St. Michael's College Magazine Hitchin

Volume XXVI. Number 1. Lent 1953

EDITORIAL

It is in a certain spirit of awe that one takes upon oneself the task of editing SI. Michael's College Magazine. It has been edited so often before by so many competent men that one fears lest the tradition of excellence should be broken. The Magazine has also an accepted pattern that it would be a pity to disturb. There has always appeared a somewhat learned editorial, followed by a series of crisp School Notes. Then came the Chronicle with all its criptic allusions to shady happenings and illustrious personalities. We had conven­tional reports of societies and different organisations, a very regular piece of verse from Form One and a very irregular poem from Form Six. Occasionally a member of the Staff was coaxed by the Editor to write something outrageous, and this was always read first by the boys; unless, of course an Old Boy had written a really shocking letter from the Middle East, which just had to be inserted after the Football Notes in " News of Old Boys."

All the Magazines, which now lie in dusty piles on the shelves of the Staff Room, make not only interesting reading but are also a great source of inspiration to the present generation of Michaeleans. They reveal a spirit of en­thusiasm, even of adventure, that was most characteristic of the early years. They reveal also a spirit of friendship be­tween Fathers and Boys, a spirit based on frankness and sin­cerity, a spirit that our Founder, Father d 'Alzon, intended sfould distinguish Assumptionist Colleges from other schools.

It would be a great pity if over the years we became so accustomed to this spirit that we lost sight of it. It would be a tragedy if traditions thought out by men of fervour and great spiritual vision became meaningless because they were taken for granted. Boys of St. Michael's should stand by their School not because it is the right thing to do, but because they value and appreciate the way of life that over the last fifty years have made the College what it is to-day. The heritage that they have been invited to share has not been handed to them without much sweat and toil, and even though they may not understand its full significance, they should realise that it

' is a treasure to be guarded as a sacred thing.

SCHOOL NOTES

The Academic Year 1952-53 opened with several changes in the School. New members of the Staff are Rev . Fr. Sebastian Redmond, A.A., B.A.; Rev . Fr. Maurice Oostendorp, A.A. ; Mr. Murphy, B.A .; Mr. Devlin, B.A. ; and Mr. Mortimer. Fr. Bede Horwood, A.A., after twenty years' faithful service, has left us to take up parochial duties in London. Bro. Francis

. White, A.A., who did so much in the College during his two years ' stay, has started his Theology in Rome. Fr. Ignatius ;Bagguley, studying in London, is no longer on the Staff, but we have the pleasure of seeing him each week-end. ,. The · distribution of classes now stands as follows : Fr. Philip, Fr. Richard and Fr. Hilary look after the Christian Doctrine; Fr. Sebastian and Mr. McConigly are English mas­ters; Mr. McConigly teaches also History and Geography. His tory is Fr. Roger 's subjec t, and Mr. Mortimer is in charge of Geography. Fr. John and Mr. O 'Connor teach Mathe­matics, while Mr. Devlin and Fr. Bonaventure are responsible for the teaching of French. Mr. Murphy is Latin Master; Dr. Prot looks after the various branches of Science in the top Forms . Music is in the hands of Fr. Philip and Miss Thornitl­Smith. Fr. Richard is Prefect of Discipline, and also teaches

Woodwork. The Art Mistress is Mrs. Prot, and Mr. Mortimer trains the boys in P.T. and Games. The Headmaster is still, of course, Fr. Roger.

* */ ¥!q-;)~ A great innovation this year was the Preparatory Depart­

ment. During the Summer holidays three fine classrooms and a cloakroom were built on the land to the left of the Drive. A few weeks after the opening of term the surrounding ground was cleared and a playground laid. The inside of the build­ing has just been tastefully decorated in light pastel shades that harmonise well with all the new furniture.

Fr. Hilary Carter, A.A., and Miss K MacAtamney are at the moment in charge of the three Prep. Classes. It is hoped that the next number of the Magazine will be able to publish work from some of the seventy odd boys.

* The domestic staff has been considerably helped by Bro.

John from Brittany. He is over here learning English, and already has revealed himself most proficient in understanding the language.

It is rare that we mention the Sisters in the pages of the Magazine. Year after year they continue to clean, mend and cook for us almost without being noticed. It is rather won­derful to realise that Rev. Mother Veronica has been quietly and cheerfully working for the College since 1919. Sister Bernadette has hardly missed a day in the kitchen since 1938. Her companion, Sister Veronica, replaced the devoted Sister St. Pal in 1940. Although perhaps we do not often say it publicly, we wish all the six Sisters who live in the little house at the bottom of the grounds to know that we are truly grate­ful for all that they do for us.

* * Not only the College saw many changes this year. The

Parish lost Fr. Brendan Fox, A.A., who has become Parish Priest of Rickmansworth. He has been replaced by Rev. Fr. Aidan Kenny, A.A . . Fr. Kenny was Prefect of Discipline at St. Michael's from 1925 to 1931, when he left with Fr. Bede Hor­wood to found the Becket School at Nottingham. Having built a new school there he became Parish Priest of Bethnal Green in London, where again he found time to build a mag -

nificent school. We are truly pleased to have Fr. Kenny with us once again. Fr. Michael Lee remains curate,- but still manages to take the boys for football in the afternoon.

St. Andrew's Players made good use of our stage at half­term, when they presented a very fine performance of .. Worm's Eye VIew:" During the Christmas holidays they again entertained us~ this time with three one-act plays and a selection of choral pieces, not to mention the clever conjuring. We understand that their next show is to be in the Town Hall. We wish them every success.

* * * *

Several Old Boys have visited us during the .. last few months, including Edwards, Robbins, Harkins, Capon, W ood­ward, Ellis, Bailey, and the two Leary brothers. Please do not take amiss any omissions but come to see us whenever you can.

We have also been pleased to entertain the Rt. Rev . G. A. Beck, the Very Rev. Fr. Wilfred Dufault, A.A., the Very Rev. Austin Treamer, A.A:~ Fr. James Whitworth, A.A., and several Fathers from the Becket School. Both Fr. Bede and Fr: Brendan have been back to see us. We were also happy to receiVe a surprise visit from Fr. Finbarr. It is good to see that his leg is gradually mending after his 'accident in London.

* * We were all very grieved to hear of the death of Fr.

Hilary's mother. She had been suffering for a long time, and all last term fr. Hilary was anxious . . Every Priest in the Com­munity has said Holy Mass for the repose of her soul. We all offer Fr. Hilary and his family our condolences in his bereave­ment.

* *

Spring term begins the 12th of January, and ends the 31st o f March. Boarders return .on Januar:y 11 th.

* * * *

The Editor would like to thank the following boys for their contributions to the Magazine, which he was unable to pub­lish.. He hopes that they, and many others, will .. try again next time." M. Wright, RE .. Greathead, M. J. Craiqen, {I.

BlI('kel, C M Pamdekooper, R. S . Morrisroe

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Iq~,.

R. F. ROBERTSON (School Captain, 1952-53)

SCHOOL CHRONICLE

Sept. 16th. Boarders return. We learn with regret of the de­parture of Fr. Bede and Bro. Francis. We also are sorry to hear that Fr. Ignatius is no longer on the teaching staff. We are, however, pleased to see him each week-end when he returns from his higher studies in London.

17th: Day boys return. Nuff s'aid!

18th . Boarders s tart checking up on those of their nlllll ­

hel' wh o Cl\1ahtt o he here h\1t wh o rtren',

19th: The Rev. Austin Treamer, A.A., new Provincial of the Assumptionist Fathers, pays the College a visit. The School Captain tries his hand at wangling an extra holiday. We are not disappointed.

21st: We learn from a certain Fifth Former that the antonym of " confidential" is " unromantic."

23rd: Despite rumours, the new building next to the drive has no connections with Fr. John's poultry, nor with' The Wooden Horse."

25th: Mr. Murphy tells us that the only thing he can draw is a cheque. Since it is still the beginning of term we laugh.

27th: The Very Rev. Fr. Wilfred Dufault, A.A., Superior General of the Assumptionists, pays a flying visit to the College on his way back to Rome. Given that one Superior Provincial equals one holiday, how much is a Superior General worth?

29th: St. Michael's Day. Holiday. The boys go for a walk in the afternoon.

Oct. 1st: 34 Form V French marks, marked out of 25, total 15 between them. Is this a record?

3rd: Firs t debate of the term . We tactfully arrange for the new English master to win.

4th: 1st XI beat St. Christopher's, 7-1. The team is sus­picious of Mr. Mortimer's excuse for turning up late.

6th: The new Bursar, Fr. Ian Stuart-Seton, arrives . Who said he looked like Fr. Angelico?

11 th: According to a member 0/ Form I, their new History Master is Fr. Rogue.

14th: Bro. John arrives from Brittany to join the staff. McCartney tries out his French. Unfortunately Bro. John is not very interested in his aunt's pen.

18th: Lumbering operations are suspended.

20th: Fr. Philip's offer for a career has to be refllsed It was c:arryinq sandwich-boorrlsl

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~~IlJ : W ho l~ the wlIldow -~lu~her'?

25th: Fr. Maurice Oostendorp, A.A., arrives to take up his duties as supervisor.

27th: New tables are put in the refectory. (Nasty remark censored.- Id.) .

29th: Boarders go home for half-term.

Nov. 3rd: Boarders return- revived.

5th: The usual loud bangs. crack (! )jng .

Fr . Sebastian gets

6th: A few enthusiasts keep the fire going . The 1931 record of nineteen days still remains unbeaten.

7th: Speech Day. Hope somebody else will write about it on another page.

8th: A few enthusiasts keep seventeen fires going.

12th: Sensation! Fresh peas appear for lunch.

14th: Cinema show after tea. Has anybody missed his sheets?

15th: The Under 13 XI open the season by beating Sherrardswood, 7-0.

19th: Our Senior Road Safety Quiz Team gain second place among Hitchin Schools.

21st: Holiday to-day. Boarders go on a " Dreamboat " in the afternoon.

24th: More House half-holiday. They just about see " The Lady in the Fog."

26th: General Certificate examinations are held in the Library. The class next door does not prove to be very helpful.

28th: Another cinema show after tea. Poore applies for membership on the Gas Council.

29th: Green, the School's Strong Man, breaks a lock.

Dec. 1st: It transpires that Fr. Roger solves Geometry prob­lems by the principle of Archimedes.

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:lrd . SdruuJ tU t; u t; j.JenJeJ 111 [Ir e Ulle11lUU11 bCLUlI t;, u f dense fog. By the time Lawrence has explained how to make Fido Ta!ran is miles away.

1th: Thirty Senior boys attempt to uncover the pitch for Saturday's match. One small boy invites Fr Roger to go on the slide.

5th: Missing- one small boy. Debate betweeh Boarders and Dayboys. It ap­pears that Boarders suffer more than Dayboys at school. Dayboys couldn't take it anyway.

6th: Duggan slides down the snow-covered concrete reciting Shakespeare. " 0 pardon me thou bleeding p~ece of earth." Despite the efforts of the thirty boys, the match has to be cancelled.

8 th Dr. Prot complains that visibility in the Lab. is niL Lawrence tries out his Fido.

lOth: Fr. Roger declares that boys cannot work and talk at the same time . The VIth Form have been doing that for years and years.

12th: Film show. More gas.

13th: Football is resumed after three weeks' rest.

17th: The Choir do not appear to be very hungry these days.

18th: The Scouts go into hiding for their Christmas Party. The Chronicler snoops around for . a bit but fails to discover anything sensational to report. Collins is far more successful and gives a version to Form I that is more exciting eveh than Sandeman's story of the Choir's visit to Roxley Court.

19th: Fr. Philip presents a delightful Christmas Concert in the afternoon. This is followed by a sumptuous Christmas Party for all the Boarders. And so we break up.

R. EBERHARD. Form VI. Lit.

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SCIENCE NOTES

The study of Science has now firmly established itself 11)

St. Mi§:hael's. Fr. Richard .teaches Generai' Science, and Mr. O'Connor thunders. formulae at his pupils wbenever he .can coax them from their shelters, while Dr. Prot meanders across blackboards with the Sixth Form hot in pursuit. .

Apparat\.J,s for the new: Physics L.sW. has been steadily arriving during the last six months: To mention only a few items we have a spectrometer with diffraction grating, con­stant volume air thermometer, a sonometer, resonance tube and Kundts tube, a magnetometer, resistance box, Wheat­stone's bridge, platinum resistance thermometer, a Microid mechanics set, a Callender's apparatus and a Westphal Den­sity balance. Dr. Prot guards his apparatus with his life; we value ours, so keep our distance.

The Science Sixth regularly let the rest of the School kno';"'" that they carry out practical experiments on . Friday, vying with the Kitchen to break the spirit of Mr. Murphy and his homilies sapientes, who peer enviously through the thickening fumes. .

In spite of all the tedious work, Scientia jloreat (" Science flourishes," for the benefit of VIth Lit.). 1t is s'incerely hoped that aspiring D.~c's in forthcoming generations will maintain our record of " No accidents since 1948. "

A · W. LA WRJ;:NCE, :. VI Sc.

THE LIBRARY

At the beginning of the term Fr. Sebastian Redmond succeeded Bro: Francis White, who unfortunately had to leave us in order to continue his priestly studies in Rome. Since that time we have received an inflow 01 magazines and books.

We are very grateful to Fr. Richard, who has installed window seats during his spare ti.me. The new Bursar has already contributed an armchair and a sofa. He has promised us more chairs so that next term we shall be able to accom­modate all those boys who have had to make themselves com­lortqble on the floor.

G. LUKASZEWSKI, Librarian.

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MUSIC NOTES

At the moment of writing the Chapel Choir is hard at work preparing a programme of carols which we hope to present in the College Hall at the end of the term, after we have visited the local hospitals, the Carmelite Monastery and at Roxley Court. The Choir is doing quite well this year. The altos, led by Carter and Lukascewicz, have worked particu­larly hard to overcome their lack of confidence with which they began the term . The trebles are a good group but are not always very alert. It needs a constantly irrate choir­master to get the best out of them . Tenors and basses remain sedately reliable.

The future of violin and recorder lessons remained a little uncertain with the departure of the student teachers at the end of last term . But Miss Anne Thornitt-Smith has more than reassured us, and both the violin classes and the two recorder groups have made amazing progress under her dynamic guidance. We do sincerely hope that she will be able to re­main with us after the completion of her teacher's course . It is surprising that more boys do not profit from the excellent tuition given in violin at a very low fee. They are certainly missing a good bargain.

Some piano pupils are well gifted and are making fast progress. Others are just plodding along steadily doing what they can.

Class singing is much as usual. It would be fun to pub­lish some of the tunes that these budding composers put down on paper!

Now for Carols and a much needed Christmas rest! P.L.

THE MUSIC CLUB Meeting every Saturday evening after night-prayers , the

Music Club has enjoyed a very successful term. Membership j·s open to all boys of the two senior dormitories.

We have been able to follow a set programme each week. This has consisted of light music for the first half hour, fol­lowed by;more serious works for the older boys. All these latter pieces have been chosen by the members themselves.

A number of favourites have already revealed themselves, including selections from the works of Borodin, Mozart and Handel. not forgetting, of course, some of the " latest hits."

C. BARRETT, Secretary.

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THE DEBATING SOCIETY

With renewed vigour the Debating Society commenced to function again this year after the Summer Term recess. At the General Meeting Fr. Sebastian Redmond, who has returned to us from Nottingham, was invited to accept the position of Vice-President.

So far we have held five debates this year and can truth­fully say that a high standard of public speaking has been maintained. This was especially noticeable in the political debate. A meeting which showed both a large attendance and a number of interesting speeches was the" Boarder versus Dayboy" debate. It caused much excitement and we were frequently called to order by the Rev. Chairman.

Young speakers have played a more active part than pre­viously. Wright particularly has shown much interest in the Society.

We are now able to organise a debate once a fortnight at 4 o'clock. We have chosen this moment in order to facili­tate attendance by day-boys.

The Society, although still not attracting as many sup­porters as it should, has become an accepted part of school life and is progressing steadily.

M. HURLEY, Secretary .

ART

The Art Club has met every Wednesday in the Art Room under the able direction of Mrs. Prot. As yet we have not drawn too much attention upon ourselves, although we have been useful in producing posters for the Board downstairs usually at very short notice.

We have been greatly encouraged by the decoration of the Art Room. Two partitions have been taken away to make the room much larger, and spacious cupboards have been built to accommodate the epidiascope, film-strip projector, models and other materials. The walls have been painted in a glossy cream to give the maximum of light. It is now a room truly to be proud of. and we are very grateful to the o\lthorities for this much needed improvement.

D A . VTN(:J

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PHOTOGRAPHY

The best account that we can offer of ourselv es is to publish in the Magazine reproductions of our efforts during the term. The price of blocks necessarily limits the number of p ublished photographs, but we hope to be able to keep the Editor well supplied with material.

During the first half of the term A. Lawrence organised a photographic competition. Some of the efforts submitted, taken with quite simple apparatus, showed a very high standard of proficiency. More so than in many other arts, meticulous care is needed in photography from the moment the picture is composed in the view-finder till mounting and spotting.

Experiments were made in the processing of Dufay colour film. The first pictures literally slid off the film down the sink, but our second attempt was more successful and, apart from a little frilling, quite good transparencies were obtained. Now winter is upon us we will have to leave colour work until the summer, when we hope there will be more sunshine.

In the meantime we have plenty to occupy ourselves in­doors . Many boys have squatted beneath the lights fo r por­traits. We find that the Boys' Library offers quite an artisti c background to the more intellectually minded.

Our equipment has been slightly increased during the term. Fr. Roger graciously purchased a box full of very artis.­tic lantern slides that were well appreciated when they were shown in the Art Room one Saturday evening. We have im ­proved upon the filmstrip proj ector by buying a beautiful " Kershaw 250." It is certainly a very fine instrument, and we hope to project pictures every Saturday during the Winter Terms.

The large album in the parlour is gradually being filled, thanks chiefly to the painstaking work of A. Hide. Private albums are also growing with good selections of interesting pictures. One day we will perhaps be able to present a suitahle exhibition of all our work .

1 I , f n l-m

SPEECH DAY

On Fr;day, the 7th of November, SI. Michael's once again came into the news. For the first time we had booked the Town Hall for our Annual Prize Distribution

By 7 o'clock the Hall was well filled with visitors. The programme was opened by the Choir, who sang" Softly fall the Shades of Evening" by J. L Hatton. Th~s served as a good introduction to the Debate. Fr. Sebastian, in the chair, read the motion, " That the study of the Classics is to be pre­ferred to that of the Sciences." The motion was proposed by M. Hurley, who attacked the" so-called benefits of Science." He tried to show that the Empire was founded on a series of terrible wars. J. Crawley, attacking the motion, pointed out the true benefits of Science and invited the audience to imagine the world to-day without scientific appliances He denied that it was the scientist who started wars. These were caused by the classicists who misused the inventions of the scientist. e. Barrett supported Hurley, declaring that the only way to combat Communism was by logical thinking developed through the study of the Classics.

R. Robertson argued that it was because of the sciences that Man had made such wonderful progress. "Who is more useful in a house with a blown fuse?" he asked. " A man who can stand up and quote Horace in the dark, or a scientist who can mend the fuse?"

The Chairman then threw open the debate to the floor. McCartney made a speech that, to quote Bishop Beck, was "nearly a winner." The youngest speaker was twelve year old M. Wright, who delivered his little piece very well indeed. The prize for the best speech was eventually won by A Hide, who said that neither the Sciences nor the Classics could do without each other. Other speeches from the floor were pre­sented by McAllister, Sail, M. and J. Rose, Eberhard and Lukaszewski. Crawley and Hurley having summed up their arguments, a vote was taken and the motion was heavily defeated.

After the interval the Very Rev. Austin Treamer, A.A., opened the second part of the programme. He introduced our visitors, the RI. Rev. G. A. Beck, Bishop of Brentwood; Rev. Bernard Rickett, Headmaster of the Becket School; Mr. F. O. Foster, ).P., Chairman of Hitchin V.D.e., and of course all the rments ond friends of the boys. Fr. Roger, Heodmoster mori

his report. The part I remember was the grave declaration that the only excuse from School would be a death certificate presented by the boy himself.

The fine array of prizes were presented by His Lordship Bishop Beck who, in his speech, emphasised the importance of a boy's home life, and how impossible it was for a school to realise its purpose without full co-operation from the home.

The concluding remarks were made by the School Cap­tain, R. F. Robertson, who called for a vote of thanks, not for­getting to secure a holiday in honour of the Bishop's visit.

A. HIDE, Form VI Science.

PRIZE LIST

Form VI: Lit., R. Eberhard; Sc., V. E. Edwards.

Form V: 1, R. F. Robertson; 2, C. P. Harkins.

Form IV 1, E. Gorman; 2, D. J Ding.

Form Ill: 1, G. Jeavons; 2, M. Moloney.

Form HA: L P. J Ronchetli; 2, J Hayward.

Form lIB: 1, P. Zwetsloot; 2, 1. M. Fraser.

Form I: 1, M. 1. Thacker; 2, G. Owen, I1.

Prep: 1, P. Corbetl; 2, H. T. Taylor

Conduct: Senior: Boarders, R. F. Kitchin; Day Boys, T. L. Coulson.

Conduct: Junior: Boarders, K. W . Lukaszewicz; Day Boys, P Wey.

Best Prefect: A. G . Rickard.

Christian Doctrine: A. M. Hide, M. J. Thacker.

English: Senior, R. F. Kitchin, I; Junior, 1. M. Leeder, n. History: Senior, C. P. Harkins; Junior, J. Hayward.

Geoqraphy: Senior, R. F. Robertson; J llnior P. (;orhAtt.

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LutuJ: Senior, M, 1-', McCurtney; Junio!, G, Jeuvo!l::;

French: Senior, M, P. McCartney; Junior, P. J. Ronchetti .

Maths Senior, P. V. Schefer; Junior, G. Jeavons.

Science: Senior, R. F. Robertson; Junior, A. J. Hall-Fox .

Art: Senior, P. J. McKay; Junior, D. J. Martin,

Woodwork: Senior, A. Zwetsloot; Junior, D. J. Martin.

Music: Piano, T. A. Needham. Recorder, A. J. Lawrence.

General Certificate Examination: J. R. P. Barnes, D. E. Chamberlain, M. P. R. Csernovits, C. P. B. Harkins, A. M. Hide, C. P. McAleese, M. P. McCartney, R. F. J. Robertson, J. C. M. Sayer, R. Eberhard, M. J. Wagstaff, V. A. K. Edwards.

Conference of Catholic Colleges Religious Examination: School Certificate: J. R. P Barnes B. P. Carroll, A. M. Hide, J Jaskulski, C. P McAleese, M. P McCartney, A. G. Rickard, R. F. J Robertson, J. c. M. Sayer.

Higher Certificate: J. Crawley, R. Eberhard, V. A. K. Edwards, M. Hurley, A. Lawrence, G. Lukaszewski, T. Masterson, M. Rose, J, Rose, M, J. Wag staff.

Football League Trophy (Inter-house): Won by More House .

Inter · house Swimming Cup: Won by Stone House,

Individual Swimming Cup: Won by D, Wilson.

Inter-house Boxing Cup: Won by More House,

Table Tennis Cup: Won by B. Crossley,

Inter-house Football: Won by More House.

Cross Coutry Cup: Won by Stone House.

Tennis Singles Championship: Won by R. F. Robertson.

Tennis Doubles Championship: Won by R. F. Robertson and B. Crossley.

Macarthy Trophy: Won by More House.

15

HEADMASTER'S HEPOHT

HevereIld Father Chairman, My Lord Bishop, HevelellJ Fathers, Ladies and Gentlemen,

My part in this evening's business is by the tradition of such occasions to give a report on the work of the past school year. May I, however, be permitted first to express the hope that this formal occasion will become an annual event. Quite apart from the opportunity it offers of bringing parents, mas­ters and boys together it is also intended to stimulate emula­tion and enterprise in marking out more clearly those worthy of reward. It should also serve I trust, to bring the College out of the secluded site we occupy and to convince those who share in our life that though our buildings are screened from public gaze, our actions are there for all to see.

Now in reporting upon the past School year I have no wish to repeat all you have already been able to learn from the College magazine. If I leave out many obvious details I do so designedly as things well known to you.

The past yeOl has been in many ways an unspectacular one and valuable because of that. Our prime purpose has been to help and to train our boys to learn the value of Christian piety, of solid work, of good manners and of keen rivalry in games. These are obvious aims for a Catholic school, and we like them because they are obvious. We have coloured them with our own particular characteristics, notably the cheerful happy atmosphere of the College and the jovial relations between teachers and pupils. We have endeavoured as in the past to stand towards our boys as elder brothers, showing them how a thing can be done, and persuading them that they can and must do it. But through all this has run the thread of the particular purpose, and the urgent need of pre­paring the College to secure from the Ministry official recog­nition as a Grammar School. Here I find I must halt awhile to explain what recognition means. It does not entail any measure of state-control, nor has any such control been en­visaged by the College authorities. We aim to become a recognised Grammar School while remaining independent in the tradition of our great English schools. In practical mat­ters, to achieve recognition would mean that Catholic boys to whom a Grammar School place was awarded could then claim to hold a place at St. Michael's. But our independence

l(i

wuuld :;llli ullow u:; lu uccepl Luy:; whu hud llol pus:;ed lite Grammar School entrance tests. Preparing for recognition has meant and will mean a graduai change in the purpose of the College. We can no longer remain the old-type secondary school accepting boys of different academic levels and mak­ing what we could of them. The higher standards of public examinations is a further reason for raising our standards of entrance and of the work expected from present pupils of the College. We have to aim at a level of work well above the ability of the average intelligence, and we are doing so at present. As a result of our efforts we hope to invite inspection by the Ministry within a year's time, when we look forward to receiving our recognised place in the national system of education. However it must be a matter for regret that to secure our proper place in the national system we have to become a selective school, and thus to refuse entry to a num­ber of Catholic boys. An ideal solution would be that SI. Michael's would become a comprehensive school accepting boys of varied standards and sorting them out inside the College itself into different classes according to their ability. To my mind, too much faith is pinned to a set of tests taken by a boy of eleven, even when a second chance is given at the age of thirteen. But there are practical difficulties in the way of such a solution. It would require much larger build­ings than we possess at present, or than we can hope to possess in the next few years . Already to fulfil our task as a grammar school we shall have to undertake an extensive building programme. On our present site it is difficult to see where or how we could hope to fit in further buildings de­signed for boys regarded as unsuitable for grammar school work. Besides, apart from the question of buildings, and of organisation, there is the difficulty of obtaining recognition for a comprehensive school. To sum up then, we have chosen to become a recognised grammar school, and we have em­barked upon the modifications and improvements that such a course requires.

A few examples will suffice to illustrate these changes. For one thing, the normal school examinations have been pre­sented in a more formal manner to impress the victims with a proper sense of the excellence expected of them. In a more general way excuses for absence from school and for failure to present homework on time have been more closely in­spected. I take this occasion to remind parents that rarely if

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ever cun u boy say he has no homework to do, since d llU

precise written task is given, then revision of previous work is automatically expected. Further, I would ask parents not to give their boys a holiday before having first asked my per­mission, stating the full facts of the case and giving me time to refuse . Eventually, we hope that the only excuse for ab­sence from school wili be a death certificate, and that only provided it is presented by the boy concerned.

As a final example of the modifications in studies I would quote the addition of two new subjects to the VI Form cur­riculum, Latin and Physics. This addition has meant that our VI Formers are now able to prepare for entry to any university in this country. It has also meant in the case of Physics ~ temporary expedient whereby a few boys were sent to the Letchworth Further Education Centre to benefit by a fully equipped Physics laboratory because of the inevitable de­lay in obtaining the apparatus we needed. Later, as oppor­tunity allows we shall add Biology to the VI Form studies to enable any boy to prepare the 1st Medical examinations, but the size of our laboratories renders impossible any such ad­dition at present.

When one turns from organisation of studies to actual examinations, the results are rather disappointing. Un­doubtedly the Oxford and Cambridge Joint Board examination which we take, is a stiff test, but there were several cases of over-confidence in the clemency of examiners, and others of nervous despair, apart from plain inability. Counting the numbers of papers taken in various subjects at both levels, the percentage of passes was 46, a disappointing figure, since 100 per cent. would be simply satisfactory. It is true that the pass standard was higher this year than ever before, being now equal to the old credit standard, but this should be a warning to other boys taking the examination next year. Against this we can set the success of our late School Cap­tain, Waiter Berentzen, in securing an Exhibition in History to St. John's College. Waiter was a popular figure at school, who deserved the distinction by unremiting work.

In games we have maintained our usual crowded pro­gramme of practices and matches. It has become an accepted principle that all seniors should take part in their games prac­tice of their form, whatever studies they may have to do. Mid­day breaks and recreations after tea have been used as fully

18

a:; the weather allowed, either in regular games of football cricket and tennis, or in less organised games such as soft ball, where the attempts of the staff have provided scope for amateur photographers. The footbail season was a success­ful one, with excellent results for the Under IH eleven, and good ones for the I st XI. The cricket season was unfortunately marred by some unexplained failure and hardly reached the standard of previous years, although of course we once more defeated the Becket School. The cross-country run has been revived and will become an annual event. Badminton has made a few brief appearances which will, we hope, become more frequent this year. Sport has therefore, continued to play its usual large share in the life of the College. For its progress during the past year we have to thank two members of the Stall, temporarily absent from us, Fr. Ignatius, and Bro. Francis, who, with Fr. Michael's co-operation gave themselves unsparingly to the care of the field and the organisation of games.

Music has always played a great part in the College, and this year has seen some noteworthy progress on the solid foundations of the past. A particularly welcome advance is the formation of a small College orchestra, for whic h we are indebted both to Fr. Phi lip and to the devoted efforts of the students from the Rural School of Music, whose patience and zeal seem to be endless. We are grateful to them for all they have done and are still doing.

In matters of general organisation, the house system has L'een growing steadily as a framework of the college life, with greater insistence on the value of house points and on the care needed to gain many and lose none. It is now understood that a half holiday is granted to the members of the top house in each term, and to boys who reach a specified number of house points.

The prefect system has also received greater prominence through greater responsibility handed to the school captain a nd prefects , for instance in marking attendance registers and taking the school assembly in Hall. There are many other details I would refer to, such as the changing of the names of forms, the successful variation in the school concert, a new fence round the School field. But all these are already well known to you and I have no desire to become a reader of catalogues. What is important is that we have spent another

IH

sclluul yew elldeuvuurillg tu Yl ve UUI Luys llui luelely UI1 academic instruction, but a full education of their minds and wills, their bodies and their souls, to fit them to be worthy citi ­zens of the world and of the next, as near to the likeness of Christ as we can. We carry on this Autumn where we finished last summer, for our work is never done.

We look with confidence to this year as one that must be excellent to meet the test of o ffi cial inspection. Beyond this year we look to a much larger SI. Michael's with wider play­ing fields and more spacious buildings, including a chapel more suited to our numbers_ Incidentally the collection to which you are asked to contribute on leaving is intended to cover only half our expenses here to-day- whatever you give us over that will go to the New Chapel Fund. Whatever we may promise ourselves in the years ahead we are certain that we shall remain essentially the same, a school where Christ is the real master, and where teachers and boys live together on a footing of cordial affection, for that I take it is our hall-mark, and I could wish for no other.

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PREPARING ~OR THE MIl)l)A Y MEAL

:W

13th HITCHIN (ST. MICHAEL'S) SCOUT TROOP

The annual camp this year took place at Kingsdown Scout Camp, near Deal, in Kent. Situated on the cliff tops, it offered good bathing facilities. The weather was reasonably good, but in a very strong wind the Eagles had their tent torn half way along the ridge (the ridge of the tent, of course!). An interesting tour of the South Foreland lighthouse was made, while Deal was visited several times. Although a night game ended on a low note as a result of the interference of an irrate scoutmaster, satisfaction was gained from the fact that we had the highest temporary flagmast in the whole camp. A large number of troops were camping round us at the time. The Seniors split up into two groups to hike to Tenterton and Dover, thoroughly enjoying themselves. The camp on the whole can be counted a great success.

Juniors: The Juniors and Seniors are now separate. Michael Charleston who took us to the camp, is a firm, cheerful and popular skipper. The Troop is divided into three patrols: Squirrels, Eagles, and Panthers. Now that we have moved back into the Scout Hut after an unavoidable absence of five months much time has been spent organising and straighten­ing things up. Badge work is to be given first place in the future. It is hoped that everyone will have their Second Class by next camp.

:2 1

Seniors: We have lost four members, Carroll , McHaltie, Masterson and Harkins, while we welcome Needham and Tar­ran. Next year it is hoped to establish a "base " camp in the Mendips, with the Juniors to annoy us. Our Troop Leader, P. Robbins, has left us for National Service, and we are pleased to see again Brian " Nipper" Ellis, an Old Boy now working for I.e.I., Welwyn G.e. This year the programme has been planned with a view to preparing for our annual camp. Map-making and compass work, which are very im ­portant in the Mendips, will receive strict attention. " Pioneer­ing Projects" written by John Thurman, has been studied and put into practice. Natural shelter, fire lighting and cocoa­making competitions are to be arranged. During the Christ­mas holidays a Hike Competition has been organised with a host of complicated conditions to be observed.

CYCLING

Only enthusiastic riders hope to do much cycling during the winter terms. The weather is generally fit only for long hard rides when one is ready to brave the worst.

A few boys brought their bicycles back with them after half term. One eventful Friday six of us set off for London through the sleet and snow. We found the toy department in Selfridges very cosy after thirty-seven miles in the cold, and it is said that one boy asked Father Christmas to lend him his warm beard for the journey home. Returning along the Great North Road we managed to lose Green, who un­knowingly was making his way to Berkhamstead. Eventually we found him sitting on the side of the road, and we all managed to reach the College before all the other boys had gone to bed.

Encouraged by our first effort we planned a similar visit to Cambridge, but a long period of snow induced us to post­pone the visit. We were able, however, to enjoy several Sunday afternoon trips. Once we went to Shaw's Corner at Ayot St. Lawrence, but found that we could not afford the two shillings necessary to go inside. On another occasion we visited a whole series of Hertfordshire village churches. These proved most interesting to the Fifth Formers who are studying the history of parish church architecture.

Much happiness can be derived from cycling, and it is hoped that more boys will profit from this healthy and in­teresting pastime.

R. A. LEE.

FOOTBALL NOTES

This term has proved to be most successful. We are able to report a hundred per cent. record for the First XI, and the Under lH XI would have certainly won more matches had they shown more determination. The most pleasing feature so far has been the team work in the First XI. No individual player shone, yet the team worked as one unit. This charac­teristic more than any other brought about the series of wins.

In the opening games of the season the forwards were slightly disjointed, tending to play too far forward and thus being caught in the off-side trap. This fault was quickly rectified, and before long the forwards were playing with a speed and punch that promised many goals. The defence has played consistently throughout the term, gaining in ex­perience with every game. They were thus able to give fine support to their forwards.

The wing half play of Rose II, and Needham must be com­mended. They supplied a stream of accurate passes to the forwards, often splitting the opposing defence. Harkins and Rickard played strongly in defence; their covering improved gradually throughout the term. At centre-half, Hide was master in the air, though he inclined to wander too much. Reilly and Sandeman worked hard in the inside forward posi ­tions. Both are accomplished ball players with strong shots -a pity they did not shoot more frequently. Rose 1 on the left wing proved a fast and effective raider with a strong Jeft­footed shot which scored many goals. McCartney on the right flank although lacking in ball control, made up for this with speed and determination. Moloney, a persistent and worrying centre-forward, scored many opportunist goals. In goal Crossley proved to be safe and sure when called upon.

The Under lH team have not been as successful as last year . They have, however, played some good football and would have won more matches with extra speed and deter­mination. Cosgrave, Bain and Huber have shown promise as forwards, whilst Wilding Gavin and Sandeman IT played WAll in rlefp.ncp. .

23

FIRST XI T . A. N('eclh ~l11; M. McCartllcy; M. MoloIH;y; B. Crosslcy;

P. Sandcl11Jn; A . Rickard ; M r. Mo rtimcr. M. Rose; A. M. H ide; C. Harkim (Clpt.); P. Rcil iv: j . H. Rose.

Results:

Se pt 24th Sherrardswood Home Won 6-li Oct. 4th St Christopher's .. . ... Home Won 7-1

18th We1wyn G.c. G.S. Away Won 2-1 Nov. 8th Alleyne's G.S. . . .... . Away Won 4-0

15th Sherrardswood Away Won 7-2 Dec 13th Alleyne's G.S ... .. . ... Home Won 9-1

Under 1H XI Oct. 4th SI. Christopher 's ....... Away Lost 7-1

18th Welwyn G.c. G.S. Home Won 5-3 Nov. 8th Alleyne 's G.S Home Lost 4-2 Dec. 13th Alleyne's G.S Away Drew 3-:1

Under 13 XI 1\1 (I \I ISth S h PTHl rrlsw ()()r1 Hr)lll () W C' I I "j 11

) h .•

THE FIRST XI

Crossley (Goalkeeper). A very sound goal-keeper, especially in the air. At his best against stiff opposition.

Harkins (RB and Capt.): A very useful full-back, sure in kick­ing and tackling. Has improved in his positional play this term.

Rickard I (LB.) A much improved player. Tackling is con­fident, but kicking tends to be wild under pressure.

Rose II (RH.): An excellent wing-half His displays this term have been consistently good. Has supplied his forwards with an accurate stream of intelligent passes.

Hide (CH. and VC): An intelligent player, very sure in the air. Inclined to be led out of position. Ball control needs improving.

Needham (LH.) A hard working wing-halL Tac:,ling is sure and distributes the ball intelligently.

McCartney (RW.) A much improved player. Fast and res:)­lute in attack. Lacks the finer elements of ball-controL

Reilly (IX) Plays neatly with intelligence. Has a powerful right-footed shot which he should use more often.

Moloney (CF.): A very hard-working centre-forward. Worries the defence into mistakes and quickly takes advantage of any slip. Ball control weak, and lacks a really strong shot.

Sandeman I (IL) A good, hard working inside forward. Lacks speed, but starts many fine movements. Has a strong shot. Good in the air.

Rose I (LW.) A fast and powerful left wing. Has a strong shot, whic h when controlled scores many goals. Weak in heading .

REPORT OF MATCHES

Sept. 27th: v. Sherrardswood. Won, 6-0. The match was played under fairly good conditions, but

the light decreased towards the end. The defence played well but the forwards can be criticised for playing in a cramped position. Reilly on the right wing was weak, but should do better at inside. Rose I did not modify his lusty kicking and thus sent many shots over the bar.

Qct. 4th: v. St. Christopher's. Won, 7-1. The weather was very good and the ground not too hard.

The ploy imprnveri in the second half The o nly gnal scored J::.

against us was through a breakaway down the left centre. The whole team played very well, and on this form should have a very successful season.

Oct. 18th v. Welwyn G.G G.S. Won 2-1. This match was won after a very hard struggl e. During

the first half there was a strong wind against us and, be­cause we did not keep the ball low, the opposite team were winning at half-time. In the second half we did most of the attacking and scored our first goal in ten minutes. The halves were using the wind and three long shots narrowly missed the goal. About ten minutes before the end Mc­Cartney ran in and scored the winning goal. Shortly after­wards Crossley made a great save from a free-ki ck taken just outside the penalty area.

Nov. 8th: v. Alleyne's. Won, 4-0. This game was played in the morning and proved more

difficult than the score suggests. Harkins won the toss and within a minute we had scored. The other three goals were also scored during this half. After half -time Alleyne's at­tacked strongly. but were prevented from scoring because of many fine saves by Crossley. The team play was good and the forwards interchanged positions very well.

Nov. 15th: v. Sherradswood. Won, 7-2. This return match was played under very bad conditions,

since fog reduced visibility to fifty yards. Because of the whole team's over confidence we were two down within ten minutes. But having settled down the team pulled them­selves together and were leading 3-2 at half-time During the second half the play was much better and we finished as victors.

Dec. 13th: v. Alleyne's. Won, 9-1. Although the field was muddy the team played quite good

football. The play was fairly even until our first goal was scored by M. Rose. We then went ahead and had gained three more goals before our opponents scored. At half-time we were leading 4-1. Within twenty seconds after half-time Moloney netted the ball again. This upset Alleyne's and Moloney scored three more goals. We were attacking nearly all the second half and were easy winners.

Goal Scorers M'oloney 14, Rose. M, 8, Reilly ond McCortney 4. Sonriemon l Neerlhom 7, .

Second XI Matches

Oct. 4th: St. Christopher's. Lost, 7-l. The match was not such a failure as the score suggests

considering they were playing together for the first. The passing was good, but everybody waited for the ball instead of going for it. The forward line played quite well especi­ally in the second half, but the defence was shaky. Sande­man II played well at centre-half and gave excellent sup­port to h is forwards.

Qct. 18th: v. Welwyn G.c. G.S.. Won, 5-3 . The team was strengthened by the inclusion of Bain, Cos­

grave, Anderson and Gavin. The match was fast and ex­citing. Gavin and Sandeman played well, while Bain and Cos;;Jrave tried hard.

Nov. 8th: v. Alleyne's. Lost, 4-2. We began by tackling very well, but after ten minutes the

team eased up and could never get moving again. To be successful Cosgrave and Bain needed more support than they in fact received.

Dec. 13th: v. Alleyne's. Drew 3-3. This was a fast game and after fifteen minutes we were

a goal ahead when Sandeman scored. During the second half he went to left wing and Bain took his position scoring two more. Rochetti in goal was too inclined to punch the ball ins tead of catching it.

House Matches

Because of bad weather we were unfortunately unable to fini sh this series of games. The matches were supported almost too enthusiastically since supporters often nearly swamped the pitch. The First XI matches were not seriously played on several occasions, but the Third XI teams produced some good football.

At present Stone House are leading; More are second, and Fisher third.

Games Goals played Won Drawn Lost For Agst. Pts .

Stone ... ..... 10 5 2 3 18 12 12 More .... ..... 10 4 2 4 12 12 10 Fisher .... .. . 10 4 0 6 13 21 8

27

SUPERSONIC BANGS

SOllle lllonths ago, two loud bangs were heard in thll:; UlS

trict which sounded not unlike the flying bombs of the last war. · Immediately after the bangs a black aeroplane came over, flying fairly low and very fast. I later found out that It was the de Havilland 110 .

. My interests were further aroused when at the Aircraft Instructors Exhibition at F amboroug h, the same D. H.110 and the Hawker Hunter both reached the speed of sound, and again these bangs were heard.

It is quite a sensational sight to watch an aeroplane rush­ing towards you, and not hearing it till it has flown past.

But what causes these bangs? If you slap a table with your hand, you hear the noise of

the impact, and if you hit the table many times, repeated noises would be transmitted to the ear. .. Now consider a goods train that draws up suddenly in Hitchin Station. The driver applies the brakes and the loco­motive stops. The first truck will hit the locomotive, rebound, hit the second truck, and then come to rest. The driver and the guardsman will hear the noise of the impact. The second truck will hit the third truck, rebound, hit the stationary first .truck; rebound, and come to rest. A second noise of impact will be heard, and so on down the whole length of the train. The driver will hear as many bangs as there are trucks.

If it were possible for the rate at which the impacts are made along the train to be the same as the speed of sound; and if by some flight of fancy the driver could run along the side of the train just a little faster than sound, he would hear the noise of all the impacts together in one big bang when he reached the end of . the train. The guard would also hear these sounds together. -

The D.H.IIO went into a fast dive to break the sound bar­rier and for Cl few thousand feet it travelled at the speed of sound. The aeroplane was travelling at the same speed as the impacts on the particles of air, and therefore the sound of all these impacts would reach your ears as one big bang in­stead of the usual sound of an approaching aircraft. The spectator is similar to the guard in the train.

There are two bangs because the aeroplane must pass through the sound barrier again when the plane slows down to sub-sonic speed. The plane cannot keep up the rate of speed faster than sound because the. drag is too great.

And that, I hope, is the explanation of the bang!

A. J HALL-FOX. Form IV. 213

A SEA VOYAGE

JJunn<,; the summer holidays I was to spend one week III

the ancient town and stronghold of the Macleods of Lewis, namely Stornoway. This town, the capital of the Isle of Lewis, is the largest town in the Outer Hebrides. The journey to Stornoway entailed 200 miles from Dunfermline, my home town, to Kyle of Loc halsh, by land. Then there was a voyage of about sixty miles over the Minch to Stornoway.

Kyle of Lochalsh, the port on the mainland, is a small village of about two hundred inhabitants. It has no special significance except that it is the main port for the Outer Hebrides, and provides also the easiest access to the Isle of Skye

The day was one which we usually associate with sum­mer. The sun's rays made you perspire at the least move­ment. The reflected rays on the white-washed walls dazzled you and you felt tired and sleepy. The villagers were not to be seen, and the only signs of life were the few boats in the harbour.

The boat train from Inverness steamed into the station and suddenly everything came out of its spell. Soon the small pier was enveloped in the hubbub of excitement and com­motion. The boat was due to leave in half an hour a nd everyone clambered aboard to book their seats. I followed suit and having booked my seat, strolled from deck to deck in order to find my bearings.

I then made myself as comfortable as possible and pro­ceeded to look a cross the loch to Skye. The world renowned " Coolins " were serene and beautiful with their peaks stretch­ing upwards to the heavens and the sun's rays sending forth an aurora of colours from their granite slopes to clash with those of the loch. The energetic seagulls were everywhere; the railings were thei-r pavements, and the masts their look­outs.

After a while, the engines started and the lazy world came to life once more. The people on the pier shouted and cheered as the " RM.S. Loch Seaforth " steamed majestically out of the harbour, and then between the mainland and Skye.

For about hall an hour we chatted to one another re­marking on the beauty of the p:cturesque scenery. The crofts and sheilings on the slopes. are just the same as they were in the time of Bonnie Prince Charlie . This district with its folklore and legends now lay before me, and I surveyed it

29

us the "Lord of all I see. Seagulls persisted in SCreUl111ny and flying close to the boat like bees around a hive. Some were passengers travelling without a ticket.

The Isle of Raasay was on our left and the mainland on our right. Soon the mainland was left behind and Skye lin­gered on our left, until. finally we were all alone in the Minch.

I occupied myself in reading R. Frazer-Darling's book, " The Island Years," which has its setting in this district, par­ticularly on the islands of Rona and Shiant. Frazer-Darling, a well-known naturalist, has studied the wild life of these islands, and here he found Stormy Petrels in vast numbers . It is the only place in Britain where they can be seen without any difficulty.

After tea the sky had become cloudy and overcast, and the air had grown chilly. A slight wind was blowing from the South-West, and I sought protection in the lounge. About an hour later everybody raced for the decks. Stornoway was in sight. This land, the country of the Macleods of Lewis, the beloved home of Lord Lever-Hume, was before me. Soon the boat steamed into the natural harbour.

When we were moored everyone rushed for the gangway. After disembarking I must admit I was glad to be on good earth once more. I mean " good earth," for the Isle of L.ewis is perhaps the most original part of the earth's crust still to be found, and Lewisian Gneiss is one of the oldest rocks in the world. G. McALLISTER. Form IV .

MUSING

When someone dear to you is far away , With danger so close to take him, Musing upon your deeds together, now grim, Which before made you laugh a happy way, Tears do fill your eyes till they o 'er run the brim; All thoughts are full of sorrow when they fly to him.

You dream of hardships which on him may fall, Wondering how much longer you have to wait, Before seeing him once again standing straight, Next to you, or bent by age. After all Hardship leaves impressions same as does a weight, And mayhap he's grown old and his hair has greyed.

M. R. CSERNOVITS. Form V.

:10

PLANNING A CYCLE TOUR

If· I were given the task of planning a cycle tour for a group of half-a-dozen boys, I would first pick out the com­panions I would take with me. Then I would ask those I had chosen where they would like to go. After that, I would pool all the suggestions and we would decide on our final route. Having done this I would make a careful study of Ordnance Survey maps and guide-books to find out interesting towns, villages and ruins we could visit.

I would then make other necessary arrangements. For instance, I should have to decide whether we would take food in the form of sandwiches, or whether we would stop en-route and buy what we wanted. If it was going to be a day tour we would obviously take our own food, but otherwise we would stop and buy what we needed as we went along.

During the few days before the tour everything would be prepared. We would look to our machines to see if the tyres were in good order so that if there was any danger of a burst we could replace the faulty tyre with a new one. We would each need a puncture outfit in case one of those undesirable mishaps should happen. Included in our kit would be a first­aid outfit. We would also need plenty of money to use in an emergency. We would take cycling capes, whatever the weather promised to be .

Then the big day would come, and after the customary last minute arrangements we would be off on our cycle tour. If it was to be only a day's journey the run would be about a hundred miles. That is assuming a start at about nine o'clock. We would cycle until about one o'clock, when we would stop and have lunch. After a short rest we would do a little ex­ploring on foot to make a change from the constant pedalling. Re-starting at about three o'clock we would proceed until about half-past four, when we would rest for a light tea. Now would be the time for more exploring on foot around ancient ruins or whatever there might be to arouse interest. Resum­ing our journey at about half-past six we would proceed homewards in the gathering gloom of the evening. We would arrive home at about half-past eight.

We would have a hearty supper together and then depart for our respective families, satisfied that the last twelve hours had been really wonderful.

P. J. RONCHETTI. Form fIl

31

A VISIT TO BUCKF AST ABBEY

While I was on my holiday at Exmouth, a seaside town in Devon, my parents and I made a motoring tour to Buckfast Abbey:

In order to make the journey interesting we went over a part of Dartmoor, which was covered with heather and large pieces of granite. Whilst passing over the moors we saw some wild ponies that belong to no one, and live aU their life on the moor. We also saw the well-known Hay tor Rocks which were partly covered by clouds.

Still further on we came to a little village called Wide­combe-in-the-Moor, which was holding its very famous annual fair. This fair was not like the fairs that we usually see. It ccmsisted of a horse-show, market and a small fair combined. Most of it was in the main stree!.

Having filled up with petrol in Widecombe we carried on down some little lanes to Buckland-in-the-Moor. . We stopped there and saw a quaint little church with a mos t peculiar clock. Instead of having twelve numbers on its face, it had the words, " My dear Mother." After taking a few photo­graphs of the church we set off again for Buckfas!.

At Buckfast we parked our car and started walking along to the Abbey, but after a short distance we saw a wool factory which was open to the public. We went in and were shown round by one of the workmen. We came out with a few threads of wool in our pockets, and our minds full of the know­ledge concerning the making of carpets and blankets. Then off we went to the famous Abbey, where they make the well -. known honey and Tonic Wine.

As we walked in we stopped and listened to the chanting of Office by the Benedictine monks. Then we found one of the Fathers showing visitors around. We looked up to the ceiling and saw some wonderful paintings of saints. At the far end of the Abbl?Y was the altar which was glittering with lights. The floor before it was so highly polished that .it looked like a large mirror.

We spent about an hour in the Abbey before stopping at the little shop to buy some picture postcards and souvenirs. These we posted in the little post office of Buckfas!. We finally returned to Exmouth after a most enjoyable and interes ting rioy

I r RF.I.l . F n rlll Tl

32

SNOW

When the snow falls on the ground We make snowmen big and round. They are fun to make, you know, But we use a lot of snow.

When the snow falls on the ground We make snowballs big and round. They come whirring through the air; It is best to run from there.

When the snow falls on the ground We can walk without a sound. Up the h ill we make our way To . come sliding down by sleigh.

When the snow falls on the ground The sparrows then come hopping round, Looking for tit-bits to eat, . Leaving imprints of their feet.

When the · snow falls on the ground We with fun and games abound. So when it finally disappears We are almost left in tears.

,J. MACDONALD.· FOllll 1.

ODE TO A KIPPS APPARATUS

Thou dark and stagnant holder of H2 S; Thou foster-c hild of Science and slow time, Bane of Historian who can well express

. Thy odious smell p'raps sweeter than this rhyme. What love-filled legend haunts about thy shape, Of Scientists, while making spirits weep, In Hades (or the Lab . of St. Michael's)? Tho ' fumigating VIth Form Lit. each week, Thou cannot fade; one smells thee till one ails. Schoolmasters hate thy smelL · Oh, hackneyed jape!

A. W. l.A WRENC:F. .. VIth . ('

33

HOW A SAGACIOUS GENTLEMAN OF THE ROAD OUTWITTED THE BOW STREET RUNNERS

The peaceful countryside of Sussex was disturbed by the raucous baying of the hounds as they chased their prey. The air was split by the cries of the exci ted huntsmen as they followed the pack.

But instead of a fox being the cause of this excitement, a much more important character was fleeing from the hounds. It was the notorious Pistol-Point Jack, a Gentleman of Fortune. The huntsmen were not dressed in the gay red of the members of the hunt, but in dull grey, the uniform of the Bow Street Runners. The fox, Pistol-Point Jack, was on the run, after five extremely successful years of coach robbing.

Jack had earlier on in the day held up the coach taking very important personages to London, but while relieving these unfortunates of their valuables he had been surprised by his enemies and had been forced to flee. He set off across the country with the Runners close behind, but while collect­ing the hounds they lost ground.

Jack was confident that he would easily escape because beneath him he had a marvellous black stallion which pos­sessed great stamina. He was wearing a black caped cloak with a mask and hat to match. He rode his mount with the graceful ease which only experience can achieve. The speed with which the miles were eaten up was wonderful, and the lead he already had gained was increased threefold.

But when his enemies changed the sweating mounts the situation changed as well. These fresh horses were keen to race and they rapidly regained the lost ground. Now with the hounds in the lead they were quickly overtaking.

Jack was in great difficulty; his gallant horse was sweat­ing as it laboured up a slope and jumped a hedge. Jack, who knew the district like the palm of his hand, decided to head for Marchester House where a friend of his dwelt. He gal­loped up the drive, past a jutting outhouse. As he reached it he stood upon his horse 's back, sprang to a small window and climbed through. Ten seconds later his pursuers rushed up and seeing a horse disappearing into some trees, galloped in hot pursuit. Jack, standing by the window, nearly burst his sides laughing at their foolishness.

J V. RORSON . Form IV .

24

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

The Editor is not responsible for the opinions of his cor­respondents, unless, of course, he happens to be writing to himself.

Dear Sir, As Hon. Sec. of the Anti-Third Programme Society, I

have been instructed to register a vigorous protest against the snoring that goes on in Middlle Dormitory. How can we work our Crystal Sets with such interference? Besides it is not very polite to Ted Ray .

Yours, Poor Green. Dear Sir,

The Silent Snooper Society wish to make public the in­vestigations which have led them to believe that the snoring in Middle Dormitory does not emerge from that abode of rest at all. The S.S.S. are convinced that the true source is somewhere directly beneath the aforesaid dormitory. To snoop in that region would be extremely dangerous. May we remind your readers that the undertaking of such perilous work requires that each of our members should be insured up to a thousand lines from" The March of Civilisation." I will be prepared to collect contributions from your readers each night after supper while the Fathers are in Chapel.

Yours, Paardesnooper. Dear Sir,

May I vituperate vehemently ad nauseam against sun­dry exhibitions of disrespect contumaciously reflected in cer­tain copybooks during the Michaelmas Term towards Ortho­graphy. Orthography, may I remind your perusers, e ff ec­tively reveals an attitude of mind towards or do rerum. I remain impregnated with the conviction that the study of Orthography would 'contribute much towards the eradica­tion of juvenile delinquency in this country. I intend to submit a " project" to the Ministry of Education with a view to introducing the study of Orthography in our Grammar School curriculum. I am encouraged with the support ten­dered by the Twentieth Century Psychologists Union who have graciously edited a statistical survey of present day society and incontestably conclude in their 1,200 page re­port that our generation is now mature enough to imbibe the fundamental principles of Orthography.

Yours, Professor Spell um.

35

Deer ser, i dont lik werc cos i dont sea how it will help me to

make munny wen i have left this plase wich wood you pleese help me to do as soon as posibul.

(Name and address supplied.)

Dear Sir, Your readers may be interested to know that "Twelfth

Night." written by William Shakespeare, is really meant to be funny. This is proved by the fact that Shakespeare often used the same word twice with two different meanings. These words are repeated at the back of the book in order to make Shakespeare's jokes perfectly clear, and we in Form Five learn them by heart so as to pass the School Certificate and be educated. We also learn the meanings of all the words that are not used in present day speech to help us write and speak good English when we leave school.

Yours, Fifth Former.

Dear Sir, Would you please consider the enclosed poem with a

view to publication in the next number of SI. Michael's Col­lege Magazine. May I explain that it is intended to express the spirit of frustration that pervades modern youth con­fronted with daily porridge.

Plop. Plop. Plop. Plop Plop. Horses grazing in the morning mist Silently caressing brass spoons. Scrooge's ghost down the corridor. (Or was it Marlowe's? Peu importe.) Knock. Knock. Knock.

feel I ought to be honest with you and own that the last three lines have been borrowed from Mr. T. S. Eliot.

Yours, Member of VIth Lit.

PS- The non de plume used above is intended to express the herd instinct in modern civilisation. I hope to write a poem on this subject as soon as I feel dejected enough.

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