecessors, put his interest and influence without reservation into the cause of the well-being of the school, on all occasions, and we ·are very thankful for hi s advice and help.

For some months there has been a vacancy on the Management caused by the expiry of the appointment. of Mr. N. M. Lingam, who is our local represent.ative in the National Parliament, the Lok Sabha. It is our personal hope that Govern­ment will see fit to re-appoint him to the vacancy; in the mean time we carry on our duties as a committee, bereft of the assistance of one wise head'.

STAFF MOVEMENTS.

Each year invariably sees various chan~es in staff; I am particularly thankfu l to be able to report that since our re-op£!ning in February we have had a very strong and adequate teaching team.

Last November we said good-bye to our veteran warrior, Miss M. Johannes, and the veraatile and capable Miss I. de Carteret, qualified teacher and nurse:. also to Miss I. Martelli and Mrs. Dakin, who had helped out temporarily.

To replace them we have welcomed Misses Hnrrell and ' Patton in the kinder­·garten classes, and Mrs. Ryan who teaches St. IV. & Mi~s D Macleod, M. A., .has been transferred from the kindergarten to St. VI, and is also Librarian of th e Bury Library. L11t me allude here iu passing to our ban on "comics." It is

12

important to realize that a merely negative attitude to this question is inadequate; children need to be given healthy food for their minds. I am glad ta say that the reading corner of the Hall, where we have a good supply of petio~icals of high repute-more than half a dozen modern magazines for young people-is always in use by a wide circle ef readers. There is a healthy interes~ in sound fiction, also, and new additions are made year by year to the Bury Library.

" A new member of the staff is Mrs. P. N. Walker, B. Sc., who teaches science and mathematics, in the Middle School. Mrs. Walker also launched a Pioneer Project, the teaching of Domestic Science, which at present is an alternative to Physics in the senior classes. In the redistribntion of work, Mrs. Brinicombe bas taken charge of Latin throughout the school.

Standard V was unexpectedly and alarmingly swollen to a figure far above the permitted maximum-H instead of 40; in these circumstances we have appointed Miss Hope Kay as Miss Hipwell's assistant. In the music department, Miss E. Toussaint has joined, and is ~iving help on1the residential side -also.

Among the boarders, we 'have welcomed Miss Channell back from Australia after a year's leave. Mrs. Francis and Miss G. Bailey have been looking after the small boys. For the hospital, Miss Spencer has been in charge; during May we expect Miss E. Sturt to arrive and take over the post of Nursing Sister-though we shall much miss Sister Spencer's personality in that sphere. Miss Craig is also due to return, to take up the post ef senior boys' matren. We have been very thankful to have: for the current year, the services of Miss M. Reid; Miss Reid is a headmistress from Australia, who has saved up her long-service leave and is spending it here in India as matron among our boys. We much appreciate her services, and the spirit of devotion with which they are rendered.

Last year we lost the services of 8ister Brown through ill-health: Sister J. Grant and Mrs. M. Jarrold gave their help to us during that year at times when it was acute-ly needed, and this was much appreciated.

ANOTHER PIONEER PROJECT.

For some time I have falt the need for a c!ass where small children could · become accustomed to speaking English and whereby also, during the season, . mothers could get some definite relaxation by leaving their youngsters to be purposefully supervised for part of. each day.

We have been able to secure the services of Miss E. Wiggins to undertake this work, and to bring to it the invaluable experience gained by her, under Dr. Maria Montessori, the world-famous pioneer in this field; Miss Wiggins has also had experience in nursery schoel work in Lancashire.

The Board of the Y. M. C. A. has kindly made available the Wills Hall. which is near the school and very central, for this purpose. Expens~ bas not been spared and some hundred!! of rupees have b@en laid out in proviriing the needed equipment . The class was opened in March and has seen a steady growth in numbers.

13

It isn't on a narrow road where the worst smashes occur.

A MEDICAL PRO'CESSION.

·In the Ann'ual Reports of recent years it has been pa'ssible to touch but briefly upon the t@pic of H.ealth; there are, of eourse, a lways mi.nor epidemics, aad a few major cases for treatment. But this year the" Health Report" might almost be called the "Ill Health 'Report," for we have had such a variety of Illness to freat.

Our Chairman to-day is both a politician and a physicia.n; therefore he may be particularly interested if I give some details about the "body pathological," rather th~n the" body politic."

Altogether, including the scalp ringworm cases whic:h are still under treatment, we have had 5 different kinds of infection simu ltaneous ly, together with a ease of mumps which was rushed away' home before the Me-dical Officer had time to c,in­firm the diagnosis. One case was whopping cough; it was isolated im me diately, and we can thank God taat it did not spread any further. There were quite a numb>er of measles caaes, and soma of chicken-pox. In the day school there was a single case of diphtheria; fortunately it occurred 0n the very boundary line of Municipality-it could. scarcely have been forth.er away from us.

Factual reports wera sent out to parents, but rumours of an alarm ist nature were nevertheless spread about. At the beginning of the s0ho?l year the subj ect of'' flying saucers" had bee.n a prominent topic of converdation ;, this subject was quite forg~tten in the flr>w of rumours aris ing from these epi!!le mics, but the rumous often were ha.sad on ideas that wer.i equally insubstantial. H owever, we reeei ved a great deal of S'}'mpa thy, in con3eq uence-much more than circumsta nces reall.y waz:ranted.

We O>\'e an immense d ll bt of gratitude to our medi cal staff, and also to many others who had to undertake extra .burdens during the weeks of quarantine.

BUILDING EX1'ENS CONS.

It i£ a pleasure to report that we have been able '<luring the past year to carry out a fairl.Y extensive programme of building development. Certainly it was none too soon to. do so The matter to be emphasized is the generoiiity or th!!"parents and some other friends of the school, through whose contributions th e work has been enabled to be achieved.

First of all, on the school premises . a smf\ll classroom extension was carried out . For lack of space elsewhere, it used to be nece~sary to conduct the Hind i classes in the Science Laboratory; the fascination of bun sen burners, and other technical paraphernalia proved a hindrJ.oce to cuncentruted language study; a.nrt yet did no real g!'.>od to the progress of Science; (on the Dontrary, inde ed). \V e have been thankful to arrange bett er accommodation for Hindi now.

14

lf you are on the Rooks, be a Lighthouse!

At the same time, it was found impossible to manage the teaching of the double Kindergarten Department, Standards 1 and 2, in one room. The only other accommodation that could be found was in the Sports Pavilion on the Flaying Field; this is, however, only a second-best arrangemen.t. We seriously need, and are planning for, a building for the lower cla~ses to be constructed on the playing­field on the site of the o!d pavi lion which at present is dismantled and derelict.

It may thus be noted that our Extension Programme is not yet coUlpleted. But I have several other finished items to report upon.

At Lushington Hall, the parents of the boarders•on their own initiative rais­ed a. Building F'und. The result has been worked out in several ways: reconstruc­tions that have been carried out have resulted in the provision of new Married Quarters, a Large Dormitory of the small boys and improved Hot.:- Water and Ablutionary Fittingsin all three sections. After the completion of these matters of pressing need, a new boys' Common Room was built; the increased enrolment had made it necessary to use the Original Prep. Room as a dormitory, and even­ing Prep. had had to be done in the Gymnasium, entailing undesirable exposure on dark, wet, monsoon nights. We now have adequate dormitory space and the Common room is brightly lit with fluorescent fittings. At the end of 1954, Mr J. K . Keary officiated at the opening ceremony, and the build'ing meets a long· felt need.

To this list of building alterations and additions I must add the ·swimming Pool. The cost has been finance;d by the help of our Parent-Teacher Association, together with generous help from the Governor of Madras and a liberal donor m Eu gland.

l would take this opportunity of mentioning that we are looking forward to holdi·ng Swimming Sports, which the Governor of Madras has kindly promised to attend. We were startled a few weeks ago, to fir.id that a crack had deve loped in the floor of the bath, and that all the water had leaked ou~ overnight. Mr. Tom Grant, our stalwart friend and an old Breeks boy, assures us from his long and wide technical experience in the P. W. D. that the flaw is (])ne about which we need not be anxious. We have been waiting for the supply of cement; I per· sonally have not regretted the delay, as it has minimised any spread of infection during our spell of epidemics.

I have one other item to mention under the heading of Buildinq; . Additional staff accommodation was constructed at the beg inning of<·this year in the wing of the hostel which overlooks Government Gardens. I think that this, for the moment, completes the list of clevelopments carried out.

FINANCE .

Last year I had the duty of reportrng an unforeseen and unexplained cut in Government Grant, amounting to some Hs . 4000. I am glad to say that, later on

' the Department made amends by restoring an appreciable portion of this cut, by a special order, and we were shown the terhnical grounds on which the cnt had been made. Even so, we had to forego Rs. 1700, which we had had every reason to expect to be paid.

15

Don't sit at home with an Atlas when God bids you go out and explore.

This year we have again run into difficulty in this matter of grant. been led to expect that at least 60% of the deficit would be paid as Grant, but we were given only 54%.

We had Teaching

As I explained from this platform.a year ago, our Management has taken the steps which enable us to meet this arbitrary action of the Department, namely the application of a Maintenance Charge additional to the Tuition Fees. Had this not been put into effect, our staff would have had to wait indefinitely for their salaries and become quite hungry in the mean time! Until last year, we alwa}'._s received a Working Statement from the Department, which explained clearly the basis on which our grant was pa.id, and why the cuts, if any, were enforced. At that time cuts were only minor in amount. We are now experiencing major cuts, while being deprived on any explanation 11bout them.

ELECTRICI1'Y.

The p!an to electrify the school (for audio-visual demonstrations, etc.) wns before us last year; I then complained that the anthorities were heart-breakingly slow over the matter. Our Governor told us that the only thing to do waA to go on 11 dunning and dunning and dunning" at the concerned Department, and that the eollector would help us. All I can say is that onr three Collectors have helped us in turn in dunning and dunning and dunning the Department; but we are still without electricity.

GENERAL ACTIVITIES.

I am glad to sa_y that we still place a strol'lg emphasi-s on act1v1t1es outside the clase-room. Music continues to flourish and .the games department iR in a healthy state. The Scout Troop is, I think, increasingly popular under our vete­ran skipper, Mr. Fisher; the Club 1-'ack has a waiting list. The Debating Society attracts a group of enthusiastic members, and plays its part in the Nilgiri Inter· School Debating Meetings.

A new venture is a Natural History S0ciety; its activities include outings to place of specialized interest; a weekly lecture .given by members in turn; and social evenings, on which occasions unlikely topics are illuminated and displayed in the light of the most modern research.

I trust J am not living in a fool's paradise when I say that I feel there 1s a wholesome atmosphere in the school. Nevertheless, despite shortage of accom­modation in some respects, here at Breeks we have the Biggest Room in the W:or-ld-I mean, of course, Room for Improvement.

Our Parent Teacher Association, while helping immensely in many ways, leaves us no exc11SH for developing an ostrich-like complacency. We who are teachers tend to be sensitive about our rights and respon8ibilities; but we do try bard tQ remember that we are not wholly infallible. We have proved sufficiently

16

If you don't shine as you think you should, try cleaning the lamp before you blame the 'Power House'.

pliable and responsive to public opini~n to act upon certain suggestions which parents have placed before us; for example, a. modification of the Detention arnmgements; and also the holding forth of a collective Carrot in front of our two legged Donkeys, by arranging Reward Holidays for the best House group in each ~lass from time to time.

We know that the alternative tG the Carrot is the Stick. Even children of missionaries qualify for this form of discipline; I strongly repudiate the sugges­tion that pious parents tend to have renegade children, bat I do believe that the doctrine of original _sin is inescapably true; this truth, however, serves to r~mind us of 1lhe Christian Message, namely that there is a remedy for this innate sinful­ness of man's heart, in the atoning werk of the Incarnate Saviour.

PUBLtc ExAMINATioNs.

Our record in 1954 was certainly creditable, even if not brilliant.

1n Theory of Music, 6 were entered and all passed. In piano and violin, 18 entered and 17 passed.

For the first time in the school's history we took the Middle School Examinations, as the Cambridge Junior has been totally abolished. Among 15 candidates, only 1 failed to qualify for prometion to St. IO. At the top af the school, in the Cambridge School Certificate, 13 passed out of H entrants.

I believe that the meas~re of success achieved was largely an indication of the fact that the candidates strove their utmost to get through; and they succeeded because of their hard work, rather than because of any in born genius (even though) their parents might incline to prefer the latter suggestion).

PAST PUPILS.

. During the past twelve months there have been 'a few conspicuous achieve-tnents which we feel proud to put on record.

Geoffrey Marsland won his cricket Blue for O~ford University. I was informed that he was awarded this honour mainly because of his outstandingly -brilliant fielding. At Cambridge, Robin Reed has been given his Blue for Boxing.

Arthur Thompson at London University was pl-aced 1st in the University in Petroiogy; he has been awarded a Research Studentship under the firm of Shell Petrol and is _studying at Durham University.

17

A Clothes prop is more useful than a clothes fop.

In Canada, Abe Klahsen has passed his M. D. at the unµsually early age of 2'2. Patrick Mills has been school Captain at Rutlish School, Wimbledon, and bas,

while still a ,llchoolboy, received his county cap for Rugby football, a very rare achievement. I am told that while weighing 14 stone he can do the l 00 yards in 10 2/5 secs!

Peter and Roger Andersen have been awarded county boarding i;icl1olarships at Epsom Callege, Survey, and Roger won two special scholarships amounting together in value to£ 200 per annum. ·

Among our other past pupils, the rank and file are content with fulfilling, t.o the best of their ability, their 11ppointed lot in the pattern of .life, wherever they are found. The school achieves its highest purpose when its former pupils carry out, not only the official motto, ''Ad rem," which may be expressed by the war­time slogan" Go to it," but when, beyond that, they identify themselves with its unofficial motto, found inscribed in the school hall, namely, the word of the Lord as spoken by God's ancient prophet, "Them that honour ME I will honour.''

Sir, I thank one and all for their patient attention and thus bring my report to its conclusion.

BREEKS MEMORIAL SCHOOL, OOTACAMUND.

SPEECH DAY - 30th APRIL 1955

Jrize Ifiist ~or 1955.

Standard 1-1. Girija Menon Standard 2-1. Joseph Thomas, 2. Devakannar;i Nandhi, 2. Balakrishnan Nair, 3. Marion Smith, · 3. Allan Anderson, ; 4. John Moss, 4. · Joy Goold, 5. Muriel Strong, 5. Geetha Ramachandran, 6. Philip 13erry. 6. Dorothy Strong.

Standard 3-1 Martyn Clark, Standard 4-1. Mark Abbott, 2. Jayashree Venkataramani, 2. Peter Godfrey, 3. Michael Mantle, 3. Alan Churchward. 4. Sharan Buffam, 5. Edward White, 6. John Whittemore.

18

Every moral has an " ought'' behind it.

Standard 5-1. Christopher Standard 6-1. Eric Allaby, 2. Donald Bass, Kirk pa trick,

2. Colin Anderson, 3. Elizabeth Neech,

3 . . George Whittemore.

4. David Buffam,

Standard 7-1. Bridget Willy, Standard 8-1. David Pospisil, 2. Peter Hill. 2. Robin Thomson,

3. Ann Sterrett.

Standard 9-1. Prema Srinivasan, 2. David Brinicombe.

Standa:rd 10-1. Ambikadas Grinivasan, 2. Malcolm Spraggs.

Standard 1 L·-1. Kasthur Ananthachary, 2. Orvil Schlatter, 3. David Shortt.

Special Prize Srilikha Sircar.

Music Prizes - Pianoforte - Senior - Mary Mathews, Ann Sterrett.

Violin

Junior - Adrienne Brown, Stuart Smith.

- Senior - Christopher Willy, Junior - Michael Pritchard.

8pecial Prizes presented by Mr. C. Enos for Violin :­

Christopher Willy'& Michael Pritchard .

Winners of Music Certificates-Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music. London - 1954.

Theory-

Grade I - Ann Francis.

Grade II - Wendy Munro.

Practical Pianoforte-

Grade l - Stuart Smith, Adriene Brown, Carolyn Moss, Robin Thomson, Dorothy Vines.

Grade III - Elspeth Thomson, David Brinicombe, Roxy Smith.

Grade V - Angeline Samson.

Grade II - Ann Sterrett, Bridget Willy, Ann Buffam, June Pritchard, GMrge Whittemore, Lavin ia Minchin, Ann Fran'()is. ·

19

Faith malces eve1·ything· possible, love makes everything easy.

Grade III - Mary Mathew, Elspeth Thomson.

Violin­

Grade I - Mich·ael Pritchard. Grade II - David Brinicombe.

Grade Ill- Christopher Willy.

The Stevenson Scholarship for 1955 - David Pospisil.

The Pentland Priz.es } Maths and Science - David Shortt,

Standard XI , Languages - Srilekha Sircar.

The Theobald Prize for Steady work in Standard IX

The Bury Priz.es for Scripture Standard XI

Standard IX

Intellectual Shield for Class Work

Bhavnagar Cup for Games and Athletics -

- Pooviah Muthanna.

- Nirmala Joohua.

- Maureen Junk, Peter Darashah.

Stanes House .

Stevenson House.

@uh C!Iamp, , b~ a ~ixer . , I>

Dear Mnmmy and Daddy,

fa1shinp;ton Hall, Ootacamuud,

Sept. 4tli, 1955.

At six o'clock in the morning we go·t up. We went in a; special bus to Gudalur. We went on to Woodbriar Estate in a lorry. Friends of Dr. Achyuta n gave us a lovely lundh of biryani and other things. Then we went on to Sussex Estate by 'a lorry.

I was Sixer of the" C'a.rpenters," Anthony of the ••Bricklayers" and 'Barrie of the" Blaaksmiths." The Bricklayers were on duty, and tbe rest of us went exploring.

On Sunday we were on duty. We had a service in the morn.rng, of whi<Jh I was chairman, After lunch we went for walks, by SixllB; we went through grass six foot high. Ia the evening we had Cubs' Own; some of us aeted the story of the Philippian jailor and the earthquake, and I had the part of the soothsaying gir}. Some of us gave testimonies .

20

The State, of the lost is a universal condition.

On Monday we went on another hike and some paddled in a stream. A game was started up called" Bananas and Passionfruits ''in which one side dressed up in banana leaves and the others, with passionfruit stems tie.don, tried to hit the other side by throwing passionfruits at them. Akela went out and came back saying he had found the remains of an old fortification on top of a hill; some went up to see it and came li>ack in pouring rain .

On Tuesday we went by bus to Kargudi. That night my six went for a moonlight walk, as it was not going on elephants next day. Next morning, when the other had gone for their elephant ride, two of us found a little path leading from the main road to the FRH drive; going aloni; we savy some tiger's pugmarks and some white monkeys with black faces and Jong tails. We saw ~ome deer slots, and elephant skid marks, going in the opposite direction. We saw a malabar squirrel.

We caught ~ green grasshopper with yellow spots, and red and black under­neath. It had bla'Ck eyes. Suddenly I heard a rustle in the bushes and out sprang a stag and two dee.51. Then a whole herd ran right across the road in front of us. Once we saw a magnifieent stag charging; it jumped over a bush.

Next day, starting off about 5·30 a. m., we went on the elephant; we saw about 10 deer, Jots of monkeys and over 40 bison. The elephant went Jumpety­Jump backwards and forwards. After the ride we went to the eiephant camp. Th·ere is an elephant there ealled Addi and it eats 20 lbs. of rice a day; there is a boy called Ady, so we told Miss Channell that he has to have 20 lbs. of rice a day.

After this I met Barrie and Akel a took us and another cub OD a hike towards Gudalur. Anthony Gilbert went on .with his Six. earlier, and D. Arbuthnot, the camp Quartermaster, brought on, the others later. We had a long bathe in the Moyar; we had a cuppa at a tea shop on the way . We hitch-hiked a lorry and so got back to Ooty-the others had got on the same lorry, and so we got back together.

Lots of love, from

CHRISTOPHER.

(Written by Joy Chase St. ix. about her 1rncle, Edward Shepherd, a Breeks Old Boyl.

The person whom I consider a hero is Edward Shepherd. who won the Military Medal in the Second World War,

When he was taken by surprise he did not feel afraid because he was the only man among two or three of the enemy. in a strange land, Holland.

Even though he was thus at a disadvantage, and his own ammunition ha<l run out, he used bis bGyonet and fought the men ti ll he scared them enough. Then he marched t.hem to the English camp, which was hi" camp, and had them made prisoner. ·

When his bravery became known, he was decorated by the King. This w11.s an ho!lour; and I think he was a hero for this act of bravery.

21

Faith is the Turn Key and fear the turn coat.

Jlllarket ~'1t? ht ! ttunan Jrouinre~

.. ..., ...

In Salowu, our h0me in China, we had very busy market days. The tribes :,: ' people from miles around would come, bringing with them their sacks of rice, their hens or their other produce, and pu_t , them down on the greund ready for the day.

In one corner there would be whose who were selling vegetables. They sat on the ground besids their goods, yelling boisterously to others round them.

h another part there would be those who sold enormous lumps of salt, which they h.ad drawn, in the form of water, from wells, evaporating the water, and thus leaving these huge chunks of salt in the pans.

There would also be those selling brown sugar (in lumps), charcoal, and meat. Occasionall7 there would be a man wh() was selling fish, caught in a mountain stream; but you would see mainly pork, as the Chinese love pig's meat.

In the fruit season you would see many kinds placed on the groun_9,, of different colours and tastes. Cattle also migbt be seen standing in the corner, waiting for some one to buy them.

The people used these market days (once a week) as a gossip time, too. Some would come simply to see their friends and to talk, so there would always be a terrible noise; but they w0uld return home quite happily. '

(ROXIE SMITH STD. X.)

(Kindly described by J. HoL@oMBE EsQ)

These were held on Saturday morning, June 18th. It was an aquatjc adven° ture. because all preparatione and arrangements had had to be made from scratch in five days . The bath had been repaired and physically proved to be water·tight only just before the Inter-School Athletics, which took place on iat1uday the 11th of June, when the water was filled to the brim on test. Only those who have had to do such organising will know the work and clear thinking involved. The Swimming Master, Mr. Ma11on, and Miss Burrel, are to be congratulated on the achievement which resulted from their work and drive.

22

It .is impossible to leave a Sin without coming to the Saviour.

The day of the Sports wa~ about the date when the raiss usually set in in Ootacamund but fortunately it was, fine, though fairly cold. The site of the baths is very lovely. It is tucked away, far from the madding crowd, and reach­ed by paths on the side of a hill, sl'lrrounded by trees. One might im.agine it to be a pa.rt of Norway in summer. · '

One side of the baths was used by the spectators, the other by the contest­ants and Judges. The numbers taking part had been reduced by eliminating heats; the Competition among the finalists was keen. Robin Stanford was not quite so fast in the water as Christopher Holcombe, but swam straighter and took off better; he had bad luck in the 2 lengths where he lost owing to a technical infringement. Alan Smith swam sturdily to brcome Junior Champion, while his two brothers added distinction to the name of the family, and collected numerous peints for Pentland. Peter Darashah did a very good plunge. Among the girls, the puints were divided very ev enly; their diving was on the whole better than that of the boys. With a year's praeticll, it is confidently anticipated that stand­ards will improve and number of entrants will be considerably increased in 1956.

It i~ right that ·acknowledgment should be made to the varieus donors liberality had enabled the Swimming Bath to be constructed and opened. Among whom are the Governor of 1\-Iadras, the Beatrice Laing Trust, the Managements of Breeks School and Lushin gton Hall , and the Parent-Teacher Association which body had initiated the project. Tl1u PTA had raised funds by concerts and entertainme11ts in which the 1st Nilgiris Scouts bad played a large part.

Two veterans of the P. W. D. ~1essrs R. F. Stoney and 'I'. Grant, the latter a n old Breeks boy, both helped greatly in a consultative role in connection with the planning and construction .• They attend ed th is first Aquatic Sports and saw the result of their help and effort .

The Programme closed with the excitement of the Inter-House Relay races. Mr. K . r. Thomas, Headma~te r, Lovlidale School who presided over the Sports, called upon his wife, Mrs. ThomaQ, to distribute the trophies; this was a charming if slightly lhivering ceremony. With the reading of a message of good wiabes from the Governor, Mr. 8ri Pralrnsa, and a vote of thanks by ;\Jr. N. Krishnaswami, Collector of the Nilgiris, this delightful mwniug's function concluded.

23

Grace is dangerously kind to bad people.

The following were the results of the Aquatic Sports.

BOYS

4 Lengths : l. 0. Holcombe 2. R. Stanford 3. A. Smith

Standing Dive (over 13 years): 1. G. Draper 2. P. Darashah ')

V• B . Smith

(under 13 years ) : 1. A. Smith 2. P. Michael 3. D. Bass

One Length Back Stroke (open) : I. A. Smith ~ " · 0. Holcombe 3. B . Smith

Plunge : 1. P. Darashah 2. B. Smith 3. C. Wil ly

One Length Free Style: l. R. Stanford 2. 0. Holcombe 3 . B, Smith

under 13 years): 1. B. Smith 2. A. Smith 3. I l, Bass

Two Lengths Free Style (over l 3 year~) : I. C. Holcombe 2. B. Smith 3. R. filtanford

Relay: -

1. Stevenson 2. Pent land 3. Stanes House House House

Champions (Senior) 0 . HtJ lcombe. (Junior) A. :::\mith .

GIRLS

2 Lengths Open Free Style : l. P. Holben 2. A. Buffa m 3. J. Prichard

Standing Dive : 1. A. Buffarn 2. J. Prichard 3. U. Pond One Length Back

Stroke : 1. P. Holben 2. G. McDona ld 3. A. Buffarn Plunge Open : l. F. Goold 2. A. Buffam 3. J . Prichard

One Length Free Sty le (over 13 years): 1. F. Goold 2. G. McDonald 3. J. Prichard

(under 13 years): l. P. Holben 2. A. Buffarn 3 . U Pond

Relay: 1. Stanes House 2. 8tevenson 3. Pentland House House

Champions (Senior) F. Goold. (Junior) A. Buffam and P. Ho lben. (Tie)

24

No man has the Freehold of his Soul : he is a lease holder and will be held 1·esponsible for Dilapidations.

0 you that have great store of loveliness, Why horde and store and horde and store again? Would it were possible that these could pillage Your miser minds, and drag from out their depths, · The jewels of your thought and your experience. "I've married a wife, and so I humbly pray Have me excusttd." Regretfully, you say! " ... a yoke of oxen. 8os t me the earth my dear! Convey my kind regards for what they're worth." So yoked, 0 Lord, to wife and ox, You see They have no time, or little time, for Thee.

For Thou it is Who gave to them their gifts; rrhose lavish trusts of opportunity. And now with hand restrained , polite, or lax: No mighty flourish here Sower, Who Scattered His treasnrecil grain, to fall. 'tis true Some on the hardene~ rocky ground, and to Mid thorns. But Acattered as a King! Not grain by grudgin g grain, each counted, marked, As now th Pse careful tillers of the human heart; Wedded to Time. Not Artists of their Hoil, Striving by moonlight, early dawn and dusk, But hurryiug home to ease and easy laughter. Never to t ears . 0 Lord, for gain that cannot grow, Rotting or pa rched; •r germ infested; choked.

Give them Thy Tears. Break down their citadel. Plunder their he a rts and give to all these poor, These other hungry poor that sit and starve Within th e murky garrets of their minds Chewing th e cru;<i t s of morbid or crude thought. U nbar these Lord. Unstop these minds; these hearts; These ears. 0 let these hear Thy music. Birdsong, Or Vio.lin. Gri eg, Kreisler . Mendelssohn. These eyes; dull, gla xe!l , or jungle dark, Lit only by excitement for big game. Sightless t o tamer myriad miracles.

25

Nobody climbs alone for other lives are linked with ours by the Rope of responsibility.

INVOOA 1.'ION-Cont.

· People their thoughts with men and deeds of fame. · Thermopylae, Ascent of Everest, Of Albert Einstein.· Va n Gogh and l\I arie Curie Nomadic Abraham from Ur and SRge Tagore. Heroes of Fiction tco and Authors many And places strange, and with still stranger Joi e. No Matter What so that Thou be there in it, No matter Where so that Thou go before, To Tundra ~tark or lnshest Tropic island To haunt of Eel or Eagle, matters not More swift than bird. Yes, swift er than the minute. As swift as light so that Thou lead them th ere. All places else and people e l ~e, but Th ee A.hove all else. 0 Obrist, lead them to Th ee, To Thee, My Lord, Their Lor<l. To Thee at la~t

Q.

~oxin~ 1955.

Boxing is not a compulsory spo1 t but a great many have joined the boxing class this year.

I am very pleased to say that our boxing has improved from la s t year. We came last in the Inter-School boxing tournament, but we must n<•t forget this is only our second year of boxing. 1 am sure that in a few years Breeks will have the best boxing team in the Nilgiris.

On the 24th September 1955, 1\Ir. Walker our boxing Instructor organised a tournament in school. It was a small teurnament but a very successful one. Many parents and friends came to watch and I am sure they enjoyed it.

We have some very fine boxers who will b~ very good by the time Mr. Walker finishes with them, or should I say they linish with him . Among the best are P. Darashah, I. Watson, R. Stanford, R. At:hm11ran, I. Sukumaran and A. Paynter.

I feel verv sorry that I am leaving alld ·will not eFJjoy a few more boxing classes with Mr. Walker and those who wil l be there next year are lucky .

26

Walk in white: it is the best clothing for the heat of the day.

In elosing I ask parents to encourage their boys to learn boxing. They are really safe under the supervision of Mr. Walker. Many have the idea that school.boy box.ing is like professional boxing; gruesome and murdrous but it is far from that and when small boys like Arthur Paynter box so well why cannot others learn also1

Well boxers of Breeks I am very sorry to say "Good-bye;" and the best of luck for 1956.

R. J.

~orkell 1955.

This years the hockey season was very short due t() the Boxing Tournaments and other activities which took up a considerable amount of time.

We have a few outstanding players who excelf and I shall mention them later. We had a good forward line but our rte fence was very weak in spots.

We were successful against St. J eseph 's High School Ooty. 1t was a very even match and we won by one goal. St .. Joseph's College, Uoonoor beat us by a large margin. It was a one sided game throughout. They are an exceptionally good team, and their play is if any thing above the usual school standard. St. George's Homes, Ketti beat us by one goal. It was an exciting game, goals were shot by both sides, and finally they finished one ahead.

Our Juniors lost to St. Joseph's College, Coonoor, but · they were successful against St, Georges There are a few junior players who show much ·promise and as ever hard practise will show good results.

To say something about a few 1st eleven players:-

R. Webb-The Vice-Captain played a good game as centre half-back. T. Pathy-Has the making of a forwud and will go far if he keeps up his

present ability. be.-has a good spirit on the field and uses stick and bead to obvious advantage.

K. Bond-Is a good player but must learn to keep a cool head. He has a good idea of the game.

I. Watson-Played well on the wing but needs more speed and control.

Every Member of the team played hard and did their best and though we did not win we enjoyed 011r games. I feel ~hat the main thing is t"o go all fJUt, to play tbe game, and not just to win.

No one can do better than his best. R. J.

' ·

/

27

Cut across self and you make a canal by which Gods Fulness may meet your need.

This year the gym class has been divided into two; the seniors, and the juniors. The junior class has a good number in it, and seem very enthusiastic; some will be very good gymnasts in time to come. fhey have the right spirit which is going to help coasiderably whra they get into the senior class.

The seniors consist of a small grou.p. Wednesday evening which is our gym day, we go through as many as possible of our exercises, and pick out the best for our exhibition which is being held 011 the 3 lst .of October.

The gym', class is very succesful, and will improve much rn years to come, through Mr. Walker's able and patient teaching.

R W.

~oothaU.

This year the seniors came second in the Inter School !\latches which 1e an improvement on lost year's efforts.

The colts won the Inter Rchool Foot-ball under their Captain K. Bond who led his team we\!. They won all their matches.

The seniors lost to St. Josephs, but won against St. Georges. Some played quality footbalL

H. Joseph, the Vice-Captain was extremely good and Jed the forward line. He well deserve his ''Blue."

Ian Watson played left half back, he was very good at feeding his forwards and became a constant obstacle to their wing tactics.

T. Patby i's a good nggressive forward.

R. W.

28

Conscience is your Com pass; take eare you keep it corrected.

It is the custom, when the Games ;\faster writes a survey· of the games activities of the year, to congratulate the school and its leading sportsmen on their successes, and to excuse defea<t, and falling short as well as possible. This has been left to others this year. After all the Chatterbox is a school magazine, and why should not scholars contribute more than they have in the paet 1 Admitedly the pen may be a p'.>or substitute for the hockey stick or a l-,oxing glove as far as thf' captain of these sports is concerned. May I quote the Principal who in effect said when approving of this innovation.

"Well let----write an accoynt if yon like; it will give him practice in composition writing. We can always reject it if it is no gvod.

---has written an account, it has not been rejected, and we hope it did provide good composition pract~ce''.

.,. It has not been possible to list everyone's ach ievements in the realm of sports this year. How dull such a record would be excrpt to the individual parent. But I would like to comment on the performance of some of our leading games' players. Fun has already been made, politely I hope, of our two stars, and it gives me greater pleasure to describe not only their skill but their co-operation and ent.husiasm. At both Cricket and Football, Webb has been an excellent Capta in. His skill with hockey stick has improved considerably, and with his leadership of the gym. cla~s be is to be congratulated on a fine all round perfor­mance during the year. Joseph h;1s shared wit.h Webb all round distinctioo on the games side of the school life. Personally, I have found his enthusiasm a great enco-eragement. especially in the training of the boxers. Conney and Watson, as Captains of Athletics and Tennis respectively, have also done useful work i11 promoting the smooth running of the games programme. Mr. Fisher and Mr. Darashah have been of invaluable help, and although I mention them last it is not because Iao not feel that the schoor owes much to them for all they have done in assisting in the supervision and coaching of games.

At the time of writing the Hockey House Matches have not been completed, but tLe points for the Bhavnagar Cup are to be found on nnother page. The Singles Tennis Tournaments have yet to be played nnd the Gym. Class is busy training for a display on October 31.

illross illnuutr~ ~utt . .

This was held on tl:ie 23rd August onr the same two and three quarter mile course as 1954 R. Joseph came first in 22 minutes 50 ~econds. B. Hobertson was second, and T. Pathy, third. The He>use order was first, Stevenson; second, Pentland; and t.bird, Stanes.

'

29

It's the man who is always lopking in one direction u;ho gets a stiff neck. ·

Oiricket

This yiiar,; 'we have been quite snccPssful m Cricket. In the Senior Inter School Matches we came secon_d. •

The Colts, under the leaders.hip of _Peter Hill were victorious rn ull their matches, ·anq 'w<;m ·the Inter School _Cricket Cup.

The seniors in the match against St. Josephs College were unfortunate in not bein~ able .to get their captain out . He-was a very goo.a player .arid if we baa been able to dismiss him we might ba,ve won.

Against. St: Georges, we won by an innings and two runs. · This was mostly due to Ian Watson's good bowling. He took 7. wi~kets for ·'.23 mus. ·

BREEKS Verses· ST. JOSEPHS.

BREE KS. Sl'. JOSEPHS.

Batsmen. Runs. Bat -~mEn Huus

R. Michael 0 R Curd ry 0 G. Draper 10 ·J. Jacob 2 P. Darashah 2 E. Coelks 5 J. Watson 0 R Hartly 64 Not out R. Joseph ._ 0 J. Grey 3 T. Pathy 2 Jl.1. Hatberall. 13 R. Webb 31 S. Duncan 4 D. Posipil 3 A. Joseph 2 B. Robertson 0 Shanker 0 L. Stavenhagen . 0 fl. Soaris 6 Not out A Conney . O Not out B. John did not bat . .. 0 Extras 17 Extras 8

Total 65 Total 107

Ian Watson was a great help in the team and often excelled with the ball. Though not very fast, his bowling is of a good length . his slight leg brenk is effective and keeps the batsmen guessing. His batting fielding are of good quality. He is a good player and well deserved his Blue. ·

R. Joseph who was the vice captain helped in many ways. He was a reli ef bowler. His batting is good, if he bas the patience to settle down , though he is inclined to the Hercule!\n stuff prior to having mastered the bowling.

..

...

['

·,'

I,

..... ,.·., ~.. .

SCHOOL CRICKET XI 1955.

Standing:- L. Stavenhaven ; T. Pa thy; A. Conney; D. Pospisil; R. Stanford.

Sitting:- R. Joseph; P. Darashah; R. Webb (Captain); P. Churchwafd; I. Watson; - G. Draper.

"PAST" AND "PRESENT" RELAY TEAMS-1955.

CORNER OF THE NEW SWIMMING BATH

(.i very popular resort)

30

We shouldn't be ·put out so easily if the fire had a stronger hold.

P. ~arashah t~e ~ic)rntk_e?per· s~n;ed ~ b~s · side ·well, and bas a: safe -pair of hands. Someone bas brought him up well with a_ strai'ght bat and . many could profitably follow his mode of defence . He saved the side more than once with a valuable contribution. '

R. Michael, an Australian, was naturally good at cricket. -~is pet strnke being the foward drive which often discourage€! the best of bow'lers. He was usually one of the opening batsmen.

T. Pathy is a good fi.eldsman i he is quick at returning th-e ball, he quite often confused a batsman who 'tbought' the ba ll we-II on its way to _the boundary.

Bowling Averages for the season:_:_

R. Webb 10.06

I. Watson 10.25 ~ •I

R. Joseph 11.32

T. Pathy 12.83

R. W.

We have had a very happy time in Christian Endeavou_r this year and we are very grateful to Miss_ Hipwell for all her help and interest i'n us •.

There are ' about thirtyfive members at eaq,b me'eting .and n'rarly ever.y one has at Rome time .taken a Rp ecial part in them. Also mo'it of us are active mem­bers and are trying ·to live up to our .name by being active for ' t.he Lord.

. . . We have enjoyed the Bible Quizes .between the boys and girls, which Miss

Hipwell has given us on Bible D_ay, the third Friday of every month. I am sure that they have helped us to know more about God's 'Word a.nd also shown us how little we know of it, also speaking and leading in the meet.ings has hel-ped us to speak in pu_blic and will help us in later life ..

We have ·h_ad one soci al this year, before th e September Holidays when Mr. Rimmer spoke to us.

A. STERHETT,

' (Secretary .)

31

God was Enoch's nearest ne1:ghbour.

We1111is au!k ~uh111inton ~ouhles Wournc111te11ts. These were held at the beginning of the year nn<l a good number of staff and

pupils entered. In the tennis, Miss Hurrill and W. Whittemore beat Mr. and Mrs. Walker in the finals. D. Pospisil and P. Hill won the Badminton finals from I. Watson and W. Munro.

~nuse ~ates ®irI's .. Jeut!anb,,

As Captain of Pentland, I have the privilege of congratulating, on behalf of my House, Stanes on their Victory iR Athletics. and Stanes on their J.un ior Netball; let me, thank bot.h Houses for tl'.ie enjoyable games we have played with them.

Thank you Pentland for your oo·operation and bard work. Although we have only ranked second in Athletics, we have been very successful in our Netball. I must. congratulate Brenda and Primrose Kay, who hs.ye done extremely well both on the sportsfield and on the Netball court. Here l must mention Darleen, our star Netballer who has been a real asset to Pentland. Our Vice Captain Florence, has beeB a great help, and has proved to be our champion swimmer.

Let us as a Houfo thank :\Iiss Hurrell our Honse mistress. who has encouraged and h'elped 1n immensely. We must thank Miss Hipwell for organi~ing the games and sports practices.

Good bye and gocid luck Pentland. Always live up to our Motto

WE 1:RE8S, ORWA HD. (NIRMALA RAM.AN CAPTAIN)

I would like to· express a word of thanks . to all the Pentland girls. You've been a grand team this year and have worked well. Never mind that you did not come first in the swim!Uing or the athletics-that others just defeated you. You won some of the cups and thi:i year was just a' warming-up' ready for next year. Keep it up girls, and next year you'll out distance the others! Congl'atu­lations netballer:i-I am sure you can Jo it again next year,

I am sure that you will all join with me in wishing our Captain, Nirmala naman ali the best, a~ she lertves us this year. She has done a wonderful joh. and -~!'s proved such a good sport . that we shall all miss her very much next year.

Once ag ·1 in, many thanks to you all for all your help and co operation-yo1~'rc a grand lot of girls.

D. M. H.

32

Paith is the shaft which links the p1·opeller with power.

~htttcs. The sports this year will be long remembered for the excellent competition

provided by the Stanes girls. I must not neglect this opportunity of thanking Pentland and Stevenson for

the good matches t.hey gave us. HerEi I would like to thank the Stan es girls, though I can't name everybody

Chitra Raman, Glenyss McDonald and Nenetia Thompson should be thanked for their fine display in athletics and netball.

I must also thank Glenyss again, and Anne Buffam for such a fine display of their aquatic ability . Thanks to them we won the swimming sports.

Special mention is due to Chitra and Anne Buffam (Vice Captain and junior Captain) who helped me untiringly to coa eh the girls.

At this point I would like to thank i\Trs. Brincombe for her enthusiasm and encouragement' throughout the year . I am sure we would not have gained half as much without her continual help.

As year succeeds year, victory succeeds victory, and l 95a is no exception, so remember your Motto, Stanes, and-To VICTOnY !

WEN DY MUNRO.

~teu~nsou. At the close of this year it is my privilege and plea3Ure , on behalf of the

Stevenson girls to thank Pentland and Stanes for the good matches they have given us.

Congratulations Star.es on winning the swimming and the athletics cups. The same to you !'entlancl for playing so extrnrnely we ll lt11d winning the netball cup. Thank you Steves for your co-operation and I he good spirit in which you uttende& practices and played the games.

I woul<l like to thank June Pritchard and Rosemary Neech for winning the high jump for their divisions on sports duy. 1 think thPy really need a pat on the back for that , as they practised really hard to attain it. Helen, MudPI, Pam, Biddy, Marjo and Lizz ie also deserve mention for tire points they have brought us in sports and swimmin g ; Prema, 1 think deserves a special bit of praise for her hard wc,rk in class .

Thank you Joy · Best (vice-captain) nnd Bridget Willy (junior captain) for your inv a luable help irr coaclring the girls.

We are sorry to hnve to !<BJ'· good bye" to Miss Patton tvho is leaving us to be married. She has taken a real interest in her House, and has helped us to achi eve so much. We wish her every happiness in her future life.

\Vell, ''Never Surrender" Steves . Even though you have not done very well this year-remember. ·

" I ts not for the sake of a ribboned coat Or the selfish hope of a seasoned fame.

--BUT---Play up, play up, and pl11y the game.

JOY CHASE.

33

God sends His Love to you each morning afresh.

Held on Saturday 24th September at 2-0 p. m.

FIGHT NUMBER. COMPETITORS. WINNERS. ·

1 Red A. Paynter J. Shaw Green J. Shaw

2 K . A thmararn K. Athmaram P. Clark

3 P. Darashah R . .Joseph P. Joseph

4 M. Abb .1tt W. Hamer W. Hamer

5 M. Pritchard · M. Pritchard M. Gloster

6 D, Buffam I. Sukumaran I . Sukumaran

7 C. Weigelt C. Weigelt G. Vines

8 R. Gibson I\. Gibson S. Robertson

9 R. Kendall P. Shanker P. Shanker

101 R. Stanford R. Stanford C. Willy

11 I. Watson R. Joseph R. Joseph

34

From every point on earth you are equally near to Heaven.

As the upper classes in the school are now lal'ge in number, it has been neces­sary to abandon th e long tradition of holding examinations in the Assembly Hall; they t:i.ke pl iLce in the respective c\ass-r<:>oms instead.

In May, the ·B. C. G tt:Jam visited Ootacarnun 1 on behalf of the central health authorities, and all the school wa3 dealt with. In view of the controversy, it is satisfactory to record th;i.t all were ex ,imined again in July, and no bad afte.:­effects were found.

Thank:! to a grant fro:n th e funns of t~e P. T. A, .there are now enough benebes for all to be seated at morning prayers.

In celebration of the J ubi!ee of the Nilgiri Agri -Horti i::ultural Association, a special public display w LS given on the Scho )[ Playing Field, consisting of a torch­light tattoo by m fl m'1er.i of the Madras Regim~ntal Ctintre, Wellington. and a very fine diiplay of 6.rdwc:>rb B )ys of th e Fir:it Nilgiris Tro1p were on duty in mar­shalling the im:nense crowds who gathered.

Vana Mabotsava wa!' cel@brnted quietly in early July. as the school was on holiday . The Cub l'ack attended of tree-planting at the foot of Stonehouse Hill; some mimosa trees wne pianted 11t Lushingt.on Hall; t,he Scout Tropp planted seed lin gs in a piece of land belonging to Union Church, l\Ir. H. McLaughlin pre­siding over the function.

The Union Church c e l~brated its Centerrary with a. week of gosp el services; one evening meeting was especially for yt)ung people, and Hebron School also senl a large contingent to take part in that service.

Cubs and senior girls sold flags for the Friend-in-Need Society on Flower Show day; our Head Gir l, Nirmala Haman, with a record effort collected some Rs. 88 .

The School took part in a new activity, an Inter-School Arts Festival, which was held in August at Coonoor . The participating schools rendered items of Verse Speakio,g and Vocal Numbers. There was also -an Exhibition of handwork, needlecraft, painting and drawiuf(. It is hoped that this will be an annual event on the programme of the lLng lish $peak ing Schools.

Several prizes were won by entrants from Breeks h1 the Oratorical end Gene ral Knowledge Contest arranged at the be.ginning of the ye.H by the . Nilgiris youth rganiz>1tion . They have earned cordial congratulations.

35

Where you live is not the sole factor, it's how.

Although it wa'l int possihlfl for t'he Governor of Marlras to innugu•ate the first Swimminµ Sports, he graciously paid a private visit to t-he Bath in the month of Aug•1~t.

The Needlework classes have moved up frum t.he Theobald Block to the 8nrnll room adjacent to the Hindi room. Miss Blake, despite failing health, continues to inspire her pupils to produce articles of use and beauty.

The Hobbie3 1;ompetition waq re~u~citated Some goo:l subjects were enter-ed, but it is hoped that a greater response will be made in future;

We are extremely gr~t;eful to Circle [uipector P. Menon for having taken the trouble to have several Safety Signs erected in the roadways near school, to ·warn motorists that children may be in danger from the passing traffic.

Epidemics have lasted longer and been more varied than usual. Chicken-pox began in March, and pe,.islied 011 and off into OcLuber. A number of measles cases developed in March-Aprd. Isolated cases occurred (but thanks to due precaution did not spread) of whooping cough. lllUIDps, diphtheria. The scalp ringworm has been alrno3t completely eradicated, only two nearly cured cases remaining in October. Tue aggregate number affected exceeded 20, It is· ear· nestly hoped, aud pr;tyed for, th1t thi~ ye :ir· will se~ the end of this trying form of infection in this school.

The sc1():>\ CJntributed 2 item~ t 1) th e [ L1te r-Seh0Jl Concert at St. George's Homes, held in October io aid of the Friend-in-Need Society, Oota•..::r.mund; They Were a trumpet number, and an an~l.1;siog play, entitled" >lo Excitement."

1Uus liittBion ~~port. . Thi~ year has taken us unawares. Here is the Erlitor on our track again, de­

manding an article; something, anythinl! . well, not exactly anyi!ting Here is som'lthing then, Mr. Editor.' a little soa e thing' as Pooh would say. Andi · would have been much more, and bettPr, and •Ven amuging too, if you would on ly give us time. There was once a Good Idea we're all working on. A sort of "Broad­cast Talk_ About Lushington." The first liue l remember went something like tr.is. "Cough! Gi!!gle ! ~hoooh ! Whaaang ! Ow! as heard by Mr. and \lrs. Walker 011

the' Bright and Early' programme .

It is a. pity, because it would have been good. But we are all much too busy marking things like papers and clothes __ ... which reminds me, you should rPai ly hear what some of th e matrons sa1· when they are searching for the names ou pillow slips for in~t:u1ce And of course onr immeiliate responsibilit.y is to inue11t a Staff Ite;n fur tl1e Breaking fTp Party. And that is Next week. Fortunatel y we lrnve t.he cheerful and y0uthful ~fiss lhiley to insi~t that. we be young again. Refl.!ly, a matron's, like a policeman's, (and an Eoitor) lot . is not n hnppy one.

36

Our walk ·is more important than our talk.

Which reminds ru e again ... really our Policemen are wonderful! Actually though, our Police, backed by _y rilver, hive done us many a good turn. Do you remember the time Mr. Editor, five years ago, when two hundred rupees were stolen from the School Office? The thief left part of his haul behind in the lab, and you advised the police to conceal themselves in there on the following night, and caught him? And what about the time, more recent, that Morrie had his borrowed bicycle stolen at. camp? There was much prayer then, too. An<l it was found by the police at the bottom of a pond. And Miss Channell's spectacles? I like to rememher the good fight she put up with her umbrella, but the most effective weapon was prayer again. Two months later the police brought her the thief and the spectaclfls for identification. I think it was his tyred suede shoes that he was still wearing that gave him away, wasn't it? Yesterday our malis caught a young fellow carrying away the top step to the swimming pool A stolen camera was recov ered in Tellicherry and Miss Hipwell's clock was found for her by the Police. In both these cases the man was caught too. In all these things we return thanks t.o God. Truly His Eye is upon us for good. I was for­get.ting those tools stolen last year from the manual room. The police found them in Gudalnr.

So this is going to be a •Count Your Blessings' article, anrt we'll begin with last evening when David and Rruce and Peter lassoed a Tod a buffalo which, in spite of all the good fences . the Todas are determined shall nightly visit us. They had a demonstration of this wild west stuff, which greatly surprised them. It surpris­ed rne. They c::in s ee it has possibilities i'or us.

More generally, we are so thankf~that once again all our staffing needs have been continuously met throughout the year. Miss Reid's sojourn amongst us has bPen only on e of m any delightful reminders 0f a. Father's watchful care. Mis.:i Reid, we will miss you, and when you leave a bit of us will go with you. God blesa you.

Miss Reid, who was on a year's long service leave. was looking somewhat t.irPd by August, after r x periencing several months of' holidaying' at Lushington, and so a month's tour of S. fndia was suggested for her while Mrs. Jarrold once more stepped into the breach. To Mrs. Buffam, and to Mrs Francis too, we are alike indebted . We we re so glad to welce9rrie back Miss Channell and Miss Craig'. i{eally one could write an article on Miss Channell alone. Remind me, next year. Altogether we must b e thankful for the wonderful team spirit and in this we must not forgP-t th e servants who are as much an integral part of Lushington as an y one.

You will all be gla<l to know that, the gnort nursing traditions bPgun bv Sister ·Jeffries, now Mrs. Grnvett, and carried on by Sisters l\lills, de Carteret, Brown, Grant and Spencer nre being quietly and effici ently carricld on by Sister Sturt, who wit,h th e skilful co-operation of our Dr. Achyutan (Rao Sahib) does a fine job. i\s a parent. l feel we ow e t.hem ancl all the sba ff a tremendous debt of gratitude.

Ann t.no, Jam sure it will be a comfort to parents to know what excel!Pnt m edi cal attention is available now at the Govt. Hospital where the D. M. O. Dr.

37

Let God choose your friends.

Mathew and the A. D. 1\1. 0.- Thimappa, who is a specially gifted with children have been of repeated ass istance in several serious cases of accident, all of ·which have made good recoveries. Teeth have had good attention by Dr. Johnson nnd no medir.al report would be complete without reference to 'Our' Ringworm. This is now reduced · to two cases only, both of which should clear in the next two months. We are indeed grateful for thi s great mercy. No one could call thie a good article. To much has been left out.

The Complete, Human Boy for instance. A complex Greature. Remind me to write. an article on him, next year.

D. L. Willy.

®irl1s ®a1nez 1.955 ..

At the beginning of the year the House Captain's were elected as follows:­Pentland: Nirmfl.la Raman, with Florence Goold as Vice-Captain; Stanes: Wendy Munro, with Chitra Raman as Vice-Captain; Stevenson: Joy Chase, with Joy Best as Vice -Captain. These six girls have fulfilled their responsibilities well throughout the year, and we are glad that five out of the six will be witli us next year. We shall be· very sorry to lose Nirmala, and we w ish lier every success when she leaves school at the end of the tim.

ATHLETICS.

The School Sports were held on April 2'frd and April 28th and in these Stanes came first, Pentland second, Stevenson third. \Ve Col!gratulate t)tanes on a very creditable performance.

Tbe Inter-School Sports were held on J•rne l l t.h and our girls came fourth in the 8cliools' Competition. June Pritchard deservr.s special congratulation on winning the High Jump in the 2nd Divi:ti'on and Glenyes McDonitld and Flerence Goold for gaining record place in the Jst Divi~i<>n 200 meters flat race and skipping respectively. The athletics colon rs awarded were as follows: - Half Blue: Florence Goold and Chitra Raman, (Glenyes MnDonald, Wendy Munro and l3rend:t Kav having gaised their Half Blue in 1954.) Hon. Me11tion Nirmala Raman and June Pritchard.

NETBALL.

The following gir ls were chosen to represert:t the school in the Netball League:­

Seniors N B.aman (Capt.) W. Munrn (Vice-napt. ), S. Sulrnmaran, C. Raman, G. McDonald, D. Tiesse n, B .Kay. Reserves: ~t Webb, J. Chase. Juniors: F. Goold (Capt.) , V. Thompson (Vice Capt.), 11 . Willy, P. Kay, l\I. Churchwar<l, D. Rama Ra'l, P. Sukumaran Reserves: B. Minchin, A. Bnffam.

The whole armour of God is awkward wear for easy chafrs.

As the Competition started rather late this year, the final result has not been announced at the time of writing. Although the Senior Team has only won one match the girls have played hard. Wendy Munro. as centre, has kept the t.eam t.ogether and has saved it from many a disaster by her consistently good play. She always seems to be where she is needed most! Darlene Tiessen and Gienyes McDonald have combined well to make a good defence, and on Glenyes departure June Pritchard has shown promise in her place, but the weak point in our senior team has been the shooting and more mtensive pratioe seems to be indicated.

The Juniors have done well, having won all their matches except those against St. J_oseph's and Nazareth Convents. Bridget Willy deserves special mention for her extremely good defence. ~he, like Wendy on the Senior Team, has saved the juniors fror:µ adverse sc0res. Among the other players, Primrose Kay makes a very good defence and Venetia's and Devika's accurate shooting is due to their con~cientious :rn? unfailing practice.

We would like to th 9.nk all the schools in the Netball Tournament for their kindness, CCJ-o.peration and hospitality and especially would we thank Miss Hall for allowing our teams to play very helpful friendly matches against St. Hilda's

We regret not being able t,o announce the results of the Ho1~se Matches, but owing to bad weather these have not yet been completed. The final result will be announced in a different cc.lumn. P/S.:-Final Results lst Pentland 12 points; 2nd Stevenson 11 points and 3rd Stanes l point.

The following awards were made for Netball:­

Half Blue: W. Murfro, D. Tiessen, M. Webb.

Hon. Mention : J. Pritchard, B Willy, V. Thompson, F. Goold, P. Kay, D. Hama !tao.

TENNIS.

This year the ju;iiors ha ve had more t.ime for tennis than the seniors and they have profited by Mrs. Willy's a ble coaching. Many of them show promise and we hope that. thP.y will have some opportunity of practisiug in the holidays so that uext yea r they m11y play r ea lly well.

K. G. H.

®irls' ~fuhtuniug, 1955~ Tliis year swimming has . started in earnest. a•n<l i11 spite of onP. or two things

which meant we did not. have any practice for several months, the girls are making progress. Several have learnt to swim, aud the remainder w.ho have not yet mastered thii? art .Bre very keen. Indee .-l , judging by the speed at whirh the girls arrive at the pool, we can safely say that swimming is the most popular less0n on the curriculam. !

A human touch usually carries a Divine Contagion.

Our sports Day was on June 18th, and in spite of lack of. practice the girls put on a good display. Congratulations to Florence Goold-who won the Senior Cup, to Anne Buffam aud Penelope Holben w~o tied for the Junior Cup. Some of the girls show promise in their diving so next year we hope to give quite a good display of diving as well as swimming at the Sports.

Our dressing shed which was recently erected is indeed an as~et, and greatly appreciated by all.

We are indeed looking forward to a successful year next .year an<l hope that soon every girl will be allle to swim like a fish or should we say, like a mermaid .

[ would like to thank Mis3 Hipwe ll and Mrs. Walker who have helped me . with the Swimming .

(D :\.!. 11 )

Remembering the words'' Prayer changes things," a few of us realizing that we were no longer to have a Senior Christian Endeavour, met together for prayer. After four or five prayer meetings we felt led to start a Christian Union and decided to carry on, as many other such Unions do, without a member of staff. A committee of four was chosen but we realised that we were not able to stanJ on our own feet. as yet. Once again we went to pr.ayn for guidance, asking the Lord whom He would have as president, and felt led to ask Mr. Brinicombe, wh o has had experience of th is nature. He bu been able to give us much needed ad vrice which we all appreciate a grtJa t deal.

During tLe year we have had a few Guest Speakers one of wlom, Mr. Neech , gave us a series of four talks on Acts. We are now on the secrnd Epistle of Timothy which has proved an interesting study.' Mon y of our douLts have bee n solved by the questions asked and answered.

We have had a few social meetings : one was at the manse and \le would li f<fi to express our thanks to Mrs. Darashah for her kindness and hospitality. We would also like to thank Miss Brent for the use of Clifton Grange where we had n ''sing-song". Our numbers have almost doubled since the beginnin g of the year. Our primary purpose was to meet for pra yer and we believf>, as a Union, that "prayer clianges tLings " .

'JJ1e Committee.

40

We cannot cram for Gods examinati"ons.

The P. T. A. has had a normal and useful year of work. lt is a pity that with such a wealth Of good speakers the parents do not take better advantage of our monthly meetings, for the subjects discussed ace always of vital importance to them.

Our warm thanks are due to His Exrelleocy, S1·i Sri Prakasa, Governor of Madras, who inaugurated the "Careers of Pupils" lectures with a most interesting and instructive lecture on this subject. Other lecturers whom we wish to thank for so kindly sparing the time to come and lecture to us on such a diversity of subjects are Dr. Hurriharan of the Anti-T. B. Campaign, Miss l~eid, Principal of a Public School in Sydney·now on a year's leave at Lushington Hall, Dr. K. P. Joseph, our Local Municipal Health Officer, Miss 0. Williamson, Lecturer in our newly opened Government Arts College and Mr. 1. Absolom, Principal of this College . The closing meeting of the year (after going to Press) is to be held on October 31st and will be in the capable hands of Mr. Mason and Mr. Walker. Mr. Mason's popular school choir will render a. special selection of Christmas Carols and we are much looking forward to the Gym. Display promised us by Mr. Walker.

\Ve are greatly indebted to our Ladies' Hospitality Committee who faithfully serve our teas month by month, and who ran 11uch a successful Refresliment Stall on our two Sports Days-thereby· adding Rs. 75/6 to our Association Funds. Mrs. Sterret has earned our grateful thanks for the Barter Sale she so kindly and capably organised-one quarter of the receipts going to School Funds. This realised Rs. 384/11 for the P. T. A,

/

Mr. Mason worked very hard over his Handwork Display and Hobbies Exhibition held on May 24th in lieu of the usual meeting. We heartily congratulate him. The parents attended in large numbers a.nd voiced their days appreciation of all there was to be seen,

This year has seen the erection of a. Boxing Ring in the Gymnasium, the long awaited opening of a Swimming Pool at Lushington, and the purchase of a three speed Record Player which has been invaluable in the Musical Appreciation classes. To all tht:i parents and friends who contributed so generously towards these efforts we offer our hearty thanks. Detailed reports of the•e activities appear elsewhere in our pages.

Due to the warm support and strenuous endeavours of our indefatigR ble President our meeting8 have received a new impetus. To her and to our fail hful and hardworking Treasurer Mr. Brinicombe we wish to record our deep gratitucle.

This year has seen quiet but steady achievement and we look forward to the same help and co-oper11tion from our members in tlie year ahead

M. A 11 ari, (Honorary Secretary. )

1954 Oct.

41

Opportunity may be a ticket for a long jour11.ey but it is generally available jor the Day of Issue only.

Parent-Teacher Association Financial Statement.

OCT. 1954- SEPT 1955.

RECEIPTS. ExPENDITURE.

Balance B. F. . •• 3,664 15 0 Towards swimming Sports Day Teas Pool ... 4,216 0 0

and sale of Programmes balance

Barter sale Subscriptions

75 6 0 384 11 0

. 734 7 0 1955 Sept.

30

J\tq letics.

Record Benches Repair of Record

Player Sundr.ies (tea etc.) •• .Balanee in baud

BOYS' DIVISION

100 0 (l

120 0 0

21 4 0 ti j 8 \:I

329 10 3

4,859 7 0

On the 23rd aGd 28th of April the Annual School Sports were held on the School Games Field. Athletics from 0all three houses distinguisl:ed · t hemseh·es . Sri M. G. Mathew presided and Dr. Srimathi Mathew distributed the prizes.

There were no new records set up . . R. Joseph, B .. Webb, T Pathy, anrl A. Conney were the leading athletes. N. Sahni, last years champion, would l1nv e given us greater competition, although we did meet him in the Old Boys vs: th e school Rel Ry.

Division I Events.

100 yards 200 yards 440 yards 880 yards High Jump Long Jump Hop . Rt~p & Jump Putting the Shot

RESULTS.

First.

A. OonnPy A. Conney A. Conney A. Conney H. Webb A. Conney R Webb A Conney

Second.

R. Webb n. Webb IL Webb n.. Webb A. Conney lL Webb A. Conney R. Webb

42

J(nock again when the Door Seems Boett:d for it's pretty Good proof that there's some one in.

Division l,l 100 yards 220 yards 440 yards ~80 yards High Jump Long Jump Hop, Step & Jump Putting the Shot

R. Joseph R. Joseph R. Joseph H. Joseph R. Joseph R. Joseph R. Joseph T. Pathy

Division III ·100 yar<ls 2:20 yards 440 yards 880 yards High Jump Long Jump Hop, Step & Jump l' utting the Shot

R. Durr R. Burr R. Kendall

R. Kendall R. Burr R. Kendall

Open Events. " Pole Vault :~ R. Webb.

R . Stanford.

Discus Throw:- A. Conney. R. Webb. R. Michael.

T. PatLy T. Pathy C . Holcombe T. Pathy T. Pathy T. Patby T. Pathy R. Joseph

V . Parton R. Kendall V. Parton

R. N .. ech R. Kendall R. Burr

RELAY:- 6 x 6 x

200 metres. Divisions I and II. (Stevenson lat; Stan es 2nd) 100 metres. Divisions III and IV (Pent.land 1st; Stevenson 2nd)

TUG O'W AR:- Stevenson 1st; Pentland 2nd

The House Cup was won by Pentland, beating Stevenson by 18 p!ilints, the totals being 145~ and 127~.

In Division I the Victor Ludorum Cup was won by A. Conney. In Div. II R Joseph. In Div. IIJ. R. Kendall.

The Sports we-re a real success, the credit going to the staff and parents who organized it so well. We hope that next years athletes will show the same good spirit witnessed in previous years.

A. 0 .

43

Jealousy's Breath is certain to cloud the mirror and make proper reflect1:ons difficult.

On tne 1 lth bf Ju.neat precisely :9': 25- a. m., the Fifta Annual Inter-School Athletic Sports were de~lared open ~fter , a· solemn oath taking ·ceremony. The

sports were held: at the Rajendrasi~hj1 S'adium, Mad~a3 Regimental Centre,

Wellington. Lt .Coi . .P. U. Rajaratna'~· pre~ided, and Mrs. Rajaratnam distributed

the Certificate~ and C~ps. Our results we~e not discouraging seeing that we were

_few in number compared to St Joseph's, Coonoor.

Seniors. F'irst

100 met~es 2'00

" 400 " 86{) " High Jump R. Webb

Broad Jump Hop, Step & Jump Discus . A. Conney Shot Put A. Conney Pole vault R. Webt:> Hurdles R. Webb Relay

( 4 x 100 metres)

' Inters. Disc tis C. Conney

Sub.Juniors · 'Broad Jump K. Bass

Second

A. Conney R. Joseph R. Joseph R. Joseph

R. Joseph R. Webb

-

nreeks

..

Third

R. Joseph A . . Conney

A . Conney

R. Webb

-.

Breeks tied sacbnd .wfth Ketti·: O'u~ athletes put up a time show and displayed good sportsman~hip · which ·did credit ·to .our SchooL We wish our next years athletes the very best t · '

A. C.

COLTS XI WINNERS INTER SCHOOL 1955,

Standing:- A. Smith; I. Berry ; S. Robertson ; G. Lazrado; D. Bass; M. Pritchard,

Sitting:- R. Gibson; R. Lissenborough; K. Bond {Captain); R. Neech; J. Raman.

(

CUBS OFF TO CAMP.

Here we are again,

Happy as can be

La de du de da La de da de dee All good Cubs and Jolly good Campers we.

Three Champions of the Inter School Athletic Sports.

(Nos. 1 & 2 broke records)

Names:- No. I. A. Conney , No. t. H WeLb , No 3 . P'arasmal

44

Don't lose heart if the goal seems difficult, many a match has been won by a " Try ". . ·

. -

'Cilzimp J\lpfrahet.

A is for All 'of us down at the Camp

B is for Bruce who looks like a tramp

C is for Camp where we make a short stay

D is for Draper who sings like a jay

E is for Eric so full of good cheer

Fis for Food of which we all share

G is for Gordon who seldom does swank

H is for Hollie who runs like a tank

I is for ME as you all will agree

J is for Jam which we get with our tea

K is for Knowledge-we're learning a lot

L is for Lutzy who always talks rot

M is for Michael who swims like a seal

N is for Neeebie whose bugle does squeal

0 is for Ooty why must we go back

P is for Possie who works like a black 1

Q is for Quiet when everyone~s out '

R is for Robin who suffers from gou~

S is for Smiths with faces so Breekie

T is for TR - - - Y whose talk is ao cheeky

U are all queer; unl(')SS you are not

V is for Vin who's half off his dot

W is Willy as· broad as he's long

X is for Eggs so stinky arid strong

Y is for Youth but by no miians past

Z is for Zeal from first to last.

45

Little sins are little gerrns; You may not think it true, Though you'll stay in bed with a cold in your head, Wi case it turns to "Flu''.

~ofnlers~ (A L L GENUINE)

An audience is a number of people who go to church and listen. A congregation is a number of people who go to church and do not list en . St. iv

The animals ran away because th ey saw imag in ary noises. (Iri sh pupil) Ht. x·

I should lik e to know about missionaries and read their biologies, St. x.

G . D. gets scolded when be blows h·is noise in class. St . ix ,

E11rydice 0nly managed to get almogt out of the underground. S t . x.

I was chased by a rnad dog on a cycle. St. ix.

I fou nd an atheist (a phis?) ou these potatoes. Natural History Society.

He burnt his boats behind him and therefore he had no loop-hole throug :; which to escape. (N ot even a port-hole.) Sii. x.

The famous wilderness scout of Amer ica was named Lorna Doane. St. ix .

Robert Louis Stevenson made the first steamboat. St. ix.

At the Downs there are a lot of a Golf Courts. ~t. ix.

A State is an organized community. St. ix .

l\1 r. C, had 6 chi ldren a ll together. St. ix.

Some very amusing class l'Oom howlers have come to hand though not all from B reeks School. •

l. Shakespeare was th e author 0f "omlet"

2. The plural of. Ox is Oxo.

3. Crewe is th e biggest conjun ction in l' ugland.

4. The Menai Straits are spanned by a tubercular passage.

5. Water is composed of t wo gins Oxygin and Hydrogin. Oxyg in is pure gin and Hydrogin is gin and water.

6. Doctors now treat patience(?) with U ltra Violet-rays.

7. A circle is a round s trui ght line with a hole in the middle.

8 . Oli\·e commit ted suicide three times.

9. Possibly written by a boy who had just visited a se lect .J azz band perform9nce . "Some instruments used in an orchest r a are :-vil es, cellarf' . tr ump ets, hornets baboons, old boys nnrl bubble Lases." l\ow we know t

.. 46

A man should pray at least as often as he winds his watch or

he too will be in danger of running down.

AUTHENTIC HOWLERS. (From letters Std. ii)

'How are the Dogs and Dad'? I jest abote got butered by a cow larst fryday

The grocer made 20% prophet on his Tea Std. X The Jones family have some simes cats (Std. 5.)

CHOICE HOWLER::l -GENUINE-NOT ALL BREEKS.

Edgar Wallace was chosen King of Scotland by Edward 1st. Herrings go about the sea in shawls.

Arsenel is a kind of poison. People lose their cousciences when ill.

Einstein was a we ll known german maker of pianos What is the milky way? Tli u way you feed infants.

Don alphons a is a spanish gangster of Chicago. Lack of Vitamins will give rise to "Crickets" .

. The "Pigs" and "Storks" invarled England.

J\pprrtiation of Qh1phtins' Jlla~.

CRICKET.

R. Webb :-A Captain's duties at Cricket are not easy to discharge. The responsibilities of the team are often detrimental to the Captain's personal play. Webb, however, lead his eleven in batting and bowling. His judgement was at fault at times in the handling of his bowlers, and he seemed unwilling to make changes when it was neceasary. As a batsman, be has mastered a number of st rokes. as bi3 innings aga inst St Jogep h's College demonstrated, but he lacks the conc~ntration necessary to keep batting well for any l~ngth of time, be headed the ba tting ao nly>is.

FOOTBALL.

R. Webb :-Although inclined ;.o act a little too defensively in his position as centre-half, Webb played hard a.ud inspire] his team by' personal example. ·

HOCKEY.

R. Joseph :-Skill was the great failing of the team this year. Apart from Webb and Pathy, Joseph stood out from th e rest of the eleven by his superior stick work. At times he held th e ball t on l ori~ in stea d of passing. This fault was more than compensated by his persistently hard work al l over the field in attack and defence . The mf\tch against St. J ose ph's College particularly showed up hie qualities as both player and captain. ·

47

What Could they say if Christ should come today.

Interest this year has been maintained and membership has increased considerab~y, thanks to Mrs. Brinicombe's influence and efforts.

The season's programme began with a social evening on \,he 9th July at Lushington Hall, by kind permidsion . Our guests were Mr. and Mrs. McLaughlin and Mr. and Mrs. Mackay. Mr. McLaughlin's talk gave us an interesting first hand aacouut of ''Motoring in Ameriea" Later, he also contributed a very amusing stor.v about a tiger. Mr. Mackay gave an informative talk on the "Falk­land Islands,'' all the more interesting becausi it was drawn from his own experiences .

We havP had numerous debates in and out of school. Two of the most stimulating were t.hose discussed later in the Inter-School Debates. The first of these was held at St. Hilda's, the official speakers from Breeks being R. Joseph and E. Anderson. The subject was based on one of Aesop's fables: "Was the ant right in refnsing to help the Cricket?" The second Inter-School Debate, held at Lovedale, was on the subject, "motives matter more than actions.'' Our official speaker was P. Darashah. Other schools taking part were Lawrence. Rt. George's, Hebron, St . Joseph's Convent, St Joseph's College . The counter­motion won by a large number of votes.

Our younger debaters frnm standard VII nobly sustained onn debate on "Capital Punishment." Time proved much too short for all that might have been sa!d in this theme.

AND SO - "THE DRBATE CONTINUES."

It remains for me to thank M.r. McLaughlin for valuable help and advice from time to time, Mrs. Brinicombe for a great deal of hard work, and Mr. Willy for continual stimulating help and encouragement.

On behalf of all those who, like myself, are leaving the debating society this year, I wish it snccess in 1956 and more happy debating years to come.

-RONALD JosEPH (Honorary Secretary)

48

What you can't do to the glorv of Goel, leave a.lone.

®biter ~irta.

"Are you going down to the gamesy 1 am Let's put on our gamesies and both go down. I can't find my runnies, and I've got to go over to hossie first. I hope we don't have to wear rainies and gumbies to-morrow."

(Glossary: gamesy-games field or games clothes; ru1rnies-runnin,g shoes; hossie-hospital; rainies-raincoats; gum hies-gum boots.)

Received by a matron: requisiton list for toilet goods, headed "Stationery. '

Directions written for the cobbler's guidance:-

Please take the lump inside out,

Please soe the soal on.

Please stitch the back to the front.

(i. e. the inside lining to the back of the heel.)

J1ea for "~eber

illrirket ~ie"

This game is not played . anything like enough for one reason and another at Breeks. People say it is too slow; as for merely watching it, it bores them, they never bat long enough to compensate for the ordeal of fielding, and in fart they have no use for it. Quite true, there are a number of folk who have these views but the majority of them are 'hopeless'. A keen cricketer is nearly always a good sportsman and one who can 'play the game' ,even if not very skil lful ly. I have played in all manner of games both in India and England and the greatest charm of all of them is the uncertainty of the game. Whether it be village cricket on the green, playing for one's school, a club cricket week . playing on matting, as in Ooty, there is always thnt element of uncertainty which gives a side hope. A long time ago in Bangalore our side began their second innings over night with 250 runs to make to avoid an innings dPfeat. We lost one wicket that evening for 0. Next day, we batted to such puq,ose that we made over 350 runs and left our opponents about an hour to make I no runs to win The finish, of course, was most exciting as there was not too much time and runs hrtd to be made quickly against good bowling backed up by very keen fielding. In the end our opponents won on time with four wickets in hand. Twenty four hours before, spectators were preclicting a finish by lunch time. And then the game is called dnll ! ''never say die".

49

Be humble or you'll stumble.

A short time ago, a very strong side visited Bangalore and got the home tea m out for exactly 100. A very easy win was expected for the visitors and all retired to lunch-one side jubilant and the other with the ' well-we-aren ·t-beaten-yet' spirit. Whether it was the luuch l do not know, but the visitors had Jost 8 wickets for 40 runs and things were looking desperate . The tables had been completely turned. Nos. 8 (a batsman relegated to that position after several failureR higher up) and 10 were in. 10 and l l were both bowlers from whom nothing might be expected. No. 8 howev er was see ing the ball like a L)Ot-ball an'l went for the bowl ing, while his partner, who tried to avoid the bowling as much as possible, blocked every ball. Before the pair were separated the score was 92 and No:i. 1 , and 11, the last pair were left with 9 runs to make to win. Amidst huge excitement the task was accomplished and the visitors won after all by I wicket, "never say d

. " . . 1e •

Some fel lows have a good eye and always seem to make runs, but bv cons~. an t practice and concentration any boy can become tol erably good. Tho ball inust be watched . Do not go in to bat witli the idea that the first ball mus t be hit of six. On the other baud do not be frightened of th e first ball. Greet it on its merits an d beat it hard if a really bad ball. A good tip is to sit in the sun wh en waiting you r time to go in. T~is accustoms your eyes to the light.

I rather doubt wh ether a man can make up hi ~ mind to bowl w~ll. A subj ect all on its own. Anybody can, however, learn to fi e ld well. Keenness is th e secret. Every ball that is bowled you should expect to be hit to you. It is an awful thing to be found asl ee p when a catch comes your way. Anyone who is prone to sluruber should not fi e ld ''point or slip." A snick and it is eiLh er four runs or a retiri11g batsman. Keep awake and on your toes s-0 th at you can anticip a te where a ball is going. It is uncanny how good fields do this. If µlaced in the 'Coantry' whne balls are fewer. do not get bored. The big catch will com e, the batsman well set is dismissed and it may be th e turning point in the ~am fl . . Cri c k ~ t then is a game of uncertinties and a Ride-of whow You are one-should" never say die ."

There's a breathless hush in the cloRe tonight

Play up, Play up and play the game.

~Nfural ~istor~ ;§ocief~ - ~ofes 1955~ Fortunately. or unfortunately, this year our log containing al l records bas

been sent to England. Along with specimen paintings of plants and birds found in Ooty, it will be exhibited at the British Natural History Museum, by th e Association of Schcol Natural History Societies. of which we are now a member.

You will see then, that I must rely on my memory which is not at its best at the end of term . with the middle school exams looming up. Two 'At Homes' , tLe

50

Yesterday and tomorrow arfi. both out of your reach.

latter for members only, have been Leid. The former had 'The Potato' in all its many ramifications, as its theme. Decorations ranged froru tobacco, chillies, tolliatoes, to deadly nightshade and goosberry, all of which come from this versatile family. Mrs. McLaughlin is perhaps the first lady sionce Marie Antoinette to accept a bonqu4lt of potato blooms. Debating, in which our guests joined,. was excellent. Potato chips were not the only things enjoyed that night.

Expeditions have been fewer this year, the main being a visit to Nanjanad Agricuftural Research Station, a visit to the Pasteur Institute and Silkworm station close by, an Inter-Schools Ramble, and a visit to the Game Preserve at Kargudi, about 40 miles from Ooty. Members were fortunate to have seen a herd of bison, the perfect planing flight of a flying squire!!. several varieties of wood peckers and two racket-tailed drongoes, two sarnbur, two snakes, and deer galore; fifty butterflies herded together in an area a foot square, and innumerable tracks of innumerable animals. Plaster casts were made by David Brinnicombe.

The Society has started a Nursery 'Project' for trees and shrubs from other lands, mostly Australia, so far, thanks to the Co-operation of Miss Reeve and Mr. Alan Eddy, a nephew of Miss Reed, who has sent us many packets of seeds to try out. Quite a good proportion 0f these have germinated. Future work, however, should be inore scientific. A certain amount of budding en wild briars has also been done. The girls had fun sawing saplings into lengths, and the boys in hammering up the fence, for the nursery.

Lectures have been held fairly regular every Monday, interru}:ilted only by holidays and examinations.

The following members spoke:

Joy Chase D. Brinicombe R. Joseph B. Robertson K. Bond C. Willy J. Pritchard D. Tiesson G. Macdonald C. Holcombe

Kandy Si lkworms 'Pigeons Monkeys Caribou Ergot Spiders Bees Ants Horses.

Onr special thanks are due to the following: Mr. Raghavan, B. Sc. Mr. Ramakrishna, B.Sc. Mr. Henry, who gave two very interesting lectures on 'Birds' and who very expertly illustrated a page of our Bird and Animal book. We are indebted to him.

Mr. Sampath, who as a botanist, gave an absorbing lecture on the mutations caused by X-Ray and various drugs . He has offered his help with experimental work .

51

The man who says he has had no call has probably. left the rereii·er off.

Mr, Mackay, who is a shikari of note, and gave a fascinating talk on Big Game We look forward to hearing all these lecturers again.

Miss Munro who sent two extremely poisonous armour-plated spiders and a wonderful tail.of peacock feathers.

Mrs. MacLaughlin, who gave us old mosquito nets to make into butterfly nets and, who with her husband, has encouraged us by her presence.

Mr. Berry who made it possible for us to make a butterfly cabinet.

Miss Reed, who opened our Nursary Project.

Mr. Stoney, who has on several occasions lent us most valuable books.

Col. Pythian Adams, who has inspired us by his many collections and his advice.

Mr. Michael, who demonstrated the budding of Roses & once again, to Miss Reeve & Mr. A. Eddy, B. Sc.

This year the Society won first prize (Six Rupees and a Silver Spoon) at the Flower Show for the most originally decorated table. Use was made of tLe embryo.nic collection of butterflies. Perhaps it was worth it, but we are a little doubtful.

Fellow members of the N. H S. we are not unaware of the difficulties we have had to face this year, and I wish to congratuate you on a good ye.1r's work . Ou r best wishes go with Bobby Webb and with Ronald Joseph. I wish l had seen tha t j ungle hen's nest. Remember, old members, yo11 are al ways welcome,

D. POSPISIL,

( Hon. Secretary.)

~ouse ~otes (~o~s.) Je11tla11b.

Here is the end of another year, and again it is my privilege to write Hause Notes.

Well done Pentland, you have played well. winning the ath letics and football. We must congratulate Stevenson on winning the Bhavanagur Cup, and Stanes for their keen and sporting spi.rit iQ the various games.

52

There are many who open the door to Gcd but keep it on the chain.

In the different sports some showed up above others.

A. Cun ney our Vice-Captain was a great help to the House inspiring the juniors in thE athletics and doirig well himself. T. Pathy was a good all-rounder and helped the team immensely. R. Lissenborough and R. Gibson were a constant obstacle to the opposing forwards in football and hockey, playing their part well as backs . · ·

Special credit was due to Mr, Darashah our House Master in coaching and inspiring the boys in their different items we thank him for his great help.

Although we could not win the Bhavanagar Cup this year. don't forget to do so next year and Good-bye! Pentland! Best of Luck and remember "We l'ress Onward ."

R. WEBB.

P. S. With characteristic modesty our Captain has left himself out of the "House" picture, but I would be failing in my duty if I refrained from saying how Bobby has inspired his House with the spirit of a true sportsman not only by bis own high ende:wours but by constantly making the younger fol~s feel they must put their all into it for the glory of the House. We say gcrod-bye to a worthy Captain who will be much missed and wish him all the best in the aviation career he has chosen as his life's calling.

J. DARASHAH.

~htttes. On behalf of Stanes House, I mu11t congratulate Stevenson House on win­

ning the Bhavanagar Cup.

Although we did not do very well. I am sure that every one tried hard for the House in all the games.

We came equal in the cricket and last in the other two games.

If we had had more swimmers we might have done better in the swimming sports. Only Holcombe did well. He was the senior champion.

Iu athletics Holcombe also did very well by coming second or third in most of the evP11t8.

C. Parasmal our vice-captain tried very hard for the House in all the games.

K. Bond was a great help in all three games and we look for great things . frol'.I). him on 1956.

R. Burr our junior captain Jed the tellm well and it is a pity that he is leaving at the end of this year.

\Ve were glad to see that Mr. Brinicomb our House Master was able to get away from school to attend our House matches.

Best of luok Stanes next year and remember," To Victory Stanes."

J. WATSON.

53

Honey catches more flies than Vinegar.

Pentland have given us a hard·strug~le right through. Stanes have fought hard, and have lost their games with a smile; well done, Stanes.

Now to speak about some members of Steve!:lson who have excelled them­selves. I must say that every one in Stevenson has done his best, and as captain I am very pleased with the co-operation that has been given by every one, - even the juniors.

David Pospisil vice-cu.ptain. He has played well as a full back in football and goal-keeper in hockey. He has always dorie his best.

Peter Darashah. A steady and dependable batsman; he has played hard in the other games. Hi.s loud voice has inspired us often !

Christopher Willy. A good footballer; he is a steady batsman when be concentrates on his strokes. (Practise hard, Christopher: practice makes perfect!}.

Robin Stanford. Full of energy, and has used it well. He is a fine athlete. He plays a hard game in football an<i hockey, and has a fine spirit on the field.

Bruce Robertson. Earned his place in the House cricket team hy his fine fielding. He has played well ill football and hockey.

Richard Kendall. An a)l round er. He. is a fine bowler and witl1 practice will excel. Also played very well in football and hockey; and did extremely we ll in the Sports - keep it up, Dick!

Gordon Draper. As a good change Lowler, lie did well in the Hous e cricket matches. Played well as goal-keeper at football, his only drawback being his height. You must practise :is we ll, Drip!

Our Juniors have played hard right through. They have won an d lost , hut always came off the field with a smile. M:aay have excelled themselves, notably J . Raman, R. Neech, M. Pritchard, B. Hamer and N. Willy.

In closing I thank our [Iousemaster, Mr. Willy, for a ll the _ help and encouragement he has given us.

Well done, Steves, keep it up. Always do your best , and win or lose with ~smile, and_ No Surrender, Stevenson ! ..

, R. ,Joseph.

54

To Do nothing is the way to BE nothing.

S. AMBI KA DAS. Std . XI.

It was on the last day, of the Vanamotsava Week that the senior students of the Ootacamund schools were invited to Mudumalai Game Sanctuary . . Seven boys from Breeks, accompanied by Mr. Brinicombe, were in the group. I was one of those lucky boys who got an opportunity to see Wild Life at Government expense.

We all met at Charing Cross. The bus was late in starting, but we finally left Ooty at 9 p. m. and travelled 41 miles. reaching our de,tination at midnight. As soon as I got down from the bus at the Mudumalai Trnvellers' Bungalow, I was fortunate to see a whole herd of spotted deer, Mr. BriLicombe and Sahni also saw them. The three of us were eager to see more, so we wandered about among the thick growth of trees behind the bungalow, but returned disappointed, and went to bed.

We woke next morning at 5 o'clock and had a good cup of tea. After dressing, we were taken by bus to a place five miles from the bungalow, and from there we rode on the backs of elephants into the jungle.

Sitting en tLe back of an elephant was enjoyable for the first two hours. Bit by bit we began to feel uncomfortable, for the slow and jerky movements of the elephant gave us cramps both in our backs and our l~gs .

We were very unlucky in not be ing able to see any wilcl animals, though we could hear noises in the distance. We saw only spotted deer, monkeys, and jungle fowl.

The Mahouts suddenly started talking amongst themselves, and on qnestioning them, I learned that the Game Warden, who had come on ahead of us, had seen wild bison near by. Our elephants were then turned in the direction indicated by the Game Warden. E lepl1ants travel slowly, and by the time we reached the place, the bison had been frightened and had ruu away.

' .

The Forest Guard had once more to take the trouble to find whbl'e the bison were. Once ~gain the same kind of accident happened. Our l\1ahout, was leading the group and he, una wflre of the cluseness of the bison. coughed. We were lucky to see the bi <on all th e sii me, as they made a dash for the bush nearby. One lone bull, being bo]Jer than t.he rest, stayed outslde the covering long enough for Mr .. Brinicomhe to take a photo of him. Just then, our elephant, whicb. was named" Jawnaswandri ''_got excited, and blew through her nostrils so hard, that we had a spray of water sent over us. We could not help disturbing the company, and, hearing our voices, the herd of bison . which were still clnse by, rushed along the path which was visible to us. Mr. Brinicombe was able to take another photo

55

The best tirne to uJer·1y is tomorrow.

of the herd which numbered up to 40, I think. This was a sight worth seeing. The bison were only about ten yards from us, and seemed unaware of ou? presence. I was so astonish ed, and I could not help admiring the huge muscular beasts which looked so small from the back of an elephant.

'fhe Mahout told us that bison are the most dangerous animals to meet when they are alone. They charge at any unwanted visitor to their place. I wanted to see what they would do if the elephant moved nearer. I asked the Mahout to move forward and he did. Just then I saw the Game Warden's assistant sitting on the grass as still as possible, with a skull of a spotted deer 'in his hand. Looking at the bison , 1 noticed many calves in the herd, and many old bulls. I recognised the older ones by there height, nnd the white beard which the others lacked. Their horns were tri-coloured; the sharp end being a dark blue, the middle piece yellow, and the root piece bluish.

I do not know exactly what happened, for the bison suddenly darted for ­ward, and it seerued more like a stampede to me. Later I heard it was Sabni"s mischievous pranks that. made t.he bisou run away.

That was all the bi son we saw and being satisfied with the sight, we turned towards home. We had been on the backs of elephants for over five hours. We enjoyed the return trip, 11s 81Jhni. who was on an elephant in front of ours, would slip off its back at every ~teep climb, and hold on to the tail piece of rope. Thig amused even Mr. Brinicornbr.

Another inten·sting thin~ to us was the way in which the elephant obeJed irs Mahout's orders When tl1t> Mahout wants to mount or dismount, he speaks to

the elephant., and it simply lifts its front leg and places it like a ladder. \\'Len we climbed 11 p, the 1\1 a liont orrlned it to sit down, and after we had all got 11 p. he again gave it an order, and it proceeded to get up and to walk forward. It d 1d the same when we had to get down.

Well, that was th e en<l oft.ho ' ' Wild Life" for that day. We got into our bus and came hack to th-3 Bnngnlow where breal>fast was ready for us We hurriedly Rte our breakfast, c 1imlied bark into the bus, and returned to Ootacamund. 'J he journey back was alrn plea~ant , ~nd we reached Ootacamund at 3 p. m.

~ <!l11rish1u1s }lff cssagr. (by G. F)

Of all the tre1·s of the King's highway, Which do you love the best? . The one that i~ green on Clnistmas Day.,---­A ttrncts m~ more tl1an the rest .

I have had the joy of spending many, many happy Christmases in the homes of my yo11r1g sch-o ol friPncl s an<l I havP- bPen rather surprised at the number of homes in which we have enjoyed our Xmas jollifications round a tree. Although I am not tall enough to mak<> a rea lly good "Father Christmas2" I have sometimes

56

Necessity is the M uth~r o J Intercession.

acted in that way and had such a lot of fun with the children and others while laden with gifts and robed in red. with long white beard, all covered with snow and frost. I shall never forget while in this garb chasing some Indian boys and girls who took refuge in a school house, Jocking, barring, and bolting the door behind them, so terribly scared were they, but let me return to my subject of the Christmas tree. l don't tbink there were any such things as Xmas trees in those days . the children then were uot as fortunate as those of to-day. Shall we remem­ber how poor the parents of Jesus were, His home was no palace, but a stable: His bed was not a prettily flounced cot but a manger filled with hay. Yet, in spite of His poverty and hutllility He was the Only Begotten Son of God who left His throne in Heaven and came to earth iu human form to live among sin-bound people, and to teach them the love of Uod through His own loving ways and finally to demonstrate the depth of that love on t.hat cruel erase. Do you .ever try to imagine that heavenly choir. of angels singing that never-tu be-forgotton carol "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth pf'ace, good will to men."

What a wonderful time those shepherds had in listening to that song and then seeking the new born King, and when they found Him they worshipped Him. Will you this Christmas time listen, bear, seek and worship?

I came aetoss a ~tory other day which ~uggests the origin of the Xmas tree. I imagine it is only legend but perhaps sends forth light through story form. · It is said that St. Wilfred transformed the heathen Teuton worship in the forest into the Uhristmas ceremony . About 732 yea1s after the birth of Jesus, he took a band of Priests with him 11nd tried to convert these worshippers of Thor. It happened on an Xmas Eve as they were fighting their way through the deep snow in a dense forest, they came across a savage tribe assembled under a thunder oak which was a symbol to them of the God of thu1_1der, Thor

An old white haired priest of the tribe was about to offer as a sacrifice- to Thor the beautiful son of the tribe's chief. \V.hen St. Wilfred saw it he rushed forward and warded off the arm which was about to slay .the child. The tribesmen were al I delighted at his bravery in saving their favourite and because of this they very soon became converts to Christianity. Wi:fred then took his . axe and started to cut down the old tree and strange to say as it was falling, lightning struck it and in its place there sprang up a fir tree, young and tender, the kind we have in ERgland for our Xmas trees. They brought the fir tree to the chief's hall set it in the middle of the room and round it they all made merry.

It is supposed that this story is the origin of our Xmas tree idea. Any how, it was around this first Xmas tree that Wilfred told the story of Jesus and His love to the Tueton tribPs and that soon after they all became Christians. Let us not forget then that Xmas is the birthday of Jesus. He says "give me thine heart." What a truly fitting tim e to do this auJ you cannot be really happy this Christmas unless you have done this: I expect you will set the same angels singing in heaven because you have come to Jesus · and shown that His birth in that manger and that death on the cross were not in vain.

57

My worth to God in Pubz,,;c is what I am i n Pri'l:ate.

I heard of a littlB boy who had snch a happy birthday, His parents h ad rather spoilt him and giv~n him so many n ic e t hings; he h ad had his friends into tea anrl the party was over and he was tired and ready to go to bed, and, as was his custom, he prayed to Jesus this beautiful prayer . (I think bis birthday happen ed to come on Xmas day.)

"Dear Lord Jesus, I hope you have had a happy birthday too''t

If you have an X mas tree this year, try and remember something of my message.

Here is the same message in quoted from-The great call for Christ to Corne forth to raise up fa ll en man-Mans rescue and the glory of his future, al l by Hi s advent..:.the FINAL CRISIS OF THE CROSS AND RESURRECTION.

• "This, we say, is m an , the fallen principality. In these tragic desolations of

intelligence and genius, of passion , pride, and sorrow, behold the import of his eternity. Be no mere spectator, turn the glass we give you round upon yourself, look into the ruin of your oU'n conscious spirit, and see how much i t signifies, bnth that you are a sinner and a man. Here, within the soul's gloomy chamber, the loosened passions rage and chafe, impatient of 1heir la w; here huddl e on the wild and desultory t _houghts; here the imagina.tion crowds in sh apes of glory and disgust, t.okens both and mockeries of ils own creative power., no lon ger in the k eeping of reason; here sit .~ remorse scowling and biting her chain; here creep 0ut the fears, a meagre and pale multitude; here drives on the will in his chariot of \'v >.i .. r; here lie trampled the great aspirations, groan ing in immortal .thirst; here the b lasted nffections weeping out their life in sil ent illjury•; a ll that you see without. irr the wars, revenges , and tl; e crazed rel1 .. g£ons of rhe world, is faithfully repres en ted in the appaling disorders of you r own spirit."- HORASE BUSHNELL.

Lord, I have fall en rigain-a human clod! Selfis h I wa s, and heedle>is to offend; Stood on my rights. Thy own child would not send A way bis shreds of nothing for the whole God t W r11tched, to thee who savest, low I bend: Give me the power to let my rag-rights go In the great wind that from thy gulf doth b low. Keep me from wrath, let it see m ever so right: ~ly wrath wi ll never work thy righteousness. Up, up the hill , to the whiter than snow-shine, Heir me to climb, and dwell in pardon 's light. I must ~e pure as thou, or ever less Than thy design of me- therefore incline My hear t to take men's wrongs as tho'u tak'at mine.

58

If you do not obey the Light, it will bf;come darkness. NEW HOPE.

"The foe behind, the deep before, Now once more Our hosts have dared and pass'd the sea; Eden's door

And Pharaoh's warriors strew the shore, Open stands to mortal ~yes; And Israel's ransom'd tribes are free. For Christ hath risen, and man shall rise!

Lift up, lift up your v(')ices now ! Now at last. The whole wide world rejoices now! Old things past, Happy morning. Turning sorrow Hope, and joy. and peace begfo;

In to peace and mirth ! For Christ hath won, and man shall win! Bondage ending, Love descending It is not exile, rest on high:

O'er the earth ! It is not sadness, peace from strife; Seals assuring, Guards securing. To fall asleep is not to die:

Watch Hi.s earthly prison. fo dwell with Christ is better life. Seals are shattered, Guards are scattered, Where our banner leads us,

Christ .hath risen! We may safely go: · Where ou'r Chief precedes us

We may face the foe. " No longer must the mourners weep, Nor call departed Christians. dead ;

For death is hallowed into sleep, And ev'ry grave bec~mes a bed.

His right arm is o'er us He our Guide will be:

Christ hath gone before us, Christians, follow ye!

-DR NEALE.

The Glorious answer to Groaning Mans S. 0. S. Man Redeemed. 1 ''He found me the lost and the wandering,

The sinful, the sad, and the lone; He said, 'I have bought thee, beloved,

Forever thou art 1\1 ine own. 2 '' O sou\, I will show thee the wonder,

The worth of My priceless Blood; Thou art whiter than snow on the mountaim,

Thou art fair in the eyes of God. 3 '' '0 vessel of living water,

From the depths of the love divine, The glorious life within thee

Flows from My heart to thine. 4 " '0 soul altogether lovely,

0 pearl from which Christ was given, Wouldst thou know the joy and the glory

That welcome thee into Heaven ? 5 Wouldst thou know how near to . the Father

The place that is granted thee? Behold Me, 0 soul. in His bosom,

And measure His love to l\le. 6 "'Are the love, and the jciy, and the glory

More than My Blood could win? In the Name of the Son Beloved,

Beloved one, enter in'. " -V. M. C. "Hymns of Ter Steegen, Buso, and others."

59

Impossible is not my dictionary. (Napoleon).

-'.\'IIMOSA LAND.-

A while as children hand in hand We wander through mimoBa land • A land where every bush and tree is filled with blossom fair And oh! the silver sheen of it! The golden and the green of it! The waving tossing plumes upon the perfume-laden air There's magic in the mountain breeze, There's music in the swaying trees, There's rapture in the lark that, singing soars into the blue And rising from the sod with it, My heart goes up to God with it, To Thank Him for His precious .gifts. Mimosa Land and you.

S. E.

THE OBSERVANT SCOUT .

The Scout he is a knowing lad, He's wide awake, he can't be had, And everybody sees with joy, This open-eyed and healthy boy.

He never lets a thing go by But be has seen it with bis eye, He misses nothing in the street Above his head or 'neath his feet

No footprint in the sandy shore But he can tell its age and more And if a lamp-post isn't straight He's there to spot it, sure as fate.

If he should see a motor smash, He'll know which driver was too rRsh. The "smash-and-grab" man won't get far­He'Jl know the number of the car.

He'll sit in tram or train or bus And notic_e every one of us, Our faces, clothes and habits, too To our profess ion give a clue.

In Scouting there is not, a thing Of which my muse-or yours-can sing 'l'hat does not need from hour to hour The highly trained observer's power.

And as our most observant Scout Sees everything when he's about, He'll 11urely make a better worker And not a sleepy lazy shirker. ·

,

60

Be thankful for difficulties, the dead have none.

KNOWLEDGE.

He who knows not and knows not that he knows not

He is a fool-shun him !

He who knows not and knows that he knows not

He is a child-teach him!

He who knows and knows not that he knows •

He is asleep -wake him!

He who knows and ]mows. that he knows

He is a sage-follow him!

CRADLE SONG. WHEN I AM ILL·

The flowers have bowed their little heads,

And closed their prt>tty eyes up tight;

The birds are snug in their tree-top beds,

When I am ill and go to bed,

And horrid feelings fill my head

I do not want to talk at all

The whole world sings a sweet'' Good-night.'' But lie and watch the shadows crawl,

Upon the ceiling and the wall.

Sleep, sweet one, the soft winds blow,

The angelR are whispering a sweet lullaby;

In thy soft little crad le, sleep and grow,

Your Father guards you from on high.

So a:i I cannot run about

(Reprint E. M. age 12)

Or go for walks or race and shout,

Just with my thought alone I play

T ill nurse comes in with cup and tray,

And frightens all o:f them away.

CHRISTMAS.

The year is past, and ~nta Claus

Is cc ming here to-night.

I wish that he would come before

The middle of the night,

I wonder if I shut my eyes

And don't make any noise,

Oh! will he think that it is night

And bring his bag of toys 1

(Reprint 0. G. age 13)

(Reprint 0. G. age 13)

61

Better lack pence than sense.

God has a" wireless" to everywhere; We call it" The World of God and Prayer." And everyone may daily win God's choicest gifts by "listening-in."

First you must shut out every sound From the heedless world that throngs aroun tl ; Vanity Fair makes a deafening din On purpose to hinder " listening-in."

The dev il will use his utmost power To keep you from having this quiet hour; He knows that you can be freed from sin Always and orily by" listening-in."

But when you prayerfu lly read God's Word, The still, small voire is clearly heard, And wondrous peace and power within Daily result from'' listening-in.:•

God longs to give Hi s bes t to you To keep you loyal a nd strong and true. If you haven't begun - to-day begin To prove the joy of " li s tening-in.''

~tont ~uspiration . tU Joefr~.

BACK TO CAMP.

There is something in the river, All a-wobb le , a ll a-wobble,

(Etc.) ,

You can see it as you trample through the reeds, I ean hear the sedges sighing,

A II a sighing, all a-sighing, And the rustle of the tassels full of seeds. ·

See the stars are all a-twinkle, All a-twinkle, all a-twinkle,

You can watch them as they twinkle through the trees. There's the Council Fire a.flicker,

A JI a-flicker, all a-flicker . Do you see the fire a-flickering in the breeze?

Back to camp we come a-singing, All a singing, all a-singing,

To the old familiar chorus of the rhyme, We shall soon be ·all a-dreaming:

All a -dreaming, all a dreaming And the stars are in the river all the til!le.

62

Difficulties never Deter the Dauntless.

A FISHY STORY.

There was an old fisher Named :Fisher

Who fished from the edge of a fissure

A fish with a grin Pulled the fisherman in

Now they are fishing the Fissure for Fisher.

J\11 Jlcttrols -tJloohout ! (BY RUDYARD KIPLING).

These are our regulations-There's just one law for the Scout, And the first and the last, and the present and the past, And the future and the perfect is" Look out"!

I. thou, and he, look out ! We, ye, and they, look out! Though you didn't or you. wouldn't, Or you hadn't or you couldn't; You jolly well must look out !

Look out when you start for the day That your kit is packed to your mind;

There's no use going away with half of it left b~hind.

Look out that your laces are tight, And your boots are easy and stout,

Or you'll end with a blister by night.

All patrols look out! (Chorus) Look out for the birds of the air,

Look out for the beasts of the fields; They'll tell you how and wbeoo

The other side's concealed.

When the blackbird bols from the copse, And the cattle are staring about,

The wise commander stops And All patrols look out! (chorus)

63

Laughter is _a good Physician.

Look out when your front is c'ear, .And you feel you are bound to win;

Look out for your flank and your rear­Fot that's wh.ere it-urprises begin,

For the rustle that isn't a rat, For the splash that isn't a trout,

For the 'boulder that may be a hat, All patrols look out! (Chorus)

Look out when your temper goes At the end of a losing game;

And your boots are teo tight for your toes, And you answer and argue and blame.

It's the hardest part of the law, But it has to be learned by the Scout­

For whining and shirking and ''jaw," (O~orus) All patrols look out !

They drift away-ah God they drift awav for ever. Watch the stream sweep onward to the sea. Like some old battered buoy upon a roaring river,

· Round whom the tide-wavPs bang then drift to sea, J watch them drift, the old familiar faces, WhG fished ·and rode with me by stream and wold, Till ghosts, not men filled old bPloved places, And, ah! the land is rank with •l1urchyHrd molcl I watch them drift, the Yo;1t\iful aspirations, Rhores, landmarks. beacons drift alike, Yet overhead the foundless arch of heaven, Still fades to night, Still blazes ia to day, Ah God, ah God, Thou wilt not fade away.

(Kingslay)

Anne (Nancy) Hammond nee M~ntgomerie, c/o Caltex Pacific Ltd, 4 l Robinson Road., Singapore. Ellen Andersen, 157 Victoria Ave., Longueil, Quebec, "anada. A. J. Premkumar (John Reddy), 2 & 3 Arcot Road., Madras 26 . . Roxie, Stuart, Martin and Marion Smith, c/o Prairie Bible Institute Hig'1 School, Three Hills, Alberta, CatJada . . · Percy Bromley, Vice-Principal, Prairie Bible Institute, Tlfree Hills, Canada. Maureen, Graeme, Aileen and Ewart Junk, 17 Glenville R~ad, Karaka Bay, Wellington E. 5, New Zealand.

,, 64

When you get "blue'' ggf something to do

Rev. Wil.liam Merr~weather, U. F. Mission, Wasua, via Da.ru and Port Moresby, Papua, via Australia, David Pawell, Adamjee Cotton Mills Ltd., Landhi, Karachi, Pakistan. Afoitair (Sandy) Noble, Christian College, 220 South Hull Street, Athens, Georgia, U.S. A. Mrs. Phyllis RavenhiU (nee Heron), 27 Hilton Place, Llandaf North, Cardiff, S. Wales, U. K. Miss . J. Reeve, 40 Hilton Avenue, Lakemba, N. S. W., Australi·a. Arthur Jackman, 8unny Cottage, Pincha111 Downs, Alfriston, Surrey, England. Mrs. Geoffrey Twine, (nee Joy Jackman), 99 Broad ling A venue, Grays, Essex England. Mr. Gerald and :Monica (nee Jackman.) Plunkett, 22 Birdhurst Rise, South Croydon, Surrey, England. S. K. Reeves . l 15 Albert Road, Epsom, Surrey, England. Ruth Phoenix:, 42 Princes Road Cl1nemont .. W. Australia. George Hteenstra, U.S. N. R Bldg. 14Q3 lloom 109, NAAS, Whiting Field, Milton, Florida. Loring and Paul Beals, 4: 720 Addison Street, Chicago 14, U. S. A. Noel Charles, ·!~ Field Engineer Regt., 1 Commonwealth Divn., Korea . . (Rev.) George Cook, 1920 Caroline Ave., N. E., Cleveland, Tennessee, U. S. A. Colin Smith, Victoria University, N. Z. Poppy Reddy, 19 Cannon Lane, Pinner Middlesex, England. Vivian Thrower, c/o Miss C. Orsman1 Derw!'n Fawr, Swansea, Glam ., U. K. Paul, David and John Wilton, c/o 190 St. George Street, 'foronto, Ontario, Canada. Alec Constant, c/o Postmaster, Pollibetta, S. Coorg. Mr. J. Jacob, B. S. c., c/o Mrs. Macleod, 28, Howford Road, Glasgow, S. W. Scotland. Mr. I. H. White, c/o l>uncan 117 Nover Drive Hyrdland Glasgw, Scotland. Mr. O. Schlatter, 800 W Rudisill Bend, Fort Wayne 6 Ind. U. S. A. Mr. L. Pomphrey, 7 Duchy l<oad, Irlam ·O' Th. Heights, Salford 6 Lanes England.

~fuintmiu.s. • Aggregate Shield for Swimming Lengths.

To encouuge beginners . a Combined House ~hield has been presented for the House which has the greatest number of competent swimmers, boys & girls.

1 length swim. counts 1 point 4: lengths ,, ,, 1 point

10 lengths ,, ,, 1 point (Maximum points possible for each swimmer, 3 points)

RESULTS. Boys, Girls. Aggregate,

Pentland 37 1st 6 3rd 43 1st. Stevenson 31 2nd 'i 2nd 88 2nd. Stanes 18 3rd l 2 lst 30 3rd. The boys' results are also counted in the House Championship (Bhavanagar

Trophy)-lst place, 3 points; 2ad pl.ace, 2 points; 3rd place, 1 point.

65

Few can afford to be angry.

~tamp Qlollerting. PETER HILL, Std, IX.

My .favourite pastime is stamp-collecting or, to call it by its technical name, Philately. It is a universal pastime, and has many followers all over the world. There are various brancbef' of I hilately.

I shall first deal with the stamp itself. As we all know, a stamp is a small rectangle of paper with perforations on. all four sides. When stamps were first introduced by Great Britain in 1840. they had no perforations, but it was found that if the edges were perforated, then 1t was easier to separate one stamp from another.

Next comes the" Album." Beginners, in the early stages of stamp collecting, usually use an album that is printed and bound, but -these tend to split as they get filled, and as the collection increases. The more advanced collector, would, I think, prefer a loose-leafed album, then he could interchange the pages, and also add to them .

. Now the accessories. The first of these are the stamp hinges; these are small oblong bits of paper, gummed on one side. They are used for attaching the stamp to the page in the album . !'ii ext a pair of tweezers. These .should be used when handling stamps, for there are certain oils and greases on our fingers, which might possibly spoil the st,amp itself. Most stamps have a" water·mark," and in that case it is often good to have a•· water-mark detector,·• but that is not abso­lutely necessary. An experienced rollector can read off the wat~r-mark by holding the stamp up to the light.

Many famous stamps have been issued . The Penny Black of Great Brit11in, a~ the Blue :\Iauritius are worth thousands of pounds. One stamp of Brit.isb Guiana has only one copy in existence.

Every Country in the world now issues postage stamps. Great Britain is tbe only country thdt does not print its name on its stamps. Since every country issues its own stamps there are millions in circulation, and that makes it a difficult and tedious job trying to collect every one. there fore many stamp collector.s like to "specialize". Usually, they specialize in collecting the stamps of just the British Empire, and often they specialize in collecting the stamps of a particular country.

Stamp Collectors are helped in their bobby by Messrs Stanl~y Gibbons. They have issued a Catalogue listing all the stamps of th.e world . .. Every ,year a new catalogue is issued.

66

A ruffied 11iinef makoo a restless pillow.

Most countries of the British Empire ·have had the picture of six of their ruling Sovereigns printed · on their stamps, and they are Queen Victoria, Edward VU, George V, Edward VIII, George VI, and now Queen Elizabeth II. As King Edward VIII abdicated, only four stamps have been issued with his picture printed on them.

My own personal pleasure from Philately is that I get to know more about other countri es . l have learnt who their rulers have been, I have discovered something of their Geographical features, and also their industries . My knowledge of Geography and History has increased. I can truly say t.hat .I have derived many hours of pleasure from stamp-collecting, and I daresay I shall derive many more.

(GAMES. P. S) SCHOOL "BLUES'' GYMNASTICS.

The following awards were made on the 2n-d November.

Full Blue R. Webb.

Half .Blue .. 0 . Willy.

R. Stanford.

Hon ourable Mention B. Smith.

H,. Neech.

"Encourage Courage."

~ JL t!L ~· ~fterttoon.

One Sunn'y afternoon in October, I had the very real pleasure of attending what happened to be the final meetiog of the !'. T. A. in the School Hall and I thoroughly en joyed it: a goodly group of proud parents and staff in silks and satins made gay the Assembly I:hll and it was evident were much at home by their chatter and easy deme anou r.

ln the temporary absence of The Principal Mr. W a Iker suitably welc0med tlie visitors, after which, Mr. Mason told us the reportoire of the feast of good Chiristmas Music and song which was to foll0w.

The continuity of performance kept the audience alive with anticipatio•. Without exception the songs were sweetly and beautifully randered and so ably au d clearly led . Who could fail to enjoy these songsters with mouths so widely Qpen, painstaking and suitably dieciplined?

67

The best workmen love their work.

Every phase of the Christmas Message was an example o~ thoroughness w!th which Mr. Mason tackles his choir tasks. The fearless soloists were refreshrng indeed while the cooeing and other effects added colour and charm to the renderings. The occaions of bright and breezy choruses must have thrilled the audienee ~ I think all were sorry when the grand finale of ()bristmas Greetings was sung and I am sure that every member felt that every singer meant what they sang in all sincerity and truth.

The pianoforte accompaniments were exquisitely rendered by Mr. Mason and were a feast in themselves.

I did hear a criticism that it was a pity the pieces were not in "parts" but that is more easily said than done with the few minute.<> at the disposal of the Choir :Waster and I always ~ay "Do i't shoot the Musici an he's doing his best"!

The Interval music full of rich capturing improviso set all our feet a-movin, and hearts aglow.

It is ind'eed a pity that more parents were not privileged to be present at both these christmas songs and the parade of gym' and tumbling courage which followed.

It•was grand to see that batch of fearless young gymnasts come tumbling and cart wheeling into the arena."

It was something to be enjoyed by both Boy and Spectator-the purpose, the freshness of youth, the alertness, the grit, the skill and the surprises were 1efreshing to watch.

The continuity of the programme allowed no monotony as is so often the case when a dozen or more are called upon to do the same exercise. Such demonstra­tions should be of ' such variety as to claim a keen eye and to • permit of no fidgetting of onlookers. Indeed, we were not worried with a dozen pyramids but the few we saw were good and to the point proving they had supple vertibraes, agile limbs and were not yet ' 'afraid of that which is high."

The master of arms sat mf)destly back leaving much to the captains but some of us know bow much patient work had been poured into the processes which led to such a plea.iing performance. The Senior squad naturally showed a marked clean­ness of movement and fini:3h to that of the Juniors - the eart-wheels and hand walking were particularly good. The evening seemed full of thrills (I often heard a lady gaRp behind me and once Phe shrieked) flying leaps, superb somer-11aults, balances, full arm~, ilivtJs, straddles and manly accompli;hment. The captain among others again and again received the just reward of praise as one and another brought the house down with applause.

68

Guard your health it's Wealth.

Although I led the gym team the first couple of years, purchased its. appa­ratus and helped in the building, I was fully rewarded as I saw the after math of my earlier inspiration. ·

There was an evidence of a technique in working, there was courage and purpose in the face and movement of every performer and one could see the developed grit which the gymnasium produces.

The long horse variety performance wa3 a manly and well ordered event each boy displaying his own pet movement.

It might be well if on another occasion one was appointed to take the fall and finish of each boy as in some cases there was a heavy backward fall.

The combined Pyramid of Junior and Senior squads was spectacular and became an excellent frnish to a most happy Demonstrator. Mr. Walker is to be -highly commended for the fine show put up by the Boys: I am sure many will will look back with gratitude for the permanent physical and other values acquired in the gym through a painstaking and patient Master at Arms, and to the Boys I would say Sha'1ash ! ShabRsl1 !

~ ~ihrar~ for our ~tfrooL

C. HOLCOMBE, Std. IX.

If compelle<l to choose between a Playing Fiel<l or a Library, I would at once choose a Library for very many reasons.

On the playground, one does not get the excitement one longs for; the only excitement one gets is an occasional fall, or, the excitement of winning a game, or a race. In the library, on the other hand, one can be in any part of the world,

. with every kind of d;1nger one could possibly wish for. The excitement got on the playing field, is second only to actually taking part ·in all that one can read about in the library.

The benefit gained on a playing field is small, for it is only physical. But in the library the benefit gained is mental, and, if one is wise in one's choice of books, one can also gain a spiritual benefit.

On the playing field one is oneself. with all one's problems. The mood, and the humour cannot be thrown off however hard one plays. In the library, on the other

·baud, can be found books of humour, books of adventure, books which make

69

Sympathy -- two hearts tugging at one load.

serious ~eaclill'g, and books which make light reading, is fact, books which suit every humour a person's mind can pos~ibly be in. If one is in a bad mood, then go to the li"brary I choose a light, witty 1 IlUmOUrOUS book, and S00n that bad mood will pails off, and a new frame of rriind will be the result.

On the playing field one learns how to play various games. But if one goes to thti °library, one can choose a book on whatever game one desires to know , and study it, Admittedly, this is not as good to some people as the excitement derived from the game itself. But, if one want.s the exDitement of the game, then what c0uld be nicer than sitting in a really comfortable chair, in the library and reading an exciting story or an exciting account of the particular game one desires to know? The thrills of the game lia n then be enjoyed in comfort.

If one wants to see life, or have real t0ugh adventure, or share in the perils a nd dangers of others, then the library is the place for tha.t. Take a book on any of these subjects, and forget yonr3elf in following the story, 'fhe excitemPn t got from th!lse books cannot be found on the playing field, neit-her can it be gut by being cooped up in a school which has nu library-A libray is essential to every school.

Bury oneself in Litera ture, not on the pl ayin g field, and on e will come out far more educated in the ways of th e world. Tb a t will be bett er than wasting all one's energie s and time foolin g on a pl ay ing fi eld. E xercis e. and bodily fitness are all very well, but if we never read, we slxo uld get nowhere in life. On the other hand, if we a lways read a nd never pl ayed, we wou ld get som ewhere, but not very far all th e sa me. So we see that while we need ph ysica l fi tn ess, it is much more importan t th a t our intellectual stan dards should be of th e best.

Geography , H is tory , Sc ien ce, good lln gli sh , nn d more important th a n th a t , the knowledge of th e world, it oi dram a, its pe opl e, its sorrows , its joys.a re !i ll to be . found only in !he Lib rary. Where can all this be fou nd on a pl ay ing fi e ld~

These are the .reason s I have for my choice of a Library rath er than .a Play­ground for our school , a nd they overrule an y rea sons for an opposit r choice .

JI n 2ffi{ e 1 u or i iu u ..

A. L. H OUSTO N, member of th e Governing , Body of Breeks School from 1939 to 1954, passed away at Ootacamu nd in June 19&5. Formerly a prominent member of the Municipal Council, his adY ice was a lways h elpful and valuable in matters connected with the administration of the school.

LEON JACOB , who left school a t tl!.e end of 1%3, passed a way at Sh illong in August, 1955, followin g an opera t ion for congenital kidn ey weakness . All who knew Leon loved hi m for hi s helpfulness a nd modesty and will regret his early demise.

70

Many false steps are made by stanrRng still.

~ Jla~grou11~ for our ~c~nal. JOY CHASE Std. IX.

If I was given. the oppertunity to ch.oose between a Playground, or a Library for our school, I would most definitely choose the Playground, for. in my opinion, it would be much more useful than a Library. One can easily borrow a book from the town library, but cannot easily hire a place where all the school children could play.

All day long in school the pupils are handling books, and many of these are library books. Several of the prescribed "text" books, such as Mark. Twain, Robinson Crusoe, and Sliakespeare's stories, would make excellent library books, but what does one who is studying such books most of the day, want again during his or her spare time~ surely a Playground is preferable then 1

Exercise is a very a necessary thing to keep us healthy, and a playing field is the place where this exercise can be got, therefore, a playing field really means a big thing to us school childreu. It means HEALTH, a vital thing to youngsters. It also means FRESH AIR, which is not to be found in such abundacce in a library.

The different; parts of our body need daily exercise. After sitting in a class­room for about eight hours each day, we should have games on the playing field, and so give our legs a little exercise. On the other band, if we only had a libr-ary, we would soon spoil our eye. ~ight., and our legs would become weak through not being used.

Hockey, Netball, and Throwball, are games which tEacb us to have a good games" spirit.'. They also give us that'· team" spirit which is so very important even attn we have left school. Where else could we learn thi11, but on the play­ground 1

Some people are not very ciever in their studies, but are often very good at games, and if the school does not have a FlavgroU:nd, these pupils would not have an opportunity of showing others what they can do, and they wonld, perhaps, be counted as useless in society . . On the other hand, if the school did have a Play­ground, these pupils could shine in their games, and that would make up for their being dull in Heir studies.

A Playground would help us to get to know pupils from other schools, and to mix better with others. We could practise sports on the playing field, and then _ ent.er into the Inter School Sports. Those who do not take part in the sports could be on the side lines cheering for their own school mates.

"Make bay while the sun shines," so we take the opportunity while we may. 'l'bere is no use in digesting a library of knowledge to use on a future day, for" to-morrow" will never come. Games can be played any time, and a Playground is a much quicker way to a hetalthy body than the best and biggest library the richest man could offer.

71

Idleness is a costly luxury.

Nancy Montgomerie (Mrs. Anne Hammond) is living in Singapore. Ian Morrison came to the East under Mackinnon, Mackenzie & Co., at the beginning of this year. He was posted first to Cochin, ~hen to Calcutta, and later to Singapore.

George 'Fox is coming to India as a missionary. Ellen Andersen bas left Three Hills a:.:d gone for Bible Training to Quebec Province.

The Junk family are in school in Wellington, N. Z. and the family of Rev. Daniel Smith are at school at three Hills; Alberta.

Coralie Atzenwiler has a responsible business appointment with Caltex, Bombay Bunty is living in Bombay, and Micky is taking a course in wireless engineering at St. Xavier's Technical Institute; June is in business in Bombay also.

Patrick Mills. while still a schoolboy, played for his county (Surrey) at Rugby football and for the English l'ublic schools XV. He has been made School Captain. (His school was Rutlisb School. Merton, and not K. C. S., Wimbledon, as stated incorrectly in the Chatter Box last year•. Janet passed GQE in 1954 in 6 subjects. ·

Jean Para.nfoti has gone to England and is planning to train in physiotherapy. Peter Mathias is also in London. Poppy Reddy has gone!to Middlesex with her sister Margaret; she is working for her preliminary medical examinations.

Ian Campbell has kept wicket for his firm's cricket team (Midland Bank, Bristol); he is due for National Service.

Sandy Noble has graduated from his college course i~ Georgia. George Steenstra has done likewise and now has. a commis1ion in the air arm of the U. S Navy~

Edwy Naismith has a post at Karachi; he visited his parents at Narsapur. W. Godaveri'tbis year. Ian has passed his M. A. in Classics at Glasgow University.

John Mockett after serving with the Diplomatic Service in Turkey and Cyprul!l has returned to Lo?don and is reading Law.

Andrew Henning has graduated from Wheaton College and plans to do some farming prior to his military service in U. S. A.

Morrison MaclPod plays hockey for Schoolboys of Scotland v. Schoolboys of Ireland. Alistair has been winning prizes at the University, in Moral Philosophy and Logic.

The only things God asks you to give up are those which are doing you harm.

Robin Reeil has represented his college in the Long Jump and Shot Putt, besides boxing for his University. He is at St. Catherine's College, Cambridge.

Margaret Dick has been studying at Tabor College, Kansas. Helen and her husband -are teaching in W. Kansas. Helga and Graham Upham are in Oregon and have two girls.

Loring Beals is studying medicine in Chicago. His brother Paul has been read­ing for B. D. in Kansas City.

Noel Charles has been serving with the Commonwealth Division in Korea in the Royal Engineers. He has gained his military commissioned rank.

Colin Smith is studying med icine at Wellington, New Zealand. Bramwell Cook is studying in S. [sland. ·

Jean Skinner is studying medicine in London. John has a post in W. Africa. Ronald and Angus both have thair B. Sc. degrees as well as John. Their home at Pinner is very close to Poppy Reddy's, and Ivor Smith is a frequent visitor at 37 March Road also.

Vivian Threwer has a post in the Ministry of Works in London . Robin Sewell has been taking an electrical engineering course with the G. E. O. at Birmingham.

It was joy to welcome Rev. Fred. Neu.doerffer in Ooty at the beginning of the year; he was touring India on behalf of the Foreign Miss ions Board of the Presby-terian Church in New York. ·

David Walsh is studying Agriculture in Queensland.

Donald Meiglt is a scientific officer at East Malling Kent, with the letters B.Sc., Ph. D. after his name.

Angeline S~mson and Srilekha Sircar are studying at the new Government Arts College, Ootacamund. David Shortt and Colin Sausman are in residence at Christian College, Madras. Terence Pearce has been given a commonwealth nomination for Sandhurst.

Len Pomphrey, in Cheshiie, is a very proud father, because his son won 2nd prize in a baby competition.

Maxine Sawyer nee Robertson is happy in Sydney, N. S. W.; her sister, Jean Hiscox, had a furlough in England and then returned to duty in Pakistan with her husband.

Audrey Best is to be married to George Drieberg in Victoria in the New year. All gocd wishes to botli !

73

Yes or No c<iiuse joy or woe.

Elspeth Thomson is trying to settle down to school at Clarendon, N. Wales. Irene de Carteret has gone from New Zealand to be with her brother Jasper in Jamaica.

George Cook is in the Foreign Missions Department of the Assemblies of God, U. S. A. He has three children. Paul it1 pastor of a church at Kingsport, Tennessee.

John Weth haa the rank of Lieutenant in the Royal Marines and has been stationed at Malta; in spare time he reads philosophy and theology, and is thinking of giving up a military life for one of greater mental activity. ·

Miss Dorothy Foster is leaving Tiverton and taking up a post in Essex. Mr. John Jacob is still in Scotland and has gone in for a course in Pedagogy at the well­known College at Jordan Hill, Glasgow. Miss Reeve is still in Sydney and, all regret that private responsibilit.ies detain her there. Mr. E.ric Bullol'lc with bis wife 11re in charge of a mission orphanage in Mysore State. Mr. John Redwood is in busine~s in Ne1v Zealand and has recently married.

(SUPPLEMENTARY).

Nirmala Joshua I / A Sir Ramaswamy Mudaliar Road, Vepery P. O Madras. Jean Paranjoti 12 A Stephen's Road, Fraser Town, P. 0., Bangalore, 5. Alan Macdonald St. Bart's Hospital, London, J{ . C. I. . Colin Sausman Lyndhurst, Kotagiri, Nilgiris. Margaret Dick Tabor (~ollege, Hillllhoro, Kansas, U. S. A. Miss Kathleen A~hby 195 Wembley Hjll Road. Wembley, London. Patrick and Janet M iills 32 (~ ircie Gardens, London, S. W. 19. Ian Campbell - 41 Beverley Road, Horfiel<l, Bristol 7, England. Mr. Solomon Benjamin - 57 Church Road, Croyden, Surrey, England. Ian M. Watson Christ'!! College, Cambridge, England. Irene DeCarteret C/o The Shelling, Brown's Town,

Lt. J, D. Weth, R. M., 40 Commands. R. M., St. Ann, Jamaica.

British Forces, P. 0 .. 51, Malta (G. C.) Maxine Sawyer 149 Balgowlah Road.

Balgowlab-Syduey. N. S. W'. Australia. John, Ronald. Angus, and Jean Skinner-

C/o Mrs. J. MacAlister. 37 Marsh Road,

Elspeth Thomson Clarendon School, Pinner, Middlesex, Eng,Jand.

Abergele, N. Wales.

~

74

Mans failure is met by God's Salvation.

@autionar~ 1<Unle for @areless @~ilnren OR

Jarent's Wrihufe to f~e enh of

Oh, little girl Mig is in a fearful jig, She's lost her mack which she wants to pack, And doesn't know where to find it; Her shoes are not there, the cupboard is bare, But look, what is this behind it?

A shoe - or two? "Oh look at the mill-dew. "I ran out to play, the ·other day; "Before I went, why didn't I heed Miss BRENT, •·Who told me to put them a~ay?"

Wertu.

Another frantic search, dislodged from their perch A vest, three socks, and some junk; ''Wh at a very good thin g, it was not up to me ta bring "From so mew here unknown - my trunk! ''

"There it stands· with bright new bands ''All clean as it ought to do; " Some one put it there - I wish I knew, ' 'Then I'd ask them what next to do " To find my things, and ge t them clean; •'Oh how silly and careless I have been! "

" I am in a horrid rush, and there will be such a fuss "If I get home with half my things; "No w Teddy is lost - and how mud clings! "In my party frock, I rolled down the bank; ''When Mum sees the damage, I'll get a spank. " My. chums are busy ; they are near ly done, " And out they will run and have lots of fun. " Oh, will no one help me t o pack ? "

75

Boys who ·don't pray are inviting troub"le.

Came a voice from the door, "Is this your mack~ '' And whatever's all this on the floor i' " With tears in her eyes, and dirt on her face Our M ig looked up, and had the grace To say thanks for the mack - and some more. "My head spins round and my knees are sore "From crawling about upon the floor. "Oh, please, Miss BHENT, I never meant '' To get in this pickle I'm in I ••

"I shall be late, and. the train won't wait, "I'll never be done at this sort of rate. ''My doll's decapitated, Teddy's not here; '' My tooth brush I used to clean my shoes, "Of bristles it's perfectly bare I "

With a sigh, poor weary Miss BRENT on her knees went And helped to clear up the mess. "Your Teddy you left upon the swings; ''You'd better run out, before 'Supper bell rings. " Where is your comb? just look at this dre!'B­" What a coil the child is in; "No wonder her head's on the spin I ''

Oh Mig, Oh i\!ig, the trouble is done, You're on the train tbat!s heading for home. ''Your trunk is packed· as well as can be-" But your carelessness is there for .your mother to see; "It is hoped next term· better habits you'll learn, "For I'll put up with this uproar· no more 1 ••

"Oh, little girl Mig, in excited jig, "In a train that 's heading for home, "Will you bear in mind your trunk's in the break behind. "Its keys round your neck, tightly sewn! " Your ticket is safe - not with you I "And, of course, you remembered to say thanks "To whom these are due i' ''

,.

D.S. A. C.

76

The Bible has ·no near relative.

1fiahorator~ J\tmosp~tric OR

m1,e Ji4~sitet1 ~ffa~tt of ar4emh~etl ~eartiott. (by N. T. P.)

The class was not clearly crystallised from the amorphous state it had assumed at the end of the previons lesson.

The young teacher did not know the elements of discipline. He eBtered and immediately there was a brisk effervesveryce in the back row. He was unable to stop it, for his voice had a low conductivity and his personality encountered a high resistance. His protests were me t by the radiation of smiles of unconcern and by the diffusion of a mixture of divers sounda which rapidly gained momentum; some pupils felt that this was the occasion for th em merely to pass moruents of inertia.

For a time the situatioi;i was fluid. The teacher struggled helplessly to analyse his position. Thlore friction developed and his temper rose to boiling point. He could not overcome the force of opposition nor could he melt the hearts of his pupils; his threats evaporated whilst columes of gas were rapidly 61Jolved and the retorts became menacing. His personal magnetism was neutralised and his spiri's fell to absolute zero.

At last in a voice charged with high pressure he announced tliat the class was dissolved . His mind had been able to create no other solution. The doorway was choked by struggling boys precipitated against it on their way out. 1.'he · general verdict was to hail the decision as sublime.

The news fi ltered to the head's study. Without pausing for reflection and with remarkable velocity the h ead took steps to restore gravity and eqilibrium, achieving his resultant with efficiency.

"Action and reaction are equal and opposite," he announced grimly. The princ1:pze of work was re-established on the compouud.

(Found in the archives by G. A. K.) '

Olougr atulatiotts" UPON THEIR MARRIAGES:

Monica Jackman to Gerald Plunkett, both past Breeks pupils, Margaret Dick to Milton Wiebe at Corn, Oklahoma in August, 1955 (Milton's mother is an old Breeks girl), Dolly and John Reddy, as a triple wedding ceremony in· Madras, May, 1955.

ON THEIR DEGREES: W. A. Henning, B, A., (Hons.) Wheaton. Ian Nai-smith, M . A., (Classics) Glasgow, A. H. Macdonald, M. B., B. s., London. Loring Beals, B. A.

ON OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS : Morrison Macleod. Schoolboy Hockey In ternational, Scotland. Robin Reed, Boxing Blue, Cambridge. Alistair Macleod, Prizes in Moral Philosophy and Logic, Glassgow University. I. Watson, Natural Sciences T:ripos1 Part I.

77

What staff has he who has lost his faith?

The cubs have been a keen lot this year and have gained a good many badges, besid es getting through the 1st and 2nd Star tests in large numbers. Now that the Swimming Bath is avai lable, there is a good crop of Swimmer Badges; o.thers held are First Aider, Team Player, Collector. Akel a has a heavy personal p.rogramme and has had to depend on Voluntary Helpers to do most of the testing, ana the Cubs owe a great deal to these good friends. Chit, the Assistant Cub­master (Miss Bateman), spent many a monsoon ·evening in seeing cubs· trained. up to the one eye-open standard, and beyond. Sister Sturt gave much patient and expert help in the field of Ambulance work. Skipper Fisher, as usual, gave helpful advice to the Collector candidates. Thank you, ~elpers.

Good Turns? the Paek has helped in various ways during the year, especially on Flag Days. At the Flower Show it was in aid of the Friend-in-Need Society, and in November, for the Ooty Red Cross. Cubs raised over Rs. 150 in these two efforts for the charities concerned, and did so with the ardour that only cubs can put in to such kinds of Good Turn. ·

Activities? there have been various kinds of games, tracking, a treasure hunt which took the hunters past the grave of Mr. Breeks and the origirrnl Breeks Buildings, a morning of p11ddocks, and other things,-some more, some less jungly than others.

Camps l Yes, this h as been a big year for camping.

First of all, some seniors went out at Easter. They helped prepare the site at Glen Morgan for the girls' camp; having done this Good Turn, they went off on their own to enjoy the waterfalls at Kalhatti for a couple of days. After this, the younger "seniors'' went home in a Badaga van, but a surlden wanderlust came over the bigger ones who were left with Akela. Down below lay the road to Teppa­kadu-why not go down and corns back by the Mysore ma in road, instead of hiking strenuouiily uphill. to Tellakuuda and Finger Post? So the momentous decision -was made

The hikers reached the foot of the ghat soon aft.er mid-day. Lunch had to be cooked; that took longer than expected, and it was late when the party set off across the scrubby country, a long the road to Masinigudi. 6 miles to reach "civili za ~ion" . At cubs' pace it took till dark, and the party walked on through a thunderstorm, which was beautiful, but both warm and wet. Barrie and Nicholas saw a jungle Beast Which Had Str ipes; it bounded away almost as soon as sighted, Was it a kind of panther, or was it Mr. Stripes himself? Akela was close by, but did not see the creature that the youn ger ones Had bee n lucky enough to spot.

It was dusk wh en the party reached Masinigudi, and owing to the weathe?

. ~ ...

76

Silence is a great Peace-make-r.

no transport could be had for love or money. Some kind officials shared their accommodation at the Rest House; the, cubs slept in the warm darkness witb no beddidg and nething but a- dry something round their middles-while their other wet garments dried off as the night passed! Next morning, the Moyar bus left at 8 a.m. and brought the party safe and sound back to Ooty by mid-day . Passing through the Game Reserve they were lucky enough to see a couple of Wild Dog among the tree3 close to the main road.

Second, the Training Camp, held after the Mid-Year _examinations. About 20 attended, and worked towards their 2nd Star. Two scouts helped immensely, doing most of the cooking (Many thanks, Holcombe and Churchward; we are sorry that the cubs played bandarlog more often than was cubby or proper). Mrs. i\foLaine-Olarke and her husband gave every assistance, putting accommodation on Craigmore Estate, Kullakambai, at the campers' disposal, and this included the delightful swimming tank on th.eir lawn, with its opportunities for diving as well as simple bathing. Dr. W. Beer of the Mission Hospital took the cubs to visit a Korurnba village which he helps regularly, giving medicine and gospel teaching there each week . The view over the lower Kundah Valley-Mulli, Pullar and the Mettupalaiyam plains-wa8 unforgettable, despite the mist and cloud.

Third, the annual camp. But that is described elsewhere.

All best wishes, cubs, for jolly good Christmas holidays, with lots of good turns to your dear parents who will be so glad to have your offers to help them with odd jobs from time to time. Good hunting to you! And to those who will be going up into the Troop. our warm farewell, as you set forth on the trail for the best of 1st Nilgiri Good Scouting.

AKEL A.

jrnutiug 1955.

I am only going to give you a front door glance int.o scouting of the past year; The back door scrutiny would render me so far short of what Gilwell would expect of me that I feel reticent to be honest.

If I were asked to sum up in a sentence First Nilgiri Scouting, I would say 1'a <lifficult year and not very successful".

There are a host of reasons for this from the S. M. down to the raw recruit (and in that I do not excuse the school system) but it is to be found largely among leadership.

79

Christ and Heaven are gifts for the Rf3bellious. '

Ap;10,n .~, t~ ,~ 1m1mer.ous questions ~sked in _t~e t~eoreti?al part of the Gil"'.ell Wood)hdg~"ppurse .flir.~ ~hose concerning the J1fficult 1es which confront the runnmg of 8r .-,su9q~_ssful Troop,;-:-;

1p.sychological mainly and I think we have experienced most

of the,w ,t1~1~s . year. 1,won't enumerate bw.t those who have answered tli0se searching questjpns 'V;i)\ un~e~~1tai:Jd the best and sympathise the most. Nevertheless, we run, and .sor,:ie hav!j,r,nn well ano those few better than most. Al l too many crumble up at the sight, of a dragon or the high hurdle that cha ll enges so that my early year visions have gr.adu,il ly f aded ai1d become an abstract and unlern the ~chool releasPs ruor~ time to this Splendid Lha racter bui ld er, old time 1st Nilgiris ScoJ!.hi.~1~ 1can ,.o,nly remain wishful thinking.

1V l T I

Given adequate time and facilities and if the boy displays some "guts" I think the vision could be achieved.

I 1H1 1t11111 '' ' 1

rt t 1.• .! 11 !• I

. Ideals radiate more strongly from the life than from speech. The personality of' ~jcouter or a P/L lives longer than words-how great then the respon~ibility". Iq~.~ls must be dist inct and not vague or they are only in theory possible, We have to be wise with the id eal5 we present or some will be injured by being called upon to aim too high and for them failure to live up to that ideal may cause the~ a life-lon g habit of disparagement. T am sure that the ambitions of a boy mu~'t not exceed those of hiR legitimate psychological horizon. We must not teach our boys to serve in the ab3tract ~nt give them plenty .of oriportunity for self expres­sion anJ that is where ~couting is useful ancl should have its full share of the

1 ~couts

life and that of the. school. l t has few; if an v, rivals w h 1ch achieve. rnc,~ 1 ~.,n all ~9und and useful !Jfe. How glad and grateful the S. M. would be if o1r;i 1e _,wpu l ~ ,qome forward to help eith er as an A. S. M. or other in this his gamey staf,e of leg affliction; he can promise the happiest time of serv ice among a fine fri~~1a\y .s~f of boys who need more than f can give them the reward of which none can predict.

I seem to have taken a long time to ~ay so little and now for my niport.

The first few weeks, we had wide open country games and in April a Tender­foot Camp was held with good results At Easter a ,1st class Training Camp was held at Avalanche which was much enjAyed and offered much promise but was not followed up with the best results. In J 1ne a second c lass training camp was held at Stanley Park but here again Scouting was done in spurts an~ starts. P /Ls. should try and steady this spasmooic and unsu~t a ined effort, some boys showed real purpose and went through with flying colours while others remain Tenderfoot to this day for the want of leadership and steady encouragement. I was disappoint. ed over the finish of this good start. · ·

Then came the Big Camp at Kotagiri which was pitched in the gr'oundR of Mrs. Mitchells beautiful Estate, It was a wet camp and in two cases, patrols wen~ <hiven into refuge of a cottage: tents were washed out with inches of mud and water inspite of d1oep trenches. The S.couts behaved splendidly under this ordeal but it did spoil things considerably. It, wasn't. rain bnt · torrential tropical down pours. The wet weather naturally hindered our heavily arranged programmes but we un4ertook t-he longer hikes and excursions, one in pouring rain.

80

I lcnew that Christ had g.iven me Bfrth to Brother all the Souls on earth.

We managed i'._cou.pl~ of -Ca mp Fires ;t Sports . Da,y, _some scout games indoor and out and a few ni gh t games.

We had a eouple of Church Parades one of which was accompanied by the T_roop B~g!e . B~1~d, and I consider they did a fine job and th~roughly impressed the villager& and church congregation. Mr. Brinicombe was the speaker. w "· ·

The competit;on ran high with very few points bet'w~en Patrols and amounted to over 300 points. The boys built an exce llent Monkey Bridge as an example of Pa trol organisation and comi:-leted it in about aB hou·r and a half: it was about 50 foet, the boys got a good swim most days in rather a sma'll i:tnd muddy tank.

_ .. One boy ha,d. ,a nasty fall when jumpin g the Camp Fire and although it , spoi lt t .he fun for the rest of the evening he was soon up and about but had 'to

,., .. ''1:1os lo w"' for a :couple of weeks · · · '' · 1 ·•· ; V '' 1 f I ( J ; ' ''I I ' f_ I j ! t ; ' • ' ' , ,,

In spite of rain tliere were many joy spots in the camp and some said it was t he best they ever attended.

Now .. we are on the eve of the annual bust up and Camp Fire, but it will be lat!l. ,tp g,Ef~ it into. pr~ss for a rep91j~· The Scouts own has pegged away week by week on Sundays and I trust , Yea, I feel sure, it has not been without its b lessings and joys among our scouts. Another year, I want it to be much more a scouts OWN.

Perhaps one of the crowning events of the year was the presentation of The Queen's Scout Badge to P/L. M. Spraggs. Spraggs worked hard here in India to complete the requiremen t.s of the Text and on r.ecommendation to London, I a m glad indeed it was granted him. I am still awaitin g the rPport from e ither Windsor or Buck­ingham Palace about the presentation. 'Spraggs was a very ke·en scout and fought a good fight and kept on keeping on until he got i~ and I think bis st'andards of passing were high: There is no reason why several of our scouts should not attain to the Honour: However we are proud of the one and thank London authority for this great consideration.

I am also glad indeed that P/L. B. Smith (Sprin gbo•ks~ 'got bis 1st Cl. Badge after a stiff tu.-i sle ; I think he did his journ.ey about four11times; once in stiff rain · and dense fog; his 6.nal journey on cycle comprisAd nea:~ly.'40 miles over road and stiff mountainous country, doing several miles on foo1nve\l off .the roads. It is hoped that this honour will also fall to P/L. Lutz Stavenhagen who only has a finishin g touch to put to his 1s t Class. -

I do hope my next year's yarn will be mu ch more glowing and one which tallies with old time 1st Nilgiri Scouting . To the Scouts, I say "Hei:&'s to good scouting and camping and God blel:!s you each one. _

81

Sink or Swim, Play Straight.

~t~nnl @olnurs 1955 ..

Full Blue are the SchootColours awarded in sports, in consi:tieration of the following qualificatio:

}. Quality of play ans spirit OD the field,

2. General ch4racter.

3. One year in the. School.

4. Outstanding perforlllances.

5. Number of representative matches p1ayed.

Boys receive an Honours Cap. Girls receive an Honours Badge worn on the gym frock.

Half Blues are the school colours awarded on s·i1nilar lines. Boys may wear tue schoo! crest their games shirt or sweater also the special half-blue tie. Honourable Mention for those who have shown promise or performed with merit

BOYS.

I Cricket I A th le tics Football I

Full Blue R. Webb* A. Conney R. Webb I. Watson R. Webb

R. Joseph I R. Joseph

Half Blu+. Jo,.ph* I

1

P. D•,••hahl

H

M

on our- T. Pa~hy R. Stanford able G. Draper C. Holcombe ention R. Michael T. Pathy

P. Hill C. Willy

I R. Miehael

A warded previously .

I I. Watson* T. Pathy

r G. Draper

P. Church ward

A. Conney

il

Hoc:key

I Tennis ·1Gymnastics _ Boxing

R. Joseph-I R. Josef R. Webb I

I I . ,

T. Pathy I

I. Watsor R. Stanfc

I P. Darash

I . I

I [ ....

N. B.-Tennis and Gym. colours

on another page.

,

~emor~ - J\utngrltpqs. - 1955 -

•

/

-

--

\

.·

•

Pride may begin as a Necklace but it tightens into·a N<Jose,

~ nuse . Joints for tqc llil lFthnag.ar .Q!up. - .. . . .

PENTLAND. I S"T:ANES I STEVENSON

Points I P0s1TmN I Porn~s- IPos1~10N/ PoINTS / Pos~-

CRICKET

Seniors 6 3rd 7 1st 7 1st

Juniors 4 2nd 0 3rcl 8 ht ,

--

SWIMMING

Sports 4 2nd 2 3ra 6 1st

Tests 3 1st 1 3rd 2 2nd

.---- ....:..

FOOT BALL

Seniors 9 lat 0 3rd 9 1st

Juniors 8.5 1st 2 3rd t:S· 2nd

ATHLETICS 14.5 1st 4.3 3rd 12.7 2nd

---CROSS COUNTRY 7.1 2nd 3.6 3rd 10.3 ht:

----• . .!

HOCKEY I

Seniors 3 2nd 0 3rd 6 ' •lfs.t',

Juniors 1.5 2nd 1 3rd 5.{)i .u~

- - --TOTAL

POINTS ·60.6 2nd 20.9 3rd 74 1dit ,,

,. ~ . . . .

'<Ur~ t~e ~~itot' 5 .*mas :ifunrb. Here is Something which will keep you quiet betw een the pudding and Cake lt is not too difficult but if you want a pr ize it must be your own work.

(Scout Law 1). -. First Qorrect Solution wins after December 28th, but closes January 2nd. 1906.

Tidyness will count where several are correct.

CLUES DOWN 1 Companion 2 In a thicket 3 A racing vessel 4 Four winged insect 5 Letter ~f Greek alphabet 6 . Girl's name 7 Kind of species 8 Expression of joy

IO A Meeting place 14 Compassionate 18 An adult title 20 Adviser 21 Move in lively way 22 Thoroughly proficient 23 Town in Switzerland 24 Boys name in Breeks 26 Fall in rear 27 Showy 28 Instrument to impel boat

CLUES ACROSS 1 'l'o compensate 4 Incl in ea to reading 9 Lessen

11 Species of deer 12 So rd id gain 13 Metal polisher ] 5 Reserved 16 A deputy 17 Drau.gbt man's appliance for line~ 19 Word on School crest 20 Title of an-adult '21 24 25 26 27 29 30 31

Bitter criticism Pertaining to marriages Enthusiast Thrust with a sword Relish An arch Nearly all oar Magn11nimously

32 Go astray. .. ·-·

k.e.~~~~~~~~~~~~~-* --'- ·

/(isliinchand Cltella1tam SPECIAL OUTFITTERS TO BREEKS SCHOOL,

(Detailed price list can he had from the School or Firm)

DOTACAMUND.

You can always get : - .

* FASHION FABRICS-SILK, WOOLLEN AND COTTON,

* SMART READYMADE GARMENTS FOR ALL,

* STYLISH HEAD A.ND FOOTWEAR,

* MODERN FURNISHING AND CARPETS,

* PRESENTATION ARTICLES AND NOVELTIES,

* ELECTRICAL GOODS,

* STORES AND TOILETS, . ETC.

- o-·

AGENTS FOR

r.1.coMTRUST" Hosiery & Textiles,

1.r.FLEX'' Footwear.

--o--

Sterli119 Quality, CValue & Ser"ice.

SELBORNE MISSIONARY GUEST HOUSE, - DOT ACA_MUND· -

(OPEN ALL THE :YEAR ROUND.)

Suitable Convention, Conference Centre, etc,

Every Comfoit

Christian Fellowship

Excellent Cuis.ine

.Saiu,brlous Clima,te

Beautiful Garden Tennis-Library-Music

Two G,arages Children Welcomed

Near Shops, Schools, Churches.

Beautiful Drives and Walks Picnics Arranged. ·

VERY MODERATE CHARGES.

Special Terms, Long Periods and Non-Missionaries.

HosT AND HOSTESS - Mr. and Mrs. E.G. R. FISHER.

( 1956 Season months full, April-June.)

New Royal Dairy Farm, (Prop. C. NALLAPPA GOUNDER)

ERODE·

Quality and Service. Our Best Fresh,

Pure Table Butter, Cream., Etc.

SUPPLIERS TO THE

LEADING SCHOOLS AND MISSIONARY HOMES ON THE NILGIRIS, YERCAUO, KODAIKANAL. CUDDALORE •

. ·: , . ~ . ' ' '~ ' DINDIV ANAM AND BANGALORE. .

Proprietor:

C. Nj\LLAPPA GOUND~R·

I

SCHOOL UNIFORMS

JERSEYS

PULLOVERS

GAMES SHORTS

TIES

CAPS

Also we specialize in: -

SOCKS

·STDCK·IN GS

ALWAYS IN STOCK.

Household Linens, Furnishing Fabrics, Ladies

Dress Materials, Carpets, Coir Mattings, etc., etc.

M. CHANDIRAM & SONS, OOTACAMUND.

BRANCHES:

KARACHI STORES, OOTY & COONOOR.

(ESTABLISHED 1923)

FOR

QUALITY BREAD, PASTRIES & CAKES

SpeeialiM~:-

,- · W .edding & Birthday Cakes ·,

ehri~tma~ eake~ i~ our SpecialitlJ

·,Fresh vf <l. Jrs accepted at our Ooty Branch Shop

OSITE : MESSRS. SIMPSON & CO.,

and Goods Delivered within 24 hours at

Customer's Door.

/ ~~d_ , GRANT DUFF ROAD,

P. 0. LDVEDALE : : NILGIRIS. J··· .. .· ~ • . • · -

..

HIROS 'Jor ':Better e!-leaning at co.;t

HIROS 'Jor . Cf)erfection ancl Cf)rompt

Service

H.IROS ELECTRIC DRY CLEANERS

COMMERCIAL ROAD

DDTACAMLJND

HIGH CLASS PRINTERS, ST ATIDNERS, PUBLISHEioRS,

BOOK-BINDER~, MACHINE RULERS, DIE ST AMPEF<S.

PtCTURE FRAMING A SPECIALITY.

e ranelv ettamber.6, C9otacamunct

Cf1il9iri.6, S. '9nclia.

THE ONLY REPUTED FIRM

ON THE HILLS

SUNBEAM STUDIO, OOT ACAMUND .

. -o-~

High Class Confectioners,

Bakers and Caterers

OOTACAMUND.

Mrs. IRIS SHORTT,

Proprietress.·

School Officers, Committee, etc.

E'ditorial

School Speech Da.y Programme

School Speech Day

Principals' Annual Report

Prize List for 195&

Cub Camp, by a Sixer •••

A'-Hero

Market Day in Yunnan Province

Swimming Sports

Results of the Aquatic Sports

Invocation

Boxing 1955

Hockey 1955

Gymnastics

Football

School Games 1955

Cross Country Run

Cricket '

. Christian Endeavour

CONTENTS-

Tennis and Badminton Doubles Tournament

House Notes .GirJ,~ ~ Pentland

" Stan es

,, Steve~son

School Boxing Tournament Results

School Notes

Lushington Report

Girls' Games 1955

Girls' Swimming 1955

The Christian Union

Report of Parent-Teacher Association

Athletics

Inter School Sports

Camp Alphabet

Howlers·

Appreciation of Captains ' Play

D1'ba-ting Society 19'55

...

Page

2" 5 '

1.:.... tr 9:_10~·

11-17 17-19 19'-20 ~e-.. 21 '

2!-22~

23 . 24: .

2is -

26 '

27' 27 ·-28 .

28 '"

29 zo· si-31

32

32 33 .

34-35 . 35-37. 37-38 ' 81-39 39

40-41 41-42 43 4.4.

U-46

•6 47 ·

CONTBNTS (contd.)

Obiter Dicta

A Plea for "Never Say Die" on the. Cricket Fiela Natural History Society-Notes 1955

House Notes (Boys) Pentland I

" . "

Stan es

Stevenson

Wild_Life Day

A Chr~tmas Message Listening In Scou_t Inspiration in Poetry

All Patrols Lookout

Addresses of Old Scholars (Revised)

Swimming

Stamp Collecting

A P. T. A. Afternoon

A Library for Our School

In Memoriam A Playground for Our School Past Pu pi! Notes and News

Old Staff and Scholars' Addresses

Cautionary .Tale for Careless Children or A Parents Tribute to the end of Term

Labo'ratory Atmospheric or The Physical Effect of Chemical Reaction

Congratulations Cub Park: Report of the Year

- Scouting 1955 School Colours 1955 House Points for the Bhavnagar Cup

Editor's Xmas Xword

Page

48 48-4:9

49-51

51-52 52 53 54-H

55-60 61

6l-6i 62-63 63-64 64

65-66 66-68 68-69 69 70

71-73 73

74-75

76

76 77-78

78-80 81 82