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REPORTS OF COMPETITIONS 645 SPECIMEN PAGE OF A . NOVEL . 645 646 .• . SONNET 646 DESCRIPTIVE ARTICLE 647 • SALOME DANCING 648 As WE SEE OTHERS . 650 . . THE KEY 650 OUR READING PARTY . 651 SONNET 651 DEMF.TER MOURNING . , 651 . . IN MEMORIAM OXFORD STUDENTS' DEBAT. 652 . ING SOCIE"FY . OXFORD STUDENTS' LAWN . 657 . TENNIS CLUB OXFORD UNITED HOCKEY . 658 . . . TEAM STUDENTS' DRAMATIC READ. 65S . . ING CLUB , . 658 LADY MARGARET HALL 66o SOMERVILLE C01.•EGE . 661 ST. HUGH'S HALL . 663 ST. HILDA'S HALL HOME STUDENTS . 664
Oxforo PRINTED FOR THE PROPRIETORS BY JAMES PARKER & CO., CROWN YARD.
Ebitor : Miss
KEELING,
St. Hugh's Hall.
Urea9urer : Miss RooRE, Lady Margaret Hall.
Committee : Liss 'LEVETT, Lady Margaret Hail, Miss HicKs, Somerville College, Miss FARNELL, St. Hugh's Hall. Miss JACQUJER, St. Hilda's Hail. Miss POLLARD, Home Students.
No. 39.
DECEMBER.
'Reports of Competitions, THE Competitions this term have proved most popular. The literary energy displayed by students during the long vacation shows that there should be no dearth of contributions to the Fritillary for some time to come. It is also encouraging to note the increasing tendency to write on subjects not obviously associated with the Higher Education of Women. Miss Levett (L.M.H.) has been awarded the prize for the best specimen page of a novel. The page sent in by M. L. G. (S.H.H.) is also very suggestive of an exciting novel. The metrical difficulties of the sonnet were successfully overcome by Miss Ryle (S. C.), who sesonnet on Autumn was one of the few sent in which completely obeyed the laws usually acknowledged by sonneteers. We also publish a musical love-sonnet sent in by C. F. (S.H.H.). The descriptive articles of general interest failed on the whole to interest the Committee. The prize has been awarded to Miss Taylor (S.H.), for her description of an English village. Demeter Mourning, by I. S. (L.M.H.), was disqualified for competition, as it hardly comes under the category of a descriptive article. As we see Others is commended, and printed on another page.
Vri3e Zpeetmen Page of a 14ovel. abruptly back into the room, she sat down near the shaded lamp, and again took up the dainty note. Handwriting and words were alike TURNING
1906.
common-place. Apologies for a broken engagement for the following day— nothing more. She had had scores of such missives that season, and had tossed them aside with a careless " Now I shall have a few minutes to myself to-morrow." But to-day life seemed more complex. To her jaded fancy rose the vision of the square strong man, with his insistent truisms, who had promised to teach her to know life. Life to him meant drains and sanitation, with an ideal based on the leather seats of the House of Commons. To her it was something between Ascot and the Psychical Society, with a dash of Omar Khayyam in its saner moments. How she could learn such a lesson from such a man she could not tell, but was old enough to want to try the experiment. Therefore, taking the note in her hand, she crossed . . . . A. E. LEVETT.
Commended. again. Here is the house ; be wary ! "—and with that he was gone. I looked around, my head yet reeling with the madness of our flight, and saw that I was in a street less narrow than those we had threaded. The house before which we had drawn rein wore an appearance of prosperity, as though belonging to some wealthy merchant : four gables surmounted four oriel windows, and these again overhung a handsome front of carved oak ; beneath the windows were representations in relief of the four continents. I was yet gazing like one in a trance at the third of these, Africa astride upon his native crocodile, when the shrill whistle
THE FRITILLARY.
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of a stable-boy roused me to my strange position. I dismounted, gave him my horse, and followed him into the courtyard. As I entered, the little enclosure was flooded with a sudden, ruddy light, proceeding from a door hastily' Opened. A reverend figure ad-' vanced towards me his furred robe was that of an honourable burgher, but his features could not be discerned against the glow behind him. He made me a low bow. " Welcome," he said, " welcome to loyalty under whatsoever disguises." I looked over his shoulder into the room beyond, upon a scene to be for ever imprinted upon my memory. I saw a large, low-ceiled, wainscot chamber, lit up from end to end by a vast fire at its further side, which cast a flickering, uncertain light over all the objects within, and specially bathed in its wild glow the figure of a young man on a settle by the hearth,- -asleep. His sleep appeared that of profound weariness : he leant his head upon the table beside him, so that his dark hair was spread out upon its shining surface, and his face lit up by the fire light. At the sight of that face I sprang forward with a glad shout of recognition. Hardly had my own voice startled me in the boding stillness, when I was conscious of a grating sound behind me like that of a drawn bolt, and when I turned, the merchant was gone. " Treachery !" cried the King M. L. G.
" Death and decay—ah summer's overthrow !" The mournful wind laments, while branches bare Shiver and toss in sad accord but lo ! A watery sunbeam, breaking through the air, Shows every briar and hawthorn bush a-glow With ruddy fruit and berries rich and fair ! !
:
E. RYLE.
;
-
I1 ri3e Sonnet. a whisper passes through the glade, And at its bidding falls a golden shower— The lingering glory of that leafy bower, Where song-birds voiced their love beneath the shade. Dumb are the minstrels now, as though dismay'd To see the death of every summer flower, To feel the cold grip of that icy Power That leaves his hoary mark: on each green blade. SOFTLY
,
,
Vrt3e descriptive Batelle. PICTURE a village green, where village children play, fenced about at one end with white railings to show belated travellers where to turn—that village green where once the village band, purpled as if with puffing at their horns, in full-dressed glory of gold braid, cocked hat and brass buttons, once' challenged the "Married Men" to cricket, and beat them out of town. Town ? Was never town round which the halo of old-time romance thus played As you saunter up the lane, finding in distant Sussex the Sainte-terre of Holy Mother Nature, the green opens out before you wedge-shaped. On either side stand cottages with little gardens of hollyhocks and roses spread before them, like children pinafored in summer. Half way up, on the left, a sign bold in bright colour, bolder yet in its scorn of mere perspective and anatomy, announces the " Horse and Groom," whose white walls and green shutters make a yet more pressing invitation to the hesitant athirst. At the far end appear certain cottages of higher claim—such as the modern architect tries to produce in the suburbs, with the addition of "all up-to-date conveniences," and a result—how different These are curtained in Virginian Creeper, Traveller's Joy, and those everlasting peas whose colour, out of nature so intolerable, yet becomes them well. One is the doctor's, and in one lives Mr. 'Atkinson, of Punnett's Town, Retired in yet another the Curate's little sons saw year by year the light. That is the wicket that bars their little adventurous spirits from the mighty world of !
!
;
THE FRITILLARY. cricket and strange dogs, and even, so nurse tells, of gipsies who will steal you if you're naughty. If, resisting the allurements of gossip, beer, and green blinds, you pass right up the green towards these cottages, at the extremest end you will find upon your left the gate and bending carriage-road of " the Squire's " house. As you walk down it, the "Park Field " lies upon your left, oak-studded, grazed by silly sheep, and stretching down to the Pond Woods, whence on sunny days you catch a brown glint from the ponds, stained by the iron springs that feed them. Where the wood breaks, the Sussex Downs rise high in sweeping curves, suggesting, when the golden light of evening falls on them, those Delectable Mountains, " the vision whereof made Christian very glad." Where the wood breaks too, appears the stile and narrow path beyond it, where rustic lovers linger on Sunday nights, returning from the little Norman Church yonder, behind the bend. Above the carriage-road, and on the right, rises a thick shrubbery, topped by waving elms, and pierced by the " Crooked Walk," over-wide, surely, for one, but yet for two, close going. Within not many yards and the old house itself comes into view, framed in that branch of elm that every year insists on pressing its bold self across the drive. Although the back is Elizabethan, the front cannot be more than a couple of hundred years old. Nevertheless, there is something about the white porch and the bow that rises the whole height of the house, something about the Gloire de Dijon, which clasping it blooms, surely, a full month later than any of its sisters, something about the white bantams on the lawn, the giant cedar and the myrtle by the door, something which begets that serrement de eceur, that passionate place-love, which is more often the gift of older places. So it strikes you as you come in sight. Passing beneath the elm branch, the narrow strip of mossy green, studded in spring with snowdrops and narcissus, widens to the right out and up, first to the haha, blue with periwinkles, then to the broad sweep of sloping lawn, unblemished save where in times past an old tree used to stand, fallen long since a victim to some storm. On it, close above the haha, 2
647
towers the cedar, among whose nether branches on warm days the funny little brown monkey disports himself, and strikes a clucking terror to the breasts of little bantam mothers and yet lesser chicks. So much for the front.—If, instead of entering the hospitable, ever-open door, you turn to the left, and skirting the end of the tennis-lawn pass through the wicket-gate, you find yourself transported, surely, to a bygone age. The row of straw beehives on the left, backed by gorse and fronds of bracken—the very poetry of gold and green— with the Park Field beyond ; the queer-shaped beds ablaze, save in the depth of winter, with successive flowers ; the pond, still, reed-fringed, wherein chestnut and elm, ranged on the farther side, mirror their mighty branches ; this side the ancient mulberry, leaning on his staff, but game and fruitful still ; and then—the sun-dial. Surely those who set it there meant not that " flannelled fool" and " modern maid " in intervals of tennis should sit upon those steps, and, with the " Mountains of Delight " in view, forget the time whose flight it marked. Rather this is the place for the dainty dalliance of Darcy and Elizabeth, for the loves of powdered curls and ruffled lace—their privacy enclosed with walls all rich with peaches, and where espaliers proffer the forbidden apple. MAUDE C. TAYLOR.
%Monte Vancing. LAUGHTER along the halls, Falling to silence as my steps advance, Weaving the intricate weft of the hurrying dance : (Blood on the walls) . . . Torchlight, gleaming on gems, Caught, as I bend, in the perilous coils of my hair— Flung away, as I sway from the gusty flare : (Blood on my hems) . . .
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Hiss of the air which flies Through my robes as I spring into reckless space, Wail of a thousand winds as I sink apace : (Blood in my eyes) . . . Murmurs hushing to death— All men's being rapt in the wonder of sight, Straining to seize my infinite dazzle of flight : (Blood in my breath) . . . Shuddering writhe of the asp, Ere I hover 'twixt tremble and gathering swoon, Poised upon winged feet, swooping on towards my boon : (Blood in my grasp) . . . Blinding gleam of my goal ! Wealth of the worlds my own as I lie at their feet Veiled in a tangle of tresses—abandon meet ! (Blood on my soul). NUGATOR.
Zs we see otbers. " A QUOI tient la superioritd des Anglo-Saxons?" ,asked a French journalist, some eight or ten years ago. And the reason he found for this superiority was our system of education, which, instead of " cramming " boys, taught them useful, lessons for after life, taught them, above all, how to learn. Encouraged by the reception accorded to his theories he proceeded to found a school of what he imagined to be the ideal English type. Since then, others have followed his example, until now there are half-a-dozen schools, on more or less English lines, in various parts of France. Certain modifications have been found or deemed necessary ; work takes up a large proportion of the day, corporal punishment, which is illegal, has been replaced by various systems, and, in one of the schools, the tub obligatoire has been abolished; but, even so, they are radically different from all truly French institutions. With which introductory remarks, let me plunge into an account of my school life, as abruptly as I plunged into that life itself.
Oh the utter calm and peacefilness of the place, the morning of the day that term began ! Oh the uproar and confusion that same evening ! Surely the natural French boy is not the pupil of the Lycee, depressed, overworked, with his endless devoirs, and walks, and games of marbles. Here, at least, there was no lack of animation, even this first evening, when many were never far from tears. For it is one of the peculiar powers of the French boy to pass so rapidly from tears to smiles that sometimes he hardly knows whether he is laughing or crying. Dinner, then, was a noisy meal enough, with sixty in one room, all talking and laughing at the tops of their voices. One of our head-master's principles was that a school should be, as far as possible, a family. So boys and masters dined together, and after dinner all the sixty were encouraged to invade our drawing-room, to sit on our sofas and break their springs, to read our newspapers and interrupt our conversations. The drawing-room was thus apt to present a somewhat curious appearance in the evenings. At one table would be chess-players, at another a game of bridge would be going on; in one corner might be seen some three or four devotees of wrestling practising famous falls, while someone else expounded the laws of Jiu Jitsu. Some evenings would be quieter ; then boys and masters sat and talked together, on matters of which the average English school-boy is either utterly ignorant or too shy to speak ; once or twice a week the boys who cared for music played themselves or listened to good players ; sometimes there would be reading, and Sherlock Holmes, under the name of Shairlock Hollmess, was the general favourite. The new English boys at the school look askance at this friendship with the masters ; to their publicschool minds the " beak is almost necessarily the enemy, taking, at best, but a perfunctory interest in really important matters. Yet, in spite of the undoubted advantages of the French plan, it must be owned that there was a general sigh of relief when the clock struck nine, and the boys filed off to bed, after shaking hands all round. This question of shaking hands is a very perplexing one in France. At any moment of the "
THE FRITILLARY day a boy was liable to present a sticky paw to be shaken. Breakfast was invariably disturbed by relays of them, who, as they finished eating, came to say good morning before leaving the diningroom. A pretty custom, no doubt, but not a very pleasant one, for even at this hour of the morning hands were not very clean. True, there was one boy who was renowned for never having dirty hands or nails ; but then, as his friends explained, he never took them out of his pockets, and so could hardly be blamed. Yet the boys were washed enough. The small ones, who lived in another house until they were twelve, were scrubbed twice a day, morning and afternoon, by one unhappy master. As there were 25 of them to tub, and many submitted to the process with a very bad grace, it was no light task. In the big house they were allowed to wash themselves, though with someone standing by to see they did it—yet another shock for the English boys. Many parents objected to this use of soap and water as excessive, and I have heard the head-master, an Englishman, solemnly explain that the boys were made to take two baths every day then, in the hopes that, later on, they would at least have one. And this to a fond mother, who assured him that her sons had been used to having baths regularly, ever since they were twelve The small boys were a most pugnacious lot. It was no uncommon sight, on going into a classroom, to see two small figures prostrate on the floor, hitting, kicking, scratching. Fortunately their size made it easy to raise one with each hand and, with judicial solemnity, to knock their heads together. The lesson would then proceed peaceably, disturbed only by an occasional sniff or sob. A more dangerous form of fight often took place on the hockey-field, when two players would sometimes rush on one another with raised sticks. The umpire, generally one of the big boys, had occasionally great difficulty in keeping the peace. When the game had once begun, any player who spoke or slacked was promptly sent to run round the field, until such time as the umpire saw fit to let him take his place again. If the field became riotous, as sometimes happened, they would all be made to do drill for long enough to make
6-49
them eager to play again. The boy in charge of the game was usually armed with a small switch, with which he did great execution on their bare legs. A whistle, judiciously aimed at some tender spot, also proved an excellent stimulus. The " gosses,� to avoid these weapons, sometimes resorted to strange devices. One day at call-over, two were seen to look unusually fat. On further investigation it proved that one was wearing eleven sweaters, and the other seventeen I No wonder they were growing rather purple in the face. All the games, however, were not like these. The First XI. was distinctly good, and beat all the teams who came down from Paris to play them. There was a match every Sunday, and as many parents came each week to see their sons there were often a good many looking on. One of the sights of the game was the umpire, a very tall man, usually wearing a frock-coat, who managed to smoke a pipe, blow a whistle, watch the field, and talk amiably to the visitors at one and the same time. Many boys who had left for some years came back to the school, and it was interesting to compare them with those who were still there. A French boy's growth seems very spasmodic ; until about 13 or 14 he generally wears knickerbockers and socks, often held up by suspenders. Then his voice cracks, his moustache begins to grow, and he suddenly goes into long trousers, high, very high, collars, and kid gloves. After he leaves school another change takes place, due, this time, to a definite cause—his military training. This time does much for him ; amongst other more important services, it obliges him to spend two years without the long lock he loves to cherish on his forehead. But the lock, like Belinda's, soon grows again, and many other changes in him are no more last, ing. It remains to be seen what sort of a man the new school will produce. H. G.
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THE FRITILLARY. the Iter.
A POET'S soul in Paradise Stood at the inner door, And wept, where holy hearts arise To joy for evermore. " What bring'st thou, soul ? " the Angel said : " Nothing but love and tears. Poor earthly songs, unknown, unread, Dimmed with the dust of years." On earth a child kept holiday, And read, with eyes all bright, A tattered leaf, an old-time lay Long hidden from the light. Through long and dreaming hours beguiled, Till every word was done, With new-found ecstasy the child Ran laughing in the sun. His laughter rang to Heaven's shore, Clear as a viol-chord. " Come, enter soul, need'st wait no more : " The angel, opening wide the door, Gave glory to the Lord. VIOOLTJE.
Our lileabing Vartr. WE had perforce to call it a "Reading Party." There was no other name wherewith to delude ourselves as well as our relations ; unbelievers would say " a play party ;" scoffers might refer us to the Children's Country Holiday Fund— even we must allow that while in theory we studied Plato and the Volsunga Saga, in practice it was Nature and the Child. "Nature" to us meant the delights of a Devonshire farm, perched on the side of a hill, with a view that, but for an intervening barn, would have extended for miles. Our Tr _TvLa Rlpi j understood all our needs. She had "done the dressmaking herself, so knew what brainwork was." She said we should be " quite
quiet, but for the geese." It was a very big But, for the said geese lived just under our window, and as it was getting near Michaelmas, their raucous notes rivalled those of a very husky dying swan. Within, too, all was not harmony. Though from our sittingroom-grate beamed self-complacent chrysanthemums, proud in the recollection of having once adorned a lady's two-guinea hat, yet the pictures were staring, not to say loud ; the table-cloth was of livid green, and smote our hearts whenever we looked at it, for it was only "on approval ;" the harmonium had lost all its stops, and seemed likewise to have something very bad the matter with it ; and when our minds were deepest in thought, malevolent antimacassars suddenly slipped down the shiny backs of our chairs, and enveloped our heads. But the rowdiest element of all was the Child— a grandson not more than two years old, although our landlady herself had figured in the French Revolution, according to her own account. (Query Did she mean the Franco-Prussian War and the Siege of Paris ?) At first the boy was quiet, because he was shy ; but ' Custom diminishes Awe,' and we soon learnt that friends have to bear their friends' infirmities. And he was kind to us : he gave us bites from his own apple, nuts to crack from his own mouth, and flowers which, in defiance of all commands, he had picked from the front-garden. One day he came into our room chuckling with unholy glee. We did not know the reason, until we found his baby-sister choking over an apple, which in a fit of ultra-generosity he had pushed into her mouth. But these disturbances to our peace were trifling compared with a most serious fear which hung over our heads like a cloud : it was lest we, too, should follow the example of the last lodger, and depart 4 lbs. heavier than when we came ! M. C. G. W. :
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THE -FRITILLARY.' % Orilla. I LOVED when first I saw you ; that is true. But not because your outward form was fair, Because the twining tendrils of your hair Were chains of gold to bind my heart to you ; Nor for your eyes, blue as the heavens' own blue, Nor for your voice, tender and soft and low. But all these beauties, this fair outward show Part hid, and part revealed, the soul of you. Then can you think that now I love you less, When waning life of half its charms has 'reft That form divinely wonderful—but left The spirit freer from its mortal dress ? Tis now, dear heart, your beauty dawns on me, Guiding my soul into eternity.' C. F.
1Denieter Mourning. DAWN : the grey light is just beginning to brighten over olive - clad hills and grey -blue./Egean, for it is a soft grey place, this land of Greece, and only when the sun is up receives its gleaming purple robe of ocean. Facing the coming brightness in the sky, and sitting, wearied out, upon a rock, the figure of a woman wrapped in dark enfolding drapery. She is looking with weary eyes out across the sea, and her face is marred with the traces of tears. But now, too tired to weep, utterly hopeless, she sits gazing drearily straight before her. So has some master hand shown her in endur-' ing marble, resting here alone, the " mourning mother" of that ancient world., She is very dignified, very beautiful, but now there are piteous little hollows at the corners of the lips, and the lids are heavy above the tired eyes, for she has wandered the world o'er, seeking her child, and all in vain. There is a sound behind her, but she does not turn ; quick childish feet speeding down the deep worn waggon-track ; girl-children holding up their
trailing robes to run the faster, their golden hair blown backward, waving and gleaming "like the crocus-flower in spring." They stop, whisper ; then the eldest ventures " Will the stranger come With them; home to their father's halls? There is a child to be nursed. Their lady mother will make her welcome." The youngest creeps closer with shy friendly eyes, full of pity, and stretches up a small confiding hand. Demeter does not speak, but rises with bowed head, and follows the awed children silently, treading the rough path with shining feet. But when they reach the stately home of Celeus, the children run to gather round their mother and the baby brother cradled on her knee, half afraid at the trouble in their guest's strange sad eyes. But surely she is changed ! As she steps upon the threshold the hall within is lit with a sudden soft brightness. The mantle falls from her shining hair ; Demeter stands divine in all her beauty, stretching her arms to take the little one nestling there, who shall for at least a little while stay the dreary aching of that lonely mother-heart. I. S. :
,
3n Illbemoriant t
DOROTHEA BEALE, obiit November 9th, 1906. Her Device the Daisy. :
Her Motto
:
Ccelesti luce crescat.'
as the daisy in the heavenly light, " Still upward looking, may they live and grow, Till with'the light instinct they love and know It as the only seurce of lasting might. Oh may the virtue of that radiance bright Fresh energy inspire, new power bestow, That ever earnest, restless they may go To noble -works, planned boldly, wrought aright."
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Such was the teaching in thy life enshrined : And now the thoughts of them, that mourn the end Of the material organ a of thy mind, Have comfort, since on earth the strong may blend Their thoughts with ours without the senses' aids, Thy strength can move us from the insensate shades. [Haud immemor neque ingrata.]
Ogforb Ztubents' 'Debating Zocietr. June, 1906. President—Miss MOWLL (S. H. H. ). Secretary—Miss KEELING (S.H.H.). Treasurer—Miss BELL (L. M. H.).
AT its last meeting during the Summer Term, the Society sat in judgment on itself, the motion being " That this House is effete, and in need of Drastic Reform." Miss HOUGH (S.H.H.) proceeded at once to the attack. She arraigned the House for its lack of earnestness and desire for the discovery of truth, and for its prosy theorizing '; with noble inconsistency she declared that the speeches were often splendid, but met with lukewarm indifference and absence of applause; she complained of the slack attendance of members, and of their habit of coming merely to vote for a member of their own Hall. Yet the value of the Debate as the only source of inter-collegiate intercourse was evident. Miss Hough then urged Reform upon the House ; the speeches were too long, and therefore the time allowed should be less, and the first and second speeches should be introductory, not exhaustive. Above all the House must join with more energy in public discussion and season their speeches more liberally with humour and wit. Miss Hough's excellent speech told against ft N.B. tryavor (organ) =, instrument or tool. The body is evidently the organ of the mind.
herself, for it was a convincing proof that the House was not effete, since in one member at least the fire of life was still glowing. Miss SKRINE (L.M.H.) arose to find the House depressed and its officers cowering behind their candles ; but by one glance at the confident smile of their defender they were re-assured. She called upon the House to realize the glorious possibilities within itself; after deprecating the use of the word drastic, ' she pointed out that the motion was inconsistent, since Reform was necessary for the living and vigorous and useless to the effete. The debates of the House exercised the virtues of self-denial and patience in its members, and she protested against any shortening of the speeches on the paper, as also against the exchange of " solemn sense for ribald idiocy" in a mistaken search for humour, and against the cruelty of establishing a first-year debate. She ended by proclaiming the zeal and enthusiasm of the Society. Miss Skrine's speech was most spirited and encouraging, and the House proceeded to justify her faith in its zeal, and for the rest of the evening poured forth a stream of contradictory complaints and suggestions for Reform. Miss CUTHBERT (L.M.H), ex-President, complained of the length and dullness of the speeches on the paper. Miss SPICER (S.C.) declared that the attendance was small compared with the large number of students in Oxford. Miss CORBETT (S.C.) excused the Society on the ground that, as there were few students in Oxford, the choice of speakers was small. Miss ROGERS explained that she had long been thirsting for Reform. She complained that Members were apt to speak several times in the course of one evening and indulge in altercation ; that the speakers were inaudible, and either whispered essays to the President, who was of no importance, or to their opponents, who were the last persons likely to be convinced ; and that the speeches were too often read. Finally, she recommended a really drastic Reform and no tinkering. Miss Rogers' speech delighted the House. Miss WEST (S.H.H.) recommended that all
THE FRITILLARY. speakers should turn their backs on the President, and that the Mover should speak several times in the course of the evening so as to inject points into the discussion. Miss WEST, supported by Miss BOWEN-COLTHURST (S.H.H.), seemed to have strong views as to the desirability of speaking repeatedly, and carried out these views in practice. Amongst other injected points, Miss BowenColthurst complained, that though she had long been dying to speak, she had never been invited to do so. Miss ESCREET (S.C.), ex-Secretary, complained that members gave no previous thought to the motions before engaging in discussion. Miss LEVETT (L.M.H.) wished to fill the crossbenches. Miss CUTHBERT attacked the House for its silences in discussion, and defended its officers. Miss RYLE (S.C.) wished to force every member to speak once during her first year. The PRESIDENT complained of the difficulty of finding motions as no member ever sent in suggestions, and recommended the choice of political subjects. The debate closed with successive points alternately suggested by Miss Bowen-Colthurst and Miss West. October 2 3rd. President—Miss CORBETT, S.C. Secretary—Miss HICKS, S.C. Junior Treasurer—Miss HouGH, S.H.H. THE motion before the House was "That fiction is the highest form of prose literature." Miss SNOW (S.C.), in moving the motion, stated her opinion that drama, either as fiction or as poetry, is included by the whole class, fiction. Fiction is the only form of prose literature quite independent for its value on external causes. If all men were endowed with pre-natal knowledge no historian would be needed, but could we ever dispense with fiction ? We may be taught to write history, and we must learn a little even to write an essay—much, if it be a scientific one—but nothing can teach us to write fiction. The materials for fiction are drawn from the 3
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whole of human life : so of course are those for history, in a certain sense. But history deals only with ascertained facts concerning the lives of men. Even Aristotle, however, does not quite exclude history from fiction 1 But the drawback of history is that it cannot all be perfectly known : fiction gives us all causes and all events, while history can only give us isolated events, and thus may perhaps instil into us false views of human life. Essays themselves become fiction when they challenge the supremacy of fiction in dealing with life. It must be acknowledged that fiction can reach greater depths than other forms of literature, as for instance the blood and thunder novel, but the greater the degradation the greater the general activity, and the greater the heights reached in the contrary direction. Fiction makes a greater impression on the memory than anything else. Any kind of writing becomes more vivid and poetical as it approaches fiction. Metaphors, for instance, always shed an explanatory light, and are not they only an extremely idealized form of a short story ? Fiction is really a question of inspiration, not of talent ; the novel is therefore a better vehicle for a great mind than any other form of prose literature. It appeals also to nobler forms of human nature, and touches deeper issues : one understands the mind of the author of a novel far better than that of an essayist. Fiction, finally, is a real creation, and can be got in no other way. It is a masterly explanation of motive. The Hon. Mover made a speech of striking thoughtfulness and originality, and we hope often to hear her again. She would gain very much by a slower, clearer, and more even delivery, but the House strongly appreciated the excellent matter contained in her remarks. Miss JACQUIER (S.H.), rising to oppose the motion, complained that the part allotted to her was obviously that of a prig. The novel at present has taken the world by storm, and to criticise it is a thankless task. What, however, is the philosophical justification of the novel ? It usurps both tragedy and comedy,
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but what superiority can it boast over drama ? And the qualities specially looked for in a novel can be found, enhanced, in Charles Lamb, and other great essayists. The novel, it is said, is the work of the heart, the essay of the head ; but it is really impossible to judge where inspiration ends and cleverness begins. Maeterlinck and Stevenson and suchlike men shew genius whatever they write. The prose writer must take care to avoid the danger of being attracted into poetry ; but the essayist, the biographer, are also born and not made, and, on the other hand, the qualities necessary for a novelist adorn a dramatist even more. Bad novels, as is universally known, are read the most : almost anything is accepted in prose as fiction. The days have degenerated since Robinson Crusoe, with its searching psychological disquisitions, took the world by storm. The lower the form it can take, the more hysterical may the modern novel become ; and even in the good novel, the forces of prose and poetry contend with each' other so seriously that the whole structure may finally fall to the ground. The Hon. Opposer made a very good opposition to a motion with which, perhaps, she really felt some sympathy. Her delivery was good and her points excellently clear, but the speech a little lacked spontaneity. Miss SKRINE (L.M.H.), speaking on the subject of the novelist writing poetry, said that Robert Hichens could not have gained the same result in his description of human life if he had written in poetry. The modern novel had taken the place of epic poetry. Miss BLAKE (S.H.) argued that we go to the novel as a rest, and do not trouble ourselves to remember it. And as regards exposition of motives, other prose literature can do this much better, with no irrelevancies. Miss LEVETT (L.M.H.) mentioned the necessity of bringing Aristotle's name into every, meeting of the Society, and introduced the question as to whether Aristotle's works are more important than fiction or not. Is philosophy to be counted as
fiction ? If not, philosophy must surely bear away the palm ; it is for all time, not for an age. Miss BALL (S.C.) raised an objection to a remark which had been made to the effect that popular novels pandered to the public taste. Many popular novels are the spontaneous expression of great thoughts, expressed in a form which touches a very large majority of people. Miss PETO (L.M.H.) made the distinction that the essay was only suggestive, while the novel was exhaustive. After some animated discussion the motion was carried by 53 votes to 45. November 6th.
THE motion before the House was, "That this House would view with disapproval any attempt at disestablishing the Church in Wales." Miss BALLARD (O.H.S.), in proposing the motion, adduced two sets of arguments, — those applying to the question considered from the national point of view, and those applying to it when considered on its own merits. She contended first that without Establishment there would be national apostasy. There would be, for instance, no recognized religious ceremony at any coronation, and no chaplains for army or navy. Small country villages would lapse into the position of up-country stations, and would receive no attention of any kind. Offerings also for hospitals and other charitable institutions would be diminished, for the people belonging to the Church would naturally give all their energies to supporting her. As regarding Wales in particular, the Hon. Mover laid most stress upon the historical argument in favour of Establishment. Welsh nationalism tends to take the view that the Church is an alien and a foreigner, and that in supporting her Welshmen are turning their backs upon national ideals. This, however, is only party spirit, for the Church in Wales is older than the Church in England, and has been continuous since its foundation. But though its origin was quite distinct and very early, there was a gradual movement, caused perhaps by lack of internal organization, towards union with England. This union
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was not by any means forced upon the Welsh Church from without. It came naturally and gradually to pass, though there was never any formal fusion or Act of Parliament. Since then the ecclesiastical union of England and Wales came into being so long before the political union, the case of the Irish Church is not a parallel one. The Welsh Church, though it has strong national characteristics, is an integral part of the English one, and cannot -be torn away. The Hon. Mover then discussed rather at length the benefits conferred on Wales by the Church in the past, and maintained that not only was the Church in Wales at present most energetic, hardworking, generous, and earnest, but that there was now in Wales no real hostility towards Establishment. The Hon. Mover's enunciation and delivery were most excellent, and made her speech a pleasure to listen to. Unfortunately, the detailed digression which she made into the early history of the Welsh Church tended to destroy the clearness and relevancy of her speech, and also forced her to stop speaking rather abruptly through lack of time to draw her remarks to a close. Miss BICKMORE (S.H.H.), opposing the motion, drew attention to the wording of the motion, which proved that in spite of history the Established Church was still " the Church in Wales," not " the Church of Wales," or " the Welsh Church." Quoting Mr. Goldwin Smith, she said that "the Celtic peasant can be a fervent Roman Catholic, or a fervent Methodist, but a sober and earnest Anglican, never." The Church, of course, has done much for Wales it has had wealth and influence on its side but it has always been alien and considered so. It has been and is regarded as an alien settlement enjoying national money. The Irish Disestablished Church has been accused as the origin of Irish troubles since the Disestablishment ; but these troubles have been due to national ideals not wholly wrong, only wilfully misled by agitators. This is not true in Wales, where judgment is far less misled. The Irish and Welsh Churches do not afford parallel cases, for the Irish Church was never :
;
655
as national as the Welsh one. The Establishment in Ireland was forced on the country, naturally enough, though unwisely, when England conquered Ireland. The Church in Wales has always been a Church of the rich, never of the poor, and it is obviously unjust for a small minority to enjoy a large amount of national property. It is not likely that the Welsh people will return as a body to the Established Church—the feeling against it has been too bitter ; but if the Church were disestablished, and left to advance on her own merits, many people would return to her. In those parts of Wales where the Church has practically been in a state of disestablishment, she had flourished best. The Hon. Opposer traced the lines of Irish Disestablishment, maintaining that Establishment gave prestige not because of actual establishment, but because of consequent high organization. The Hon. Opposer did much to spoil the effect of a good speech by dealing too fully with the state of things in Ireland. She also was obliged to leave her speech unfinished owing to lack of time. Her points were well thought out, but her delivery was not so good as that of the Hon. Mover. Miss BOND (L.M.H.) quoted Mr. Gladstone in favour of Disestablishment in Wales, and pointed out at some length how little the Church really has to lose by Disestablishment, vigorously denying that Disestablishment means national apostasy. National religion must be from within, and the external forms must necessarily vary. Miss KNIPE (S.H.H.) strongly supported the motion. No Church, she said, can be the property of a small religious class. The Welsh Church may have been in the eighteenth century the Church of the rich, but that is not now the case. Separation makes for weakness, and is to be avoided. Miss JACKSON (S.C.) opposed the motion on the grounds that a national Church is an illogical thing, and that in Mr. Birrell's words, " an illogical opinion only needs rope enough to hang itself." There can be no argument in favour of a body
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656
primarily existing for religion, but putting itself willingly under a Parliament not necessarily religious in any way. The Church has done good in Wales, but is not now in the same position. Miss LEVETT (L.M.H.) said that a national form of organization has at any rate existed for a long time, if it has not succeeded, and all organization must not be swept away. Episcopal endowments cannot in honesty be confiscated for any other purpose. Disendowment, in fact, would be common robbery. Miss MEATES (L.M.H.), speaking against the motion, said that a nation has a right to judge for itself, and if the Welsh wish for Disestablishment, surely that is a strong argument in its favour. The motion was finally carried by 36 votes to II. November 2 oth.
THE motion before the House was, " That this House condemns the methods of the Kindergarten System as utterly false and worthless." Miss LEVETT (L.M.H.) began her speech by apologising to the House for any unintentional slur that she might cast upon those products of Kindergarten training who should be present. She then explained that the name " Kindergarten " was a mere chance, and insisted that the analogy between " children " and "garden" was far-fetched and unnatural. The Hon. Mover declared that play was the natural employment of children; that their training should consist of that which fitted them best to take their part in society, to be obedient, and to be dependent on authority; but they are evidently not to be overburdened with this, for in her next remark the Hon. Mover pleads" Leave them time to dream awhile !" She complained that no time was allowed to children for " profitable dreaming," and drew a ghastly picture of a poor mite wrestling under the strain and fatigue of a "constant benevolent supervision " There was no need, she insisted, for a child to live two lives at once Let it learn family life first, and use its nursery not its kindergarten for a creche !
!
!
The Hon. Mover then condemned Froebel's method as complicated and artificial, and in particular attacked his geometrical methods on the grounds that it was far better to proceed to the abstract from the concrete. "Better give a child an apple than a sphere"—a statement which the House corroborated with an undue amount of applause She asserted that a child who has taught itself to read, reads more quickly than a Kindergartentaught child, with infinitely more interest to itself. The House was then treated to a humorous. description of a lesson on Nature Study. A child encouraged to ask intelligent questions is given a buttercup, and naturally asks, " Why is the buttercup yellow ?" The unfortunate mistress falls, deplorably short of Froebel's ideal, and replies, " Don't you think Mother Nature thought dear little Buttercup would look pretty in yellow !" The Hon. Mover then complained that the art of needlework was neglected, and argued that a„ scarlet outline in wool of a cow was hardly a satisfactory substitute. She felt strongly that through this Kindergarten system originality wasstifled, free play hampered, and solitude, so essential to a child, practically denied to it. The Hon. Mover's speech was delightful, combining as it did sound good sense and humour. The House was most appreciative, and received all her points enthusiastically. Miss BOTTOMLEY (S.C.) in opposing the motion insisted that the education received in very early years was of more importance than that of any later period, for it was in those early years that habits and character were formed. She admitted that play was the natural occupation for a child, but at the same time argued that everything was play to them. True to her position as opposer to this motion, she upheld Froebel's theory as ideal, and submitted that though no child had the power of voluntary attention, all had that of practical and interested attention. Definite play, she argued, taught a child the idea of obligation to duty, discipline and observation. She maintained that the Kindergarten system was in every way fitted to prepare a child for school life, and as regards family life the Hon.. .
!
THE FRITILLARY. Opposer argued that it was bad for a child's ideas to be bounded by the family : that it cannot too early learn that it belongs to the State. In reply to the argument that a Kindergarten relieved the mother of too much responsibility, the Hon. Opposer remarked that the time spent at school was barely two hours The question was rather : Two aspects of the same life, not two different lives. The Hon. Opposer insisted on the necessity of " constant benevolent supervision," both corrective and helpful, and defended the charge of artificiality by a definition of the word. If we take it as meaning " Planned by man," then the charge applies not only to Kindergartens but also to every branch of education. If on the other hand it be taken as "contrary to natural development," Froebel's system immediately robbed the charge of all its validity. The Hon. Opposer's speech was at this point cut short, since she had already exceeded the time limit. It seemed a pity that she had dwelt so lengthily on her first two points, for surely z o minutes is quite long enough, if not a good deal too long, for the two opening speeches of debate !
!
Public Discussion. Miss COMMIN (S.C.) pointed out at least half-
a-dozen inconsistencies in the speech of the Hon. Mover, and insisted on the use of companionship for children. Miss HADOW (ex-President) described a Kindergarten as a place for the mentally deficient, and pointed out the pernicious influence that was exerted over the child—when it was taught that it was the centre of attraction to every grown up person She objected to the "conscious moral aim " that was attached to everything the child was taught—the idea that such a theory as the reconciliation of opposites was inculcated while the infant folded its blue and yellow paper into patterns Let it learn exercise for the sake of exercise, self-control and self-effacement. Miss COOPER rose to support the opposer of the motion, and complained that justice had not been done to the underlying principles of Froebel's Theory. She drew a distinction between play and
6 57
work—the latter being activity for its own sake, the former activity for the sake of its result. She argued that Kindergarten games were games only in a sense—that they were really small concerted dramas, wherein a child was taught selfrestraint. She supported the theory of Nature study, and implored the House to vote against the motion, though she was convinced that, if the motion were passed, it would but show that the House had altogether the wrong idea of Froebel's Method ! Miss EASTON (S.H.) doubted if Kindergarten work could be called play, and argued that play was a preparation to help a child to live its adult life. Miss FREIRE - MARRECCO (ex-President) delighted the House as usual with one or two very humorous remarks. She insisted that the characteristic of play was that it was voluntary not directed. Miss PHILLIPS (S.H.H.) reminded the House that the applications of the principles of Froebel's Theory had not been intelligently carried out. She contradicted the Hon. Mover's statement that the name Kindergarten had been a mere chance—pointing out that Froebel's great idea was that of development. Miss CORNISH (S.H.H.) made a stand for the old system of memory work. She disapproved of fascinating clay being substituted for slate and sum, and quoted Herbert Spencer to support her point, " Do what you ought when you ought." The Hon. Mover added one word of regret for her inconsistency before the House divided. There voted for the motion 31, against 37.
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Ogforb Ztubents' Lawn tennis Club. OFFICERS. Captain—Miss HAMMONDS (S.H.H.). Secretary —Miss WOLFERSTAN (S.C. ).1 Representatives—Miss HANNAH (L.M.H.), MISS HARRISON (O.H.S.), Miss TAYLOR (S.H.). At a meeting held at St. Hugh's Hall on October
658
THE FRITILLARY.
r8th Miss Hannah and Miss Wolferstan were elected to join Miss Hammonds on the Selection Committee. Miss Wolferstan was also elected as Secretary for the coming year. A meeting for Selection of Candidates was held on the 23rd October. The following were elected as Members of the Club : — Miss Jobson (L.M.H.), Miss Stocks (L.M.H.), Miss Tree (S.H.H.), Miss Mercier (S.C.). There have been three meetings of the Club this term. An American tournament was held on Tuesday, the r3th November, at L.M.H., for members of the various College Clubs not necessarily members of the Central Club. Members of the Club at present :Honorary: Miss Bruce (S.C.), Miss Pope (S.C.), Miss Lodge (L.M.H.), Miss Hadow (L.M.H.), Miss Fry (S.0 ). Miss Hammonds (S. H. H.), Miss Hannah (L.M.H.), Miss Fletcher (L.M.H.), Miss Dodwell (S.H.), Miss Mack (S.H.H.), Miss Jackson (S.C.), Miss Wolferstan (S.C.), Miss Jobson (L.M.H.), Miss Stocks (L.M.H.), Miss Tree (S.H.H ), Miss Mercier (S.C.). The annual Match against Cambridge was held this year in June at Ranelagh Club, Barnes. Several of the contests proved exciting, and were well fought, but we were unfortunately much the weaker team, and only succeeded in winning one event out of nine. The six players from Oxford were as follows :'Miss Stocker (L.M.H.), (Captain). 1Miss Terry (S.C.). 'Miss Rogers (L.M.H.). Miss Hammonds (S.H.H.). Darke (S.H.). 1Miss {Miss Jackson (S.C.).
Ogforb
7atitteb
inchep team.
Captain—J. WALFORD (S.C.). Secretary—D. ANDREWS (L. M. H. ).
As it was decided last year that there should be no United Matches this term and only three
practices—we have only had one practice so far— there is therefore nothing to criticise. The team will be selected early next term (subject to alteration), when we hope to have regular weekly practices and four matches.
Stubents' tinamatic liteabing Club. (St. Hilda's Hall). PEARSON (St. Hilda's Hall). WE started an inter-collegiate Dramatic Reading Club with a reading of Sheridan's "The Critic," on Wednesday, November 28th, at St. Hilda's Hall. A promising number of students have joined, and, though the majority have no extra time to give up to the new enterprise, those who can spare the two hours seem prepared to enjoy the meetings to the full. President—Miss Secretary—Miss
JACQUIER
1Labp 111Jargaret HOCKEY CLUB
(Captain, D. L. ANDREWS; Hon.
Secretary, R. F. WESTERN).—It has been very difficult to get the Elevens into shape this term, as there has been so much illness at the Hall, and we have been unfortunate in having at least two substitutes in all ist XI. matches. The services of Miss Moorhouse and Miss Rogers have been much missed, but there are many good players among the freshers, and we hope that the Elevens will get into better shape next term. The results of matches are as follows :— 1st XI. v. Old Students, won 6—z. v. St. Hugh's, won 2—I. v. Etceteras I., won 5—I. v. Somerville I., lost 4-6. v. Abingdon Ladies, lost 1-2. znd XI. v. Home Students, draw 5-5. v. Etceteras II., lost 8-1o. v. High School I., lost o-5. v. Somerville II., not yet played. v. Black Bourton Ladies, „ 3rd XI. v. Somerville III., won 3—I. v. Etceteras III., won 6-5. v. High School II., not yet played.
THE FRITILLARY. The 1st XI. shows plenty of individual talent, but is at present lacking in confidence and combination. The forwards are quick, but would do well to practise more tricks ; the defence is strong and steady. Miss M. Moorhouse and Miss Drew are both neat and effective, and Miss Drew is very useful in the circle. Miss Creighton is energetic and keeps the ball well under control, but must guard against roughness. Miss Hannah keeps up her brilliant play of last season. Miss Sinclair is slow at times, but is always steady and reliable. Miss Johnson makes a quick and useful half. Miss Morton has kept up her usual steady and effective play, and Miss Stocks and Miss Macrae have proved invaluable additions to the team. Owing to the changes necessitated by the absence of different members of the Eleven, Miss Western has played left half, right and left back, and right wing, and has done good service in each position. Miss Jobson, who has been unable to play this term, has been very much missed from the forward line ; we hope that she will be able to resume her place in the Eleven next term. Forwards : Misses M. Moorhouse, Creighton, Andrews, Drew, Western. Half-backs : Misses Johnson, Hannah, Sinclair. Backs : Misses Morton, Stocks. Goal: Miss Macrae.
The znd XI. combine well, and usually play a good steady game, but have been unfortunate in only once having their full team for their matches. Miss Branfoot makes a good centreforward, and Miss Tanqueray has improved wonderfully during the term. Miss Wingfield makes a good right wing, and has been a useful substitute in the 1st XI. The forwards must learn to make more of their opportunities in the circle, and to shoot quickly and hard. The halves are quick and feed their forwards well, but need to mark the opposing forwards more. Miss Warner and Miss Fletcher are developing into good backs, and, with Miss Davies-Colley in goal, form a strong defence Forwards: Misses Milne, E. Austen, Branfoot, Tanqueray, Wingfield.
659
Half-backs: Misses Evans, Smithwick, Hen-
derson.
Backs : Misses Warner, Fletcher. Goal : Miss Davies-Colley.
The 3rd Xls has played well and in good style, and contains several promising members. Miss Levett makes a good left wing. Miss Skrine is fast and shoots well, but must learn to combine more with her centre. Miss Sifford makes an energetic and reliable centre-half, her strokes are clean, hard, and well-directed. The backs play a good steady game. Forwards : Misses Levett, Skrine, 0. Lodge, Williams, Heath. Half-backs : Misses Rooke, Sifford, D. Lodge. Backs : Misses Barnard, Bond. Goal : Miss Scott. TENNIS CLUB (Captain, M. S. HANNAH).— Much keenness has been shown this term, and the courts have been in constant use. There are some quite good players among the first year students, and with practice they may improve considerably. A cup has very kindly been presented to the Hall by Miss Sonnenschein, to be played for annually between the houses.
FIRE BRIGADE
(Captain, R. JOBSON
;
Vice-
have enrolled 19 new members this term. Two chute and two bucket practices have been held. The first year members seem keen and competent. Captain, H. S.
DAVIES-COLLEY).—We
SHARP PRACTICE (President, A. E. LEvETT).— Sharp Practice has this term witnessed a strange phenomenon—thirty or forty persons sitting in absolute silence for at least one half-hour in the week, while brief and tentative remarks floated above their heads, supplied by a very small minority of the self-sacrificing. Spasms of enthusiasm have, however, roused the House to discussions on the proper function of slang, and of economy, while those who do not yet know Oxford intimately have upheld the proposition that England's greatness rests upon stupidity !
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66o L.M.H.
(Representatives, R. F. Pearson, Head of the Settlement, kindly gave us an interesting talk about the extension of their work. They have now more workers and• more work, and it only remains to increase the subscriptions. With a view to this, the Council hope to hold a large drawing-room meeting at the beginning of the year ; we hope it will be a great success. SETTLEMENT
WESTERN, 0. W. SINCLAIR).—MiSS
ESSAY CLUB (President, R. E. BELL).—Four meetings have been held this term. Papers have been read by Miss Clay on " Plato's view of the educational value of Art ;" by Miss Smithwick on " Great Artists and great Patrons of the Italian Renaissance ; " by Miss Skrine on " Greek Sculpture of the fifth century B.C. ; " and by Miss Morton on " The development of the Graillegends." The audience has on each occasion been large and interested, but discussion has not always flourished.
HEARTIEST congratulations to Miss Mitchell on her First in Greats ; Miss Pickford, Miss Freer, and Miss Sonnenschein on Seconds in History ; Miss Kemp and Miss Austen on Seconds in Science; Miss Andrews on her Second in Mathematical Mods. ; Miss E. Brown on her Second in English Literature ; Miss Carless on her Second in German.
New Students. Ethelwyn Austen, Highbury House School. Gemma Creighton, Surbiton High School. Ethelmay Christie, Streatham High School. Elsie Drew, Cheltenham Ladies' College. Constance Evans, Laleham, Eastbourne. L. B. Frere, Newcastle High School. Nellie Gayler, St. Mary's, Paddington. Helen Gifford, Allenwood, Wimbledon Park. Pleasance E. Johnson, Notting Hill High School. Fede M. Mackenzie, Maywood, Camberley. Florence A. Macrae, Croydon High School. Nancy Meates, Brighton High School. Margaret E. Milne, Bedford High School. Margery G. Moorhouse, The Laurels, Rugby. Kathleen Neale, Struan, Edgbaston, Birmingham. Ruth E. Scott. Helen Stocks, Bournemouth High School. Dorothy Swayne, Miss Geach, 5 Roland Houses, S.W.
Kathleen Tanqueray, Queen Margaret's, Scarborough. Marigold Tirard, Baker Street High School. Audrie E. Wells, Brondesbury Manor House. Violet Wingfield, Oxford High School.
Zomerville College. HOCKEY CLUB (Captain, E. JACKSON ; viceCaptain, L. SHAW).—A large number of new members have joined the club this term. Five of them play for the first eleven, three for the second, and three for the third. It is too early in the season to say much about the play. All the forwards need to combine more and to pass more quickly and neatly. The halves should hit harder, and look where they hit, especially near the goal circle. The backs also need to hit harder, and to clear the ball away more quickly. The matches for this term are as follows :—
Matches. ist XI. v. Royal Holloway College, lost 13-3. v. Games' Club, won 7—I. v. Lady Margaret Hall, not played. v. St. Hugh's Hall, not played. v. Etceteras, not played. 2nd XI. v. Etceteras, won 2—I. v. Lady Margaret Hall, not played. v. Graduates, not played. v. Home Students, not played. 3rd XI. v. Lady Margaret Hall, lost 3—I. v. Etceteras, not played. First Eleven (Provisionaz).. Forwards: Misses Walford, Jackson, Sulman, Harrison, Fletcher. _Halfbacks : Misses Northwood, Morgan-Brown, Ellis. Backs: Misses Dewhurst, Pelham. Goal : Miss Walton. Second Eleven. Forwards Misses Binney, Cudworth, Lyall, Blacker, Barrett. Halfbacks : Misses Blake, Byrom, Spicer. Backs : Misses Noakes, Mercier. Goal : Miss Shaw. Third Eleven. Forwards : Misses Frank, De Zouche, Scott, Jephson, Mackie. Halfbacks : Misses Simpson, Harrison, Walker. Backs : Misses Macphee, Klingenstein. Goal ; Miss Commin.
661
THE FRITILLARY. BOAT CLUB
(Secretary,
J. WALFORD).—There
are a good many new members this term, and more in prospect as soon as they have managed to swim their test. Many of the new members have already passed into the outrig, in spite of the floods, which prevented the inrig going out for a fortnight. We are very grateful to Mr. Carter, who has been kind enough to give weekly coachings in the art of sculling.
(President, D. WOLFERSTAN ; Secretary, W. MERCIER ; Treasurer, D. H. D. TENNIS CLUB
LYALL).—Arrangements have been made with Lady Margaret Hall for the Club to have the use of a court twice a week, and the practices have been well attended. Miss Mercier has been elected a member of the Central Club. SHARP PRACTICE (Secretary, D. WOLFERSTAN). —There have been some excellent discussions this term. Our numbers have been reinforced by a strong contingent of first-years, many of whom have spoken in the various debates. After the first meeting the rules of the Society were read aloud. The motion, " That a knowledge of spelling is not an essential part of a good education," was the occasion of a very lively discussion.
(President, Secretary, Miss ANSON ; Treasurer,
ARCILEOLOGICAL SOCIETY MILLER ;
Miss Miss
MORGAN-BROWN).--The Society is this term study-
ing Heraldry and Roman Remains. Five meetings have been held, all excellently attended. Papers have been read by Miss Anson and Miss Klingenstein on Heraldry, and by Miss Ryle, Miss Jones and Miss Northwood on Roman Remains. An expedition to Merton College is planned to take place on Nov. 22nd. FIRE BRIGADE, WEST
WITCHES' CAULDRON
(Secretary,
M. SNOW).—
This cooking society was founded in the Hilary Term, but has only just begun to be firm on its feet. Its objects were then stated to be (r) to encourage the universal human desire for mess ; (2) to make Somerville more womanly. It now numbers ro full members and 6 honorary members. The full members hold meetings in turn, if possible within a week of each other. There have been made this term :Nov. 2nd. Welsh rabbit, by Miss Anson. Successful. Nov. 9th. Ground-rice blancmange, by Miss Bailhache. This would have been successful, but for the impatience of the members, who would not allow it to cool. Nov. r 6th. Scotch scones, by Miss Ellis. Successful. The society is democratic in form, and dispenses with a president. The only official is a secretary, whose duty it is to write down successful receipts in a book kept for this purpose. It is also her duty to make the members do what they are supposed to do, but in this she rarely succeeds.
New Students. M. Bailhache. W. E. B. Blacker. C. E. B. Blake. V. T. Burton. M. B. Byrom. G. M. B. J. F. Corbett. H. M. Eckhard. E. M. Edmonds. S. L. Edwards. R. M. Fletcher. A. M. C. Forster. T. Frank. J. M. Gwynne. F. L. Harrison. S. M. C. Hockin. J. M. Hughes. E. Macleod.
M. S. Macphee. F. M. Northwood. E. Oram. D. Pelham. M. T. G. Richards. R. Salisbury. M. E. Scott. L. M. Smith. M. H. Stanley. D. L. Sulman. N. M. Thomson. C. H. Tod. J. E. Viney. H. Walton. H. E. Wiltshire. A. K. Woolley.
(CaPain; H. BYRNE).
—A meeting was called during the first week of term to explain the duties of the Fire Brigade to the new students, twelve of whom joined. Practices have been held once a week, and the progress has been good.
St. Ibuob's bait. SHARP PRACTICE (President, L. F. TODD).— As a whole our discussions this term have depended for their success on the epoch-making
662
THE FRITILLARY.
speeches of the few rather than on the combined efforts of the many. It is pleasant to note some promising speakers among our new members, and to observe that the vivacity of the House scintillates with undiminished brightness in the department of private business. SHAKESPEARE SOCIETY(PreSident, A. M. BAKER). — This term the Society is reading " Twelfth Night." The humorous scenes have been rendered with much success, and the serious ones, though they have occasionally suffered from the intrusion of the comic element, have been equally entertaining. We only wish there were a sufficient number of parts in the play to meet the requirements of the growing Society.
BOATING CLUB (Captain, L. F. Toon.)—There is little to report about the Boating Club this term. The boats have not been used very much, partly owing to the fact that but few of the freshers have done their swimming-test, and consequently the size of the Club is considerably diminished. However, among those who have been able to boat there has been such steady improvement both in sculling and steering, that we are encouraged to hope for an appreciable addition to the ranks of the qualified during the coming year.
(Captain, G. C. HOUGH ; ViceCaptain, M. MACK ; Secretary, E. DUGGAN).— HOCKEY CLUB
The prospects of the Hockey Club seemed anything but bright at the beginning of the season, as the XI. had suffered from the loss of several strong players. It has, however, made up in pluck what it lacks in skill, and we have no reason to be discouraged by the results of the matches this term. The first two were most satisfactory, which made the result of the third, perhaps, more disappointing than it would otherwise have been. As usual the defence is very much stronger than the attack. The forward line lacks combination, chiefly owing, perhaps, to the fact that it is still without a reliable centre.
Matches. v. Home Students, won 5—I.
v. L.M.H. 1st, lost 2—I. v. Etceteras 1st, lostto—I. Goal : G. Irwin. Backs : M. Mack, L. Todd. Half-backs: D. Penny, K Duggan, L. Bickmore. Forwards: M. Tree, M. Tudor, G. Hough, B. Scott, M. Roechling,. M. H. have had two Sociables this term, both of which were very well attended. It is proposed to have a third on Thursday, December 6th, to which members of the Hall are requested to come in fancy dress. Judging by the large number of names already entered, and the keenness displayed on all sides, the scheme should prove a great success. SOCIABLES
(Secretaries, B. G. SCOTT,
ROECHLING).—We
BROWNING SOCIETY (President, M. OTTLEv).— The meetings this term have been well attended, and we are glad to welcome four new members. Results have, we trust, justified a rather ambitious choice of poems, comprising Ferishtah's " Fancies " and " Pippa Passes," and the Society owes a special debt of gratitude to those members whose artistic rendering of the more difficult passages has contributed so largely to raising the standard of our interpretation.
congratulations to L. F. Todd on her First in English, and to P. de B. F. BowenColthurst on her First in Science. HEARTIEST
New Students.
THIS term the following Students have entered into residence :M. Gordon, Godolphin School, Salisbury. J. Hanbury, St. Margaret's, Bushey. K. Hasegawa. G. Irwin, Queenwood, Eastbourne. D. Penny, Godolphin School, Salisbury. F. Robinson, Central Foundation School, London. M. Tree, Worcester High School. Princess Wiazemski.
THE FRITILLARY. %t. lbiltnes ART CLUB
(President, C. M. E.
BURROWS).—
The club has held four meetings this term, at which papers have been read on the Renaissance Sculptors of Italy, including the Pisani, Donatello, and Michael Angelo, on the Della Robbias, and to add to our previous list of painters, Correggio and Pinturicchio. The papers have shown a high level of interest, and have been carefully worked out and illustrated, although at present we cannot pretend to much original art criticism. We are looking forward to welcoming our friends and fellow-enthusiasts at our open meeting on December 1st, when Mrs. Wells has kindly promised to give a Lantern Lecture on some of the Italian pictures in the National Gallery. Next term we hope to begin the study of the Northern Schools of Painting in Germany and Flanders. We owe many thanks to our anonymous donor who has presented to our Art Library a large set of excellent post-card reproductions of Rembrandt's drawings.
THE LIBRARY (Librarian, C. M. E. BURROWS). —The Committee wishes to thank many kind donors of books, during the last two terms, including gifts from Sir R. Anderson, the late Miss Beale, Miss Counsell, Miss G. R. Evans, Miss HayesRobinson, Miss G. Moore, Rev. N. Odeh, Somerville College Library (several volumes of the Rolls series), Mr. and Mrs. Wells, Miss G. Williams, Miss Wright, the Vice-Principal and students who went down last June. DEBATING SOCIETY
Vice-President,
(President,
Miss RICHMOND;
MISS JACQUIER ;
Secretary,
Miss
have had two animated debates this term, and have found our new members acquisitions to the Society. " The Art of a nation is more truly representative of its character than are its Politics" was contested pretty hotly, and the Sharp Practice 'Debate, " Cats should be taxed," brought forth eloquence. The third debate is to be on " Patriotism v. Cosmopolitanism." CARTMEL - ROBINSON).—We
HOCKEY.—The Hall has been unable this year to produce an eleven, but its ten playing members
663
have had some very good practices with St. Hugh's Hall at Summertown. Combined with the Home Students we played one match against the Dons and Graduates, but were defeated 8-2. TENNIS CLUB (Secretary, M. C. TAYLOR.).—We are rather below our usual form just now both in numbers and play, but we hope for better things in the Summer. Our pair came out second in the Inter-collegiate American Tournament. FIRE BRIGADE
(Captain, J.
DAVIDSON ;
Lieu-
tenant, J. BRAMELD).—The attention of the brigade
has been turned this term to rescuing lives and escaping from fire. Means of escape—ropes and chute—have now been adjusted to almost all the topmost windows of the hall, and every member of the brigade is prepared to guide the uninitiated safely to the ground. The two new members have by their intrepidity and activity proved themselves invaluable to the brigade. Beatrix Darke on her First Class Honours in History in the London B.A. CONGRATULATIONS to
Died at Cheltenham, on Friday, November 9th, DOROTHEA BEALE, Hon. LL.D. Edin., Principal of the Ladies' College, Cheltenham, in her 76th year. A GREAT loss has fallen upon the Hall this term in the death of our Foundress, Miss Beale. Long before she was able to open Cowley House as a place of residence for women students in 1893, she had cherished the hope that in some way her work for women might be brought in touch with the University. She took the keenest interest in starting St. Hilda's, and in planning almost every detail connected with its enlargements in 1895 and 1898. After the recognition of St. Hilda's as a Hall by the Association for the Education of Women in Oxford (1898), Miss Beale, on its financial side only, secured its incorporation with St. Hilda's College, Cheltenham, and to this associated body she generously presented the ground and buildings.
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As time went on, she naturally played a less active part in the development of the Hall, but she rarely failed to attend a Council meeting, and was ever ready with advice and help when needed. Her work for the cause of women's education is well known, and need not be repeated here. The whole-hearted spirit in which she did that work, the deep religious sense in which it was rooted, the extraordinary freshness and vigour with which she faced new problems, should never fail to be an inspiration to the members of the Hall she founded. To all of them she has been a benefactress, to many of them also a real friend. She fulfilled the motto which she chose for St. Hilda's Hall—' Non frustra vixi.'
'borne Stubents. COMMON ROOM (Miss M. M. C. POLLARD, for the Secretary).—" If you cannot change your house change your room, if you cannot change your room change your furniture." We have changed both our room and our furniture, for at the beginning of term we moved up a story higher, to the great peril of our necks, until our Treasurer agitated to have a rail set up. There have been three socials, which were better attended than those last term. BOAT CLUB (President, Miss Pollin).—Three new responsible members have been elected this term—G. Thatcher, M. Harrison, C. House. The O.H. Students have to thank the L.M.H. Boat Club for kindly allowing them another day's use of their boat during this term. We hope that they will be so kind as to continue to let us do so during next term also. LIBRARY (Secretary, Miss WILLS-SANDFORD).— The Library seems to have taken a most vigorous lease of life this term ; twenty members have joined, and in consequence we have been able to buy six new novels : we hope to hold an auction at the end of term, and so to obtain funds for further additions. DRAMATIC SOCIETY (President, Miss POOLE).— A Dramatic Society has this term been formed, with the primary object of reading the plays of Sheridan and other writers of High Comedy. At a meeting of inauguration, Miss D. J. L. Poole and Miss Plunket were elected President and Vice-President ; Miss R. F. Butler was good enough to undertake, in addition to her many other labours, the duties of Secretary ; while Miss Pollard and Miss Mayhew consented to serve as unofficial members of Committee. The Society has twice met. On 13th November,
entertained by Miss Butler, it read " The Critic," and on 28th November " The School for Scandal," Miss Poole being the hostess. Both meetings were entirely successful, and there is every reason to hope that the Society will be a source of instruction and amusement to its members for some time to come. CONGRATULATIONS to Miss Louise H. Perks on her First Class in the Honour School of English Literature.
Recent Appointments, mac. Miss Florence Isaac, Research Fellowship at Somerville College. Miss Nora E. MacMunn, Demonstrator in Geography for the Committee appointed by the University of Oxford for the Supervision of Instruction in Geography. Miss L. C. Lowe, Teacher for the London County Council Secondary Schools. Miss L. H. Perks, Assistant Mistress, Girls' High School, Newbury. Miss C. Bradley, French Mistress, St. Olave's Girls' Grammar School, S.E. Miss L. A. M. Bowditch, College for Girls, Plymouth. Miss E. M. Bowditch, Girls' Intermediate School, Cardiff. Miss Spencer and Miss S. Smith are writing for the Victoria County History; Miss V. Butler is teaching for the Association. In the absence of Miss Lewis, Miss . R. F. Butler is acting as Secretary to the Principal. HOCKEY CLUB.
Nov. 3rd. v. St. Hugh's Hall, lost 5—I. Nov. 13th. v. Lady Margaret Hall II., drew 4 all. Nov. 28th. v. Dons and Graduates, lost 7-2. Nov. 3oth. v. High School, not yet played. Dec. 4th. v. Somerville II., not yet played. We have been unfortunate this term in losing our Captain, Miss Mayhew, who has been unable to play hockey owing to ill-health. Misses Dundas, Smith, and Waller are a valuable addition to our playing members, though the latter can only play on Saturdays. As usual we have no fixed eleven, but the most regular players so far have beenForwqrds Misses M. Smith, Dundas, Moseley, Thatcher. Half-backs and Backs: Misses Butler, F. Maclean, Harrison, Poulton, and Swinburne. Misses Sells, Gray, Charles, House, Waller have also played in various matches. Printed by
JAMES PARKER & CO.,
Crown Yard, Oxford.