No. 11.
June, 1897.
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THE WOMEN'S INSTITUTE . 185 .
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'LIFE AT A WESTERN SCHOOL 186 THE INTER-UNIVERSITY DEISS
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THE X CLUB SOMERVILLE COLLEGE
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LADY MARGARET HALL •
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PRINTED FOR THE PROP IRTORS BY JAMES PARKER & CO, CROWN YARD.
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treasurer : Miss ATHVA, Somerville College,
Committee: Miss M. C. SCOTT, Somerville College, Miss RovoF.N, Lady Margaret Hall. Miss BARTER, St. Hugh's Hall. Miss MACRAE, St. Hilda's Hall. Miss W11.I.1AVIS, Home Students.
JUNE.
No. 11.
the stamen's institute. " OF the making of Institutions there is no end, and many societies are a weariness to the flesh," is the lament that naturally rises to one's lips on hearing that "something fresh " is to be started, " to fill a longfelt want." But the founders of the Women's Institute hope that this new venture, instead of being an additional burden in the shape of a new Society, and a new Organisation, may be a " yoke," according to Professor Drummond's interpretation of the word, and help those who are already overrun with Societies, to bear their old burdens more easily. The Women's Institute does not aim at starting new branches of work. It is to be an hotel — a pied a terre for all existing societies, and all who are already workers in one direction or another. It is to be a central place of meeting, where the Pioneer Club will rub shoulders with the Primrose League, the representatives of science will meet the devotees of art, the successful workers will fall in with the failures, and each will learn to understand the other. The Women's Institute aims, however, at being something more than a mere social Club. The different departments that are already being organised shew its more serious side. In the splendid house that has been taken for the Institute, in Gros-
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venor Crescent, Hyde Park Corner, plenty of useful work will be done. Two large rooms are to be devoted to the Library, where, by degrees, it is hoped that a really valuable collection of books will be formed, dealing, first of all, with subjects specially interesting to women, and by degrees comprising the best books in all subjects. A characteristic branch of the Institute is to be the Society of Societies, which will be in touch as far as possible with all existing Women's Societies. It will direct enquirers to the Society most suited to their wants ; it will provide a room where the representatives of each Society may meet these enquirers ; it will give small Societies, should they require it, the advantage of having a share in the time of a competent Secretary, who will be engaged by the Institute to look after the affairs of three or four small Societies at once ; and it will provide rooms for Committee Meetings. It is hoped that this Centralisation may be a great economy of labour, and make the many small existing Societies of greater use than at present. The General Information Bureau is an ambitious side of the Institute. Its object is to answer every question that is put to it on any subject whatever The Institute will employ a staff of indexers in this department, and it has already secured the services of several Honorary Referees, who are acknowledged authorities in some sub!
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ject or another, and will answer questions on their own subjects. Readers of the Fritillary will perhaps be most interested in the Women's Lecture Department, which is under the management of a distinguished student of Somerville College, Miss Elsbeth Philipps. This Department will send women lecturers to all parts of the country, and thus, it is hoped, will be a real help to many existing Educational institutions. There will also be a Musical Society in connexion with the Institute, or possibly there may be several, devoted to different branches of the art. Finally, the Institute will undertake the collection of statistics in connexion with women and children. From this sketch of the plan of the Women's Institute it will be seen that its scope is a large one. Nevertheless, it hopes to run counter to no existing Society, but rather to help them all, and bring them and their members into touch with one another. If any readers of the Fritillary feel inclined to join the Institute, or would like to hear more about it, they will get all particulars on application to the General Secretary, 24 Queen Anne's Gate, S.W. E. M. OLIVIER.
WE should like to refer our readers to the leading article in our last number, " A Political League of University Women : a Suggestion." The " suggestion " has now, with slight alterations and modifications, been carried out. " The University League for promoting the Political Education of Women " of the imagination has become a reality in the form of " The Women's Institute."—[ED.]
Zotanp. daughter of the woods and fields, FAIR Science, To you my muse reluctant tribute yields. The child of woods and fields you are : but yet, Your charming parents you, too oft, forget ; And in the lab'ratory play for hours With Pocket lens and microscopic powers. Reagents stain your finger : and your tongue— ! Flowers once had names that poets loved and sung : But now the language that you learn and teach Is a confused, uncouth and horrid speech. You cannot even live in peace I see : Zoology and you can't quite agree. Ah ! " handsome is "—you know the rest ; but there " De gustibus —" and some still find you K. H. fair.
9Life at a Illtestern Zcbool. CIVILISATION
always progresses from East to West ; so though it would certainly give a wrong impression to call Western America uncivilised, yet in many things life there is rougher than in England. Even the Eastern States look down upon their occidental neighbours, and Boston with a supercilious air may say, " The wise men came from the East." " Yes," their rivals will reply, " they found it necessary to go West to find the good they sought." The College of the Sisters of Bethany, at Topeka, is essentially a western school, as Kansas is essentially a western State. The school is one of the foundations of the Episcopal Church and the bishop of the diocese of Kansas is at its head. The school makes a mistake in aspiring to too much. It is a College, which confers degrees ; a rather ludicrous pretension it seems to the daughter of venerable mother Oxford. This question of degrees is rather interesting to a Somervillian, for Bethany was the first college—in America, at least-
THE FRITILLARY. to confer an honorary degree on Miss Amelia B. Edwards. Her picture hangs in the parlour, not graced, however, with the scarabeus on the frame. The English and American systems of education are rather different. In England a girl takes up a few things and learns them thoroughly : in America she gets a smattering of many things. For example, if you ask an American child of thirteen or fourteen how far she has got in Arithmetic, she will answer with cold contempt, " I'm through Arithmetic." It is the same in all things ; for one year perhaps a girl will learn chemistry, psychology, physiology, French, Geometry, Latin, and then the next year she will leave all these and make a fresh start at German, Logic, Literature and Trigonometry. The Americans consider an encyclopae dia a sine qua non. This, of course, is all very well as far as it goes, but I object to the Encyclopaedia Britannica being considered the boundary of knowledge. My work was to undertake the sole charge of the English department, and in consequence 1 taught classes all through the school ; beginning with little tots of nine and ten till I reached the grave and reverend Seniors, to whom I tried to impart my own very inadequate knowledge of Logic. In spite of their fondness for encyclopae dias I never saw such a lack of general knowledge as these girls displayed ; even the simplest words were not understood. Occasionally their mistakes were ludicrous, as when one girl informed me that a ' Synonym ' was a kind of spice used to flavour puddings, and a ' Parasite' was a thing like an umbrella used to jump out of a balloon with. What they used to read when they were children I don't know ; they had never heard' of the Arabian Nights or Jack the Giant Killer, and the commonest names of mythology were unknown. To mention a more serious case which one would think 2
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strange in a girl who had been several years in a Church School, one pupil absolutely denied ever having heard the name of Judas Iscariot. The girls, too, are rather astonishing to one accustomed to the English bread-andbutter Miss. The American girl is not at all shy or embarrassed, is very old and grown up for her age, and considers that the whole duty of woman is to embark on a flirtation. They have a freedom of intercourse, too, with the opposite sex, which would make the hair of some of our revered principals turn prematurely gray. At Bethany the Cathedral is right in the College grounds ; the young unmarried clergy and the theological students take their meals at the College. The girls last year were allowed to give a leap-year trolley party, to which each one escorted her chosen swain. The teachers had absolute liberty : each had her latchkey, and after three o'clock in the afternoon was free to do what she liked. I have known champagne suppers—blessed of course by the bodily presence of some of the clergy—to go on till after one o'clock in the morning. I had the greatest difficulty in teaching my pupils how to play. I felt sorry for the poor children, whose only recreation was a walk of twenty minutes each day, so with glad remembrances of my own joy in the bloodthirsty game, I started a hockey club. It was at first enthusiastically supported, and became a source of great delight to the patrons of the grocery store opposite ; they used to sit on barrels and cheer us. Unfortunately interest soon dwindled away ; the girls preferred to moon around the corridors, and I was left with two children of nine and ten as my only supporters. Tennis, too, was neglected, though a spice of excitement was added to the game by the irregularities of the court. You never knew where a ball would bounce, or how soon you might break
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your leg in a clothes-prop hole. In fact the girls, I think, had a most unhappy time ; breakfast was at 7 a.m., school began at 8.20 and went on till 12.30 ; in the, afternoon lessons lasted from 1.3o till 3.30. From 4 till 6 they did what they liked, provided it was quiet ; at 6 we had supper ; from 7 till 8.30 lessons were prepared for the next day, and at 8.3o the girls went to bed and lights were put out at 9. Still, as a whole, especially from a teacher's point of view, Bethany had its advantages, and though the Chicago Diocesan School at Sycamore, Illinois, where I am now teaching, is very well managed, I am afraid I shall sigh for the liberties and privileges of Bethany. M. L.
the 3nter.tantrersitp )3)ebate. ON Monday evening, March zznd, an InterUniversity Debate was, by the kind permission of Miss Strong, held in the Hall of the BakerStreet High School (Miss ILBERT in the Chair). Before proceeding to public business Miss ILBERT
(President) moved a vote of thanks to Miss Strong for her kindness in lending the hall. This was seconded by Miss WALDEN (Vice-President), and carried unanimously. The motion before the House was :" That the foreign Policy of the present Government is false to England's highest interest." Miss S. M. FRY (Somerville .College), in a very able speech, proposed the motion. There were, she said, two main questions to be considered (I) Has the action of England in fact coincided with her highest interest ? (2) If not, can the Government be exonerated ? She passed over the Venezuela question, which, though England had to climb down, ended well, and dealt shortly, but severely, with the Transvaal, and proceeded to treat the Eastern Question. Here Miss FRY hoped that, since to be original was to be inaccurate, the converse would prove true, and that she might therefore be excused for going over the history. The Century, like :
an old man, had, she said, forgotten its sordid middle life. The Crimean War was not merely a setting for the Charge of the Light Brigade. On the contrary, it rather marked the change of feeling which had led England to regard Naverino as an untoward event, and the speaker pointed out how from then onwards the whole policy of the Powers—among whom was England —had been to check Russia and encourage Turkey. True, there had been perpetual interchange of remonstrances—about as fruitful as that of Christmas cards. And the present condition of Turkey was as impossible for the imagination to conceive as the distance of the sun or the age of the pyramids. And now, whereas for so long our policy had been apparently peace at any price, we seemed on the verge of war with dishonour. All blame could not of course rest with the Government, but had it risked anything ? As a matter of fact we had (I) not fulfilled our engagements, nor (2) satisfied the national conscience. It was hardly necessary, Miss Fry urged, to bring forward arguments to prove that for a nation to act immorally is against its highest interests. This case, moreover, was peculiar, for the morality of the nation was outraged—a state of affairs fatal to patriotism. On this last point the proposer laid peculiar stress, for in asking the house to support the motion she " desired it to record its conviction that it is incredible—almost ludicrous—to suppose that Britain's highest interest can be served by a policy which drags her against her will, against her conscience, at the heels of the European Concert, like an indignant puppy straining against the unaccustomed collar." Miss REINHERZ (Girton College) then rose to oppose the motion, and made a very good defence of her position. Like her opponent, she passed shortly over the other points in the foreign policy of the Government, and confined herself rather to the Eastern question, which was one that concerned not only England but also Europe and humanity. She pointed out the leading principles of the foreign policy of the present Government :—
THE FRITILLARY. x. The defence of the Empire. 2. The extension of our foreign trade. 3. The maintenance of European peace. 4. The defence of Liberty and Humanity wherever our help is required. The Arbitration. Treaty, one of the successes of the present government, marks a new era in the conduct of international affairs and the substitution of peaceful means of settling disputes for warfare. The Eastern question the central point of our foreign policy for the last too years. This question derives its special significance for us from our possessions in the East. The security of our Indian Empire is a matter of vital importance to us. Hence our policy must be to keep Russia out of Constantinople at any cost. This policy justified by consideration of England's highest interest. Hence England's attempt to strengthen Turkey by introducing reforms. Hence her guarantee of Turkish integrity. Turkey after promising reforms, broke her promises, and threw herself on Russia's protection. While she perpetrated the Armenian atrocities, England alone was absolutely powerless, and Turkey was perfectly aware of this. Lord Salisbury's attempts to help the Armenians were frustrated by jealousy of Continental powers who resented English interference at Constantinople- When even diplomatic proceedings roused so much opposition, what would have happened had England contemplated isolated action ? The Czar's visit to Balmoral afforded Lord Salisbury an opportunity of convincing him of England's disinterestedness. Hence arose that brilliant achievement, the cementing of the concert of the Powers. Just when the concert was at last a real thing the rebellion in Crete complicated matters. On this subject we have heard much wild rhetoric—and some hysterics. I must remind the house of Lord Salisbury's metaphor of the trustee. England is accused of selfishness, and giving undue weight to considerations of material prosperity. But consider what a European war would mean. No one who could realize such disasters would be willing to incur the risk. War on the Eastern question unjustifiable. How much more so war for the . sake of Crete, which is only a mere in-
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cident in the main question ? And isolated action means war. We have seen the necessity for keeping up the Concert of the Powers. Within the Concert, Lord Salisbury has done the best possible work for the cause of justice and liberty in Crete. He forebade the Porte to send troops ; he proposed Autonomy; he took the side of Greece against the Imperial Powers. So far, so good, all admit. Our opponents carried away by enthusiasm for Greece's bravery. They forget that Greece has no justification at all for her purpose of annexing Crete. The Cretans were justified in rebelling and throwing off the Turkish yoke, but annexation neither desirable nor possible. Liberty has been secured to them, and Greece's further action prompted by ambition and desire for enlarging her dominions. The enthusiasts for Cretan annexation are allowing this to obscure the main issue. If England goes to war with continental powers over Crete, what will become of the reforms which the Ambassadors of the Powers have drawn up for Armenia, and which they have agreed to wring from tie Sultan ? The present Government are on the way to the solution of the vexed Eastern Question, and will do so, if they are not hampered by short-sighted sentimentalists who are doing their best, not only to render solution of it impossible, but to drive us to a general European war. Miss LOMAS (Newnham College) spoke third:— In supporting the motion she said that though repetition was often wearisome, she did not think that too much insistence could be laid on the present Eastern question. She thought that when we compared England's traditionary policy with the present foreign policy it did seem as if England was losing even the faintest glimpse of an ideal, when she stood silently by and allowed the most hideous despotism to reign supreme, and allowed herself to become the instrument of one of the vilest potentates that ever walked the face of the earth. We had endured shame enough already in shuffling and temporising ; we wanted men to lead us who would not sacrifice everything to secrecy, and who understood that there were worse things . than war. War was to be
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feared, but when peace was only worshipped for the sake of material prosperity the true value and conception of peace was gone. Turkish rule in Crete had meant, and would mean, practical slavery for the Cretans. Coercion of Greece on our part implied that we ourselves were slaves to fear, slinking at the tail of Germany, shirking our duties and evading our responsibilities. It was unlikely that a coalition would be formed against England should she withdraw from the Concert. That fear was a natural result of hesitation. Firmness and promptitude would assure our position sooner than anything else. Germany alone would have stood out had we withdrawn. Further, it was a disgrace to belong to such a lumbering piece of mechanism as the European Concert ; the powers in agreement could agree upon nothing; they were actuated by self-seeking motives, and an amalgamation of self-seekers was usually an amalgamation of bullies ; and much as the spirit of the r9th century craved for change and things that were new, surely England did not wish to add a reputation for bullying to her character. In conclusion, Miss LOMAS said, that in the event of the Eastern question failing to be rightly settled, it would be better to have any rule in Crete, even anarchy, which might follow selfgovernment, rather than the rule of the Turk. Miss JEBB (L.M.H.) next spoke. She pointed out that if the general principles which govern our international relations were of the highest order, we may rest assured that our foreign policy will be conducive to our highest interests. This century had witnessed the growth of two new ideas in the sphere of international relations, i.e. (I) That war is a barbarous anomaly incompatible with the progress of Western civilization. (2) That the time has now come to apply to international relations the same standard of morality which is universally recognised in personal ones. The Liberals themselves have been the most earnest advocates of these principles. That Lord Salisbury's foreign policy had been a consistent attempt to carry them into practice may be seen in his dealings with (t) the Transvaal, (2) the
United States, (3) the Eastern Question. If this great experiment had failed it was due to its impracticability in the present inequality and backwardness of European civilization, and it would redound to our honour that we had attempted it. We were at one with the Liberals as regards the object of our policy, it was our methods they attacked, and that without suggesting better ones. There spoke later Miss OAKELEY (S.C.), Miss LOMAS (N.C.), Miss LACEY (S.C.), Miss BRADLEY (G.C.), Miss O'BRIEN (S.C.), Miss PLUMBE (G.C.), Miss TUFNELL (L.M.H.) for the motion ; and against the motion, Miss COHEN (N.C.), Miss M. HOGARTH (L.M.H.), Miss MALIM (N.C.), MISS SANDERS (L.M.H.). After a brilliant summing up by the PROPOSER the votes were recorded as follows : For the motion, 73, against the motion, 54. The motion was therefore carried by 19 votes.
the jnteroCotiegiate If)ebating %ocietp. JEBB. THE First Debate of term was held at Lady Margaret Hall on Tuesday, May 18, Miss SPARKS (President) in the chair. The motion before the House was :— " That this House desires an extension of State intervention concerning labour in factories." Hon. Sec., Miss
The Proposer, Miss ATKINSON (S.C.), began by pointing out that the progress of machinery had produced a new class of men, which was naturally badly treated or misunderstood at first. Many modern laws, especially those dealing with industry, were merely experimental in character, and not to be considered as final. An alteration in them was therefore often desirable. She proceeded to sum up the history of factory legislation, from the first attempt made by Sir Robert Peel in 1802 down to the " Principal Act " in 1878, which combined and consolidated all previous laws. She read extracts showing the
THE FRITILLARY. necessity for legislation, owing to the overcrowding, long hours, and insanity, conditions producing pestilence. Nor is such legislation confined to England alone, e.g. Germany (since 1839) is in many ways in advance of us, although we are in advance of it as regards the establishment of the Profit Sharing system. The Profit Sharing system is in the interest of the employer and the employed alike. The latter take more trouble to increase the efficiency of their work when they can expect increased gain as the result, and the employer is benefited by the greater extension of his custom. Further reduction in the length of working hours, and in manual and mechanical labour is also desirable. The Proposer divided working places into three classes :
(I) Factories, i.e. all manufacturing premises where the machinery used is moved by any kind of motive power. (2) Workshops, where manufactures are carried on, but which do not come under the head of factories. Domestic factories and workshops, which (3) most need reform. Mr. Sydney Webb suggests that the employer who gives out work should be responsible for the observation of Factory Acts. She proposed that the number of inspectors should be increased, as it was at present very insufficient. Also that provision should be made for proper accommodation for meals, separate from the working rooms, and good plain food supplied to the ernploy6s. The employment of married women was on the whole undesirable, for it increased the number of improvident marriages and took women away from. their homes. If no legal prohibition were made against their employment, the government should provide that the children thus left at home should be better cared for, and a creche established in connection with every factory. She concluded by pointing out that certain dangerous trades, such as that of white lead factories, required ever increasing care and attention. The Opposer, Miss LODGE (L.M H.), acknow-
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ledged that the factory system is not perfect, but questioned whether parliamentary legislation were the best solution of the difficulty, and whether the evils of state-intervention do not outweigh its benefits. The workers should be taught to help themselves. The State can hardly fix the most suitable number of working hours for every trade ; a universal 8 hours' day has great and obvious drawbacks and will be a real injury to many workers—compare the case of gardeners. Again, state fixed wages find few supporters. She thought that no further Acts of Parliament were needed, only those which have already been passed should be more strictly enforced and the number of inspectors increased. As for women's work it must as far as possible be put on a level with men's, and not further separated from theirs. This is what would be done by legislation, which is a step in the wrong direction, and might lead to a system of State interference which would be an obstruction to industry and an interference with freedom. Besides the unfitness of parliament for factory legislation, there are also objections to an extension of legislation, as such legislation must be like ordinary rules, which are few, but well kept. On the other hand there is,a real need for better education. Miss PRIDEAUX (S.H.H.) spoke third, and said that smaller restrictions on minor points were required rather than sweeping reforms. There were three chief openings for legislation. First, an entire or partial prohibition to women and children to engage in certain trades, e.g. the making of chemicals. The restrictions upon them in other trades might be improved, and they should be entirely prohibited if they refused to keep them. Reform is also required concerning the delay and neglect on the part of employers in reporting deaths, and the opportunities which are allowed for doubling the regular length of the hours by changing the work. Neither are the rules as to the physical condition of the workers sufficiently carried out. Secondly, the employment of children. At present they are allowed to leave school for whole or half-time after the age of II, and this should be remedied. Thirdly,
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overtime and half-holidays. The undue extension of the working hours for " unforeseen events " should be prevented, and the rule perhaps made compulsory for all trades, season trades not exempted. The legislation on half-holidays was illogical, it would be simpler if all work was made to cease at 2 on Saturdays. Miss ROBINSON (S.C.) spoke fourth, and said that reforms should come from the people themselves rather than from police supervision. This has been much helped by trades unions. She pointed to the strike by the girls in Bryant and May's as an instance in which reform was obtained. In well-organised factories employers are most careful. If legislation increased they would be able to insure themselves and escape the punishment for serious accidents to which they are now liable, since the insurance office would take that on itself. Legislation is at present attempting to increase the number of domestic workshops, the superintendence of which is an infringement of liberty. Miss PRIDEAUX said that employers are careless as to the physical condition of the workers they select. Miss Fox said that any workshop was preferable to working at home in one small room. Miss ILBERT said that the danger and inconvenience of the inspection of homes was overrated. All homes are inspected, e.g. for sanitary purposes. Miss JOEL also spoke. There voted for the motion 29, against 17. The motion was therefore carried by 12 votes.
Cambribge. Captain : Miss Secretary : Miss
SCOTT (S.C.).
THICKNESSE
(L.M.H.).
THE match v. Cambridge took place at Wimbledon on March 22nd, and ended in a sad defeat for Oxford, Cambridge scoring 3 goals to none. The Cambridge XI. was excellent throughout;
their chief strength lay perhaps in their half-backs, for though the forwards were. very good, it was to the accurate and steady Work of the half-backs that their advantage was chiefly due. In the Oxford XI., though there was much good play, the want of combination, both between the forwards, and still more between the half-backs and forwards, made any individual efforts almost useless. Miss Scott was as good as ever when she got a chance, which was unfortunately but seldom ; and Miss Ash made some heroic efforts, but neither of them succeeded in making a goal. Oxford was fortunate in having a strong defence, which saved her from the further disaster that might well have resulted from the excellent shooting of the Cambridge XI. The Oxford XI. were as follows :-Forwards : Miss Scott (centre), Miss Fry, Miss Ash (wings), Miss Taylor, Miss Bevers. Halfbacks : Miss Samson, Miss Kempson, Miss Fox. Backs : Miss Bell, Miss Tottenham. Goal: Miss Thicknesse.
the
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Presidezzt, Miss HUGHES. Secretary, Miss DEVITT. Treasurer, Miss WRIGHT. THE only meeting which has been held at present this term was of a purely business character. Five candidates were elected life members of the Club. The election of officers by ballot for the year beginning next October also took place. Miss Wright (formerly Treasurer) was unanimously chosen President ; Miss Devitt was reelected Secretary ; and Miss Carr was elected Treasurer. Arrangements were made for a botanical expedition to visit the private grounds of Mr. Arthur Evans, at Boar's Hill, where many rare specimens of plants and flowers are to be found. Unfortunately the excursion had to be given up, on account of the weather.
THE FRITILLARY. Somerville College. CHRISTIAN UNION (Gen. Secrstary, Miss C. Donn).—The Somerville Branch of the British College Christian Union has met every Sunday evening this term. The three missionary meetings have been as follows on May znd Miss Beckenset spoke on " Chinese Missions," on May 9th Miss Fraser read a paper on the life of Ion Keith Falconer, and on May 3oth Miss Dodd read a paper on the life of Henry Martyn. On May r6th Miss Eleanor Lorimer, Edinburgh, gave an interesting account of the birth and growth of the Edinburgh Christian Union ; and on May 23rd Miss Rickard spoke on various practical points. :
TENNIS CLUB (President, Miss A. D. SCOTT).— The courts are now in good condition, and, by the purchase of a sprinkler and a hose, the Club hopes to prevent the grass from being burnt up as it was last summer. Twenty-four members entered for the Tournament (Scratch Pairs), which is not yet finished. The champions are Miss Tottenham and Miss Eyre. They won the match against St. Hugh's Hall, on June 3rd, 6-4, 6-2. The match against the Games Club is fixed for June 8th, and that against Lady Margaret Hall for June loth. We are playing Holloway College later on. Sharp Practice Society has this term distinguished itself by adopting, without any authoritative change of constitution, an entirely new mode of procedure. Controversies and noisy disputes have been entirely suppressed, and replaced by a pleasing unanimity of opinion. Successive Presidents have, in fact, held meetings in the strictest privacy, and have meditated undisturbed upon problems of the greatest interest and value ; such, for instance, as " whether it is better to be uncivilised or decivilised," and others almost equally abstruse. A few obliging friends have meantime hovered round the doors to warn off intruders, should any appear but as a general rule the obvious wish of the Society for seclusion has been respected. SHARP PRACTICE.—The
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Prophets of evil have been found to declare that this entirely original method of carrying on a debating society is, as it were, the swan-song of an ancient institution, which has seen generations come and go. But others suggest that the attractions of the summer term are somehow responsible for the change, and that in October the Society, in spite of the heavy losses it must suffer, will resume its function of developing powers of oratory in the young.
HOCKEY CLUB (President, Miss A. D. SCOTT).— At the last general meeting of the Somerville College Hockey Club the following were elected officers for the ensuing year:—A. Davies, Captain, H. A. Errant, Vice-Captain, E. Tottenham, Secretary, E. Spalding, Treasurer. BOAT CLUB (President, Miss CUMMINS).—The Boat Club is in a flourishing condition, and the boats have been out almost every day this term. A good many new members have joined the Club. The Inrigger and the two Outriggers have been moved into the new Boat-house on the Cherwell, and the fourth boat, which was hired for this term, has been kept in one of the old Boathouses. HISTORICAL SOCIETY (President, MISS SUTTILL). --No meetings have been held this term ; but Miss Pease, our late Senior Student, has kindly promised to give a lecture on the " Castles of the Loire Valley." The Lecture is to be illustrated by a Magic Lantern. Members of the Historical Societies of Lady Margaret, St..Hugh's, and St. Hilda's Halls have been invited.
SOCIETY FOR PHILOSOPHICAL DISCUSSION (Secretary, Miss E. M. SAMSON).—A Society for Philosophical Discussion has been started this term, consisting of Greats Students and a few others. The methods of the Society are at present very informal, and so far only four meetings have been held. At the first meeting Miss Oakeley read
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BICYCLING CLUB (Secretary, Miss AsH)..-The Summer term has brought the usual increase of bicycles and bicyclists, so that the former haVe had to overflow into fresh quarters. Those who like, have their machines cleaned this term by a man employed on the premises, instead of by the boy who has previously come in for the purpose, but the old arrangement will probably be reverted to next term.
a paper on "Definitions of the term Philosophy ;" at the third meeting Miss Mallock read an "Abstract of Cartesianism " and the Society is at present engaged on the study of Descartes' Philosophy as developed by his followers. We wish the new Society a long and prosperous career.
Tabp flOargaret bait. (President, Miss MILROY).— The " Sociables " this term have been going on their usual cheerful course. We have one new performer, Miss Coutts, who is an addition to our violinists ; and we have had the pleasure of once again hearing Miss Craigie-Halkett recite, when she paid us a flying visit at mid-term. Miss Ranken's approaching departure is regarded with much regret, as her songs are always received with so much appreciation and applause: SOCIABLE
(Secretary, Miss GTJNTER).— has played four matches this term, beating St. Hugh's, and being beaten by the Games Club, Somerville, and Holloway. Nevertheless Tennis has been kept up with great vigour on our new courts. Miss Moberly and Miss Lloyd are our champions, but we greatly deplore the loss of Miss Prichard. TENNIS CLUB
L.M.H.
BOAT CLUB (President, MISS PEARSON ; Secretary, Miss SANDERS).—The Boat Club rejoices this term in having a new Boat-house, owing to the great kindness of Miss Pearson and the Council. The Boat-house was completed just before we came up, and the opening ceremony was the first and probably the pleasantest function of term. Many Members of the Club spend the greater part of the day on the water; and those few who cannot boat make frequent use of the Boathouse as a cool retreat in hot days. Among the advantages of having a Boat-house of our own is that of being able to have more boats. One of our Club has been enthusiastic enough to hire an extra boat which she lends generously to the Club ; we have also to thank Mrs. Johnson for the use of her boat twice a week.
SPORTS (President, Miss Asx ; Secretary, Miss CooKE).—On Tuesday, May r8th, the Annual Athletic Sports were held at Lady Margaret Hall. The attendance was not all that could be desired, other attractions proving too strong on a very hot afternoon. There were, nevertheless, some closely contested events, and considering the impediment of feminine attire, the running and jumping was really very creditable. The great feature of the afternoon was the tug-of-war between the representatives of the Old Hall and the Wordsworth Buildings. Every inch of ground was stoutly contested, but the superior muscles of the Old Hall told at last in its favour. In connection with the Sports, Swimming Races were held at the Merton Street Baths. The wellknown prowess of Miss Sanders in the water decided both the Swimming and Diving events in her favour. The prizes, which, like wedding presents, "were numerous and costly," were given away by Miss Wordsworth at a bump supper.
•
Zt. lbugb's bait. LIBRARY.—We have to thank the following for kind gifts of books and money during the year 1896-7. Mrs. Romanes, Mr. Gerrans, Mrs. Firth, Mr. Townshend, Miss Evelyn Hatch, Miss Rogers, the Bishop of Oxford, Mr. Prickard, Messrs. Macmillan and Co. Mrs. A. H. Johnson has continued to lend the Nineteenth Century and the Journal of Education. Miss Mary Ive, a former Science student of the Hall, and late
THE FRITILLARY. Head Mistress of Bishop Corrie's School, Madras, on her death in October, 1896, bequeathed the sum of ,Z5 to the Library.
ARCHITECTURAL SOCIETY (President, L. EAKIN). —At the beginning of term a society was formed for studying the architecture of the churches in and near Oxford. The one requisite for admission is a keen interest in the subject. Four meetings are held each term, preparatory to which a course of serious study must be undertaken. The first expedition was to Iffley. On May r4th, a party armed with " Parker," met at the Church. Every detail of the building was discussed and accounted for. Archaeologists of the future will find much valuable information in the unpublished records of the society. Yarnton was visited on May 26. The Early English windows with their quaint glass were carefully examined by the members present. A long and earnest discussion took place with regard to the material of the Norman font. It is proposed to hold the next meeting at Dorchester, after which there will, no doubt, be changes in the guide-books of the district.
WOMEN'S UNIVERSITY SETTLEMENT
'9S
BOAT CLUB
(Secretary, Miss M.
LANGSTON).—
The boats have been in great request this term and picnics have been numerous. We must congratulate Miss Bell, Miss Grant, and Miss Burnett upon having become qualified members, and Miss Stark upon having done her swimming test. BICYCLE CLUB (President, Miss C. BARTER). —The weather has been particularly good for bicycling during the first half of term, and we can only wish that the Oxford roads were not so hard on cycles of all kinds. We are very proud of our new bicycle house, and most grateful to those who took such care in designing it for our convenience.
St. lbilba's number is now increased to fourteen, the new students being :Miss H. Stuart, Ladies' College, Cheltenham. Miss E. Schmuck, St. Peter's High School, Bombay. OUR
(Secretary,
new members have joined the Settlement this term, and a good number of aprons and other garments have been made to send to the Mabys. It is hoped that all old members will continue their subscriptions, so that we may soon make up our 5o members and have a Representative on the Council. Miss ABDY).—Six
LAWN TENNIS
(Secretary, Miss B. M.
SPARKS).
—The Tennis Club is increasing in numbers rapidly, and we hope soon to be able to say that there is no one in the Hall who is not a member. Although, alas, we have to announce that we have been beaten in our matches both with Somerville and Lady Margaret, yet the games were thoroughly enjoyable, and we only wish that it were possible to arrange to play more often with the champions of other colleges.
(President, Miss M. HAYESmeeting has been held this
DEBATING SOCIETY ROBINSON).—One
term. The motion, appropriate to the date, May 21st, was " That this House is of opinion that the granting of the B.A. degree to women is opposed to their true interests." Miss FERGUSSON (Secretary) proposed, Miss CARR opposed. There voted for the motion, ro, against, 5. BOAT CLUB (Captain, Miss HAYES-ROBINSON). —The river, as usual during the Summer Term, has contributed not a little to the pleasures of life. Our Boat Club has increased in numbers and strength, and some members have been devoting attention to rowing as well as sculling. Greater proficiency in the milder art of steering
196
THE FRITILLARY.
is still to be desired, particularly on a stream which rejoices in the absence of regulations. The Club has been glad to obtain the hire of a lighter boat than it possesses—for one day in the week. But it looks forward to the time when this temporary arrangement may be exchanged for permanent acquisition. ,
TENNIS CLUB (Secretary, Miss CARR).—Our Tennis Club, however, has not been neglected. Ardent members have been rewarded, and timid ones stimulated, by the kind present of a new net and balls from an old student. We have also been playing off " Ties," with a view to ascertaining the respective merits and demerits of members.
tome %ft/bents. TENNIS CLUB (Hon. Sec., Miss Rose SIDGWICK). The Club has this term enjoyed great prosperity, so much so that it has been found expedient to refuse several applications from outsiders for permission to join, although one or two had been previously admitted, and although play has been possible in the evenings as well as the afternoons. In spite of some necessary outlay on the purchase of new balls, the financial condition of the society is equally satisfactory—(always provided that no member goes down without paying her subscription !) We would also take this opportunity, over and above a recompense more solid but more sordid, of expressing our gratitude to Lady Margaret Hall for the use of their excellent grass-courts two days a week.
HOCKEY CLUB
-
(Captain, Miss OLIvt).—By a
new regulation brought into force this year, Home Students are counted among those from whom the " Oxford Students' Hockey Team " are chosen. Congratulations to Miss V. Bevers on being chosen to play against Cambridge.
I.D.S.—By the kindness of the I.D.S., Home Students have been admitted to the Society as members. The first meeting was held on May 18, and many of them were present. The Home Students would like to convey their thanks for the privilege which the I.D.S. has bestowed upon them. Members wishing to join this Society should send in their names to Miss Cicely Lewis, 6 Winchester Road (H.S. Representative). READING SOCIETY.—More new members have joined this Society, which has met fortnightly during term and part of the vacation. Carlyle's " Hero and Hero-worship " was concluded, and the Society is now reading a series of Essays on the Life and Works of George Eliot. Miss Cicely Lewis would be glad of names of any Home Students wishing to become members.
A BRANCH of the British College Christian Union was started during last Lent term, and has progressed very satisfactorily. It is called the Home Students' Christian Union. A Bible-reading has been held every week, to last for 45 minutes, on Thursdays at 2.15, at the respective homes of the members. Miss Ivy Williams will be very pleased to receive applications of other Home Students who would like to join. New Students, Easter Term, 1897. Drew, Mabel, Oxford High School. Prior, Cordelia, Oxford High School. Scott-Waring, Mary, Lecturer in English, Berlin.
WE have to congratulate Miss C. J. M. Hubback on her appointment as Lecturer at the Cambridge Training College. Also Miss A. Robb on her appointment as Assistant-Mistress, La Martiniere College, Calcutta. Miss E. R. Price has succeeded Miss Gurney as Hon. Librarian of the Nettleship Library.
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