THE

SHIRBURNIAN

SHERBORNE : AT THE ABBEY PRESS

VOL. XL No. 35

SUMMER 1949

----~-----..------ --

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THE

SHIRBURNIAN

SUMMER

VOL.XL 1949

No. 35

" The Devil's Disciple "

Editorial

School News

O.S. News

Obituary ... Societies:

The Duffers The Alchemists James Rhoades Society Les Polyglottes ...

. ..

The Ornithological Society Interpretes Music Club Photographic Society A Partial Observer

Comment: Concerts Concert Club " The Devil's Disciple " .. '. The Art Exhibition The Agamemnon

CONTENTS

Annual Inspection of C.C.F. The Broads: Journal of Pandora III "To The Hills": Caimgorm Expedition 1949 Expedition to North Wales Outer Hebrides The Southwark Week-end

Valete

Literary:

••'•

Page Frontispiece

1573

1574

1575

1576

1578 1578 1578 1578 1579 1579 1579 1580 1580

1581 1582 1583 1583 1584 1584 1585 1586 1587 1589 1590

1591

The First Evening 1592 The Prologue . . . 1594 New York Looks at Sherbome 1594 Commem.-A Rejected Editorial 1596 Lines on The Glorious Sport " Village Cricket " or " Asleep in

the Deep" 1596 Number Eleven 1597 Oxford Impressions 1598 A Journey Through Time 1599 Epigrams (after Martial) 1600 Canterbury 1600 On the Late Defeat Sustained at Clifton 1601 More Epigrams 1602 Letter from the Prize Poet 1602 Book Review 1604

Games: Hockey 1604 Cricket 1607 Shooting 1613 Tennis 1613 Athletics 1614 Gym. Display 1614 Swimming 1615

Stop Press 1615

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THE SHIRBURNIAN No. 35. SUMMER, 1949. VOL. XL.

EDITORIAL "I do hope it's like this next year". These words were on the lips of many over Commemoration. It

seemed almost as if this Commem. was a preview, a rehearsal for the quatercentenary. It is quite certain that eyes were not only turned towards the past to recall our benefactors hitherto, but also towards the future and the quatercentenary.

There are always two sides to Commem. The official side-and the private and personal side. We cannot speak of the latter, but the former does offer us scope for comment. Friday morning was of doubtful promise; cloudy and oppressive. But by the time the P.T. display and Gym. were due, brilliant sunshine and heat found anxious sisters and· mothers wishing they had" put their other frock on" !

As regards the various displays ; the Gym. squad was only average but of course the parents marvelled. The P.T. was adequate, probably better than last year, and always well worth the trouble taken over it. The Band! How right Mr. Green was when he said that their undoubted enthusiasm outmatched their ability. But everyone agrees that a tomato that is home grown and a trifle scarred is better than half-a­dozen from the shop. The Drill squads were smartly dressed and performed their movements well. Comments all round ran on these lines : " poor blighters must be hot ".

Of " the Devil's Disciple " there is comment elsewhere. On Saturday, the Commemoration Service "went off all right" (to use the words of one hardened

parson). It was indeed a pity that Bishop David was difficult to hear. The temptation, when acoustics are bad, is,to give up trying to listen. Speeches and prize giving followed: M. Per Prebensen, the Norwegian Ambassador, gave the prizes-away. The speeches all contained the usual plea for half-holidays and a glance towards the quatercentenary.

The Cricket match ended in a draw. The less said about it the better. "The side that holds its catches wins its matches ". No doubt the Headmaster reiterated his old complaint.

Then, the Dance ; without another word, it is fitting to offer thanks to Col. Holmes for the great work he did in transforming the big Schoolroom and organising the whole show. The cloisters looked very gay; the refreshments were excellent, and though the band was if anything adverse to good dancing, a very good time was had by all, and we, who will not be here next year, put in a plea, a very strong plea, for a repeat performance. It was all very successful.

Sunday for the most part is a day of recuperation, a day for the family. If all the official ceremonies were successes, and favourably blessed by the weather, so was Sunday.

Ices and strawberries were in plentiful supply. "Austerity" Cripps would have drowned himself if he had been privileged to see his policy flung to the winds and people enjoying themselves.

And then ? . . . . Monday morning . . . . " I say, old boy, we really must get down to that Shirburnian, you know ; its got to be at the printer's next week ".

1574 THE SHIRBURNIAN

SCHOOL NEWS SCHOOL OFFICERS

Head of the School

School Prefects (a) C. B. ZEALLEY

M. W. PAILTHORPE (h)

(f) R. B. BRIDGES

(b)

(c)

(d)

F. w. BATSTONE

D. B. GOSHERON

M. D. SUGDEN

G. LARKINS

G. R. GERVIS

T. J. PECK

J. P. ROBERTSON

(g) D. c. P. CAREY

R. A. COLQUHOUN

(h) M. W. PAILTHORPE

W. S. BLACKSHAW

D. J. G. BANKS

Editors of The Shirburnian C. B. ZEALLEY

W. S. BLACKSHAW

Captains of Cricket .. . M. W. PAILTHORPE

F. W. BATSTONE Tennis .. .

Shooting

Fives and Squash

Gym.

Swimming

Athletics

C. P. ANGWIN

F. W. BATSTONE

E. s. ORR-EWING

D. J. G. BANKS

Chapel Prefect

R. A. COLQUHOUN

W. S. BLACKSHAW

HONOURS

Congratulations to the following :-

Athletic

W. S. BLACKSHAW. Baring Open Scholarship for Classics at Hertford College, Oxford.

D. K. BREWER. Open Scholarship for Classics at New College, Oxford.

R. M. CooKE. Open Exhibition for Modern History at Hertford College, Oxford.

M. W. PAILTHORPE. Old Members Exhibition at Lincoln College, Oxford.

C. B. ZEALLEY. Choral Scholarship (tenor) at King's College, Cambridge.

J. H. CROOK. Scholarship for Natural Science at Southampton University.

M. M. WALFORD, on playing Hockey for England.

We congratulate Col. and Mrs. Randolph on the birth of twin daughters.

THE SHIRBURNIAN

O.S. NEWS HONOURS

C.B.E. E. G. D. NORTHCROFT (c 1910-1915)

OBITUARY June 49. BERKELEY, Major Malcolm Spencer (c 1915-1919). June 49~ CHICHESTER, Arthur Raleigh (Bl. 1893-1896). Apr. 49. CHICHESTER, John Richard (h 1944-1948). Mar. 49. DEVITT, Howson Foulger (a 1881-1887). Mar. 49. DONNE, Colonel Henry Richard Beadon, C.B., C.M.G. (Heth 1873-78). Mar. 49. FARRER, John Richard Stanton (a 1942-1945). Feb. 49. GLASSE, David Robert Maxwell (a 1940-1944). May 49. HOLBERTON, Sir Edgar James, C.B.E. (a 1888-1893). June 49. KEIR, Surgeon Rear-Admiral William Wallace, C.M.G. (a 1891-1893). Apr. 49. PENNY, George William (a 1879-1883). Oct. 48. PETTER, Guy Bazeley (Wood 1887-1890). Mar. 49. SIMPSON, Julius Benedict, M.R.C.S. (Rhoades 1887-1890). Apr. 49. STANGER-LEATHES, Colonel Hugh Ellis, I.M.S. (a 1892-1897).

PILGRIMS' RUGGER 1948-9 SEASON

1575

Who or what are the Pilgrims? Because several O.S.s and present Shirburnians have lately asked this question, it seems necessary to answer it before giving a short account of their rugger activities this season.

They are a club which draws its members from all Old Shirburnians who have distinguished them­selves either in playing, or in organizing, any recognized game. Furthermore, it is possible for O.S.s who may not be especially good at any particular game, to be elected Pilgrims if they support Pilgrims' activities with consistent and reasonably good play. For example, during this season out of the seven rugger teams which have represented the Pilgrims on various occasions, only a small percentage of the players have been Pilgrims, and it is hoped that several who were not Pilgrims before may be elected as a result of their performances. _

In short, the club sets out to encourage the playing of games by O.S.s, and therefore offers no hin­drance, but on the contrary every encouragement, to O.S.s who volunteer to play for it, however weak their paper-qualifications may be.

This season two short tours and one independent match were played. The first tour in December consisted of the following matches :-

Friday, December vs. Yeovil-Drawn 8-8 (at Sherbome). Saturday, December vs. the School-Drawn 0-0 (at Sherbome). Monday, December vs. Blundell's Squirrels-Lost 8-12 (at Tiverton).

The independent match took place in London against the Old Blues' " A " team and resulted in a con-vincing win for the Pilgrims (25-0).

The second tour was run over the Easter week-end, and the following matches were played :­Saturday, April 16th vs. Exeter (2nd XV). Lost 15-19 (at Exeter). Monday, April 18th vs. Old Albanians. Lost 6-22 (at Bournemouth). Tuesday, April 19th vs. Sidmouth. Lost 11-28 (at Sidmouth). The names of those taking part in one or more of these games are :-

Backs: J. Agar, B. Aitken, D. Anson, J. Ayres, R. Ball, E. A. Beaulah, B. R. 0. Carter, C. S. Clarke, H. H. Crawfurd, E. B. A. Edwards, G. Fawcett, R. W. S. Harris, M. Hudson, J. Hunter, P. G. H. Longrigg, E. J. Rice, R. de C. Richards, D. E. C. Russell.

Forwards: D. Anderson, P. Carter, B. Ellis, P. Ferry, R. M. Fox, G. French, R. D. Harris, D. Howorth, J. Knight, P. Maybury, W.R. Meadows, M. Mccrum, M. Pailthorpe, K. M. Reinold, T. J. G. Rogers, D. Sherrard, M. R. Smithwick, R. Sykes, P. Tomson, D. Turner, R.H. Whiteway, M. N. David, M. Walden.

1576 THE SHIRBURNIAN

The bare results, several of which show the Pilgrims as heavy losers, provide no indication of the enjoyment which these games gave to most of those who played in them, nor of the many hard fights against good teams. In several of the matches non-Shirburnian players had to be included to fill up last-minute gaps. Probably this was inevitable, because Pilgrims' rugger has only just begun to re-establish itself after

. the long interval of the war-years. But we hope that in coming seasons our teams will be entirely Shirburnian and that all Shirburnians, past or present, who enjoy playing rugger, will now realize that their services will be only too welcome.

The rugger secretary's address is M. McCrum, Green Vale, Belstone, Okehampton, Devon. The plan for next season is as follows :-

1. December Tour (same fixtures as this year). 2. Two matches in London in January, to coincide with the O.S. Dinner, one against the Old Blues,

and the other against Blackheath " A ". 3. Easter Tour (Exeter and Sidmouth fixtures as this year, but a match against Bideford on Easter

Monday to replace the Bournemouth game). M.McC.

OBITUARY THE REVD. HENRY DUNKIN

Many old Shirburnians, especially those who were in his House, will hear with regret of the recent death of Henry Dunkin at the age of 87. The writer is conscious of the difficulties involved in trying to paint a realistic picture of his long, useful and active life and, in particular, of the distant years he spent at Sherbome, and so it is hoped that those with brighter memories will read with an indulgent eye. Henry Dunkin was educated at Haileybury and New College, Oxford, was ordained in 1886 and was appointed to the staff of Sherbome School in 1893, after experience as an assistant master at Oswestry Grammar School and Headmaster of Dorchester County School. In the wider sphere of a Public School he gave freely of his great store of energy in helping with the Chapel services which were very dear to him, as Commandant of the O.T.C., in undertaking, like his contemporary Charley Hodgson, to enlighten the boys in a com­paratively low form and above all as Housemaster of the Green which he took over from Thomas Wilson in 1905, remaining in charge for 16 years. In those days there were only about 200 boys in the School and 30 or so in a house, and a House Master, in addition to having to face the risk of buying the House, had to depend almost entirely for his entries on the personal connection he was able to build up. It was an uphill task, but Henry Dunkin, with his buoyancy, good temper, shrewdness and a traditional respect for the spiritual values, was able gradually to make a House in which parents had confidence and boys responded to the great care which was taken over what his most intimate friends knew he thought of most, their moral and spiritual welfare. In achieving these results, he would have been the first to acknowledge with gratitude the help he received from Mrs. Dunkin whose vivacious charm, graciousness and thought for others were always an inspiring influence ; from his matron, Miss Wiles, who had an intense loyalty for the House and a sympathetic understanding of boys and their ways ; and from Ben Davis, who looked after the House games in his own inimitable way. They were a happy, well-balanced and successful fellowship. Sherbome was followed, not by retirement, but by more service as Rector of Patney, where four expansive years were spent in the friendly and appreciative atmosphere that a country parish can create, when its emotions are stirred. The garden was a great joy, and its little stream and sweet-smelling old-fashioned roses and the trust displayed by a pair of moorhens which nested in a bush just by the front door lingered long in their memories. It was hard to leave Patney, but the time had come for Mrs. Dunkin to have a rest and they were indeed fortunate to be able to retire to the Manor House, Bemerton, where, coming under the spell of its ancient windows, nooks and crannies it was so natural and delightful to read again the verses of that most purely devotional of all English poets, George Herbert. Here, in these romantic surroundings, with the Nadder murmuring close by, Henry Dunkin spent the last 24 years of his long life and up to the end of the war he was well and strong enough to act as Examining Chaplain to the Bishop of Salisbury and to help his fellow clergy, when they were ill, or in need of a holiday. Here, too, he had the leisure to make his garden worthy of the Manor, to entertain members of his old House, to recall the many aspects of his long career, to live again the years he spent at Sherborne which were nearest to .his heart and, what meant so much to him, to be visited by his son J oho, scholar and Bursar of Rugby School, with his wife and two children, and by his daughter Barbara and her husband, John Lewis, who, fittingly enough, was once a member of the Green.

o.s.

THE SHIRBURNIAN - - 1577

THE BISHOP OF SALISBURY

We heard with deep regret of the sudden death on December 18th of the Right Rev. G. C. Lunt, M.C., D.D. He was a member of the School as a boy, and was consequently very glad when, as Bishop of Salisbury, be became one of the Governors of Sherbome. He started as a curate at Clifton, and spent practically all his life, until he became a Bishop, as a parish parson. He was successively Vicar of St. Paul's, Bedminster, Bristol, All Saints, Northampton, and St. Mary, Portsea. As a chaplain on the Western Front in World War I he won the Military Cross.

On St. Paul's Day, 1935, he was consecrated Bishop of Ripon. For ten years he was Bishop there, until in 1943 he went out to the Middle East, as representative of the Archbishops, to hearten the hard­pressed troops-the M.E.F., who felt it stood for Men England Forgets. He was sent by air via Equatorial Africa, and had no chance whatever of acclimatisation. For this reason he fell victim to whatever plagues were raging, and suffered from malaria, jaundice, diphtheria and double pneumonia almost all at once. Despite this frustration and the consequent disappointment of many of his hopes, he contrived to cheer and inspire very many by his unconquerable spirit, his Christian insight and his generous heart.

On October 23rd, 1946, he was enthroned as Bishop of Salisbury, being by now one of the senior Bishops, and therefore increasingly in demand in the central policies of the church ; his wealth of pastoral experience and his touch with the service Chaplains fitted him particularly for advising on present-day problems of the parochial system. One who knew him both before the war at Harrogate and later in the Middle East pays this tribute to Geoffrey Lunt :-

" His kindness and friendship were wonderful : it all seemed to come from a most loving heart, and never failed to inspire and help. He knew our joys and sorrows, our difficulties and disappointments, and we always felt better and stronger after we had been with him."

He could do it because he was 'one who had been with Jesus'-his energy, his humour, his sympathy and his prayer-life were woven into one seamless robe.

SIR EDGAR HOLBERTON

Sir Edgar Joseph Holberton, C.B.E., died at his home in London on Sunday, 22nd May, at the age of 75.

He was born on May 10, 1874, and was educated at Sherbome and Magdalene College, Cambridge. Having joined the Bombay-Burma Trading Corporation in 1899 he rose to be manager in nine years and retained the post for some 13 years. He was chairman of the Burma Chamber of Commerce from 1918 to 1920 and for the same period served on the Legislative Council of Burma. During this time he was made a C.B.E., and from 1920 until 1923 he was a member of the Council of State of India. He was knighted in 1921.

He married in 1911 Mary Ranee, daughter of Judge Romney Kane, of Glandree, County Clare, and by her had two sons and a daughter.

JOHN RICHARD CHICHESTER

John Richard Chichester (h 1944-48) came to Sherborne from Little Appley Preparatory School, Ryde, Isle of Wight, where he was Head of the School for his last year. In his early days at Sherbome he rapidly outgrew his strength, which prevented him from realising his hopes and ambitions as quickly and as fully as he obviously wanted to. Naturally shy and lacking in confidence, it was only at the end of his school career that he began to fulfil his early promise. But he became a House Prefect and kept goal at Hockey for the 2nd XI and showed considerable promise as a High Jumper. He was very good with his hands, some of his work in carpentry being outstandingly finished.

He enlisted as a volunteer on 16th September 1948 and was appointed a Lance Corporal on 29th November whilst attending a Leader Course at the Coldstream Guard Training Battallion at Aldershot. He was posted to the 1st Battalion, The Gloucestershire Regiment and arrived in Jamaica on 1st March 1949. He died suddenly on 1st April and was buried with full Military Honours at Kingston, Jamaica. The whole Battalion and all the Officers were present at the funeral.

1578 THE SHIRBURNIAN

SOCIETIES THE DUFFERS

On March 5th the Society was entertained at Abbey House to hear papers by G. H. Hallsmith and J. J.M. M. Bond. Hallsmith spoke of personality in politics with particular reference to Woodrow-Wilson, Mussolini and Ramsay MacDonald. It was an interesting paper, if not very profound. Bond, on politics and poetry, tied the whole Society up in knots with a most involved series of arguments. There were some very good points, but a number which he might have elucidated.

The first meeting of the Summer Term took place on Sund~y, May 15th, when, at Abbeylands, we heard T. G. Kirkbride on "the Modem Movement in Art". Kirkbride's paper was a really sensible exposition of the case for the modernists, and there can have been few who did not depart feeling more sympathy with the better brands of the modem movement. This was a really good paper-clear, knowledge­able and always interesting. He managed his questions very well.

On May 29th, we heard J. M. Gelsthorpe read a paper on "Letter writers of the 18th century". Gelsthorpe displayed all the marks of scholarship in a paper full of literary allusion and interest. Horace Walpole and Thomas Gray were his subjects, and in some sympathetic pen portraits, he showed us the glories of that delightful century. It was, it need hardly be said, written in a delightful style.

On June 13th Mr. Littleton C. Powys gave us a paper on the Literary Associations of South East Somerset and Dorset, which had previously been delivered as one of a series of papers arranged by Bristol University. There is perhaps no one in the land more qualified for such a task, and indeed on hearing his pieces on figure upon figure of literature, it was clear that this was so. Mr. Powys, of course, cannot hear a bad word for many of his subjects, but this did not spoil a most instructive and unusual paper. Thanks are due to Mr. Melvin for providing excellent refreshments.

W. S. BLACKSHAW, Hon. Secretary.

THE ALCHEMISTS On Monday, June 20, the Alchem'ists met to hear a paper by Dr. A. Richards, entitled" Magic and

Science in an African Village ". The paper was of extreme interest to all members : the speaker dealt with the ways of the forest dwellers of Central Africa, and, in particular, with their skill in woodwork. She also talked about Black Magic and emphasised the serious way in which the natives regard it. So convincing were the stories that some members of the Society were persuaded to become magicians themselves !

M. w. PAILTHORPE, Hon. Secretary.

JAMES RHOADES This term has seen what some call " a dangerous precedent " in the Society's reading on May 7th of

Ian Hay's " The Sport of Kings ". Though disclaiming all responsibility himself, the present secretary admires the daring of his predecessor. At all events, the play was heartily enjoyed. The Society met again on the 28th May to read "The Taming of the Shrew" in which J. D. Waite took the part of Petruchio and A. B. Kingsmith that of the Shrew. Since then several members, including our last secretary, have been stolen from us by the Duffers.

Later in the term we hope to read" Abraham Lincoln" by John Drinkwater in the open air-Mr. Field having most kindly promised us his garden. We shall then have the pleasure of seeing our Honorary Members and welcoming our four new members.

R. J. DURLING, Hon. Secretary.

LES POLYGLOTTES Schiller's " Wilhelm Tell " was found to be too long to finish last term, and it was not deemed wise to

continue it after the lapse of the holidays. The last meeting of the term consisted of a concert of the third Act of Wagner's" Die Meistersinger von Nfunberg ",of which the President possesses an excellent record­ing in German.

THE SHIRBURNIAN 1579

Since the year 1949 marks the celebration of the bicentenary of Goethe's birth, the President read us a most informative and full-account of the young poet's life on our first meeting this term. We continued with reading Moliere's "Les Femmes Savantes ", a most amusing play, the finer points of which, alas, lay too deep for the general appreciation of the Society. The reading, well up to average, was reinforced by Mlle. Catalat. We are now engaged in Schiller's" Die Jungfrau von Orleans", a very fine example of the author's concept of the ambitious conqueror's inevitable fall. After a disastrous start, the reading, aided by Dr. Garleitner, has progressed admirably in the surroundings of the President's garden.

G. S. P. PEACOCKE, Hon. Secretary.

THE ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY Any society bearing the name of a branch of scientific study stands or falls by the amount of original

research it performs. Quite apart from our regular work in the park two senior members of the Society visited the Outer Hebrides during the Easter holidays. Several interesting and unusual birds were seen, including the Slavonian Grebe, the Barnacle Goose, the Gadwall, the Snow Bunting, and a fine Whooper Swan. The results of this visit have been sent to be included in a mass of data being collected for a book on Outer Hebridean birds, at the author's request.

During the past term some two hundred and sixty birds have been ringed, a great improvement on last year's total of one hundred and sixty four. By thus marking the birds, like many other societies doing similar work, one can trace their migratory instincts all over the world.

However, there are ninety odd " drones " in the Society, who do not take any part in this practical work. The distribution of tit-mice in Honeycombe Wood-Wader migrants in the Yeo valley-the dis­tribution of woodlarks and other more· uncommon birds-these are all problems which any practical ornithologists should tackle. All our efforts combine in a nation-wide scientific research ; there is endless scope for this fascinating study, and therein lies the beauty of bird-watching.

JOHN H. CROOK, Hon. Secretary.

INTERPRETES The Interpretes began the term with a selection of Roman letters, some of which gave an interesting

sidelight on social life, but whose interest flagged somewhat when they plunged into the murky depths of provincial administration. We then went on to Martial, and had a boisterous evening with his Epigrams, including several verse translations bristling with topical allusions which never failed to raise a laugh. Since then we have had two papers: the first was by R. J. Durling-or' Dom' R. J. D. in the Society's mystic parlance-on" Novels of the Ancient World", which provoked a great deal of interest and amuse­ment: the second was by G. Griffiths, Esq., on" The Greeks as Rulers", which stimulated thought of a more profound and sombre nature, by such subjects as a comparison between nationalisation policies in Ptolemaic Egypt and Socialist England. Our thanks are due to the authors, and, in anticipation, to M. V. Carey, from whom we hope to hear a paper before the end of term, on a subject as yet undivulged.

Finally, I must express, on behalf of the Interpretes, our sincerest gratitude to Mr. and Mrs. Anderson for their most generous hospitality to the Society during the past year.

D. K. BREWER, Int. Max.

MUSIC CLUB Although essentially an organisation more suited to the colder seasons by its very nature, we have

progressed slowly and quietly during the term, though at the time of writing we have only met once, when two papers-" Opera" (with particular reference to "La Boheme"), and "Tschaikowsky and his Symphonies ", read by C. B. Zealley and the Hon. Secretary respectively-were read to an enthusiastic, if small and reasonably select, audience. After going to press last term, a Member's Concert was held, which, even if a trifle under-rehearsed, appeared to be good entertainment-value. It is hoped to hold two further meetings-an organ recital by Mr. Wiles, and an open-air "Anthology of Music and Verse", in con­junction with the James Rhoades Society.

A. B. Knm-SMITII, Hon. Secretary.

1580 ·THE SHIRBURNIAN

PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY The fine weather of this term has aroused a fervour of activity in the darkrooms and some good results

have been forthcoming. Improvements in the darkrooms are at present being slowed down by a delay in fitting a new door to the room being specially equipped, but it is hoped that it.will be completed before the end of term. -

An exhibition was held at Commemoration when about sixty photographs by members of the Society were exhibited in conjunction with a large collection of New Venture photographs. The former were all entered for the competition held simultaneously, which was judged by Mrs. Gervis and Mr. Brown. The results were as follows :-

1st Prize. S. Wallace. 2nd Prize. R. Shields.

Four other entries were highly commended.

3rd Prize. J. McGougan. 4th Prize. C. V. Bravery.

J. McGougan has been appointed Honorary Secretary for next term.

R. W. HALL, Hon. Secretary.

"A PARTIAL OBSERVER" A poet has inspiration, he has metre, he has licence-I have none: I am no" pale-mouthed prophet

dreaming", my Latin verses seldom rise above mediocrity, I am restrained by a desire to avoid low abuse, the contempt of my inferiors, the censure of my superiors. But like Juvenal I am driven by a desperate task-master, that hell-hound, a sense of duty. Like Juvenal, too, invective, vituperation flow from the pen, an overpowering urge to lash out blindly seizes me. But, as I say, I am not a poet, concise, epigrammatic, Popeish, capable of composing a hymn of hate. I may have a swollen head to venture to deal with the subject on hand, and consequently a very large bonnet to contain one somewhat embryo and sickly bee ; nevertheless, I will do it, I will speak out loud and clear. The School societies are deplorably feeble both in enthusiasm and potentialities. Two distinct breeds can easily be discerned, those that are firmly founded and those that are in varying stages of decay, be it initial lassitude, tottering moribundity, or active putres­cence. These latter shoot in and out of the School's ken with all the alacrity of a meteorite. I will describe this type more fully ; they arise from the energy of some enthusiastic senior who launches the infant society on a grandiose scale ; members are recruited by scores, equipment is purchased, masters are called in to give the seal of respectability, the national approval to the private enterprise concern. But then some­one whispers and suggests, " there must be a subscription, and a treasurer, we must have a meeting-place, we must have funds " : the fatal plan is adopted ; enthusiasm is never manifested over the idea of a meeting-place, co-operation is seldom forthcoming over the idea of a meeting-place. The membership graph slumps with a convulsive lurch. Then at this critical stage the founder and his original nucleus find that it is time for them to leave and they hand over the society to the clammy, incompetent hands of their junior partners. Rigor morris seizes the outer limbs ; a few further feeble twitches agitate the society's carcase. The symptoms of this malady can be seen in the following quotations from reports in The Shirburnian: "The Society is still going ahead vigorously, without any sign of its previous lapse"­here is weakness expressed, tacitly admitted ; again, " After a spell of enforced inactivity, owing to lack of time "-this indicates a later stage of decay, the disease has already got a death grip; finally, "After a lapse of two terms the Society has started again under new management "-here is the last death pang, no further report will appear in the next Shirburnian. And so they flourish, evanesce and die. Some flounder a little while longer than others, but all eventually shamble to the grave. But what of those hardy perennials, the Duffers, the Wildman, the Interpretes, the Alchemists and the Polyglottes ? Founded upon the rock, all with a tradition, recognised forms and backed by enthusiastic masters, there is a danger that they may become muscle-bound and tedious, an infliction rather than a relaxation. Here it should be understood that I lay no wild charges, I speak purely hypothetically : when I say muscle-bound, I conjure with a present mirage of a future possibility. There is, moreover, a danger with language societies that they may become a hotbed of bogus mumbo-jumbery instead of providing interest and enjoyment. As for that loud bassoon, the Wildman Society, as the person in the School with the oldest dated membership card, although I no longer use it, I would remind that body that an institution so democratic as a debating society should be allowed free speech ; of course this free speech should never be permitted to degenerate into low calumny : but it is sometimes difficult to distinguish between calumny and plain, unpalatable truth, if the latter is

THE SHIRBURNIAN 1581

spoken bold. And so in all seriousness I would call the attention of the School to their societies, especially those which I classified under Class A. A vast number of Juniors spend their time in useless and frivolous "footling", doing a multitude of things which when taken together amount to precisely" nix", so much waste of time. I did the same when I was in the dayroom, and now when time is short and I have at last taken the step of joining or taking part in one or two societies, I cannot cease wondering why I did not do so before. Although I may have been rather uncomplimentary, I hope no one will feel stung by any of my remarks ; but my point is this ; a society thrives if it is actively supported by an enthusiastic few rather than by an apathetic many and, it can fade and wither if hag-ridden by rules and subscriptions: even if our societies are only an ornament, a luxury of school existence, there is no reason why they should be a shoddy one.

COMMENT CONCERTS

THE "ELIJAH"

D. C. P. CAREY.

On the 16th and 17th of March, the School Musical Society gave two performances of the Elijah. The chorus was supported by a contingent of Lord Digby's School, and the solo parts were sung by Ada Allsopp (soprano), Eileen Pilcher (contralto), Bruce Flegg (tenor), and Cecil Hardman (baritone).

This work was once more a very ambitious effort, but although many of the performers feared the worst, in fact both performances went very well. The chief difficulty with this work is the galaxy of difficult entries for all parts. Being of a highly dramatic nature, the movement is frequently very rapid, with the chorus interpolating remarks in the middle of the solos, which needs the utmost concentration from all those concerned. Lack of confident leadership is always the chief bugbear of amateur choral societies, and for this reason there were some anxious moments in both performances.

However, the work was easily good enough for the audience to feel that it had been well worth their while to come, and it certainly exceeded the hopes of even the most optimistic of those who sang in it. The Elijah is a tuneful work and the interest is continually freshened by Mendelssohn's skill in music dramatization.

The thanks of both those who listened and those who sang are due to Mr. Wiles who took on our training for it in such unfortunate circumstances and who conducted us safely to its performance.

SALISBURY FESTIVAL Our performance at Salisbury was given the somewhat elaborate title of" A Recital of Choral and

Instrumental Music by Choirs of Colleges and Schools in the Diocese and the Salisbury Orchestral Society". The latter sounded anything but Friends of the Cathedral, for whom the Festival was arranged. Bruce Hylton Stewart was obviously trying his best, and he mothered the first violins more assiduously than the average provincial conductor, but the three movements of Geminiani's Concerto in C minor for Strings were far beyond its willing but limited capacity. In the same manner the Orchestra shuffied through two Bach Chorales, which fortunately were quite short. But in the Andante from Mozart's Symphony No. 40 in G minor it improved greatly and allowed the choir to enjoy the music rather than wait for the next mistake.

The Recital opened with "Lift up your Heads." It was an unfortunate beginning; after only one rehearsal together ten separate choirs are unlikely to be entirely synchronised, and several times breakdown seemed imminent. But it was the work which promised complete chaos that was in fact the most successful of all, " The Lord Ascendeth" by a seventeenth century composer, Philips. It had no time signature, and throughout the five voice parts were syncopated and held together by a pulse as in Eastern music. One choir had been unable even to find any copies before the day of the performance, but they and everyone else sang accurately and confidently. John McNeil Milne conducted Mendelssohn's "Above all Praise", which was also completed successfully and with no mistakes.

There were three hundred voices, the choir seemed almost to outnumber the audience ; the two hundred girls, who came from such schools as St. Monica's, Warminster, and St. Mary's, Calne, sang Purcell's Evening Hymn in unison. They were careful to conserve their voices, and the volume would not have exceeded thirty Sherbome basses, but what noise there was sounded pleasant enough, combined with

1582 THE SHJRBURNIAN

occasional pipings from the Salisbury Orchestral Society. The last work was Stanford's Te Deum, sung with the usual vigour and success.

In all the performance lasted only one hour which seemed inadequate for such a large choir and such efficient organization which included an excellent tea in the Town Hall. The whole day was very enjoyable, not the least satisfying part of which was a superb lunch in the Old Mill Restaurant, West of the Cathedral across the fields.

CONCERT CLUB

THE CARTER STRING TRIO On Saturday, March 11th, we were treated to yet another splendid concert, this time by the Carter

String Trio. For many of us this was in the nature of an introduction to this particular combination (violin, viola

and 'cello), and at a first glimpse of the programme, even the name of Beethoven against one of the items served only partly to set off the virtually unknown quantities of William Shields and Gordon Jacob. We expected something very modem and strange from both these last, but as it happened Shields' trio was far more akin to Handel than to Shostakovitch, and the Jacob pieces were only arrangements of traditional airs. Consequently all our apprehensions were unfounded, to such an extent that a really modem piece might have improved the programme, rather than detracted from it ; but this is but small criticism, and we must hasten to say that it was a tremendous success. The three performers (all of the gentler sex, and rigged out in highly " aesthetic " gear) played with great restraint, particularly in the Beethoven trio, and the " ensemble " was perfect. The School's obvious enthusiasm is a good sign for the future.

VIOLIN AND PIANO RECITAL On May 15th, Frederick Grinke (violin) and Kendall Taylor (piano) gave a Recital to the Concert

Club in the Big Schoolroom. This was one of the best and also most appreciated concerts we have had. The programme began with a Mozart Sonata which, by the excellence of the playing on both sides, prepared us, suitably enough, for the stronger meat that was to come. After this came two unaccompanied violin sonatas and an interesting modem work for this medium by Berkeley. These reached the greatest heights of violin technical skill, but without the usual lack of feeling that often accompanies such performances. Then came Beethoven's technically brilliant and aesthetically moving sonata, Les Adieux. The last item on the programme combined every faculty of both performers in the Cesar Franck sonata. As an encore we were given the last movement (Rondo) of Beethoven's first sonata for violin and piano.

The whole performance was of the very highest standard and was greatly appreciated by those who attended it. The programme was well chosen, being neither too elementary nor too advanced. Unlike so many of those who come down to us, Grinke and Taylor gave to us of their best, and more than fulfilled our expectations. So many performers give us the impression, either by their behaviour or their ill-rehearsed playing, that they consider it somewhat infra dig. to play for a school ; but the high level of this concert did more to justify the existence of this club than any amount of talking.

ERIC GREENE On June 5th Eric Greene, accompanied by Michael Mullinar gave a Recital of songs to the School

Concert Club. The programme began rather disappointingly with a song-cycle by Dvorak. As usual the translations were outstanding through their inadequacy, and the music was too "difficult" to have at the beginning of the programme. After these came some excellent songs (as we were assured by the soloist before he began) by Cornelius. These were sung in the original German, but alas ! much valuable time was wasted in reading for our edification a set of translations that excelled anything I have ever heard before in verse for ghastliness. One part of the hall was writhing from mirth and the other from genuine agony partly at the poems and partly at the way they were read. At the interval the audience recognized

· that here was a great singer, but condemned, as one, his choice of songs. However, from then on all went well and the programme became more intelligible, almost too much so, as one master afterwards remarked. It was difficult to understand why the programme had been so badly selected, beginning with works too highbrow even for Sherbome School, and ending in a vein more suited to a smoking concert. The best song we would not have had unless we had so persistently encored ; Eric Greene accompanied himself in Vaughan-Williams's delightful " She's like the swallow", at least an excellent end to an evening of extremely varied entertainment.

THE SHIRBURNIAN 1583

THE DEVIL'S DISCIPLE A Shaw play is more difficult to act than a Shakespeare play because a Shakespeare play, capable as it

may be of infinite shades of meaning, is less sophisticated ; a Shaw play places a greater strain on adolescent actors because they have not the depth of experience which an adult possesses and which Shaw supposes that those who perform his plays should have. Furthermore, most of the audiences know the outline of Shakespeare's plots whereas it always takes some little time for them to get the hang of what Shaw is trying to tell them ; though much of the action in a Shakespeare play may lay outside the range of their ordinary experience, the characterisation is clear-cut and psychologically simple if no less profound. Brutus is an "honourable" man and precisely for that reason murders Julius Caesar and so loses the honour which is the touchstone of his existence and the motive-force in all that he does. The case of Richard Dudgeon in The Devil's Disciple is by no means so clear. He is a dishonourable man, the devil's disciple, and yet in certain circumstances he appears more honourable than the Revd. Mr. Anderson, the Presbyterian minister, whom all had so far regarded as the very embodiment of honour and godliness. And this leads to a further conclusion. Shaw is an enigmatic writer, a serio-comic faun from the Emerald Isle, whose attitude to the eternal verities is often purposely and tantalisingly obscure. Although The Devil's Disciple is in some respects more melodramatic and straightforward than some of his other plays, the enigmatic character of Shavian thought appears in the extravagant situations which the author creates. It is, indeed, a criticism of Shaw rather than of the actors that the development of the play is uneven and often unreal, and that the conclusion is unsuccessful. Thus the changeover in Anderson's character is too abrupt, even with the best possible actor, to carry very real conviction. And in a sense the whole play only succeeds because it is a Shavian tour-de-force. Its superficiality and its innate poverty are concealed by brilliant writing and provocative situations, provocative, that is, of the actor's ingenuity and the audience's intelligence.

These ideas to some extent condition the critic's appreciation of Mr. John Melvin's very competent and interesting production. Where the leading characters failed to convey reality and depth, the fault was inherent in the play rather than in their own lack of adult experience. Thus it is doubtful whether R. M. Cooke as Richard Dudgeon quite contrived a perfect mingling of the " gravitas " and " levitas " which the interpretation of the part seemed to demand, especially latterly. Yet his was an admirable performance, nonchalant and good-humoured, managing to convey a tang of cynical wit with detached but lucid charm. His first appearance gave the play a dynamic which it had so far lacked and which henceforward seemed to grip the audience. A. Colquhoun as the Rev. A. Anderson, " transmogrified " by a typically Shavian process from a minister of the Gospel into a rebel soldier, proved extremely convincing, more especially as the minister ; there was a correct gravity of demeanour which did not wholly conceal the vitality which might, and did, result in such unexpected action. As his wife, Betty Mount proved equal to the difficult part which she had to play ; she displayed the emotional qualities which circumstances demanded. Vera Andrews as old Mrs. Dudgeon portrayed a bigotted, tyrannical woman with gruesome realism ; malevolence shone from her face, and her acting was wholly admirable. Of the less important actors, J. D. Waite as General Burgoyne was quite outstanding ; in some ways he proved better able to identify himself with his character, a quizzical, aristocratic soldier, than some of the major players. H. S. Thomas as Major Swindon proved an admirably stupid foil to Burgoyne's clever wit. Of the others A. R. Whyte maintained the sullen, hang-dog air of the illegitimate Eddie realistically ; in fact this was one of the more difficult parts to act, and that Whyte did it so successfully is a tribute to his potential powers as an actor. Finally, among those who deserve mention, G. S. P. Peacocke as Lawyer Hawkins conveyed well the atmosphere of lawyers' red tape and fustiness, not wholly unrelieved by the pleasures of this world.

The Church Hall does not provide so good a setting as the School Courts, more especially on a sultry summer's evening, but both the costumes and the stage sets were very satisfying. No anachronism spoiled the colonial American home; the gallows were horrifyingly impressive. It was indeed with a sigh of dis­appointment that your critic realised that no one was to be hanged ! Tribute must therefore be paid to the energetic stage-manager, Mr. J. G. G. Stephenson and his assistants, S. R. Johnson and H. M. V. Barker, and to the electricians, C. Vickery and H. E. M. Barnes. In all the production maintained the high standard which we can now associate with all that Mr. Melvin does for Sherbome's dramatic art, and we look forward with eager interest to the Pageant with which the Quater-Centenary is to be celebrated.

V.G.

THE ART EXHIBITION The Art Exhibition this year was marked by a certain variety of expression which is a sign of health in

an and shows that, whatever the critics may say, Sherborne is not aesthetically lifeless. The Exhibition is

1584 THE SHIRBURNIAN

strong in oil paintings ; these range from some reasonably representational and conventional landscapes, through some paintings executed under the influence of Impressionists, and some that are sailing close to the wind of Abstract. Two street scenes I cannot help mentioning : Cooke's view down Acreman Street is a fine picture, though the bright yellow he has employed at one place, jars a little; Bastin's ''Night Scene" is a very imaginative picture full of form and rhythm. He has caught an atmosphere. Kirkbride has a large number of oil paintings on view, all done in a different style. I cannot help voicing my censure of''Nostalgic Landscape" ; it might as well be " Mushroom Nightmare." But I understand that his Art, as to a lesser extent that of Norris, is at the moment experimental. Good ; let him experiment ; he may some day hit upon something. Kirkbride is consciously searching to solve the eternal artistic problem ; would I be unkind if I doubted the sincerity of some of his paintings.?

The art exhibition has variety ; yes ; if the eyes tire with examining oils, we can turn to the peaceful pastoral pieces of Duffett and Trueman. Trueman's pictures seem to come with great ease ; they are pleasing ; but they are a trifle conventional. The young artist should not be made to conform. Duffett again paints with facility ; no wonder ; he's always painting the same thing ; pleasant execution has come with practice ; inspiration will not come in the same way. Norris has a number of wishy-washy pictures, a number of pictures in which it is obvious there is a "spark". He must improve his draughtsmanship, and then the promise he shows will be fulfilled. Rogers's draughtsmanship should be held up as an example to him.

Then there are a few portraits in pencil and crayon ; a flower study or two, and a row of first rate posters. I cannot but mention the "North Wind" group. Here is some imaginative and original work that deserves praise ; as does the enticing mixed grill in frying pans ; it is curious how bacon and eggs stimulate the public school boy to artistic creation. In the passage we see some dry-point engraving, which, if it does naught else, lends variety to the exhibition. In an exhibition, where 56 artists are showing pictures, there is bound to be variety in quality, but I should say that many pictures are well above the average of such exhibitions. I hope many, particularly those who take little part in the cultural activities of the School, took the opportunity of seeing what those around about them can do. Finally, a word of thanks to Mrs. Gervis for arranging everything so well and making the art school so attractive.

W.S.B.

THE AGAMEMNON On Tuesday, 28th of June a party consisting largely of Group I went to Bradfield College to see their

performance of this play in the original tongue. It has been traditional, since the building of their open-air Greek theatre in 1900, to do one of these plays approximately every four years. The performance is unique in that only at Bradfield can one see a Greek play performed in the language in which it was written. At first the sensation of the audience is mere amazement, that it is possible for so many lines of Greek to be learned by boys like one's self, many of whom do not even study Greek, but have to learn several hundred lines entirely phonetically. But when the first surprise has passed one settles down to appreciate the per-

. formance as drama. With the occasional help of the parallel translation supplied by the College one can easily understand the gist of the play. The amount of expression put into their parts by the boys is amazing and convincing, particularly impressive is the chorus, whose leader on this occasion was a scientist, for they recite their lines in a speaking voice but rhythmically with an orchestral background, producing a singular and moving effect; (the music for this performance was composed and conducted by Dr. R. E. Woodham, O.S., and recently musical director of this school).

The performance, and indeed the whole outing, was greatly enojoyed by all those who went, even by one who had renounced his Greek education; and the thanks of the whole party go to Mr. G. G. Green who .organized it with such excellent foresight, and to Mr. V. H. H. Green who guided us safely to his own old school.

ANNUAL INSPECTION OF C.C.F. On June 30th Brigadier Scott with Commander Rich, held the first combined inspection of the old

J.T.C. and S.C.C.-the Combined Cadet Force. The contingent paraded in the morning, beginning with an inspection of the ranks, during which the " faint and weary " amounted to five, followed by a march-past up Hospital Hill. After this there was training by companies, with demonstrations by the Demonstration platoon and both Drill platoons. At 12.45 the contingent dismissed for lunch and prepared for the Field operation of the afternoon ; at least one house, with commendable foresight, had picnic lunches which it

THE SHIRBURNIAN . 1585

consumed in the swimming bath enclosure, at the same time refreshing itself from the fatigues of the morning. In the afternoon the senior half of the corps went out to Cerne Abbas by charabanc and had a _ t battle, after which the inspecting officer gave us a short talk. He had been well satisfied with our work both in the morning and the afternoon, and had been pleased to see in our efforts those two most important elements-intelligence and keenness. He pointed out the value of military training in the world today, and after a brief word of thanks from Colonel Green we returned to our buses, after a most satisfactory day.

THE BROADS :-APRIL 6TH-13TH, 1949 JOURNAL OF PANDORA III

Crew:- J. T. Melvin, Esq. JI T. J. Peck "Senior Dormitory". M. D. Gregson C.R. Pardoe J "Junior Dormitory". D. Roberts

We arrived at Wroxham shortly after 2 p.m. on Wednesday the 6th. The weather looked as if it couldn't make up its mind to rain or snow-a good omen ; undeterred by this, we stowed the gear, and had just time to get into Broads clothes before the weather made up its mind. It rained. By about 4 o'clock, we couldn't have been much wetter, so we made off down the river, quanting, reaching Wroxham Broad by supper time. Mooring was accomplished, in the usual inefficient manner of the first night on the Broads; and although one member tried to drown himself shortly after hearing the budget, he only succeeded in losing his laundry; The night was rather disturbed, the Junior Dormitory sleeping, oblivious, while their elders and betters fought with refractory ropes and canvas in pitch-black and a howling storm, culminating in the alarming discovery at 6.30 in the morning that the bank had moved. Upon further investigation, this proved to be the mooring, and after a struggle, the Senior Dormitory, clad in pyjamas, succeeded at great personal sacrifice in re-mooring the boat to the satisfaction of the Junior Dormitory, by now awake, and clamouring for food.

After breakfast, we moved off towards Horning, when, helped by a good wind, some skilled navigation was accomplished ; but this was brought to an abrupt end by the helmsman running the boat into the bank and half-way across a field. The united efforts of the whole crew removed the boat from the field, and we proceeded to Horning, passing the flag ship, Pandora II, on the way. Horning was reached at 4, and a fresh supply of dates bought. The plan was to sail on down to Fleet Dyke for the night, so we set off again quite gaily. About a mile from Fleet Dyke, the weather suddenly developed into an Arctic storm, and so opera­tions were suspended for a while until a break in the weather enabled us to reach Fleet Dyke. There we had chops for dinner, which remained unwelcome guests until the end of the trip.

Next morning we were first off, for once, and after a fine day's sailing we reached Heigham Sound in the evening. The weather was by now much better, and the night was clear and frosty. In the evening, at bed-time, the Junior Dormitory was in bed, when the Seniors discovered that the accumulator had upset, and spilt acid over most of the bedding. However, this was mopped up, and by 11.30 the crew were in bed in slightly acid surroundings. In the morning, a different story was told ; large holes had appeared in

-sheets, pyjamas, etc., next the skin, and it seemed to be a miracle that the crew was not scarred for life. There was no sign of the rest of the fleet, so envoys were dispatched to Potter Heigham, where all the

boats were found in dock, so Pandora III moved on up Heigham Sound by herself, sailing was out of the question, owing to the adverse wind, so she was towed manually until the tugs fell through the reed bed, when we adjourned for lunch. During lunch the Admiral's ship, accompanied by Pandora IV, swept past us, towed by a motor launch. "Oh Shades of the New Venture, touring the Broads by motor launch." Pandora III sailed on to Horsey Mere, to find all the others, except the Mayfly, which arrived later in the evening. Some very enjoyable sailing was had on the Mere, together with a trip to the sea, which was·very cold. Being Saturday evening, the two most hard-working members adjourned for refreshment, much to the disgust of the others, who had to be mollified by the presentation of a packet of crisps.

Sunday morning, all the " chaps " went to church, where they remained for close on an hour and a quarter in very cramped surroundings. After church we sailed down to the end of Heigham Sound, where the ornithologists got busy, and where we spent the night.

On Monday morning we set off on the homeward journey and after a good day's sailing, when we went to South Walsham Broad, notable as the occasion the Skipper tore his pants, we reached St. Benet's

1586 THE SHIRBURNIAN

Abbey, where we found the flagship, badly holed in the stem. On Tuesday we sailed back to Wroxham Broad, which we reached in the afternoon ; sailing on the Broad was attempted, and one of the less nimble members of the crew, while sunning himself, fell in, when a gust caught the boat (famous last words :­" Let go of the sheet"). Somewhat discouraged by this, we quanted up the river towards Wroxham, and from there, by a series of bounds, reached the mooring place just outside Wroxham, where we were joined by the Mayfly.

On Wednesday morning we were up early, and the boat was quanted to the boatyard, where we cleaned her out; an operation taking a considerable time. We left for civilisation, meaning London in most cases, about eleven, feeling very experienced sailors, and looking forward to further trips on the Broads.

" TO THE HILLS "

CAIRNGORM EXPEDITION 1949

M.D.G.

This trip to the Cairngorms was an unmitigated success. The glorious weather, which counts for a great deal in any adventure among the Scottish mountains, was perhaps the most marked feature of the expedition. It was a rare piece of luck that the sun should shine unchallenged for several days, especially as we were confidently told by a local inhabitant that another ten years might pass before a like spate of sunshine would recur in March. We climbed the highest set of peaks in Great Britain and lay basking in sunshine on the summits. Climbing Caimgorm several members of the party stripped to the waist and walking on the snow slopes the reflection of the sun made the eyes ache.

In contrast, however, the nights were bitterly cold although at the base camp we did not realise this inside the tents, luckily enough perhaps, and only found out from the thermometer next morning. One night we had as much as twenty degrees of frost and on several nights the water was frozen inside the tents. Our boots were often frozen, too, and very difficult to put on the next morning.

We managed in a week to explore much of the country and experience" life among the mountains". The expeditions by day were naturally the most important and most enjoyable feature. We set out early or late as the mood took us and usually had lunch about 11.30 consisting of large tough " dog " biscuits with butter and cheese, and chocolate. Although this diet may not appear appetising, especially the former item, it was very satisfying and excellent for the hungry. To satisfy our thirst there were the frequent moun­tain streams-cool and very refreshing-or higher up we had to make do with snow and icicles. In the evenings we ate ourselves full with supper, especially Bond and Fayle who nearly broke their backs on the way with tin on tin of food.

For the natural historians there was plenty to interest and excite. There were a plethora of ptarmigan with their harsh untuneful cry, who were surprisingly tame and easy game for the photographer. Dr. Wright hit one with a stone on one occasion. Several times we were treated to the majestic sight of the eagle, poised and grand. Dr. Wright and Bond saw many diff'erent ornithological species, the blackcock, snow bunting, whooper swan, golden plover and crossbill being among the most interesting. In the snow there were frequent footmarks of hares and foxes and once, on the slopes of Caimgorm, a hare with white hair ran away from us. However there was no sign of any other life in the prevailing wintry conditions.

Dr. Wright's and Reynolds's cameras of course were very much to the fore and some excellent results were obtained. An exhibition of the photographs, taken at various times on the expedition, was shown at Commem. and, we hope, much admired. It was a common event for a cry to come from Dr. Wright" Let's have a photograph " while the party was trudging up some snow slope. The party would then be carefully marshalled into position and photographed. The care taken was amply rewarded by the effectiveness of many of the photographs Reynolds took a most amusing colour photograph of Dr. Wright in his most colourful clothing.

The party assembled at Aviemore on Saturday afternoon and we were soon triumphantly perched on the top of a rattling lorry riding for the first six miles of the adventure. At Glenmore Lodge we said good­bye to civilisation and turned to the hills which were then rather sombrely covered by clouds. We set off, weighed down by our packs and looking a trifle odd with loaves of bread strapped on behind and mugs and paraffin tins dangling on straps. In fact one of the party, on account of his willingness to carry any and every weight, was promptly christened "mule". Having trudged about four miles we reached a rather primitive bothy, which showed signs of having recently been occupied by horses and rats, and settled down for the night.

THE SHIRBURNIAN 1587

Our spirits were raised next morning by the appearance of the sun. We crossed a river with the aid of an improvised bridge and set off on the long trek of some ten or eleven miles to our base camp on the shores of Loch Avon. On the way Ardagh showed himself to be thoroughly untrustworthy with bread, non­chalantly dropping one loaf on the way and throwing another into a river (by mistake of course). We arrived in the middle of the afternoon and spent the rest of the day pitching camp ancf settling in.

The next day, Monday, was rather overcast, but we all set off to climb Ben Macdhui. We ascended one very steep slope on which Reynolds had to cut steps with his ice-axe, stood perilously balanced while a photograph was taken, decided the whole position was rather perilous, and retreated to the bottom again. We tried another route and soon became surrounded by mist. We tried in vain to find the peak, by compass and by trial and error, but the mist became thicker and we found ourselves going roilnd and round in circles trying to find our previous tracks. Frustrated, but amused at the thought of wandering round and round on a mountain side in thick mist, we came down, tobogganing gloriously on the snow slopes.

We were greeted next morning by glorious sunshine and set off to climb " Cairngorm ". It was incredibly hot walking on snow and we were quite glad to reach the summit where we had a glorious view ' away to the mountains on the west coast of Scotland and for miles in every direction. Then, after a group photograph had been taken, Reynolds and Ardagh went back to civilisation, past the famous ski slope of Ciore Cas where there were some people performing, to fetch the former's camera. The rest of the party had a glorious ridge walk for about fifteen miles and eventually reached the camp at four o'clock.

On the Wednesday the hardier and more adventurous members of the party-Dr. Wright, Reynolds and Brummitt-took a tent up to 3,600 ft. where they pitched it on deep snow. Unfortunately this " high camp " was not a great success and Reynolds, the only one who got to sleep at all, was rudely awakened at two o'clock in the morning by the other two who had decided to have a meal. It was another glorious warm day spent in idleness by nearly everyone. In fact Fayle was so affected by the heat that he took nearly an hour to get to the end of the lake-about half a mile.

Thursday was also a" free" day during which we all did as we liked. It was however not so warm and there was a strong wind coming down from the peaks, a sure sign that the " week of Summer " was ending. In the evening we packed up and prepared to move off next morning with the purpose of paying a quick visit to the western side of the Cairngorms before the expedition ended. ·

The next morning the mist was well down over Loch Avon and we realised for the first time how depressing and sombre it was among the hills in bad weather. However we rose incredibly early-at about six-packed up and struck camp. We set off separately back the way we had come-down a rocky and rough path that followed a stream bed, and arrived back at Glenmore Lodge at about mid-day. Brummitt, Baldwin, Belfrage and Dr. Wright went on to pitch their camp on the edge of the beautiful Rothiemurchus Forest, preparatory to climbing the other two peaks, and by far the most attractive ones, of the Cairngorm range. However Ardagh, Fayle, Reynolds and Bond, being footsore and sceptical of the weather said good­bye to .the hills and broke off from the party.

The others set off next day to climb Braeriach but there was a howling gale blowing on the mountain· and they could only get within a few hundred feet of the summit. They packed up camp and returned to Aviemore on Sunday night.

A bare record of events, however, can give no true picture of this expedition. It means nothing to those who do not know the country. It is impossible really to give a true picture of camp life, over two thousand feet up, and alone among the mountains, for it is an experience that defies description. To be among the mountains is to be up and away from civilisation where a different atmosphere prevails. Perhaps it is the beauty and the grandeur of the scenery that is most striking. The sparkling snow slopes, the magnificent cliffs and coires and rock formations, and the isolated lochs. It is very different from the pastoral beauty of the pine forests and lakes in the valleys. It is a unique feeling to be up among the hills, covered in cloud or bathed in sunshine, and a very great experience.

EXPEDITION TO NORTH WALES

APRIL 1949

H. N. ARDAGH.

" A sixteen-year-old boy of my acquaintance has just returned in the pink of condition from a tour in the mountains of North Wales, in company with six others from his Public School ". So speaks Major C. S. Jarvis in "Countryman's Notes", and the tour to which he refers is the Sherborne New Venture Expedi-

1588 .. THE SHIRBURNIAN . ..

tion. The features of the expedition which seem most to commend themselves to him are the refusal to accept initial defeat and the constant observance of economy : in addition, he professed inside information about the softness of the lorry-driver's heart towards the footsore schoolboy which has not always been borne out by experience !

The initial defeat consisted merely in the fact that through some misunderstanding the cottage we had booked for the expedition had been let to a London Mountaineering Club. This entailed several last­minute phone-calls, a decision to use the Youth Hostels, and the conveyance of much luggage, tents and blankets against an emergency which never arose. It was a novelty to nearly all of us to sample Youth Hostel life, but it proved very enjoyable and enabled us to cover far more ground than we should otherwise have done.

Dr. Cundy and Mr. Wiles went up by car on Monday, March 28, and made preliminary arrangements. On the Wednesday the party met at Idwal Cottage, most superbly situated and most popular of all the Welsh hostels, having come by train, bicycle or hitch-hike, and the first mountaineering expedition followed immediately in the shape of a climb into the narrow three-tier bunks of the hostel chalet. It soon appeared that the party could boast two sleep-talkers, but fortunately no sleep-climbers, and the advantages of a top bunk with its purer air and its view ofTryfan at dawn became evident.

The perfect weather enjoyed by the advance party since the beginning of the week continued for two more days. The first was spent in climbing the Camedds: after a tiring but most enjoyable day of brilliant sunshine we turned in to the Capel Curig hostel, where the beds were sprung and consisted only of two tiers, so that all enjoyed a night of deep and restful sleep before the assault upon Snowdon. The next day we set off up the long Nant-y-Gwryd prepared for almost tropical heat. Mr. Wiles went on in the car with the kit,. but when the main party reached Gorphwysfa at the head of Llanberis Pass, he was still busy cleaning the carburettor of the faithful Ford, and gave an excuse for a rest. Then by the Pig Track to the col, the view widening "'.ith every step and the road by which we had come shrinking to a sinuous white ribbon as we rose. The towering summit of Crib Goch now confronted us. A hard spell of clambering brought us to the top with the satisfying feeling that the hardest and perhaps the most interesting part of the climb was now behind us. But the next half-mile along the knife-edge of the Crib provided interest enough for everyone, and though nobody sat astride it, all were glad of somewhere good and firm to put their hands on. Being novices, we skirted the pinnacles, though our difficulties were probably thereby increased. Then lunch, the easier ridge of Crib y Ddysgl, and by the railway track to the summit. Friends we had met at Idwal overtook us, and together we watched an American girl floundering in the scree, to arrive eventually with" Well I guess this is a mountain: I've sure done Snowdon".

Here the party divided: Mr. Wiles and Eagle completing the horseshoe back to the car and-so we heard-a mixture of tea and draught cider at the Gorphwysfa. The rest of us descended towards the West, and after a bathe in an icy lake--like true April fools, for we had forgotten the date !-we made our way down, refreshed but footsore, to the Snowdon Ranger Hostel by the shores of Llyn Cwellyn.

Saturday provided an experience no less memorable but of a very different kind from the day before. We set out full of hope and vigour to climb the Nantlle hills; but no sooner had we made our way through the plantation to the top of the first pass than a shower began to descend which was soon to develop into a torrent. Climbing unknown ridges was ruled out ; we made downhill, and eventually reached a ham for lunch. We applied the hay-box principle to dry our limbs : my chief memory of this meal was the unhappy combination of hay, rain-water and meat-sandwich. Mr. Wiles' memory will be the more unhappy, for by some mischance he only had hay and rain-water without the meat-sandwich. Then followed a long trudge down Cwm Pennant, beautiful but wet, then miles of main road in torrential rain with hopes of a bus at Tremadoc. But alas, the bus did not run on Saturday, so after walking ourselves dry we snatched a brief tea at an inn, with a fire, got a bus to Beddgelert, and finally arrived home in the dusk, on our protest­ing feet, having walked some 23 miles.

The next day was fortunately Sunday, and as the storm continued unabated, the Warden was prevailed on to let us stay in. This was fortunate, for some of us could scarcely have moved, though inwardly we were all quite hale, unlike two friends of another party who had a touch of 'flu. Mr. Wiles had to go back to ldwal, but found 2! feet of water on the road and had to make a long detour. On Monday it was at least not raining, so we crossed to Llanberis, bought some stores, and trudged with full packs to Nant Peris, scene of many ghost stories, true and untrue. After lunch a very stiff ascent brought us into the mists, propelled by a powerful wind. Careful route-finding brought us to the top of the Devil's Kitchen at its most impressive. The sight of this great cleft which has claimed so many lives, down which the swollen

THE SHIRBURNIAN 1589

torrent roared foaming to join Llyn Idwal 1,000 feet below, to the accompaniment of swirling mists and shrieking winds, will remain one of the most stirring moments of my life.

Next morning found us climbing Tryfan, one of the most beautiful mountains of Wales with its noble buttresses and Adam and Eve standing guard at the top. We intended also to tackle the Glyders, but while we lunched it rained heavily and the rocks were wet and cold, so that prudence dictated a return. To the annoyance of at least one member of the party, the Glyders remained unconquered altogether. On the -Wednesday Dr. Cundy had to go down to Bethesda for stores, and arranged to meet the rest of us on top of Y Garo. Hoping the mists would clear we set off, but map, compass and shouting were needed before we met, and only then did the mists part and lift to reveal exciting glimpses of Nant Ffrancon far below.

The hitch-hikers and cyclists left us on Thursday-the latter driven by the wind at an average speed of 35 m.p.h. The rest of us decided to take bus to Bettws as the day seemed far from settled. There was snow on the tops, and driving sleet. However after lunch by Llyn Elsi the day improved, and the sight of Moel Siabod gleaming white some five miles off encouraged us to plod towards it through the forest and the bog, through showers of rather painful, frozen snow, until we reached its summit after some most exhilarating climbing. The view was superb, embracing Snowdon itself, all the near and now familiar ranges, and away to Cader Idris and the mountains of Merioneth. It was a pity we had to hurry down for the bus.

Thus ended a most memorable ten days ; we had seen the mountains in every possible mood and dress-blazing sun, biting wind, drenched with rain and crowned with snow-and most, if not all of us, enjoyed them all.

OUTER HEBRIDES APRIL '49

H.M.C. S.F.

Late one evening towards the end of March we caught our first glimpse of the Outer Isles-a line of mountains rising darkly from the horizon, black against the pale rose of the evening sky : these were the hills of Uist, the destination of our four-day journey. South Uist lies slightly to the south of the centre of the Hebridean chain. On the western side the flat " machair " stretches for miles and a vast sandy beach is pounded by the heavy Atlantic swell. In the East, Ben Mhor, Hecla and Corrodale rise to nearly two thousand feet before sloping steeply down to the barren eastern coast. The country here is rugged and bare ; great cliffs encircle the mountains, lone slabs of rock rise ponderously from the tufted heather, while the north wind whistles over all. The crofters live almost entirely on the western side ; for the most part they are shy, but always friendly and hospitable.

One house we visited was typical of their rough but ready existence. Thick thatch ran down into the crude mud walls, and in "the living room a great black stove belched smoke, while a stew-pot gurgled and bubbled above. Ducks, hens, dogs and children ran all over the floor, while the patriarch, haggard in appearance, hoary of hair and toothless, sucked an old pipe in the comer and talked until the sun went down. Language difficulties were few. Only one old crofter we met could speak only Gaelic ; most are bilingual .

. The first five days of our visit were perfect. The sun shone, the lochs and heather took on deep shades of blue and maroon, while the sea, blue as the inland lochs, lay calm beyond the sand dunes. We made the most of our good fortune and were able to see much of the bird life of the islands. A pair of Golden Eagles circled round the mountain-tops; lonely cries of Grey Geese echoed across the "machair ", while the Loon lay out to sea on passage to the North.

On the sixth day the wind arose, at first from the east, then veering steadily to the south and then the west. By nightfall a gentle gale was blowing. We returned late from a trip into the heather country, to find that the tent, unwisely set on an exposed hillock, had been completely inverted and was billowing out like a yacht at full sail. We struggled with rocks and extra stays, but even so the canvas shook dis­concertingly over us the whole night. In the morning, rain, hail and a real gale followed each other in rapid succession. The tent was by now ready at any moment to part company with us, so we moved about a mile away to the only sheltered spot-a dried-up bog. The wind eased slightly but was followed by torrential rain; a newly born stream gurgled merrily straight through our tent, and at two in the morning we woke to find ourselves lying in three inches of muddy water. There were two planks laid against the tent walls

1590 THE SHIRBURNIAN

to prevent the tent from flapping as on the previous night, and these we hauled in while the rain sluiced playfully onto all our belongings. They did not make very comfortable beds and our attempts to stew a chocolate drink by the light of two guttering night-lights finally resulted in a sleeping bag full of Ovaltine.

We had our things dried at a little hotel in Berbecula, and after seeing two pairs of Slavonian Grebes we felt that life was worth living after all ! For the next few days the weather eased up, but on the last night conditions became almost Polar. Once more the roar of the Atlantic echoed across the heather; hail and driven snow rattled against the tent and the wind shook even the immense rocks we placed round the edge of the canvas. We lay wet and frozen in our chilly sleeping bags and longed for the morning. The last straw came when we poured paraffin oil into the chocolate drink instead of water. Only rarely can such a rich variety of epithets have resounded over a Hebridean moor !

As we left Lochboisdale at midnight next evening, the wind dropped completely and it was chilly as we stood on the deck. Behind us, the mountains darkened the sky ; across the tranquil loch a silvery shaft of moonlight shimmered over the water, till it struck the ship, covering all with its delicate light. The distant night-calls of Wild Geese came faintly to our ears, and the lonely lights of the little township flickered in the distance. We stayed too long on deck and when we went below all sleeping space was filled. We had to sleep bolt upright all night, while close by a little crofter lad snored noisily, his nose buried in our rucksacks.

We completed our hitch from Glasgow to London in just under twenty-four hours, travelling all night in the front of a large furniture van. We were tired at the end, but it was well worth it-a fitting finish to our visit to one of Britain's most interesting islands.

J. H. CROOK C. St. C. SIMMONS.

" THE SOUTHWARK WEEK-END "

As usual this Whitsun, a party of thirty-five Cadets, from Sherborne House, Southwark, came down to spend the week-end in Sherborne as our guests. They arrived in high spirits on Friday evening by train, where they were met by a party of boys from the School. Together we brought up the luggage from the station and saw that everything was correct for their night in the gym.

During Saturday morning the boys occupied themselves. Enough bicycles had been lent to enable each of them to have one. I believe some went as far afield as Yeovil. In the afternoon there were two main activities, the first of which was a cricket match. A Cadet XI played School House Agriculturalists' 2nd XI. The Agriculturalists batted first and were all out for 98 runs, Owen D. scoring 53 not out; Denne 14; extras 10. From this it can be seen that the other batsmen did not distinguish themselves ! Parfett bowled well for the Cadets and got 4 wickets for 23 runs. Sherborne House then had to bat and were all out for 84, Poynter making the best score of 17 not out. Gosheron got most of the wickets (5 for 36). The result therefore was that Sherborne won by 14 runs. A close game and an excellent time was had by all. Also during the afternoon there was a boxing match in the gym.

On Saturday evening there was the usual soccer match. This is the game that perhaps is most enjoyed, maybe because it is not played as a School game. It was very hard to pick the team from the whole heap of requests that were handed in. Mr. Hey kindly had the ground marked out for us on Carey's and the game started at 7.30 p.m. The weather was good and the evening sunshine afforded quite enough light. Although it is not a School game the football was very good. At the end of half an hour each way, the score was three all ! It was decided the game could not be left as a tie so we decided for ten minutes extra time. This caused great excitement and enthusiasm. Despite Thornton's good goal-keeping, after about seven minutes play the Cadets made the score 4-3. Referee Lund then thought it the most opportune moment to end the game, especially as it was getting late.

On Sunday, after morning chapel all the Cadets and sixteen boys from the School went down to Lulworth Cove for the afternoon. On the way down, in the coaches, there was much exchange of questions between both parties. When we arrived down there Mr. Streeter gave several warnings to the boys who went out in the rowing boats. " If the boat fills. up with a little water ", he said, " don't pull out the plug " ! He was always making fun with one and all, and made everything go happily. By the end of the afternoon most of the cadets had had a chance to show their ability as oarsmen ! During the journey home, which started at five o'clock, most of the popular songs were sung. The repertoire of some of the cadets is very large indeed!

THE SHIRBURNIAN 1591

On Sunday evening Mr. Thompson had arranged for the Southwark boys-to be entertained at his house. Two energetic games of " British Bulldog " and rounders were played. The School did not seem to be as good at rounders as they were at cricket and lost to the visitors. The evening ended with a good meal.

Thus the week-end was full of activities, the School contributing greatly to the passing of another " smashing " week-end.

M. C. L. PRICE •.

VALETE SCHOOL HOUSE

P. C. SIMMS-VI (Group II H. & E.)-came 19443, House Prefect; P.T. Instructor; Cpl. in J.T.C.; to Army J. H.F. MACKIE-VI (Group II H. & E.)-came 19452, House Prefect; P.T. Instructor with badge; Tennis

badge; Sergt. in J.T.C.; to Sandhurst. J. J. M. GLASSE-VI (Group III)-came 1945", House Prefect; P.T. Instructor; Fencing colours; Cpl. in

J.T.C.; to Accountancy. J. V. CoPPEN-VI (Group III)-came 19451, House Prefect; 2nd XI Hockey; P.T. Instructor; Cpl. in J.T.C.;

to Agriculture . . : '\V. ·NoRMAN-VI (Group III)-came 1945", House Prefect; Upper Vlth; P.T. Instructor; member of Al­

chemists; Leading Seaman in S.C.C.; to Navy. P. J. SEI.BY-IVd; came 1945°. H. D. DENNis-1; came 19481•

ABBEY HOUSE G. H. HAu.sMim-VI (Group II H.E.)-came 19453, Upper Sixth; School Prefect; Head of House; 2nd XV

'48, 1st XI Hockey '49; Sergt· in J.T.C.; -P·T· Instructor with badge; Tennis badge '48; Editor of Shirburnian; Member of Duffers and Alchemists; to Oxford University.

J. J.M. M. BoND-VI (Group II H.E.)-came 19451-Upper Sixth; Schoo!Prefect; Fencing Colours and Captain offencing '49 ; Sergt. in J. T.C. ; P· T · Instructor with badge ; Editor of Shirburnian ; Member of Duffers and Alchemists. To Army.

G. P. Au.EN-VI (Group II H.E.)-came 1944°-Boxing Team '48, Athletic Team '48; A.B. in S.C.C.; Member of Duffers; P.T. Instructor. To Army.

HARPER HOUSE C. J. CHATAWAY-VI (Group II)-came 19443, Upper Sixth; Head of House; School Prefect; C.S.M. in J.T.C.;

1st XV '48, 2nd Hockey XI '48; Captain of Gym.; Captain of Boxing; P.T. Instructor with badge; Record 1 mile and ! mile '48; Member of Duffers; Hon. Sec. of Polyglottes and Wildman.; County Scholarship. To Army.

M. T. HARRISON-VI (Group !)-came 19443 ; Upper Sixth; House Prefect; Cpl. in J.T.C.; Hon. Sec. of Interpretes ; Member of Duffers. Exhibition to Peterhouse, Cambridge.

LYON HOUSE J. P. PRALLB-came 19451-lst XV '47, '48, Captain of Football '49; 1st XI Hockey '48; 3rd XI Cricket '48;

P.T. Instructor with badge; Member of Duffers and Wildman Society; Sergt. in J.T.C. To Army. D. R. T. WARING-V (II)-2nd XV; P.T. Instructor with badge; Shooting VIII; Member of Wildman

Society; Cpl. in J.T.C. ·

WESTCOTT HOUSE C. M. GRUBB-VI (Group II H. &E.)-came 19451 ; House Prefect; 3rd XV; P.T. Instructor; L/Cpl. inJ.T.C.

To Army. P. E. Wru.Is-FLEMING-VI (Group II H. &E.)-came 19451 ; House Prefect; Boxing Colours; P.T. Instructor;

L/Cpl. in J.T.C. . . .

An Open Letter to E. J. FREEMAN

(Essex County 1904-1910. In charge of Grounds 1910-1949 and Cricket Coach 1910-1946).

Dear Ted, I have known you longer than almost anyone in Sherbome and when I was in charge of Games and

Playing Fields (1928-36) I saw better than anyone what your skill and devotion meant to the School. So it is natural that I should say a word now that you are leaving.

1592 THE SHIRBURNIAN

When you came here nearly forty years ago you started by making the Upper and adjoining grounds what they are to-day, and when you came back from the First Great War you tackled the new grounds across Ottery Lane. I took over on Mr. Carey's death when a fine start had been made, and in the next eight years much more was done thanks to your zeal, and it should be recorded. Nearly a quarter of a million turves were taken up and re-laid ; some 82,000 sq. yards of ground were levelled and about 46,000 cubic yards of heavy soil shifted, often for considerable distances ; over 500 yards of hedge were grubbed out and some two thousand yards of drain laid below ground. The fields were fenced in, trees and shrubs planted, muddy paths asphalted, bicycle racks provided, the further tuck-shop and motor shed built, the seats under the wall roofed in, five more tennis courts laid and all the amenities improved. What a lot the boys of to-day owe you !

But, in spite of your unrivalled skill over grounds, you were first of all a cricketer, both batsman and bowler, a keen Coach and wise adviser. And yet, Ted, I think that those who know you will put something higher still, your devotion to duty and to the School, your unswerving honesty of purpose and your constant readiness to help. In a word your Sherbome innings has been the finest of all, and it was for that, I think, that the Pilgrims paid you the greatest compliment they could by making you an Honorary member. So go your way, proud of the great work you have done and happy that so very many rank you among their friends.

July 1949.

Yours sincerely,

LITERARY THE FIRST EVENING

Before the scroll of time had yet begun, Both light and dark were mingled and unseen, Not all the colours woven by the sun Were shown, nor yet any shadow thrown between. But then the tortured mind of nature gave The single wild rent word that can divide And darkness came, to paralyze the brave And light, and warmth, to nourish souls that died. Then worlds were flung, and spheres and comets twirled, And water massed and rushed and roared and rolled,

A. H. TRELAWNY-Ross.

While round the one strong thought the power still whirled That wrapped the aeons in God's endless fold, And carved the frameless picture Nature hung From chaos, where the wind's weird harp is strung. Now young and lusty gods began to yawn And wake, as if from sleep, though nothing more Than nothing had their forms been, now new-born From pliant space, and shaped from atoms raw. They laughed, they fought, they feasted, and they slept, But yet, through all their ignorance, they knew Their joy was incomplete, and so they wept Till they were given wives, to laugh anew. Then the tangential will formed man to fight And scorn the gods, the powers they cannot see, To challenge even their new trenchant might, To hate, to love, to laugh, but most to be, And never to begrudge a life or soul, Or seek by dullness to escape the toll. The daughters of the gods were very fair,

THE SHIRBURNIAN

The nymphs, the dryads, cool and soft and wild ; By their one magic loveliness, the air, The streams, the oaks and mountains were beguiled, By their entrancing beauty all the world Was held enchanted, by their marine eyes & deep in changing colour as the curled And frothing waves, with spray that laughs and dies, By liquid, sunny, amber, swirling hair, Clinging, brazened by the flowing breeze, Entwined, like golden cornices most rare, With supple twigs, and leaves from shining trees, By bodies curved and glowing, lithe and fine, And fragrant with the fresh sweet scent of pine. Obscenely also lurked a hybrid brood, The sons of gods and mortal women-folk, Distorted giants, huge and rash and crude, Stupid, and ever doomed to man's wise yoke, But allied yet with any dreaded brute That crouched, and fought and crushed small helpless man, And sprang to kill him, weaponless and mute, Yet strangely cunning, fearless as he ran. The lush and lurid strands of crazy shoots Which writhed gigantic in the turgid heat, The livid, greenish fronds and swollen roots, The monstrous height of trees with growth replete, The swollen jungle and the lustful herd All hated man, and yet man still was feared. The day stretched on for ages limitless Of arid skies and leprous, steaming earth, And man was tortured by the winds caress Parching blisters on the world's hot girth ; The centaurs panted, cyclops gasped for drink, And gorgons whimpered in the foetid shade, Thin man crawled hopelessly along the brink Of soulless waters, salt to drive him mad. The flaming sky scrawled death upon the waste And shrivelled multitudes shrunk on the stones That strewed the desert, as the burnt sand chased The wizened skin, and brittle, sucking bones ; Every being, in the glare of slaughter Could think of only water, always water. At last God hailed the darkness from the East Loud roaring tempests sent to bear its van ; They tore the cloud-banks through, and all drought ceased, And springs welled out, to cool plant, beast, and man. A lace of clouds was lambent in the sky, Frail pink and tremulous round the misted sun In gentle-whispered sleep, while in the high Blue lustrous night stars shivered, leapt and spun. Now pallid spectres flitted through dream trees Dark traced against the silver flush of sleep, Limned by the purple sheen, flicked by the breeze, While weary man of loveliness drank deep. Gone was the new harsh scorch of glaring light, Now first forever salved by pristine night.

1593

C. P. ANGWIN

1594 THE- SHIRBURN/AN

THE PROLOGUE

Ladies, Gentlemen, and Fellow-Vermin, I found it awkward to determine Whether this prologue ought to go In Prose or verse ; for, as you know, Even the School Prize Poem lust time Completely disregarded rhyme. But I thought you'd find it rather neater If l talked in good, old-fashioned metre.

Firstly, a word of welcome to Our President from Norway, who Has just met Mr. Strachey. You ask why? Oh, just discussing next year's snoek supply : We're told the Speaker's favourite hobby Is walking, with a dog called Bobby (Of which, we hear, he's very fond) To the famous Kensington " Round Pond " Where Nannies take their little brats, To paddle-with the diplomats I He finds the English, on the whole, Quite likeable, but rather " drole " ; The "drolest ",sir, of all our ways, Is a passion for half-holidays.

In the Times [or what you really read], No doubt you noticed that our need For a Bishop has been gratified. The clergyman who's been supplied Is a certain Sherbome master's father. I'll hide his name, I think he'd rather. Our erring souls the Father nurses, The son our erring Latin verses I

Another item in the news Is a certain transatlantic cruise. I think I ought to say, at first, On Chief's return we feared the worst. Some folks believed that back he'd come

To Sherbome, chewing bubble-gum. Others foretold, on certain knowledge, A union with the Ladies' College. Our fears were routed, once for all :­We're Sherbome still, not Horsley Hall.

A lot of you by now have seen Our famous buildings on the screen. The School, being given a Special Show, Approved unanimously, though, A Housemaster, whose name I've forgotten, Said " Acting good, but beating, rotten ".

We'll all be wearing, next November, Straw hats again. Do you remember ? They're really charming in a way, Especially on a windy day.

Down here we have an awkward craze For trying to sneak half-holidays : Especially when Randy wishes To spend the morning catching fishes. An infant often means a half, If born to someone on the Staff. Chief thought this contract very fair, Knowing that such events are rare. But, now, it is the School that wins : The Colonel played his trump card, twins I

But I must not keep you any more, For others wish to hold the floor. In fact, it's time I went away, Your thoughts, I see, begin to stray. Besides, a cricket match now calls me, But the thought of having to field appals me. Next year, I hope, you'll come again, If we've not been nationalised by then.

NEW YORK LOOKS AT SHERBORNE Looking back over the past year which I have spent at Sherbome, I am struck very forcibly by the

realization of the development and change which I have undergone, both in my attitude toward the public school system and in my own personal character. Only now am I beginning to grasp the intrinsic merits of this system, and I am certain that through participating in Sherbome life I have, to a certain degree, adopted some of the attitude toward life which public schools try to imprint upon the personalities of those who pass through their gates. The fact that I have had this opportunity has been a source of immeasurable pleasure and value.

The very first thing that impressed me on alighting from the train on the platform at Sherbome was the distinctive atmosphere. ThiS first impression was completely confirmed in the ensuing months, for Sherbome veritably grows on one. It is just what one expects to find an English school town like ; quaint, winding streets with thatch roofed cottages and picturesque shops, the majestic Abbey dominating the entire scene. The School has the greatest effect of all, and as one goes about the rounds of school life and walks through the beautiful old cloisters, or studies in the library which was once the monks' guesten hall, it is impossible not to be affected by the aura of tradition and historicalness that seems to permeate the place. ·

.....

THE :sHiRBURNJAN 1595

· · ·Certainly the students as a whole seem to have grasped the spirit of learning, for the English public school boy, however much he may jokingly deny it, takes his work quite seriously ; he realizes that he has a job to do and sets about it very conscientiously. I do .not mean to imply that he gives the impression of being a boresome grind, for there is a wholesome amount of levity in his make-up, but he does appear more intellectually mature than his American counterpart.

A unique facet of the educational system is the specialization and depth of the studies preparatory to taking the Higher Certificate. Though this precludes a certain amount of breadth and variety which might be desired, yet since the majority of public school graduates enter .their life's work upon leaving school, it is desirable that they should specialize in those subjects which will be of most va:Iue to them. Certainly the intensity and thoroughness is conducive to a very high standard of work and a well developed intellect.

An unusua:Ily striking and fine aspect of public schools is the religious basis of school life. Religion is something with which everyone is concerned and takes an active interest in. The practice of starting the day with a short service in the chapet is of immense importance ; for though few students would admit it, the subconscious effect of worshipping God at the beginning of the day plays an extraordinary part in guiding fellows along the path of Christian conduct and thought. This religiosity goes beyond forma:I observance in chapel, however, and plays a considerable part in class discussions, so the practica:I application' of Christian thought to everyday problems is noticeable and gratifying.

The most important contributions made by games to school life is their instrumenta:I part in creating an attitude of selflessness and team-work. It is of inestimable va:Iue to learn to co-ordinate one's efforts in P.T., hockey, or cricket with those of the other chaps in the squad or team.

This games enthusiasm is wrapped up, however, with a singular house loya:lty, which is hard at first for an American to understand, for to us a house is merely a place in which to sleep, but quite disconnected from the main stream of school life. My feeling is that in England one owes his first Ioya:lty to the House and then to the School. This may not be the intention, but consciously or unconsciously, that is the way the public school boy acts. This sense of communal solidarity and loya:lty is a very good thing, for it develops to a high degree one's ability to live and get a:long with other people over a long period of time.

Though I may generally deplore the underlying principles of totalitarianism, yet I will readily concede that it is an extremely efficient method of running a school house and, by and large, has very sa:Iutary effects. The immediate reaction of an American observing the strict discipline, corpora:! punishment, clothing regulations, seniority, fagging, and sundry other public school traditions of a similar nature is one of· profound shock. Afrer the initia:I plunge, including that into the infema:I cold bath, one slowly begins to orient oneself to thii; alien way of life. Eventually I have come to the conclusion that the policy of com­mencing school life in a subservient position and learning obedience and how to carry out orders is of great benefit to a person, just as is the experience in administration and government which becomes the lot of the prefect. The lesson thus taught by the public schools is of profound importance in living a successful life ; that of first learning to govern oneself, and then applY4Jg that knowledge in governing others.

Socia:! life in the sense that the American teen-ager understands it is non-existent. The fact that there is no contact of any kind with girls is at first somewhat inhibiting. The round of school life, studies, games, and various extra-curriculum activities, make for such a full and busy existence, that for the majority of boys life is quite complete and they seem fairly contented to wait until holiday time for socia:I amenities. There is the danger, however, that this sublimation of socia:I instincts may slightly retard one's socia:l devel­opment and adjustment to civilian life upon leaving school.

One last factor which must be considered is the J.T.C. In these days of uncertainty and emergency in intemationa:I affairs, this preliminary step toward military preparedness seems to me to be quite a good thing. Along with preparing the fellows for the armed forces, it helps to " knock the comers off them " and teach them self~regimentation and, later, leadership.

I believe I have touched on the main aspects of public school life, and have now arrived at the point where a genera:! observation is in order. The basic difference in the American and English systems seems to be as follows. The American counter-part of the English public school tries to allow as much freedom and democratic self rule as possible in order to let the student develop individuality within the bounds of common sense and discretion. In English public schools, on the other hand, one must adapt oneself to a set system, in order to learn self-discipline.· In other words, first one must take a humble status and learn to take orders ; then after self-discipline has been established, one is put in a position of authority and learns to rule and give orders.

1596 THE SHIRBURNIAN

It is not for me to climb on one side of the fence or the other. Both sides have their good points and their bad points. Each system of education works in a different way toward the common end of developing healthy, rounded personalities, and there are many fine men to illustrate the efficacy of both systems. It has certainly been an eye-opener and broadening experience for me to spend a year at Sherbome and to have had the opportunity to get to know England and the English, along with seeing life from their point of view. c. E. LANGE.

COMMEM.-A REJECTED EDITORIAL " It's always dull " the School will say ; We editors try every way To brighten it. "And now it's worse: The fools have written it in verse." Our subject is Commemoration­First, the P. T. Demonstration. " Oh, School, it's bad " " Do raise your voice " Remarks like these amuse the boys. " Stop, School, stop "-but do not doubt it Where would be Comm.em. without it ? Next we take the Sherbome band, The worst, say some, in all the land. Yet this remark will take some proving ; " Abide with me " was very moving. (Anyone can criticize, But he doesn't know until he tries). The drill squads both were smartly " dresse,d " : Parents-and boys-were all impressed. One sergeant's voice made many laugh. "They're mostly volunteers "-not half! The gym.-squad showed amazing skill ; I shudder at their contortions still.

Cease, vapid Muse, no longer dwell On Friday ; all went very well. On Saturday the Abbey's full : Parents must stand ; meanwhile, the School Si~ at their ease, and quite right too. Occasions like these are far too few ! Next the prizes were awarded With speeches all round (elsewhere recorded). From then we were left to our own devices (Chiefly long drinks and vanilla ices). The XI besported itself on the field Until to the heat they were forced to yield. " Lethargic ? " Indeed ; laxadaisical, rather They " outed " to go and have strawberries with

father. All Comm.ems. are much the same­Once it is over you want it again. But now I am sure you have had quite enough Of this, we admit, abominable stuff. If you want more detail, just look further on : Muse, you disgrace us, avaunt thee, begone !

LINES ON THE GLORIOUS SPORT " VILLAGE CRICKET " OR " ASLEEP IN THE DEEP "

It is an agriculturist ; He stoppeth one in three. " Now by thy butter-fingers ten, Whatever's bitten thee ? "

(Of course, when I say " fingers ten " I really mean to state, That he of butter-thumbs has two, And butter-fingers eight).

The School House Agriculturists Play teams from hamlets near : Oft-times they win, more oft they lose, (I think for lack of beer).

The reason why I'm writing this In such a high-class journal, Is so that people have a chance Of seeing how infernal

A first-class cricket-match can be, To one who thinks that cricket Is not just" Subtle tweaks through slip", Or " Quite a sticky wicket ".

If they depend on rollers, bails, On sight-screens, mowers, covers, The match is won or lost before They've had a dozen overs.

Then how can you enjoy a game, Standing for seven hours, With the rays of the sun on the back of your

necks, Like perishing blistering flowers?

Now village cricket starts at three And its over at half-past-seven ; Then a couple of pints at the village pub ; It's as near as you'll get to heaven.

And so I'd like to see the " first" On a village-ground play cricket ; They'd be out for a song, and the village'd

win By an innings and ten good wickets !

A. B. KING-SMITH

THE SHIRBURNIAN 1597

NUMBER ELEVEN

Now, before I start, let me make it quite plain that this story is completely and utterly true, and in this respect differs from all other biographies I have read on the subject. Further, though the character is taken from real life, all the names must remain a mystery to the reader ; for these two reasons, this story can be taken as entirely ORIGINAL.

I am a number eleven batsman, and, as such, I am firmly convinced of the hohour and respect due to all those who occupy this essential position. My reasons are simple to follow; for if the side has collapsed and the total of runs hardly exceeds a score or so, then it is quite plain that the onus of saving the side falls upon your shoulders and the captain may rest assured that you will live up to your expectations. If, on the other hand, the score is nearer the triple-century mark, after a superb innings by numbers three and four, and the captain declares, then it is equally plain that your excellent services will not be required, and that you are given a " rest " until some more auspicious moment.

With this comfortable doctrine in mind, I started the current season with magnificent promise for proving myself a BATSMAN, my top score of the previous season standing at thirty-six. In my first innings I put my best foot forward-or was it back ?-and although I didn't actually score . . . well, I thought I could safely look to the future. My next innings was a little disappointing ; I had to face one of those slow bowlers, who slopped the ball down the pitch in the weariest fashion ; I saw it as it came, and, raising my bat to teach it a lesson it would not shortly forget, drove it smartly to the boundary. However, when I opened my eyes I discovered that the ball had neatly side-stepped and flattened my leg stump ; non­chalantly shrugging my shoulders I assumed the fixed easy smile I reserve especially for these occasions, and commenced my homeward stroll, swinging my bat, serene and confident.

My next effort was finer still. It was an incredibly fast bowler whom I had to face, but even so I saw the ball, and with amazing swiftness whipped out my bat to meet it. My next sensation was an indescribable agony in my left leg accompanied by a roar from the whole field in unison. Grumbling something about sides who " barrack " and don't give a batsman a chance I retired in high dudgeon. As a matter of fact I did hit the ball once, and after yelling a vociferous " Yes " tore up the pitch. Only too late I realized that my partner had not moved an inch and was waving me heartlessly back; he explained to me afterwards that he wanted to take the bowling himself next over, but I do think he might have warned me. About my next five innings I needn't say much as they all ended in the same way, in spite of the infinite skill with which they were perpetrated. Now I am an optimistic sort offellow, at least I hope so but I must say that even to me this continual stalking of fate does become a little disheartening. It is not that I really mind being out, or being faced by the ribald mirth and catcalls with which I am greeted at each successive duck, but it is just the fact that fate seems continually to be getting the better of me. Nevertheless, I am still looking confidently towards the day when I will actually hit the ball past a fielder, shout" Yes", and reach the other end.

Incidentally, I have just batted. I defied the bowler for two balls and was obviously about to embark on my century, when the other fellow was out in the next over to a grub sneak. However, I feel there are grounds for future optimism.

Even brontausaurus rock cracks down In split and crumble where no hammered snow Because sun's fingers groping here, where grow In thrust and jerk undaunted.by stone frown, A leaf or two and flowers' cranes bill crown.

Though round the world's a desert, thirsty pain, By crust and drought of dust and reeking oil, But somewhere springs do soothe the fevered soil, And keep my heart a garden till again The earth's ecstatic luxury of rain.

J. H. G. TERRY

1598 THE SHIRBURNIAN

OXFORD IMPRESSIONS

Thanks to the efforts of about one in every five English poets the newcomer to Oxford can hardly help anticipating a towering city, bell-swarmed, lark-charmed, river-rounded, and so on. When I reached Oxford for the first time it was on a gloomy evening, in the pouring rain. At the station. illusions· were swiftly shattered. The buildings on the High glowered murkily: the walls of New College Lane pressed in darkly. New College itself was rather more poetic : the two lights at either end of the quad gleamed to each other through the pelting rain, their reflections, in the pool which lies in the middle of the quad, shivered and shaken by the gusts, while all round gloomed the massive blackness of the college buildings. This was the genuine romantic article, I thought.

In a far comer of the College buildings you find the steps leading up to the Hall : at least you do if you know your way about, which naturally I didn't. Dinner. in Hall that night was another example of the contrast between the Oxford of the imagination and the Oxford of reality. The table lamps were the only lighting, dropping pools of incandescent light, irradiating faces from below, and making dark shadows under the eyes. Every now and then a Valhalla-like hero-who was actually an undergraduate-strode in with flowing gown and a loud demand for beer. In the far distance beneath the great portraits was the august sublimity of the Dons' table. And at the other end of the Hall, sitting silently, shivering inwardly if not outwardly, were the potential scholars. The conversational flame lit horribly slowly and then wavered pain­fully, fed mostly by school shop. I sat between a blase Etonian> who thought the lack of conversation a vast joke and did nothing to remedy it, and a naive Malvernian who produced spasmodically uninteresting anecdotes about his prep. school. As soon as I decently could I fled to the bleak security of my rooms. ·

Most of my time in Oxford was spent in that hall, as the Classical exams. were held there. Each morning at 9.30 the doors were opened and a crowd of haggard candidates swept reluctantly up the steps to take their seats before a sinister-looking question-paper and a wad of unlined foolscap, ready to receive the results of their lucubrations. Those moments on the steps were ghastly : in a matter of seconds one would have an effort of immense concentration that must be sustained at fever-pitch for three solid hours. The results were vastly important, and one's brain felt utterly lax and empty. Nothing more could be done, one felt, in the spirit of despairing panic peculiar to the examination candidate. They were moments in purgatory.

And if they were moments in purgatory the last hour of the three was an hour in hell. Fingers cramped, eyes blinked and heads throbbed. Driving one's brain was like driving a weary horse to jump a last gate: and one's pen tottered ever more drunkenly across the great white wastes of paper until it fell to rest exhausted with a triumphant full stop. But the really soul-searing part of it was that when this Tartarean torment was over for once, it was not over for all. Having reeled from New College hall at 12.30 one had to be back again at 2.0 for another agonising session. If it was hard to concentrate at 9.30 it was doubly hard at 2.0. If writing was an effort at the end of the morning it was a labour of Sisyphus at the end of the afternoon. At last all was over : and then came the bliss of the Odyssean traveller in the mind's oceans who at length reaches Ithaca. Our Ithaca consisted of Fuller's, the " Old Tom ", and the Odeon. . .

On the fast day there were not only eight hours of exams. but an interview as well. A notice was posteg that Mr. Brewer (I felt that with the " Mr. " new dignity was assumed) would be required to present himself with three other gentlemen outside the Senior Common Room at 7.0. We waited in trepidation, in a huge room furnished with a long polished table, several chairs, and a copy of the New College Statutes. One by one the victims were summoned through to the inner sanctuary. The group at the long polished table dwindled. It was rather like the ten little nigger boys.

" Three little candidates in a panic blue, One went inside, and then there were two ; Two trembling candidates, shivering like fun, The second-last disappeared and then there was one."

That was me. I sat down, I stood-up. I put my hands in my pockets. I looked out of the window. I took my hands out again. I read the New College statutes. At last the door opened. Here we go, I thought.

I had anticipated a row of bewhiskered and bespectacled dons sitting in straight-backed chairs shooting unanswerable questions at me as I stood before them like a sacrifice at the altar.· No impression could have been more false. I found three delightful men sitting round the fire in arm-chairs. I joined the group. We began to chat about subjects in which we were all interested. Mr. So-and-so was very interested in what I had said about such-and-such. Could I tell him more about this ? I could. And how about that ? And the other.? Miraculously, I still could. Mr. So-and-so was suitably impressed. We parted at last for dinner, and on the footing, I felt, of the firmest friends.

THE SHIRBURNIAN 1599

After dinner was the last paper-French and German Unseens. I was not taking the German, the French did not matter and was quite easy. It was the one paper I enjoyed. No more tottering through wastes of foolscap. My pen galloped merrily across the pages, writing awful bunk in a shocking hand. I finished, with a triumphant scribble, in about half the time allotted, screwed the cap on my valiant pen and plunged from the room. It was just 9 o'clock. Pubs., owing to a i:nisguided zeal for temperance on the part of the powers-that-be, close· at IO. Two other Shirburnians were in the same glorious state of having consummated about 10 years work, having plenty of money and not a care in the world. We drank cyder

· on beer, and then beer on cyder, to see which was best. Both were grand, At last, we reeled back to my rooms. One of the Shirburnians and I sat down and finished off some biscuits. The other played fives against the wall-we never discovered whether he really thought he was in a fives court or just wanted to find out how many balls he saw at once. ·

At last they staggered away, and cheerful" Goo' nights" echoed up from the quad. I sat hack in an arm-chair, absolutely whacked. My fingers stretched out and switched on the wireless; and suddenly the music of Beethoven's Pathetique Sonata filled the room.

I began playing the old game of making music fit my mood. The first movement was hectic and heroic, symbolising my Odyssean wanderings over the foolscap, and culi:ninating in the glorious, reckless gaiety of the evening. Then came the second movement, with its gentle melodic curves, sendiug the light touch of caressing fingers across my forehead. Rest, slacken, it said : forget the fever and the sweat. Like cool water flowing over pebbles, I thought, the smoothest, softest soothing in all the world. And lastly, the third move­ment. Triumph, it seemed to say : you?re going to win. The first movement was terribly hard work, but it was worth it. The second movement was a rest, which you deserved. Now you're going on, not back to a staled repetition of that frenzy of striving : not back, but mi,· right on . . . .

I didn't believe it. I stopped playing the old game and listened to the music purely as sound. But gradually I slipped back into its clutches again. I seemed to be standing still in time now, looking back at a figure sitting crouched over a pen in New College Hall, and looking forward into the future at a figure back at Sherbome waiting and waiting for a telegram. For one second I could see what the telegram said : but it was not till it came nearly a week later that I could believe that Beethoven had been right.

A JOURNEY THROUGH TIME

Too blind to claim life's crown, in my strange land The past and future hold their equal sway,

For only they can lead me by the hand Through that long emptiness we call to-day.

I. THE TRAVELLER.

No poet can confront the present's stare, And every image is a golden shield,

In which he sees the serpents' heads, arid there Fainting, yet calls his unknown fear to yield. For then he sees the whole small history

Of life's quick flutterings from birth to death, And knows the past and future both agree,

And feels the tears that fall at every breath. His is the forge whose alchemy of pain

Melts past's bent iron _and may make it true, And in the fire he sees the wraith again,

Which is the future, vision of the few ; Entranced he watches, suddenly made bold, And sees the vision fade, the iron grow cold.

II. THE ROAD BEHIND

Let me not lose the past I loved so well And climb the years until I can't look down,

For its strange heaven outbalances its hell ; Nor could I bear the present's moulded frown

If I knew not that once I warmed my wax For each impression which blind chance

would give, Though now oblivion's slow sharpened axe

Gives some few treaured trees more chance to live.

But I can never wish to leave my wood Although I shall no longer climb the trees,

For there I thought that what I wished I could, Then carved my name less often by degrees, And though my mind in other woods must roam It still explores its half-neglected home.

1600

III. THE ROAD AHEAD The past grows darker as I tum my back

And see the brightness of the way below ; Man has not cast his shadow, and his track

Has not destroyed the sparkle on the snow. We cannot make these ruins our abodes

Nor live for ever in a worn-out age, But seek renaissance down once-travelled roads,

The lost horizons of our heritage. And when we reach the journey's end we'll find

It was our starting point, for our far goal Was but to strive, not stray, for time is kind;

We could not change the pivot of our soul, And that same land which made the traveller

bold, Was Eldorado, had we seen the gold.

J.M. GELSTHORPE.

EPIGRAMS (AFTER MARTIAL)

You wish to marry Henry Hood ; I'm not surprised ; your choice is good.

Oh ! Won't he have you ? What a " swiz " ! Your choice was wise; but so was his.

Catullus, I am not surprised, Your wife doth drink but water.

But I am' stunned, astonished that The same drink suits your daughter.

Richard loves the fair Therese, Rules her supreme ; and she obeys. Complains he that in soft embraces For long no cont.act twixt their faces Has taken place. " Oh why ? " you breathe; She's suffering from wisdom teeth.

CANTERBURY

The sun shone through the windows Raised by pious hands of old ; . And the saints' robes turned to silver And their haloes turned to gold : And they stared down to the pavements Where the countless ages pass-These long-forgotten martyrs And these angels in the glass.

'Twas long-forgotten primates Had these windows raised on high ; They were stained by nameless craftsmen With a long-forgotten dye ; And nameless artists limned them, Who have never held renown, To glorify the martyrs And to beautify the town.

THE SHIRBURNIAN

THE SHIRBURNIAN

ON THE LATE DEFEAT SUSTAINED AT CLIFTON

(A fragment after the style of John Milton)

Of Sherbome's useless batting and the fall Of those disastrous wickets on the pitch At Clifton, sing, 0 ghost of Edward Rex That sitt'st upon the brow of Dancing Hill, Or louder sing the voice of Aldhelm, 'stead Of that consumptive child. Say then what fi_rst Was done. The mighty Pailthorpe strode upon The grass, as when a yolk of oxen dragged By Caecus from the herd of Hercules To his gigantic cave, the hero then With horrid arms pursues the fleeting foe And tears his den ; so Pailthorpe thundered on The turf, and spun the silver disc, imprint With head and crest of kings. The mystic rite Performed, those mighty gods, all clad beneath With flannel white and creased, most suitable For such imperial war, were spread about the field.

Not far from where they stood uprose a mound Upon the grassy brow of which was built An edifice of brick, before which stood A number'd tally-wag, undoubted sign That here was the pavilion. In this hall The team in conclave sat, eleven cricketers Early driven from proud Sherbome's halls. Great saint that knowest all things, tell us now In order precedent, who waited there.

Next to Pailthorpe himself was found A huge, ungainly bowler, later known In lands of Middlesex, for hitting lobs With his inverted bat ; and always now, They say, with ire and bat he smote them; Thus they relate, but erring ; oft before Did he bat normally, thus Jowett sat. Next sat the mighty Turner's monstrous height, Than whom a loftier batsman left not Sherbome. Then Anderton, whom the Shirbumians call Scrum half, with lunar spectacles of glass, Upon the rugger field not unsung. Then came That artist Blackshaw, deep intent upon The lines of vanquished batsmen caning it, As when a pile of slag with smoking top Upon N:orthumbrian mountain dark and cold Traces blackened lines; so Blackshaw drew. By him, exponent of the "Be-Bop" mood, With haughty height, and yet no breadth at all, Sat Day, who bobbed above the throng. Then

Hom,

1601

1602

Who noble stand behind the wicket kept And caught the fiery bolts of Turner's wrath That spumed to touch the pitch. :tq°ext him

appeared A team who, under names of new renown­Gillespie, Topliss, Elliott, and Banks-With monstrous swipes and cross-bats did abuse The guiding words of Walford and of Holmes.

C: P. ANGWIN

MORE EPIGRAMS

The Authorities made this wise decree A measure most astute

That a collar white and clean should be And grey must be one's suit. The idle Juniors, foul and slack,

This order disobey : The suit is spotted brown and black

The collar-it is grey.

My friend, the chill wind from the North Passes by my little farm.

And the hot blast from the South Never does it any harm.

Whistling wind has never toss'd me Like the overdraft it cost me.

D. C. P. CARBY

We take off our hats to .... ,

THE SHIRBURNIAN

the girl visitor who said, " Say, I'm glad we don't have capital punishment in the schools in the States". the boy, asked what prize T. S. Eliot had won recently, replied," The Senior Longmuir ". the boy who thought that " Quicunque vult " meant, " Who goes there ? " the P.T. Instructor who said; "The next exercise is .... what is the next exercise?"

(We enclose this sole letter as an example of the depths to which even the prize poet can slip)

To the Editor of The Shir-Burnian.

Sir, I hear that a notice was sent to the houses Which all my worst instincts and anger arouses. To say that your Editors won't take a letter Complaining, because, so you say, it had better Be written direct to the power-that-is Most nearly concerned with running the bus­iness we complain about. This I write to

THE SHIRBURNIAN

The Editors of The Shirburnian (you), Because, so it seems to me, you are the hombres Against whom to direct these furious numbers. (For so they called verse in the days when a poet Could write in true rhyme, and the public still

know it) " Though all the winds of doctrine " we are told (If in their minds the Editors still hold The lines of verse forgotten in the Barnes) "Were let loose upon the earth" to chance The pen of fools " so truth be in the field ", Though all who would uphold her sway and

yield, She will uphold herself. And so, you see, You're wrong, and always very wrong must be, To cut away the correspondence column, To leave out all complaints, though just and

solemn, To slice from pages of your magazine Suggestions of such things as might have been, But for your meddling, very well performed,

.. Prompted by the letters which have swarmed From those who wish much to complain, like

me; And so I remain, Sirs, yours very sincerely (Though not very hopeful or sanguine

In mind,

Signed, C. P. ANGWIN

Dear Angwin, pray control your heated ire Destined, no doubt, to light our funeral pyre. Now having heard the Poet " Laureate " sing We editors intend to have our fling. Harken, one moment, sir, to our defence, And credit us with just a little sense. If you complain that you can never find A hassock in your pew ; or if the kind That wishes lights for Fives Courts ; surely you Are better pleased if oi Ev TeAe1 do Something about it with alacrity. Now if you write [however speedily] To us ; you have to wait until we print. But if with haste to those in power you sprint­The chaps concerned directly-, then straightway (With luck within the very selfsame day) Your grievance will be righted: Now all's said, We beg to sign ourselves

Yours truly ED,

1603

1604 THE SHIRBURNIAN

REVIEW

POEMS GRAVE AND GAY BY WILLIAM BARNES Edited by Giles Dugdale. Longmans, Dorchester, 6/6

I have heard of Barnes's poems as long as I can remember ; for when we lived in Dorchester in the eighties, he was our neighbour and my mother had a great admiration of him and his works. Later. in 1900 or thereabouts, when I was in the School, Walter Raymond, by far the best interpreter of his poetry, visited Sherborne and gave a recitation of his poems in the Big School Room. I was very excited about this because of our connection with the poet, and was thrilled with the recitation and with the humour and pathos of the poems so admirably presented by the reciter : and from that day onward I have loved and studied these rural poems. In those days every cultured home in the neighbourhood possessed copies of Bames's poems, and through hearing them read or recited many, who did not possess the book, were familiar with them.

Of recent years, however, partly because of the rapid changes in country life and partly because familiarity with the Dorset Dialect is being gradually lost through education, the poetry of William Barnes is scarcely mentioned ; and if mentioned, instead of being taken seriously, his dialect poems are regarded

. merely as something to cause laughter, and they do not get a fair hearing. Yet, if carefully studied, they are of the very greatest beauty, perfect in form and expression, poems of one who wrote in the language of the people for the people, one who knew all that there was to be known about prosody, and they cannot fail to give pleasure. Thomas Hardy realized this and in 1908 edited a little book" Select Poems of William Barnes ", Oxford University Press, but that book is now out of print.

And so I rejoice greatly that this small but very choice selection of W. Bames's poems is being published by Messrs. Longman of Dorchester. It does Mr. Giles Dugdale much credit to have devoted so much time and trouble in studying our poet, and in making this selection of poems. He has written a very interesting foreword, and some Biographical Notes which have been prepared with the utmost care and are of great value. I eagerly looked through the poems of this little book, and out of the sixty included (eight of which I did not know, for they did not belong to his dialect poems) I found no fewer than 29 of my old favourites ; I knew that I was bound to miss one or two of them. It is a lovely little collection : and my hope is that this opportunity of acquiring some knowledge of these unique and matchless poems will not be missed, and that this little edition of gems will find its way into the pocket of many a lover of Dorset and the West Country.

We congratulate the following:-

GAMES HOCKEY

lsT XI COLOURS

14.3.49. D. J. G. Banks (regained). C. M. Lund (regained). 16.3.49. R. K. Day. C. F. N. Bennett. 18.3.49. F. M. Anderton. F. W. Batstone.

LITTLETON C. POWYS,

21.3.49. P. D. Wade. G. H. Hallsmith. R. D. Baxter. D. H. Waddington.

RllsULTS OF MATCHES :-

1ST XI. Tuesday, March 8th, King's School, Bruton. Lost 2-3. Saturday, March 12th. West of England Wanderers. Lost 0-6. Tuesday, March 15th. Bryanston School. Won 4-3. Thursday, March 17th. Dorset County" A" XI. Lost 0-6. Saturday, March 19th. Downside School. Won 3-0. Tuesday, March 22nd, Canford School. Lost 0-4.

June, 1949.

THE SHIRBURNIAN

2ND XI. Thursday, March 3rd. Millfield. Won 6-2. Saturday, March 5th. Crewkeme School. Cancelled. Tuesday, March 8th. King's School, Bruton 2nd XI. Drawn 0-0. Saturday, March 12th. Allhallows School. Lost 1-4. Tuesday, March 15th. Bryanston School 2nd XI. Lost 1-2.

COLTS. Thursday, March 10th. Millfield Juniors. Won 8-1. Tuesday, March 15th. Bryanston School Colts. Won 3-1. Tuesday, March 22nd. Canford School Colts. Lost 3-4.

SCHOOL V. KING'S SCHOOL, BRUTON

1605

M. W. PAILTHORPE, Captain of Hockey.

Played on Young's on 8th March and won by Bruton by 3 goals to 2. It was a very cold day and the ground was slippery on top. Bruton pressed at once and had our defence in a tangle but failed to score. Against the run of the play, Anderton pushed the ball past the Bruton goalkeeper after about twelve minutes. Thereafter the School had more of the play, but one of several dangerous raids by the Bruton forwards resulted in a very good goal from their inside left, the result of some accurate first time passing by the three inside forwards. Soon afterwards the inside right got through to give Bruton the lead. In the second half the School had much more of the play, but missed several excellent oppor­tunities because of poor finishing. Bruton eventually increased their lead through their outside right, who must have been surprised to see his despairing lunge at the ball producing a goal, which Zealley should certainly have saved. Just before time Topliss ended a good run with a fast shot into the goal ; this also should have been saved. On the whole Bruton deserved their win because they were better together, their passes found their mark better, and they hit the ball more cleanly. Though the School were superior in mid-field, their passing was nothing like precise enough, and they were too slow in setting up their attacks. Also they missed far more chances of scoring from favourable positions through clumsiness and indecision.

Team: Zealley, M. J. ; Bennett, Lund; Pralle, Day, R. K., Pailthorpe; Topliss, Baxter, Banks, Anderton, Waddington.

SCHOOL ti. DOWNSIDE. Away, won 3-0

This was an enjoyable game played on rather a heavy ground. The School showed all through that they were rather the better side, but Downside played a hard, determined game and gave little away. Midway through the first half, a shot was cleared by one of their defence and Day was at the back of the circle to hit a good goal. Soon after Anderton scored from close in to make the score 2-0. The School continued to press but the inside forwards were rather slow and passed much too square instead of towards the obvious gaps in the opposing defence.

Downside had much more ofthegamein the second half but the wing halves, Batstone and Topliss, played well and the backs were safe. But there were one or two uneasy moments when Day and Lund were too far up and lost the ball. The School scored one more goal hit from a short comer by Baxter.

All the defence played well though Lund had one of his usual bad patches in the middle of the second half. Bennett at right back was probably the best. Of the forwards, Wade and Baxter did well.

SCHOOL ti. CANFoRD. Away, Lost 4-0 This was a very good game indeed and a level one though the score does not show it. The School had all the best

of the first half and should have scored two or three goals, but instead found themselves two goals down because of two defensive errors. Then, in the second half, Canford started to play really well and had the better of the play ; again they scored two goals, one from a long comer, the second in the game. The real difference between the two sides was that Canford were quick in the circle, while we were slow in the circle both in attack and defence. And so they well deserved their win.

The School started really well. Baxter made a number of openings and twice Banks shot straight at the goal­keeper when well placed. Another easy chance was missed from a centre of Wade's. But gradually Canford came into the game and were immensely heartened by an easy goal scored after about twenty minutes. During this period and indeed throughout the game Day at centre-half played really well.

In the second half, our backs and wing halves started getting their hits intercepted chiefly because of their over­fondness for the unaimed cross pass. As a result Canford were on top and played with any amount of spirit. But it was still fairly even and we had chances from a few penalty comers and twice the Canford left half saved what looked to be certain goals by racing across into the circle just as Banks seemed to have the goal at his mercy.

So a very good game ended with the score at 4-0. The School side ought to have learnt the elementary lessons of charging the opposing goalkeeper quickly, of the necessity of practising short comers, and of the necessity of hitting all passes to one's own side. All these Canford did better after they had settled down ; and they did score some i()als, which after all is the object of the game.

1606

SBNIORS :­H

Al

c F

D

G

B

A2 JUNIORS:­

H

A2

F

B

Al

G

c D

THE SHIRBURNIAN

HOUSE HOCKEY MATCHES, 1949

H

G 4} A2 l

G 0

H 0

c

SCHOOLS HOCKEY FESTIVAL; OxFo~,1949

This year the School again received an invitation to the festival at Oxford, and it was with great pleasure that we heard we were again going to stay in Trinity College. As last year, everything was done to make us comfortable, and we had a thoroughly enjoyable time.

On the first morning we beat Haileybury and I.S.C., who had a weak side, by 5-0, and in the afternoon we drew 0-0 with Clifton. This was a disappointing game, as both sides should have scored at least once. The next day we went out to Radley and had a very good game there, which we were somewhat fortunate to win 2-0, and in the afternoon we went to the Parks to beat Cranleigh 2-0. Here the score would have been greater in our favour but for their goalkeeper who was most ferocious and staved off many attacks. The· last morning we had no match and were thus free to roam round Oxford or stay in bed as we wished, in preparation for the last match, against St. Lawrence College, Ramsgate, who were said to have a strong side. We had an·exciting game with them and won it 2-1; this was a most satisfactory conclusion to the festival, as we had come up with a distinctly shaky record, and out of five matches here we had won four and drawn one. · In general, the defence was our strong point, although Day was handicapped by his feet ; and Banks and Baxter were the best of the forwards. ·

Our thanks are due to Mr. Landon, the Bursar of Trinity College, and to all the College Staff for the excellent and unfailing attention they gave us throughout the festival. ·

SEVEN-A-SIDES 1949 These were played on April 6th and 7th at the Old Deer Park, Richmond. Taunton, the previous year's winners,

once more reached the final but were defeated by a strong Stonyhurst side by 11 pts. to 5. Half of the Sherborne 1948 XV had left at the end of the year, consequently the team sent up by the School was

weaker than usual. For the past three years Sherborne has always been defeated by one of the finalists but on this occasion we lost to Rydal in the first round by 13 pts. to 3.

Sherborne play was disappointing, the " backing-up " being especially poor. Two excellent chances of scoring were missed through a combination of mishandling and bad passing. On the first occasion Smith dropped an easy pass a few yards from the line after Turner had made a brave run of 20 yards. A few minutes later a poorish pass was missed by Colquhoun and Sherbome had lost its chance. Colquhoun scored the only try for the School; after a good catch above the head, he used his superior speed to advantage for a 50 yard run. The failure of the Sherborne defence is evident in the score.

Team :-C. M. Lund; D. M. Turner; J.P. Pralle (capt.); F. M. Andenon; R. J. Mitchell; P. T. I. Smith and R. A. Colquhoun. ·

THE SHIRBURNIAN

1 2 3 4. 5 6 7 8 9

CRICKET

RESULTS OP SCHOOL MATCHES

2nd XI. 14.5.49. v. Dorchester C.C. Won. Dorchester 45 (Wade 6-11). School 96.

21.5.49. v. Bryanston. Won. Bryanston 76. School 116-1. O'Connor 68 not out.

28.5.49. v. Canford, Drawn. School 153 for-9 dee. Canford 96 for 8.

4.6.49. v. Blundells 2nd XI. Drawn. School 125 for 9 dee. Blundells 78 for 6.

11.6.49. v. Taunton 2nd XI. Won. Taunton 109. School 116 for 7.

14.6.49. v. Millfield. Won. Millfield 87. Bridges 5-24, Robertson 5-20. School 89 for 3.

25.6.49. v. Shaftesbury Grammar School. Won. Shaftesbury 127. Hallam 5-19. School 129 for 5. O'Connor 51 not out.

CoLTs. 21.5.49. v. Downside. Won. Downside 77. School 78 for 4.

28.5.49. v. Canford. Drawn. Canford 71 for 7 dee. Pinder 5-25. School 69 for 9.

12.6.49. v. Taunton. Lost. Taunton 95 for 7 dee. School 53.

CoLTs 2ND XI. 25.6.49. v. Yeovil Art Institute. Won. School 156 for 3. Yeovil 37 for 9.

·JUNIOR COLTS. 21.5.49. v. Downside. Lost. School 82. Downside 98.

28.5.49. v. Canford. Won. Canford32. School 44.

4.6.49. v. King's School, Bruton. Won. School 100 for 5 dee. Bruton 37.

11.6.49. v. Taunton. Won. School 119 for 9 dee.

, Taunton 112. Monypenny 5-18. 25.6.49. v. Dorchester Grammar School. Drawn.

School 148. Norris 69. Dorchester 92 for 9.

SCHOOL v. THE TOWN, May 7th. THE TOWN THE SCHOOL

E. J. Freeman, b Jowett ... 19 1 Anderton, b King A. Baxendale, b Turner 14 2 Blackshaw, l.b.w., b Bridge J. Buchanan, b Jowett ... 20 3 Turner, e Baxendale, b King J. Waltham, l.b.w., b Wright 12 4 Gillespie, l.b.w., b Waltham D. J. W. Bridge, not out 50 5 M. W. Pailthorpe b Waltham J. Baggs, st. b Gillespie 10 6 Day, e Bridge, b Buchanan S. B. Wingfield-Digby, l.b.w., b Jowett 0 7 Topliss, b Waltham F. King, e and b Gillespie 9 8 Elliott, b Waltham J. Hamblin, not out 8 9 Hom, l.b.w., b Waltham

Extras (Byes 1, Leg Byes 11, Wides 1, 10 Wright, not out No balls 1) 14 11 Jowett, b Bridge

Extras (Byes 7, Leg byes 7)

Total (for 7 wkts, dee,) 155 Total

1607

3 2

26 37

9 0 3 5 5

25 11 14

140

1608 THE SHiRBURNIAN

Bowling Analysis : Bowling Analysis : Overs Mdns. Wkts. Runs

Overs Mdns. Runs Wkts. Avge. F. King 10 1 2 Turner 12 3 31 1 31 D.J.W. Elliott 7 0 37 0 Bridge 8 1 2 Jowett 14 4 38 3 12.6 J. Waltham 14 3 5 Wright 4 1 18 1 18 J. Buchanan 4 0 1 Gillespie 4 1 18 2 9 M. D. Thomas 5 1 0

SCHOOL v. THE BUCCANEERS, May 14th THE SCHOOL

1 Blackshaw, c Langhorne, b Bridge 2 Anderton, c Meares, b Robertson 3 Turner, c Buchanan, b Metcalfe 4 Gillespie, c and b Young 5 M. W. Pailthorpe, c Young, b Nathan 6 Day, c Meares, b Young 7 Jowett, c Langhorne, b Young 8 Topliss I 9 Elliott Did not bat

10 Wright 11 Hom

THE BuCCANEERS 64 1 M. J. D. Moffatt, st. Hom, b Elliott 15 2 E. J.B. Langhorne, b Turner 84 3 A. G. Skinner, c Gillespie, b Turner 39 4 A. Nathan, b Wright 25 5 G. C. Meares, b Jowett 17 6 H. W. Arnold, b Turner 25 7 D. J. W. Bridge, c and b Jowett ...

8 A. N. Young, c Topliss, b Jowett . 9 J. Buchanan, b Turner .. :

· 10 J.P. Robertson, b Jowett 11 M. Metcalfe, not ·out

26

38 36

9 17

Extras (Byes 6, Leg byes 14) ... 20 Extras (Byes 4, Leg Byes 1, Wides 1,

Total (for 7 wkts dee.)

. Bowling Analysis : Overs Mdns. Runs

A.G. Skinner 23 5 66 J.P.Robertson 8 0 31 A. N. Young 16.5 2 73 D. J. W. Bridge 13 0 52 M. Metcalfe 6 0 20 A. Nathan 7 O 27

289

Wkts. Avge. 0 1 31 3 24.3 1 52 1 20 1 27

No balls 1)

Total

Bowling Analysis : Overs Mdns. Runs Wkts.

Turner 7.2 1 28 4 Elliott 8 3 18 1 Wright 5 1 13 1 Jowett 15 5 34 4 Gillespie 9 0 41 0 Anderton 6 1 21 0

SCHOOL fJ, THE FREE FORESTERS, May 21st.

THE SCHOOL 1 Blackshaw, l.b.w., b King 0 2 Anderton, c Chatterton, b Lucas F. 28 3 Turner, b Woodhouse ... 4 4 Gillespie, lb.w., b Meyer 21 5 M. W. Pailthorpe, b Chatterton 70 6 Day, l.b.w., b Meyer ... 8 7 Topliss, c and b Woodhouse 23 8 Jowett, st. Glennie, b Meyer 45 9 Wright, l.b.w.; b Meyer 10

10 Elliott, b Woodhouse 14 11 Lewers, not out .. . .. . .. . 0

Extras (Byes 1, Leg byes 5, No balls 1) 7

Total 230

Bowling Analysis : Overs Mdns. Runs Wkts. Avge.

F. King 19 4 41 1 41 R.H.Woodhouse 12 2 35 3 11.6 R. J. 0. Meyer 27.2 4 70 4 17.5 F. R. Lucas 10 1 29 1 29 G. Chatterton 6 1 . 21 1 21 H.F. Lucas 3 0 11 · -0 M; M. Walford 3 1 10 . 0 ...

THE FREE FORESTERS 1 M. M. Walford, b Elliott 2 W. M. Elderton, c Lewers, b Turner 3 G. Chatterton, c Gilliespie, b Elliott 4 M. S. Glennie, l.b.w., b Elliott 5 R. J. 0. Meyer ... 6 M. B. S. Bower, b Elliott 7 J. R. Watson, b Jowett 8 F. King, not out 9 F. R. Lucas, c Topliss, b Gillespie

10 R.H. Woodhouse, b Jowett 11 H.F. Lucas, b Jowett · ...

Extras (Byes 2, Leg Byes 1, Wides 1)

Total

Bowling Analysis : Overs Mdns. Runs Wkts.

Turner 4 0 14 1 Elliott 7 5 5 4 Wright 4 0 15 0 Jowett 9 2 18 3 Gille-spic B 0 28 . .2

Avge. 13

19 7.2 9

48 4 0 9 2

53 39

1 0 0 0

7

163

Avge. 7

18 13 8.5

13 2 1 6

19 3 3

22 7 4 0 4

84

Avge. 14 1.25

6 14

THE SHIRBURNI4.N

SCHOOL v. CLIFTON COLLEGE

Played at Clifton on 28th May and lost by four wickets.

1609

Pailthorpe won the toss and chose to bat first on a very slow wicket. Anderton and Blackshaw started quietly and seemed quite safe till the latter missed a yorker and was bowled. Turner came in and hit some good blows before being caught at mid-on. And then the collapse started. The wicket was never really difficult, but the ball was turning and all the School batsmen were in trouble, particularly against Rees. Two weaknesses contributed to the collapse; firstly, none of our batsmen really watch the ball off the wicket onto the bat, and secondly all seemed afraid to hit the loose ball. Eventually the innings closed at one o'clock for 56.

The after lunch period was agonising in the extreme. The Clifton batsmen were even more timid than ours and only seven runs came in the first hour. The sixth wicket fell at 29 and it looked as if the School might win. But some plucky and skilful batting by Bird and Cooper turned the scales and the winning hit was made just before teatime. As the figures show, Jowett and Anderton bowled very steadily, but the batsmen had not made enough runs to give them a fair chance. The fielding was good, and Turner made a particularly fine catch at silly mid-on to dismiss his namesake.

THE SCHOOL CLIFTON COLLEGE 1 Anderton, b Rees - 11 l Rankine, l.b.w., b Jowett 7 2 Blackshaw, b Symons ... 7 2 Smith, b Elliott 1 3 Turner, c Symons, b Rees 14 3 Foyle, c Pailthorpe, b Anderton 0 4 Gillespie, b Moore 0 4 Turner, R. V., c Turner, b Anderton 0 5 M. W. Pailthorpe, c Foyle, b Rees 1 5 Bird, b Jowett 22 6 Day, b Rees 2 6 Leek, c and b Jowett 10 7 D. C. P.R. Jowett, c Smith, b Rees 0 7 Rees, b Jowett 0 8 Topliss, st., Smith 5 8 Cooper, c Topliss, b Jowett 35 9 Banks, l.b.w., b Rees 0 9 Turner, J., l.b.w., b Jowett 0

10 Elliott, st., b Smith 4 10 Moore, st. Horn, b Anderton 1 11 Hom, not out 8 11 Symons, not out 4

Extras (Byes 1, Wides 2, No balls 1) 4 Extras (Byes 1) 1

·Total .. 56 Total

Bowling Analysis : Bowling Analysis : Overs Mdns. Runs Wkts. Avge.

Symons 6 3 5 1 5 Elliott Turner, J. 5 1 16 0 D. C.P. R. Rees 11 1 17 6 2.8 Jowett Moore 8 4 5 1 5 Anderton Smith 3 1 9 2 4.5 Gillespie

Turner

SCHOOL v. DOWNSIDE

Played at Sherbome on 4th June and won by eight wickets.

Overs Mdns. 12 6

29 12 21 8

2 0 2 1

81

Runs Wkts. Avge. 17 1 17

32 6 5.3 24 3 8

5 0 1 0

This was rather a disappointing game, as Downside batted very badly on an easy wicket. The start was delayed till twelve by a heavy shower of rain and then Downside, having won the toss, went in to bat. The bowling was again steady, but was flattered by very timid batting. A useful stand was made for the fifth wicket and it looked as if a fair score would be made ; but Wylie was run out with the score at 80 and the other batsmen offered little resistance to Jowett. The innings ended at about a quarter past three for 96.

Anderton and Day opened for the School and made a good start against some steady bowling. Daly in particular looked quite dangerous, though he tended to bowl too much outside the off stump. Fifty five runs were made very well before Anderton was caught. The field spread out as soon as Turner came in, but he did not stay for long, being caught and bowled after making 13. Day completed an excellent fifty before the end ; he played very safely, but he is still afraid to swing his bat and so he scores too slowly. With a little more confidence he will score many runs.

DOWNSIDE 1 Adamson, c Hom, b Jowett 2 Hansen, b Jowett 3 Meek, b Anderton 4 Wright, l.b.w., b Elliott 5 McGuire, c Day, b Jowett 6 Wylie, run out 7 Taggart, b Jowett ... 8 Hendry, st. Hom, b Jowett 9 Berger, not out

10 Dearlove, b Jowett 11 M. F. Daly, l.b.w., b Jowett

Extras (Byes 5, Leg Byes 5, Wides 1, No balls 1)

Total

4 4

24 5

12 21

2 4 6 0 2

12

96

THE SCHOOL 1 Anderton, c and b Wylie 2 Day, not out 3 Turner, c and b Daly 4 Gillespie, not out

~ ~c~n'.n~~lthorpe l 7 D.C.P.R.Jowett Didnotbat 8 Topliss 9 Wright .

10 Hom 11 Elliott

Extras (Byes 4, Leg byes 4, Wides 1)

Total (for 2 wkts.)

23 50 13

1

9

98

1610

Bowling Analysis :

Turner Elliott D.C.P.R.

Jowett Anderton Gillespie Wright

Overs Mdns. 5 1 8 3

20.3 15 5 4

13 8 0 2

Runs Wkts. Avge. 5 0

26 I 26

15 7 2.1 22 1 22 13 0 3 0

THE SHIRBURNIAN

Bowling Analysis : Overs Mdns. Runs Wkts. Avge.

M. F. Daly 11 3 35 1 35 Dear love 7 1 23 0 Berger 4 2 7 0 Wylie 7.2 1 31 1 31

SCHOOL v. M.C.C. June 7th. M.C.C.

1 D. S. Sheppard, b Wright 2 D. H. Vaulkhard, c Blackshaw, b Elliott 3 J. S. W. Lush, b Elliott 4 D. S. S. Ball, b Jowett ... 5 Col. W. V. H. Robins, b Wright ... 6 C. B. Blackshaw, c Wright, b Jowett 7 N. M. J. Castle, c and b Turner 8 M. M. Walford, not out 9 Rev. H. Taylor, not out

10 Brig. H.F. Lucas J Did not bat 11 R. J. 0. Meyer

Extras (Byes 5, Leg byes, 2, Wides 2, No balls 1)

Total (for 7 wkts. dee.)

Bowling Analysis : Overs Mdns. Runs Wkts.

D.M. Turner Elliott Wright D.C.P.R.

14 10 10

Jowett 18 Gillespie 7 F. M. Anderton 1

3 41 1 2 32 2 2 24 2

3 0 0

82 35

5

2 0 0

91 11 0

46 3

19 17 32

1

10

230

Avge. 41 16 12

41

Tm! SCHOOL 1 Day, b Lush 2 Blackshaw, l.b.w., b Meyer 3 D. M. Turner, b Robins 4 Gillespie, b Lush 5 M. W. Pailthorpe, b Lush 6 F. M. Anderton, c Lush, b Meyer 7 D. C. P. R. Jowett~ b Meyer 8 Topliss, st. Castle, b Robins 9 Wright, c Blackshaw, b Meyer

10 Elliott, st. Castle, b Robins 11 Horn, not out

Extras (Byes 6, Wides 1)

Total

Bowling Analysis : Overs Mdns. Runs

R. J. 0. Meyer 29.1 10 53 Brig. H. F. Lucas 3 D. H. Vaulkhard 3 M. M. Walford 4 Col. W. H. V. Robins 16 J. S. W. Lush 18

1 6 1 10 0 8 2 55 5 38

SCHOOL 'V. RADLEY

9 61 9

11 0 8

34 16 12 9 1 7

177

Wkts. Avge. 4 13.25 0 0 0 3 18.3 3 12.6

Played at Sherborne on 10th and 11th of June, the result was a draw much in favour of the School. It was a splendid game, full of good cricket. Radley batted first and, after a quiet start, collapsed against accurate bowling. Six wickets were down for 37, and eight for 56 by one o'clock. Then followed an astonishing stand for the tenth wicket of 158 runs. With a little more agression, Radley would have been all out by lunch time ; but unconsciously the School relaxed, missed a chance or two, and gave away the initiative. Meyrick and Sorsbie batted very well indeed apart from a number of passes outside the off stump. But it was their lucky day and they earned their luck. Eventually, Pailthorpe was so desperate that he allowed himself to be influenced by some obvious armswinging in the covers by Blackshaw. And Blackshaw got the wicket that was needed so badly. Sorsbie made the surprising mistake of expecting one of his leg breaks to turn; it went straight on and he was 1.b.w. Soon after the innings ended at 225.

When the School innings opened, Blackshaw and Day put on 61 runs for the first wicket before the latter was bowled. Turner came in, was missed first ball, and then went on to play a very fine innings. He hit the ball beautifully and was never in trouble. Blackshaw too played very well and looked certain to get a century before he got out just before time. Wright went in as " night watchman" and played out the last few overs. At the end of play the score reached 200 with Turner 87 not out. The Radley fielding had been excellent, particularly the ground fielding and throwing of those in the deep.

When play started on the next day, Radley bowled purely defensively wide of the off stump and runs were not easy to get. Turner had some very nervous moments before reaching his hundred. He went on to make 121 and got s·ome useful help from Wright who hit the ball well. Before the declaration at lunch time, Anderton gave a good exhibi­tion of how to score fast ; he pushed the ball into the gaps, ran well, and hit the loose balls hard. Radley went in 111 behind with only three and a quarter hours to play. The School needed quick wickets, but only got one. Neither Britten nor Reid looked safe and took endless passes, but annoyingly for the School, they stayed while about 60 runs were scored. Thereafter wickets fell steadily against accurate bowling and good fielding. But there was not quite enough time and stumps were pulled up ten minutes before the end of extra time with Radley 41 runs ahead and one wicket in hand. So a most enjoyable game ended in a draw. The School were clearly the better side. But Radley fought very well indeed to avoid defeat.

THE SHIRBURNIAN 1611

1 J. R. M. Britten, c Turner, b Gillespie 2 M. G. Cocks, c Wright, b Turner

RADLEY CoLLEGB 17 10 2 1 1 5 0

b Turner ... 55

3 D. B. Reid, b Jowett c Wright, b Elliott... 1 b Turner... ... 35

4 P. J.M. Patten, run out ... c Hom, b Turner .. . O 5 A. S. J. Riley, c Pailthorpe, b Turner 6 J. de C. Hughes, c Turner, b Gillespie 7 A. C. Walton, b Gillespie

l.b.w., b Jow\!tt 6 run out ... , ... 4 l.b.w., b Blackshaw 19

8 A. J. Meyrick, not out ... 87 1

l.b.w., b Jowett 0 9 R. J. Moore, c Hom, b Turner ...

10 R. M. Sorsbie, 1.b.w., b Blackshaw not out ... 12

11 J. F. B. Jones, b Elliott , .. . . .. 79 3

19

c Blackshaw, b Jowett 4 not out ... 6

Extras (Byes 7, Leg byes 3, Wides 6, No Balls 3) Extras (Byes 7 Wides 2, No balls 1) 10

Total 225 Total (for 9 wkts.). 152

Bowling Analyses : Overs

14.3 12 23 13 11

Mdns. 7

Runs 25 15 58 23 45 33

Wkts. Avge. Overs Mdns. Runs Elliott Wright D. C. P.R. Jowett D. M. Turner Gillespie F. M. Anderton Blackshaw

8 l

6 4 2 1 0 1 7

1 0 1 3 3 0 1

25 7 5 4 2

58 25 5 7.6 16 6

15 6 1 10 4

7 5 0

THE SCHOOL 1 Blackshaw, c Patten, b Sorsbie 77 2 Day, b Hughes 23 3 D. M. Turner, c Reid, b Sorsbie 121 4 Wright, c Hughes, b Sorsbie 39 5 M. W. Pailthorpe, l.b.w., b Sorsbie 5 6 D. C. P. R. Jowett, l.b.w., b Sorsbie 14 7 F. M. Anderton, not out 32 8 D. T. Gillespie, not out 3 9 Topliss }

10 Hom Did not bat 11 Elliott

Extras (Byes 6, Leg byes 10, Wides 4, No balls 2) 22

Total (for 6 wkts. dee.) 336

Bowling Analysis : Overs Mdns.

R. M. Sorsbie 32 7 A. S. J. Riley 32 7 J. de C. Hughes 11 0 A. C. Walton 3 0 R. J. Moore 4 0 J. F. B. Jones 3 O

Runs 96

122 32 15 28 21

Wkts. 5 0 1 0 0 1

SCHOOL v. SOMERSET STRAGGLERS

Avge. 19.2

32

21

8 15 64 22 14 8

11

SOMERSET STRAGGLERS Tm! SCHOOL 1 A. W. E. Peam, b Anderton 24 l R. K. Day, b Salisbury 2 J. 0. E. Hood, l.b.w., b Elliott ... 4 2 F. M. Anderton, b Salisbury 3 A. K. Judd, st. Hom, b Anderton 54 3 Gillespie, b Salisbury 4 A. J. Bower, c Pailthorpe, b Anderton 11 4 M. W. Pailthorpe, not out 5 J. Luff, c and b Anderton ... 6 5 D. M. Turner, b Salisbury 6 A. J. Edwards, run out 16 6 Wright, not out 7 M. S. B. Bower, b Smith 7 7 8 Col. G.D. Young, b Elliott 2 8 Hom

Wkts. 1 0 3 3 0 0 1

9 J. R. Watson, c Day, b Anderton 25 9 Elliott Did not bat Topli" }

10 A. Salisbury, not out 16 10 W. S. Blackshaw 11 R. Robinson, l.b.w., b Turner .4 11 Smith, P. . .

Extras (Byes 4, Leg byes 2) 6 Extras (2 Leg byes)

Total 175 Total (for 4 wkts.)

Avge. 8

21.3 7.3

11

29 83

1 53 8 2

1612

Bowling Analysis : Overs Mdns.

Elliott D. M. Turner Wright Smith F. M. Anderton Gillespie

9 2 12 2 7 2

11 1 18 2 9 1

Runs 18 28 25 32 41 25

Wkts. 2 1 0 1 5 0

Avge. 9.0

28

32 8.2

Bowling Analysis : Overs Mdns.

A. J. Edwards 13 2 A. K. Judd 20.5 4 A. Salisbury 14 2 J. R. Watson 5 O

THE .SH/RBURNIAN

Runs 48 59 40 29

Wkts. 0 0 4 0

Avge.

10

SCHOOL v. 0.S.S.

o.s.s. 1 A. W. C. Peatn, c Elliott, b Jowett 2 A. E. Day, b Anderton 3 R. C. Eglington, c Topliss, b Jowett 4 R. Eglington, c Pailthorpe, b Turner 5 W; P. Haines, b Elliott 6 W. J. E. Stanford, l.b.w., b Turner 7 J. S. W. Lush, c Turner, b Elliott 8 P.H. Wakely, b Turner ... 9 J. R. Norris, c Elliott, b Anderton

10 E. J. Rice, run out 11 P.A. Watt, not out

Extras (Byes 1, Leg byes 6)

Total

Bowling Analysis : Overs Mdns. Runs

Elliott 10 6 17 D. M. Turner 18 5 39 D. C.P. R.

Jowett 28 9 59 Wright 4 3 1 Gillespie 7 1 28 F. M. Anderton 14 3 43

Wkts. 2 3

2 0 0 2

37 52

6 42 17

1 24

0 2 7 0 7

195

Avge. 8.5

13

29.5

2.15

THE SCHOOL 1 W. S. Blackshaw, 1.b.w., b Lush 2 F. M. Anderton, c Watt, b Wakely 3 D. M. Turner, b Wakely 4 Gillespie, c Day, b Lush 5 M. W. Pailthorpe, 1.b.w., b Eglington 6 R. K. Day, not out 7 Topliss, not out

8 Jowett l 9 Wright Did not bat 10 T. J. Hom 11 Elliott

Extras (Byes U, Leg byes 1, Wides 4)

Total (for 5 wkts.)

Bowling Analysis :

31 6 4 9 7

42 14

16

129

Overs Mdns. Runs Wkts. Avge. P.H. Wakely 10 2 25 2 12.5 W. J. E. Stanford 7 3 14 0 R. C. Eglington 8 0 29 1 29 J. S. W. Lush 13 3 22 2 11 J. R. Norris 5 1 14 0 R. Eglington 5 1 13 0

SCHOOL 'll. CRYPTICS C.C.

THE SCHOOL 1 W. S. Blackshaw, 1.b.w., b Currie 2 F. M. Anderton, c Currie, b Holmes 3 Gillespie, c Lewis, b Quiney 4 D. M. Turner, b Quiney

Innings declared closed · Extras (Byes 4, Wides 1, No balls 1)

Total (for 4 wkta. dee.)

Bowling Analysis :

P. T. Currie D. J. W. Bridge H. Newman C. J. Quiney A. Salisbury H.F. W. Holmes P. C. Boissier R. B. Moss

Overs Mdns. Runs Wkts. 11 1 50 1 17 3 79 0 3 0 16 0

11.4 1 49 2 9 2 22 0 5 0 22 1 3 0 17 0 2 0 11 0

14 66

ll8 65

6

272

Avge. 50

24.5

22

CRYPTICS C.C. 1 D. J. W. Bridge, b Turner 2 H. Newman, 1.b.w., b Turner 3 Capt. D. J. Carr, b Turner 4 C. J. Quiney, b Turner ... 5 A. H. Lewis, b Turner 6 Lt.-Col. R. E. Moss, b Elliott 7 P. C. Boissier, l.b.w., b Anderton 8- J. R. Watson, not out ... 9 P. T. Currie, b Gillespie

10 A. Salisbury, not out 11 H.F. W. Holmes, did not bat

Extras (Byes 4, Le~ byes 1, Wides 2) ...

Total (for 8 wkts.)

Bowling Analysis : Overs Mdns.

D. M. Turner 14 4 Elliott 5 1 F.M.Anderton 14 2 Gillespie 10 2 Smith 8 3 Bridges 2 0 W. S. Blackshaw 1 0

Runs 18 28 47 31 12 8 9

Wkts. 5 1 1 1 0 0 0

0 1 4

58 9

32 4

27 18 0

7

160

Avge. 3.6

28 47 31

THE SHIRBURNIAN 1613

SHOOTING Having staned with a victory over the O.S. team captained by Webster, the VIII rapidly slid into a slump, being

soundly defeated by both Clifton and then Allhallows, Blundells, and Clifton again. However, the following week we scraped a victory against Blundells, who had, since the previous week, become Devon County Champions. Since then we have only shot one postal match, in which we gained an adequate score, but we have not yet received any results. We now look forward to competing for the Sherbome--Marlborough Cup, and we also hope to shoot the House Pairs Competition off before Bisley. Then, with hopes high and scores higher, we march on the Ashburton.

The following have so far received their colours :­May 18th. C. P. Angwin. May 30th. A. Pigott (regained).

J. K. Dauncey (regained). June 13th. M. J. L. Anfield. June 24th. J. McGougan.

Scores of all side-by-side matches so far shot. May 21st.

Webster's School

May 28th. Clifton School

June 3rd. Allhallows Blundell's Clifton School

June 23rd. Blundells School

200 yds. 214 229

241 233

244 238 258 232

242 239

500 yds. 228 239

239 237

251 242 247 238

245 248

TENNIS

Total 442 468 Won.

480 470 Lost.

495 480 505 470 Lost.

487 Won on victory at 487 longer range. C. P. ANGWIN,

Captain of Shooting.

So far this term, at any rate, the Tennis VI has enjoyed far more than its accustomed measure of success, or rather far less of its accustomed lack of it. Out of7 matches played to date we have won 6 and lost 1, which, being the first of the season, can be accounted for to some extent by lack of practice. We are also due to visit Wimbledon on July 25th to compete in further rounds of the Glanvil Cup.

But the raising of the standard of tennis has not been confined to the VI. It has been noticeable throughout the School. More people than ever are playing the game owing to rising numbers and limited cricket grounds, and amongst them it is encouraging to see a large proportion of juniors. In the past it has been largely the lack of facilities for play for juniors that has made the standard of tennis among the seniors so deplorably low. There is now no reason why this tradition should continue.

The success of the Tennis VI must in very large measure be attributed to Colonel Holmes who has given up a great deal of his time this term to coaching them. At last his exhortations, once almost entreaties, to hit the ball O'Ver the net, are beginning to bear fruit. Mr. Roupell, too, came down for a week earlier in the term to set us on our feet and we are very grateful to him for his patient advice.

A house pairs competition has been inaugurated this term and a cup has been allotted to be held for one year by the winning house. At the moment it is still in its infant stages. ·

Finally, our thanks are due to Mr. Melvin for his unfailing guidance, assistance and encouragement throughout the season.

Results of matches :-21.5.49. The School v. Downside. Lost 4-5. 28.5.49. The School v. Dauntsey's. Won 2-1. 4.6.49. The School v. Blundells. Won 9-0. 7.6.49. The School v. Wycliffe. Won 2-1.

11.6.49. The School v. Taunton. Won 7-2. 18.6.49. The School v. O.S.S. Won 5-4. 23.6.49. The School v. Bryanston. Won 7-2.

The following have been awarded Tennis Badges this term : 4.6.49. F. W. Batstone (regained). 9.6.49. E. M. Tatham and H. N. Ardagh. 24.6.49. T. J. Peck and P.A.

Bryant.

1614 THE SHIRBURNIAN

ATHLETICS

Life for the "athletes" or non-cricketers of Sherbome is at last looking brighter. With the permission of the Headmaster a limited party began training early in May: and thanks to the help and enthusiasm of Mr. Anderson, Dr. Wright and Mr. Gibb, and the generosity and patience of Mr. Carter of the" Prep.", we reached a reasonable state of proficiency by Commem. It must be added that we were further inspired by a demonstration by Mr. Davies of the combined Universities team. Our first match against the Bournemouth Athletic Club took place on June 25th, the School losing by 48 points to SS. Bournemouth, expecting a Chataway to greet them, brought some strong first strings, so that although the School was weak in some events, its performance on the whole was not uncreditable-Riddle running a particularly fine race in the 100 and 220, and Mitchell and Pardoe in the mile and half mile: Barker also did well in the field events. The results appear below :-

There will be two more matches this term, for the second of which against the Masters and Canford at Canford on July 23rd, we will have the assistance of those still playing cricket. -

SCHOOL ti• BOURNEMOUTH· Saturday, June 25th·

Event 1st (5) 2nd (3) 3rd (1) Time

l· 100 yds· Bournemouth Sher borne Bournemouth 10 1/5

2· High jump Sher borne Sher borne Bournemouth 4 ft· 10 in·

3· Discus Bournemouth Sher borne Sher borne 94 ft· 8 in·

4· 880 yds· Bournemouth Sher borne Sher borne 2.3 1/5

S· Weight Bournemouth Sher borne Sher borne 41 ft· 2 in·

6· 220 yds· Sherbome Bournemouth Sher borne 23 4/5

7· Hurdles Sher borne Sher borne Bournemouth 19 sec·

8. Javelin Bournemouth Sher borne Bournemouth 114 ft. 9 in.

9. 440 yds. Bournemouth Sher borne Sher borne SS 2/5

IO. Mile Bournemouth Sher borne Bournemouth 4.40 4/5

11. Long Bournemouth Bournemouth Sher borne 17 ft. Ht in.

12. Relay Bournemouth Sher borne - 3.56 (4) (0)

Result :-1. Bournemouth SS points. 2. Sherbome 48 points.

GYM. DISPLAY Once again we were lucky that our whole squad was able to tum out for the Commemoration display. It looked as

though we were going to be minus one of our number, as Tong sprained an ankle a few days previously. However we were fortunate in that it recovered in time and he was able to perform.

The parallel bars and the horse work were not up to the usual standard. They lacked that finish which distinguishes a really good squad. This was perhaps because we were unable to have as many practices as we would have liked. How­ever the ground-work was good. On the whole the display went off reasonably well apart from a few mistakes.

The team was E. S. Orr-Ewing, H. M. V. Barker, R. J. Hallam, G. C. Larkins, D. H. Waddington, W. G. Coldrey, R. V. Todd, T. Salisbury, J. A. de Coup Crank, C.R. Penny, J. W. Tong, D.R. Denny.

The following were awarded their School Gym. Colours :-31.5.49. D. H. Waddington. 12.6.49.

W. G. Coldrey R. V. Todd T. Salisbury J. A. de Coup Crank C.R. Penny

J. W. Tong D. R.Denny A. Gordon Hall

THE SHIRBURNIAN 1615

SWIMMING We were glad to renew our old fixture with Blundells this year and the match proved highly successful. The weather

was ideal for swimming and the result, Blundells 30 pts., Sherbome 27 pts., gives a good indication of the close com­petition. Thanks are due to the judges, Mr. Walsh of Blundells, M. E. K. Westlake and A. J.P. Andrews.

RESULTS Points

s B

1. 1 length free style. 1st Park (B), 2nd Payne (S), 3rd Bryant (S)

Time : 27 secs. 4 5

2. 4 lengths free style. Time : 2 mins. 47 1/5 secs. 1st Cox (B), 2nd Myburgh (B), 3rd Attfield (S) 1 8

3. 1 length br~ast stroke. Time : 34 3/5 secs. 1st Lund (S), 2nd Robinson (B), 3rd Hindley (B) •.. 5 4

4. Diving. 1st Bible (B), 2nd Pailthorpe (S), 3rd de Coup Crank (S) 4 5

5.' Plunge. Distance: 42ft. 5 ins. 1st Carver (S), 2nd Carut (B), 3rd Mulford (S) 6 3

6. 1 length on back. Time : 35 secs. 1st Cleaves (B), 2nd Banks (S), 3rd Lund (S) 4 5

7. Relay 1st Sherbome (Bryant, Penny, Angwin, Payne) 3 0

· 2nd Blundells (Park, Armstrong, Cox, Myburgh)

Total 27 30

Result: Blundells beat Sherbome by 30 pts. to 27. D. J. G. BANKS,

Captain of Swimming.

STOP PRESS (The editors accept no responsibility for errors in this section.)

SHOOTING On July 2nd the Shooting VIII went to Marlborough and lost, 465 to 482. On the following Tuesday, however, they went to Bisley to shoot for the Ashburton Shield. Although

they took only the 14th place it should be remembered that there were many times that number of schools competing ; also the VIII is to be congratulated on achieving the second highest score that Sherbome is recorded ever to have made at Bisley. It was pleasant to see Mr. Barlow there, if a trifle irritating that the luck that he took to Glenalmond (who won the Shield) had not been left behind at Sherbome.

BALLIOL PLAYERS On Friday, July 1st, the Balliol Players performed the The Birds by Aristophanes on the Green outside

the Library. As usual, this was a most energetic and spirited performance. Several topical jokes were included, one being suggested actually between acts. One may doubt the accuracy of the translation, and the cynical may even affirm that it is only the topical jokes that amuse the School, but it must be admitted that one is given a pretty good idea what an ancient Greek play was like, despite the efforts of the Abbey, its choir and its bells. The play was enjoyed by all, there was humour to suit every taste, and we are most grateful to the Balliol Players for it.

The Shirburnian went to print on July 12th.

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