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THE
PEMBROKE BULLFROG being the periodical of THE J.C.R, PEMBROKE COLLEGE, OXFORD
Editor; R. G. S. Limbrick. Sub-Editors; D. Guru, 7. Otway, M. B. Henry, K. W. Fell. Business Manager; I. M. Bamforth. Photographer; P. Davis. •
W
AS Shakespeare Shakespeare, or was he Marlowe, Bacon or John Smith? Your guess is as good as that of the most erudite professor, who may have spent many an absorbing but nevertheless fruitless year in this enigmatic search for identification. To avoid any such needless expenditure of time, money and print, in trying to trace the works of our literary `immortals' back to their authors, either now or in the future, the "Bullfrog" has come up from its long period of gestation in the depths of the Editor's mind and looks forward to a long life recording the events' and affairs of Pembroke College and the literary achievements of its members. Many names were suggested for the title of the magazine, from the sober "Cerise and Blue" and "The Pembroke Periodical" to the more flippant "A Pemmy for your thoughts", "The Manciple's Tale" and "Bamforth's Bonanza". The "Pembroke Kettle" was also proposed and tentatively selected, but when it became evident, from the inquiries we received about it from outside the College, that it was going to be confused with Mettle, Nettle, Petal and Befall, we decided against it. We wanted a name which would be distinctive yet representative of, and easily associated with the College: a symbolic emblem. Dr. Johnson's teapot was one possibility, Hector's cap another, but after all due consideration of the valuable association of the bubbling and boiling activity of the former, we thought that a vociferous croak in College affairs would be more in keeping with the general attitude of the J.C.R., and the choice of the "Bullfrog" then became inevitable. The form of the magazine is purely of our own design. In parts there may be inconsistences, but with certain major aims in
view it was impossible to do more than establish the essential framework this time. With a magazine no less than with anything else, a harmonious and apparently effortlessly obtained unity is only achieved by devotion to detail. We wanted the "Bullfrog" to be representative of the College. With this end in view, there were certain articles which we considered basic necessities. 'The Master's Letter' forms a link with the S.C.R., the 'Bursar's Notes' cover the Staff and the actual affairs of the College as distinct from the affairs of the members of the J.C.R., "The Pembroke Profile" is designed more for those who have already been down some time, while for those still up there are several pages devoted to Society and Club activities, an article on one of the items in the Art Collection, and a resume of J.C.R. activities by the President. Unfortunately, the large number of set features has meant the exclusion of several contributions. We hope that this will not discourage those who have gone to some trouble to produce articles both interesting and well written. Perhaps with time and more money from subscriptions, more pages will be added and more people will be able to have their work published. R.G.S.L. THOSE PRESENT . . . From our Otway Bureau the Bullfrog hears with regret that this year's freshmen have imbued the College with a certain air of sobriety. In fact, if we can judge by the prevalence of beards and spectacles, and a sorry decline in the beer consumption, it looks as if books and brains are in, and love and liquor have gone the way of all flesh. However, among those who let the good times roll the 'horror quartet'—Bob Blow, Jeff Finden, Colin Grant, Gerald Lamming —have been keeping the 'Farmers' proverbially jolly. We learn too, that Michael Stott entertains every evening from 5-7 p.m. and can now lift six bricks with his big toe. Brian Bevan has temporarily renounced the television screen and the Teddy boy garb for the creaking boards, burlesque and barrel-organ music of the Old Time Music Hall stage. Here's hoping that his switch from stripping Johnny Ray to 'papering the parlour' will be a success. `Sunlight in the forest Romance in the air . . . But Julie had a prose to write, She wasn't there.' 2
This spring madness seems a bit early in the year even for David. Must be a second bounce reflection of Peter's longtime excuse for going to Cheltenham. Our sincere good wishes go to Julien Handler who was married in the Christmas vacation, while we look forward with pleasure to congratulating David Currill, Paul Hindle, Richard Lugar, Stephen Shipley and Joel Smith on their forthcoming marriages. With much pleasure too, we note the recent engagement of our late College Secretary, Miss McCallum, and wish her all happiness in the future. Even more recently we saw in The Daily Telegraph that Colin Wiggins had become engaged to Miss Jennifer Pulley. Who said a scientist couldn't be a humanist? Special congratulations to: — Bill Mandle for winning the University Gibb's Scholarship in Modern History. Rudolph D'Mello on his appointment to the editorship of `Clarion'. Graham Hall on the award of his Blue for Boxing. Roy Vernon on the award of his Half-Blue for Skiing. Paul Hindle on the re-award of his Trial Eight's Colours. David Hawkins on his election as President of the Russian Club, a position previously held by another Pembroke man, Brian Sparrow. Colin Wiggins on his election as President of the. University Scientific Club. Ken Parkinson on gaining admission to Lincoln Theological College. We welcome a newcomer to the College Societies, The Pembroke Debating Society' which under the paper-speaking guidance of Messrs. D'Mello, Saunders and Home aims to groom gentlemen in the delicate art of steering their proposals through the J.C.R. under the President's nose. As a rival attraction to the Tommy Browne, and in protest to the 'men only' debates of the Union, a team from St. Hugh's has been invited to brighten the question-time. In the world of sport more people seem to be watching television, our Tortoises, John Winch and Oliver Dickson are not coming out of their shells quite so Often, while John Metcalfe has only lately turned from strictly nursing to strictly training. We hope he is not having 'secretarial' trouble as a result of his election as an officer of the Centipedes. Somewhere we believe George Van Rossum is swimming. When the Pembroke party machine—Messrs. Tranter, D'Mello, Finden and the Bakunin-like Stanford—take over the Labour 3
Club, it has been asked whether they will be willing to donate a sum to the J.C.R. for the purchase of the Worker'? In briefs and shorts we learn that John Warburton continues not to let his work interfere with his outside activities', that Horace leaked at the Taj, that Messrs. Messenger, Needleman and Winterbottom deeply feel the absence of Michael Petry, but still take philosophy with their tea, and that Mr. Gillibrand is suggesting too much. THOSE PAST . , The Bullfrog has learnt with pleasure that: — In.Rome, at the Venerabile Collegio Inglese, C. J. Murtagh is in the middle of a four-year theological course. In the Roman Forum he has by chance, met two Pemmy men, one of them being A. Hands (1953) returning home from a West African University where he is now lecturing. A. C. Dean (1941) has added wood carving to his many other activities and may be appearing on television shortly. Derek Wood (1955) who took a degree in History, is now dividing his time between French and Tennis at Brentford School. He wishes to be remembered to the President and sends him a buffet. Derek is one of six fourth year graduates who are this term teaching outside of Oxford as part of their Dip. Ed. The other five are R. J. Lorimer, M. J. Petry, J. H. Smart, C. L. Beacham and R. 0. Burton. We wish them all success in their first practical encounter with education. To R. J. Lorimer also, go our congratulations on the award of a Rotary Travel Scholarship. From Dorset we hear that Colin Adlam (1955) is happily combining pipe, racket and bat with his other more serious duties as a Divinity teacher. Gavin Green (1941) is believed to be still 'somewhere in Africa'. A. Wallace Barr still looks forward to bringing a team from his own yacht club, at Seaview, Isle of Wight, every year, to race against the University. Paul Cooke-Wilkins (1955) is working hard at the Harvard Business School where he is particularly impressed by the method of teaching. He would be pleased to let anyone who is seriously interested in commerce know more about this School. His latest news of Derek Diamond (1955), who is on a twelve month course as a Graduate Assistant at the University of North Western, is that he went to Florida for Christmas, since when Paul has received no further information from him! 4
PEMBROKE COLLEGE 1925-1955 FELLOWS AND TUTORS Members of Pembroke College who are now undergraduates may be interested to know of some of the changes which have taken place in the last thirty years which covers the period from my election as a Fellow. The end of the war in 1918 found the College in very strait financial circumstances. While the number of undergraduates was stabilised after the post war years at about 125, it was not possible to maintain many resident Fellows and tutors. At the beginning of 1925 in addition to the Master, Dr. Homes Dudden, and Mr. Salt, the Bursar, there were only three teaching Fellows. The senior was Mr. Drake, tutor in Classics, Mr. R. G. Collingwood taught philosophy, in which subject he became celebrated. He was also the leading historian on Roman Britain. The third was the Rev. A. B. Burrowes" afterwards Bishop of St. Andrews. He was a historian, but his duties as Chaplain, Dean and general tutor in the then-important pass subjects left him with no time to teach for the Honour school. In 1925 the College felt able to add another fellowship in modern history to which I had the good fortune to be elected. In 1926 the new College and University statutes 'attached the Chair of Anglo-Saxon to Pembroke and this brought us Professor Tolkien as a colleague who was replaced by. Professor Wrenn in 1945. The Chair of Anaesthetics was added in 1937 and the first holder was Sir Robert Macintosh. We were then a body of seven, of whom only four were teaching Fellows. All students reading subjects not covered by the Fellows were sent out to other colleges. We had the services of many able tutors in this way but this was never felt to be as satisfactory as having our own tutors within the walls. In 1932 the College was able to afford an additional Fellow and Mr. A. Andrewes, now Professor Andrewes, was elected to a fellowship in ancient history. In 1934 Mr. Collingwood left to become Professor of Metaphysics at Magdalen and he was replaced by Mr. Macnabb. In 1936 a Lectureship in Economics was arranged jointly between Pembroke, Exeter and Corpus and Mr. R. S. Sayers, a Cambridge graduate, was elected. He was made a Fellow here just before the war and then left for Government service and at the end of the war became a Professor at London. In his place, Mr. Ward-Perkins was elected and shortly afterwards made a Fellow here. In 1946 Mr. Andrewes left us to return to New College and, instead of having an ancient historian we decided to have a lawyer. Mr. lieuston, a graduate of Dublin was chosen. In 1950 when Mr, 5
Drake retired from office, we elected Mr. Bond, also a graduate of Dublin. In 1937 Mr. Burrowes had resigned his Fellowship and our riew chaplain, Mr. Deighton, also undertook the teaching of mediaeval history for the Honour school. He was replaced in 1952, by Mr. Morris, who teaches mediaeval history and also, theology. This left us with six teaching fellows. Our next step was to add a scientist so Mr. O'Brien, who had for many years served the College as lecturer in natural science and physiology, became a Fellow. In 1953, on my appointment as Vice-Master, Mr. Macksey was elected to take over the modern end of the history school. In 1955 Mr. Browning who, as a research Fellow of Merton had been teaching our English students, was made a Fellow of Pembroke. We have thus raised the number of teaching Fellows from four, to eight.. On the administrative side, Mr. Salt retired in 1950 to be replaced by Mr. Bredin, formerly of the Sudan Political Service. The College has also been able to use the device of a lectureship shared with another College. This was done in English by arrangement with Brasenose and Dr. Jack served us in this subject until he had to limit his work to Brasenose only where he is now a Fellow. In 1953, to provide for the growing subject, modem languages, we joined with University in appointing Dr. Baldick. To make better provision for our teaching in the sciences be appointed a lecturer in Anatomy, first Dr. Harrison, now Professor at Liverpool, and then Dr. Sinclair. In 1955 Dr. Wilks was made Lecturer in Physics. For the new Geography school which had started just before the war, we were able to elect one of our own members, Mr. Paget, formerly the Townsend Scholar, to be lecturer in Geography. I should perhaps explain, by way of ending, the status of a Lecturer. A Lecturer, unlike a Fellow, is not a member of the Governing Body and has no responsibility for the general government of the College. But he is fully associated with it as a member of the Senior Common Room, attends meetings of the tutorial committee and examines candidates for scholarship and entrance examinations. R. B. McCallum.
6
NOTES FROM THE BURSAR Inevitably the opening paragraph of the Bursar's contribution to the College Magazine deals with the harsh facts of income and expenditure and with the battle against rising costs. Owing partly to the comparatively recent date of our foundation we are compelled to rely less than most other Colleges on income from benefactions. Nevertheless our Capital resources are not inconsiderable and since 1952 (when we amended our Investment Statute) we have been able to make better use of them by transferring a substantial proportion from gilt-edged stock into ordinary industrial shares. In this way, and by opening our doors to Conferences during the vacations, we have been able to find ways of improving our income other than by merely increasing fees and charges. Between the years 1948 and 1952 the tctal deficit on the running of the College amounted to some ÂŁ10,800 but since then the accounts for each year have shewn a small surplus. A tribute to the success of the cleaning of the front of the Master's Lodging comes from Christ Church where the Canons are said to be pressing for similar treatment for the cloisters of their cathedral. If resources permit we hope that in the Spring the patience of the parishioners of St. Aldate's will be further tried by the erection of scaffolding and the washing of the two large gables forming the north side of the Almshouse. To the ever changing undergraduate population and to the alumni our College servants provide a background as familiar and, almost as unchanging as our quadrangles, and it is only right that this column should include a tribute to them. In all the turmoil of the Oxford labour situation we are fortunnate in having this body whose loyalty to the College has been deepened by a lifetime of service. It is not always remembered that a College servant works a seven day week in term-time and that nowadays much of the vacation is taken up with conferences under conditions no less exacting than those of full term, Our pleasure at hearing the news of Miss McCallum's engagement has been quite extinguished by the thought of her departure from the College. Those many undergraduates whose path in dealing with Local Education Authorities, Examination Statutes, and all the varied matters falling within the province of a College Secretary she has smoothed with cheerful efficiency, will join me in expressing gratitude for the past and good wishes for her future happiness. We welcome Miss Sinclair who succeeds her and who will we hope find the atmosphere of this College no less congenial than that of. Lincoln. 7
Words from the President
S
USPECT as such an admission may seem, I must confess that I am enjoying my job. Unlike Harry Truman when he made a similar pronouncement, I am not seeking re-election. Before joining the "unemployed," however, I want to observe what has happened to the Pembroke College Junior Common Room and perhaps aid my successor in restoring "normalcy". Early in the year when I used the term "this administration" as a synonym for "I", a self-appointed critic wrote "POMPOUS" across my notice. Before retaliating in kind, I remembered that this was not the Denison University Campus Government where one administers a budget of L11,000, an undergraduate radio station, newspaper, court with powers of expulsion, registration of automobiles, assignment of parking facilities to undergraduates and faculty alike, and a host of other paternalistic functions. I have tried to forget "this administration". Here the President is not expected to complete tasks, but his failures must have a ring of sincerity. If objectives are reached, the mechanics of success must be hidden. Government must appear effortless, entertaining, and traditional. The President should be sufficiently handicapped domestically to prevent delusions of grandeur, yet correspondingly promoted abroad in order to prevent embarrassment to the electorate. This provides an enjoyable time for all, and I would not want to suggest that I have compromised tradition. Yet, the Committee has agreed with me that we might experiment by trying to fulfill every obligation which came to our attention. Ronald Limbrick as Secretary, Michael Bamforth as Treasurer, David 8
Currill as Food Member, Peter Davis as Maintenance Member, Andrew McKinlay as Television Member, and Simon Coke, as Chairman of the Art Committee have been so conscientious that any shortcoming of theirs is now considered "shocking," and Members appear to like "getting things done" after all. We have worked in an atmosphere of financial difficulty which we have sought to alleviate and to prevent in the future. The full membership of the J.C.R. has played an unsung financial role by assuming the current accounts deficit of ÂŁ176 with which we started our fiscal year. I have tried to cut expenditures and to fill our coffers in every honourable manner short of curtailing essential J.C.R. services. In the Hilary Term, our financial status is most encouraging. Our major achievement, however, has been an intangible one. At four of our six meetings to date, attendance has been over ninety and once reached one hundred and twenty. The excellence of the College Play and the publication of the Magazine are further indications of this spirit. Perhaps it can best be understood as a mutual desire to be a bit more interested, not only in the activities of others in this College but also cognizant of their feelings and aspirations. The current policies of the Boat Club, the Dance Committee, and the Teasel Club are in this spirit. The J.C.R. as a whole has realized that the Senior Common Room and the Bursar, in particular, as business representative, are warm friends of ours who have done their best to grant our requests. The members of the serving staff have likewise come to enjoy a more pleasant relationship with us, and this spirit of mutual understanding has manifested itself in numerous time-and-money-saving devices in addition to a minimum of strained feelings. Still in need of improvement, however, is the attitude of some Members with regard to the few responsibilities which membership imposes. In the last three nights of the Michaelmas Term, a lamp-stand was split, a coffee-table leg was smashed, and the back of a chair ripped in rather savage fashion. Such destruction is not only regretable, but inexcusable, and infuriating. This is the disheartening aspect of the Presidency. After concentration on both economy and creation of a maintenance fund for the future, the sight of wanton destruction is exceedingly disappointing. In future years, if anyone should be interested in discovering how we fared, I believe he will discover that we had an outstanding year. We have kept the good news to ourselves and all the news has not been good, but the structural and human relations of the Pembroke College Junior Common Room are sound without being smug or pretentious. R. G. Lugar. 9
Comics and the Inadequacy of the Law
T
HERE is no doubt that the 'Horror Comics', much publicised last year, have largely disappeared from the market as a result of the Children's and Young Persons (Harmful Publications) Act. But it is equally true that certain comics are still being published, which, in their emphasis on sex and violence, have as great a harm on children as the 'Horror Comics' themselves, while skilfully remaining outside the scope of the Act. Indeed, it seems that some of these comics might have been deliberately designed to evade the law. This is a problem which is causing great concern. It is in view of this, and the fact that these comics are still selling in large numbers, that a re-examination of the so-called 'harmless' publications seems necessary. Differentiation must of course always. be made. The so-called `good' comics, such as 'Tiny Tots', 'Beano', 'Eagle' and so on, are never offensive in any way. Right is triumphant, a criminal is never a hero, religion and politics are excluded, and deformity and poverty are never ridiculed. On the other hand, a large proportion of the comics of alien origin, and a certain number of those that are printed in England, are still objectionable. These English comics copy faithfully the American imported versions. There is, in fact, little difference between the two types, save for the fact that much of the American slang, unintelligible to us, is omitted. The worst types on the market wallow in crime, violence and sex. Their publication has become a ruthless industry, seeking money and profit at the expense of the safety and health of our children. There is no doubt that comics have a powerful fascination, for they appeal to the child's emotions and feelings, rather than to the mind. There are three main types of the objectionable- comics, printed in England, still in existence. First and foremost—in sales and popularity—are the crime comics. Crime is found portrayed in a variety of settings—urban, Western, science fiction, jungle, or the realm of Superman. In 1949, crime comics formed one half of all the comics published in England. Today they form the vast majority. One book company, which a few months ago was printing one of the most objectionable, forms of 'Horror Comic', is today specialising in the most depraved form of crime stories. One of these comics, 'Guilty', 10
advertises itself as 'True police and F.B.I. cases'. Issue number three contains eleven stories in cartoon form, ten of which open with some picture of torture or murder. In the first story, as on the cover, the police are seen machine-gunning a safe-breaker. Crimes, murders and beatings-up follow in quick succession, all well illustrated. This particular comic book specialises in pictures of heads being cracked open with blunt instruments. The police, with the aid of sten guns, eventually get most of those who are still alive. Occasionally, this comic of sixty-eight pages contains some `written' stories. One can judge the quality: 'Bob was majoring in engineering, but the plan he engineered to get rid of Sylvia was -a dilly'. The majority of the Westerns are masquerades of crime comics. One of the greatest names in the Comic book industry, have just brought out a new issue, `Wyatt Earp'. The cover of the first issue contains the words: 'The most famous 2 gun totin' marshal of the Wild West fights again', while a cowboy shouts : 'Nobody move, and nobody gits hurt! Wyatt Earp's strapped his irons on again, and we aim to see that he uses 'em'. The usual beatingsup and murders follows, this time in a saloon setting. The form of Western comics follow a similar pattern. A typical conversation piece runs as follows: `Mount your horses an' clear outa here or I'll put a bullet in the Redskin's back.' `Hai! We better do-um like outlaw asks.' `The only thing he's asking for is trouble!' (A blow on the jaw) '0-0 OF!' `And I've got plenty to spare'. Such is the quality of the action and drama with which these comic books are supposed to be filled. The jungle type of comics specialise in torture, bloodshed and lust in an exotic setting. Not all, however, are so inclined, for perversity is often rivalled by inanity. `Nyoka the jungle girl', advertises itself as 'wholesome entertainment' and 'approved reading'. Nyoka is then pictured wandering round the Congo with a painter who is looking for head hunters. Nyoka first blinds a lion by means of the novel expedient of squeezing paint into its eyes, and she and the painter are finally left suspended on a rope half way up a waterfall, while head hunters, with bones stuck through their noses, excitably exclaim 'Hubba Hubba — Yak Yak!' It is significant that in these comics the 'excitement' and `tension' has constantly to be maintained by means of such devices as exclamation marks which appear after every few words— whether or not this is grammatically correct. It is usual in the jungle type of comic to find the white people blond, athletic and 11
shapely, while the natives appear more ape-like than human, a quality common to all coloured people in these books. To the child's mind is exposed an endless stream of prejudices, racial hatred of negroes, Jews, Indians, Slays, Chinese and so on. These races are pictured as distorted stereotypes, mankind being in fact divided into two groups, white men who have the right to live, and sub-men who deserve to be killed. In this atmosphere is found a dark justification for violence and sadism, for the suggestion that the races are fundamentally different with regard to moral values means that hatred and destruction are possible and even right. The same effect is found in the ' war-comics, where the `dirty reds' are pictured as little more than humans of a lower stratum. The monotonous and seemingly unending pattern of crime stories is carried into the realm of science fiction and superman. The Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman type of comic portrays in a fascist setting, violence, hate and destruction. Superman embodies an emancipation from the morals of the community and a distrust of law, and as such this type of comic appeals most strongly to those children who have feelings of inferiority. The violence with which Superman conducts his affairs is comparable to the blunting of sensibilities in the direction of cruelty that characterized the training of the Nazi Youth. The fault with these German children lay not so much in the fact that they possessed impulses that were evil, so much as the false rationalization which permitted their impulses to grow and to express themselves in deeds. In a similar fashion, Superman undermines the authority and dignity of the ordinary man and woman in the minds of children. But the position is even more serious than this, for these are the comics in which the homosexual idea is exploited to the full. Batman and Robin, living together in constant relationship, fulfill the wish dream of the homosexual. Everything is permitted to men, to the complete exclusion of women, and thus constant stimulation is maintained. The female counterpart of these stories is the `Catwoman', vicious with a whip, and forcing the men to stick together and to despise the female, or in the stories of Wonder Woman and the Black Cat, where lesbian tendencies are reflected in the anti-masculine, female followers. The other type of comic that requires at this time serious attention, is the 'Classic' comic. Many people believe that these comics are perfoming a genuine service in introducing classic works of literature in this form to children. There can be little doubt however, that such an introduction must eventually lead to the ruin of the child's cultural life. The child's reading ability is 12
impaired by reading off cheap and pulped paper, with writing crowded in balloons, and to these effects must be added the most serious one of all—the failure of the child to appreciate the content of good reading. The ability to read is one of the main foundations of the child's adjustment to life, and in order to gain the habit of reading the child requires help, for the connection between intelligence, vocabulary and reading ability is a very definite one. Steve Samson, a comic I have already noted, contains a story entitled 'Invasion from Space'. One picture, of corpses, blood and violent death, is headed : 'The scene is being enacted all over the country. The aliens show themselves to be war-like and merciless. Very soon there goal becomes apparent . . . complete dominance of earth by force . . .' This is typical of the mis-spelt drivel with which our children are being 'educated' by the comic books. In fact both the form and the content of the comics is anti-educational, in spite of much hypocritical obeisance to educational 'demands' on the part of the publishers themselves. There is neither art nor literature involved in the comic: nothing positive is ever achieved, and often where the comic pretends to educate, it is doing little more than camouflaging lessons in violence. The insidious 'Comics Code', which the industry has itself evolved, is quite useless, except as a guide to the hypocrisy of the publishers. Children need a basis of ethical principles by which to live, the concept of loyalty and solidarity; they need beauty and the means of creative expression; both the spirit of the family, and an atmosphere of love, are fundamental to their happiness. Both growth and learning—the chief content of a child's life, can be affected by a mass onslaught of comic books. Beneath the notice of professional critics, and apparently outside the range of the law, comic books exist almost unnoticed by all except the children themselves, and those connected with or interested in their welfare. The problem has not been solved by present legislation, and will not be as long as somebody can make money through their existence and popularity. Parents and teachers alike must realise that the source of the publication of the comic books is viciousness and greed. Their effect on the child is stupidity, mental disturbance, and in some cases, even cruelty. R. H. Side.
13
Senator Fulbright
I
A Pembroke Profile
N his early fifties, Senator Fulbright is once more contesting his seat in the Senate, and enjoying the hurly-burly of a vigorous election campaign. It demands qualities that he has shown from the first days of his University career, when as a young man of Fayetville, Arkansas he took his place in the State university, and rose to become not only president of the student body—a far more onerous and responsible task than any J.C.R. President has to endure—but also a star football player, and Captain of tennis. Vigorous energy, forthrightness, a capacity for converting the ideal into the practical—qualities which were, in a lesser degree, demanded of James Fulbright as a student—have grown to be part of the liberal understanding that he has shown since as a statesman. A career of public service was not his first intention and when, at the age of twenty, he was offered a Rhodes Scholarship he hesitated over the condition that candidates should esteem the performance of public duty as their highest aim. It was in fact, an unsettling period for him. His father had just died, leaving a timber business to be looked after, whilst Fulbright himself contemplated a career in Law. But despite the young man's hesitation the Committee gave him an award, and he matriculated at the University in 1925. At Pembroke he read Modern History, played tennis for the the College and the University, and played in the Varsity Lacrosse team that toured the United States in 1926. A College photograph of the tennis team for 1925 shows 'J. W. Fulbright' as a well-built keen-faced young man, and the records show that his keenness was never confined to one narrow field, but affected both sports and academic studies. In 1928 he took a good Second, and in 1931 the degrees of B.A. and M.A. were conferred upon him. Oxford gave him his first contact with Europe, and in the years immediately following, he studied in Vienna, and toured extensively, visiting among other places, the Balkans. The foundations of his political career were being laid. He saw division and political unrest, he became aware of America's ties to Europe, and these realizations gave impetus to his work later in his life. He returned to America and took up Law as he had intended —studying and practising in Washington. But in 1935 he returned to the University of Arkansas as a lecturer, and when four years later the President of that University wars killed in a motor accident, James Fulbright was appointed in his place. Often, in the course of his teaching, he urged outstanding 14
students to make careers in public service; and it was not, perhaps, surprising that in 1942 he followed his own advice, and won a seat in the House of Representatives. It was here that his liberal education, shaped and directed by his personal qualities, bore fruit. In a short resolution before the House in April 1943, he called America to prepare the way for an international organisation to preserve peace. The United Nations was not yet in being, America's post-war role in Europe was, as yet, undecided, but Fulbright's political acumen already saw America's future role as a post-war power, and realised the need for steps to be taken soon. The resolution, accepted and passed both in the House of Representatives and in the Senate, drew the attention cf the late Mr. Cordell Hull, then Secretary of State, to him, and numerous appointments, foreshadowing the functions of UNESCO, followed in the field of international education. In the midst of these activities, Fulbright was campaigning for the first time for a seat in the Senate, and in the face of strong opposition, won it. Then came the Act for which he is best known, converting foreign repayments under the Marshall Plan into a fund for exchange scholarships between the United States and Europe. Fulbright Scholarships have now taken their place alongside the Rhodes; and with the same vigour and perception, Fulbright launched into post-war Europe a new stream of American students. Since its inception in 1946, the fund has spent nearly $2,500,000, and from modest beginnings, has grown to be the largest and most far-seeking international exchange programme in the world. Senator Fulbright is as forceful in defending liberal principles from attack, as he is untiring in seeking to further the liberal tradition. He was among the first to attack the McCarthy Committees of Investigation, and was undoubtedly among the first to rejoice at McCarthy's eventual pell-mell rout. Now a member of numerous committees, campaigning once more for his seat in the Senate, his pockets stuffed with jottings, instructions for his deputies, or brief memoranda for the Senate's Banking and Currency Committee—he works a hard day. Golf and tennis are still his recreations, and a vacation in Arkansas may yet give him the opportunity to indulge his taste for history and biography. Honours sit lightly upon him. The College conferred an honorary D.C.L. in 1953; leading American Universities have offered him their presidencies. But the condition that Rhodes laid down in offering a scholarship to the doubtful young man of 1925 has been fulfilled, and American Politics is not likely to lose him yet. T. Messenger. 15
SONNET: What! another one? "Goodbye," and yet "Goodbye"—how can this be? For if this word is real, then surely you Have dedicated life to falsity! "I love you" and "Forever" proudly flew As banners for the queen of infamy. "I'll never leave you" and "I'm true" were spears Conscripted forcibly to gain the throne. "Please love me always" in his cloak of tears, An able minister with votive tone, Put down all revolutions through the years. And now with loyalty completely won, A change of politics, and you're undone. Comes this "Goodbye", decree of martial rule To exile you, the queen's rejected fool. P. di Pasquale.
Dicky
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Pembroke Art Collection T was while in a prisoner of war camp that Antony Emery recognised the ignorance of the average university graduate with regard to Modern Art. Up at Pembroke after the war, he persuaded the J.C.R. to start a collection of paintings by British Contemporary artists. "This would serve," he said, "two purposes: (a) to keep young artists alive, (b) to keep some of the more intelligent members of society in touch with what artists of their generation were doing." Since 1947, the Pembroke Art Collection has more than justified Antony Emery's original aims. The J.C.R. owns more than forty paintings and has spent over ÂŁ1,200 in buying them. Many of the paintings are by artists well known to the public such as Minton, Piper and Bacon. But it is not with the purely material aspect of the collection that we must be concerned, but with the fact that it has provoked the members of the College to think about Modern Art. The pictures themselves are a source of endless comment, not always friendly, we must admit. Yet that the members of the J.C.R. have the opportunity to see and discuss Contemporary Art, is a step towards understanding it. On several occasions a winner of a picture in the Art Ballot has stated to me that a painting, which he had previously disliked, had by its merits, seen during a whole term, convinced him of its worth. Contrary to popular belief, familiarity, certainly in regard to matters of art, does not breed contempt. Instead, it produces understanding and therefore appreciation.
I
In the past two years the Committee has attempted to remedy the deficiency in water colours, a medium in which English artists have always excelled. Two such paintings have been added to the Collection "Pink Shade" by Holden and "Sheffield Landscape" by Ward. S. Coke.
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MICHAEL AYRTON MICHAEL AYRTON, whose painting "Brother and Sister" is reproduced within, was born in London in 1921. After studying at Heatherly's and the St. John's Wood Art. School he went to Paris, returning in 1939 to join the R.A.F. In 1942 he was discharged, and for two years taught theatre design and lifedrawing at the London County Council Art School at Camberwell. This was followed by two years as art critic for the Spectator. A really versatile artist, he has, besides teaching and criticising, broadcast several times, designed theatre sets, illustrated a number of books (notably the Sylvan Press edition of °the Duchess of Malfi) made films and written books and articles. As a painter, he has been described as an expressionist; the work of mediaeval illuminators, the creations of the artists of the Winchester Bible, the social comment of Hogarth and Rowlandson, the visions of Blake, and the rural lyrics of Palmer have all meant much to him. He has so far held at least six oneman exhibitions in London. The last, an exhibition of Still Lifes, A. W Gordon. was held in the autumn.
Still in the crystalline gloom Two souls paused, intertwined. No sound encroached the brittle winter silence Save where the dew froze solemnly
And the Willow trees wept eternity over the land. Then, oh, that ghastly light! From the east bend of heaven it leapt A thin wire impinging on taut, craving minds, Torturing the spirit, Searing the soul, Straining the body, Tight on the throat, Till all the ineffable senses descried A beauty alive Under the ridiculous bondage of Self. H. J. Beveridge. 18
-BROTHER' AND SISTER" by Michael Ayrton
(Davies)
POST WITHOUT DELAY
(In conjunction with pest and rodent control campaign) letters I 9 000 PRIZES including of introduction to royalty, politicians, business tycoons, landed gentry, sportsmen, T.U. officials, film stars and starlets. Just arrange the pictures on the opposite page in what you consider the correct order for social prestige. A sealed envelope will be opened on December 26th containing the correct answers as chosen by LKK DUGAR, the celebrated cocktail shaker and blackballer. Cut along the dotted line I would like to meet (Name of social celebrity) I enclose the tails of any three pests I killed in Nov. Order of importance 1 2 3 4 5 6 I agree to abide by the rules of the competition. (Usual signature) (Usual address)
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"THE BULLFROG" (Davies)
"NEW QUAD" (Bamforth)
UNDER THE SYCAMORE TREE (Davies)
"RUGBY CUPPERS" (Bamforth)
WILD ABANDON HE dark sea was flecked with white as our little fishing smack ran before the strong Northerly wind. Already the coast of Ireland had receded into a mistly line, merging sea, land and sky. To port, lay the smaller of the two Saltees and ahead, the island that was to be our home for the next few weeks grew clearer, the cliffed, boulder-strewn coast seething with white surf and promising a difficult landing. Indeed, grandfather Bates had only with difficulty been persuaded to leave the haven of Kilmore Quay, his little craft loaded down with our personal possessions, crates of food and sacks of coal. But whether his objections stemmed more from it being St. Patrick's day than from the state of the weather it would be hard to say. Great Saltee looked bleak, even under the clearing sky, as we approached the low cliffs along the North side. A mile long and barely half a mile wide, it was shaped like a long saddle, the highest ground being at the island's extremities, reaching nearly two hundred feet in the South West. Extensive patches of rich brown betokened bracken and brambles. The heavy clay of the rest was sparsely vegetated by poor grasses, weeds, moss and rushes. Stone walls traversed the island, relics of the days, over a century ago, when it was inhabited. Above the landing stood a square, ruined, two-storeyed farmhouse and a maze of broken stone walls and derelict outhouses. Here, gnarled and bent before the salty Atlantic gales, were the only trees—a gaunt collection of sycamore, hawthorne, ash and elder. To the left of these ruins stood the white, wooden hut that was provided by the Irish Ornithological Trust for its observers. The smack approached as close inshore as it dared, then the difficult operation of unloading our supplies and equipment into a filthy and waterlogged sculling-boat began. Nothing was lost in spite of the alarming and disharmonious way the smack and sculling-boat rose and fell. With a few deft strokes of the blade we were brought to the landing place by one of the village boys who had accompanied us. The landing, consisting of some twenty feet square of sand—the only patch around the island—was hemmed in to seaward by boulders and only approachable at high tide. Quickly, everything was unloaded and removed to the cliff, to be taken up to the hut at leisure. The sun shone brightly and the yellow, stone church at Kilmore Quay stood out clearly against the pale blue haze that was Ireland. We stood for a while on the shore watching the smack grow smaller on the sea. More than three weeks would pass before it would return and in that time we should know nothing of the outside world and have no human company but each other. Our
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sole means of communication with Ireland would be a distress fire which would bring the lifeboat to our aid, but even this was -a doubtful comfort, for frequent prolonged fogs reduced visibility to a few hundred yards. Within a few hours, we had moved into the hut. After a Winter empty, it needed a good clean down. In the kitchen everything had grown a soft green mould. The furniture was mostly constructed of drift wood, of which considerable quantities collected round the coast. Books were unpacked and put on the shelves, the fire lit, food unpacked and put away, lamps and primuses filled, water collected and the beds put together. After settling everything in the hut, we went off to inspect the laboratory (situated in an upstairs room of the ruined farmhouse), and repair the damage suffered by the two Heligoland traps in the winter storms. The laboratory was a shambles, having been inhabited by foxes. The traps were situated, one among the trees in the garden and the other in an area of brambles in the Western half of the island. Never before had the observatory been manned so early in the year. Our aim was to study the movement of birds into South East Ireland during a period of the year in which continuous observations had not previously been kept. Of especial interest was the timing of the movements of the birds in relation to the weather conditions, and the state of the migrant birds on their arrival at the island. As it happened, the period of our stay was peculiarly unsuited to the migration of small birds, and the number of birds ringed and inspected (74) was relatively low. Even so, the variety of bird life on the island, and particularly sea birds, was quite astounding. On a typical day, we would be out of bed at 6.30 a.m. and after a cup of tea, one biscuit and three ryvitas with jam, set off to examine the traps. These early mornings were often gloriously beautiful but bitterly cold. Hoar frost silvered the grass in hollows sheltered from the unceasing wind. In the walled and sheltered garden however, several clumps of daffodils were already in bloom. After driving what birds there were in the overgrown garden to the trap, and often there were none, or they would rise and fly off to another part of the island, we carried our captures upstairs to the draughty, leaky, laboratory where they were weighed, measured, ringed and their general condition noted before release. All possibilities at the garden trap having been exhausted for the time being, we continued to the bramble trap. This was in open country and the technique of driving quite different. Our captures consisted of such birds as blackbirds and stonechats which skulked through the brambles as we beat steadily toward 20
the trap. Time after time they would evade the entrance to the trap or dodge back behind us, and whole process began again. The bramble trap was not popular! Having either captured or disturbed all the birds round the traps, it was time to walk round the island and observe the variety and numbers of birds present. The scenery along the West and South coasts of the island was magnificent, consisting of hundred foot cliffs, deeply cut up by caves, canyons and chasms, with innumerable rocky islets offshore. Over the sharp and jagged rocks offshore the angry, dark green waves of the stormy Atlantic burst into mountains of salt spray, which caught by the full gale, drifted over the whole island like rain, blighting what green vegetation there was. When the sun shone, fleeting rainbows shimmered over the cliffs. Surging up into the boulderfilled bays and clefts, the waves boomed and thudded like heavy artillery, echoing throughout the island. The cliffs were the home of thousands of sea birds, whose screams made the air a demoniacal bedlam. The grey and white kittiwakes were quite the noisiest, their frequent courting squabbles soon involving a whole colony of hundreds or thousands, until the coast reverberated with their high-pitched cries. The shags were already quietly nesting on several precarious ledges, and sat tight, philosophically, as the waves seethed just below, drenching them in salt spray. Sometimes all the birds would be quietly roosting on the cliffs and in an instant all would be airborne, wheeling and crying like demented spirits. There were mornings when the sea resembled a vast swarm of
• MINE 21
' bees; the little auks had arrived in their tens of thousands. Guillemots, razorbills and puffins looked much alike in the distance, floating on the sea, but ashore these charming penguinlike birds were readily distinguished and easily approached. Rabbits infested the island and puffins appeared in scores from the burrows which riddled the cliff tops and on short, whirring wings, flew down with the other little auks to settle on the water. Near the end of our walk round the island, we came to Sebber. This was a rocky submarine bank, extending in a broad crescent toward Little Saltee. Seals were always to be found at Sebber, sometimes uncomfortably stranded on the sharp rocks, when their clumsy efforts to regain the water were pitiful. Twenty was the largest number we ever saw at one time, but they obviously liked our singing for at each performance we had a larger audience. It was often after midday before we returned to the hut. By then we were hungry! After lunch, the traps were visited again and if the weather was fine, we stayed out, observing the birds. A favourite spot was the Ring on the North West edge of the island, where a bank of boulders and shingle thrown up by the waves enclosed a shallow sandy lagoon. This was relatively sheltered, and although the breakers thundered only a few yards away, occasionally spilling into the lagoon over the low boulders at one end, ducks and waders in considerable variety gathered there from time to time. Even on an uninhabited island, a Nature Reserve where guns were not allowed, many birds were very timid and field glasses were indispensable. If the afternoon were wet we would light the fire, using dry bracken as kindling, and sit in and read. At sunset the traps were visited for the last time and buckets of water brought from the well. Evening, and it was time for our last meal of the day. We had soup on alternate nights. Coffee or cocoa completed the meal, and after washing up, we settled down to read, and write reports. The hut was always pleasant then, with the glowing coals rustling gently, a rusty clock ticking on the mantlepiece, and the flickering candle-light softening the rudeness of the room. The pleasantness was emphasised when outside, the gale-driven rain beat upon the window panes and the stormy sea thundered and boomed against the cliffs. Early by urban standards, the candles were snuffed and our sleeping bag claimed us for the night. It was with mixed feelings, when eventually the day came for us to be relieved, that we faced the world again. "Who won the boat race?", we shouted when the sculling-boat came within R. J. Lorimer. hailing distance. 22
WHAT IS OUR EDUCATION ?
S
INCE the war, the Ministry of Education and the Local Education Authorities have spent much money either by paying for directly, or by helping parents to support students and undergraduates at the universities. It is now accepted that any school-child who shows the necessary ability and scholarship is not denied a university education simply because his parents have not sufficient money. This seems both fair and just, and perhaps at more humble places of learning there is no problem. In Oxford however it is not quite so simple. Here it can be asked which sort of university education is the State to provide? To gain the most by having been here it may be necessary to sample "Oxford Life" as well as visit libraries and laboratories. Few successful Oxmen would dispute this. But for how much of this "life" must the State pay? Indeed why should it pay for any of it at all? The idea behind the 1944 Education Act was to create, by free education, equality of opportunity. If this idea had been realized it would not be possible to ask now "which sort" of university education should a person receive. While most people at our universities have got there by competition in open examination, it is not long after reaching Oxford that one realizes that there are many here who did not. But should they have had to compete? There are many here and more who have gone down who do not think they should. A university and more especially a college has only a limited number of places available; how is it to decide who shall have these places? Colleges and families have traditional associations; certain schools have closed scholarships to what they consider to be their traditional college. But there are now a very large number of schools, and a greater number of families containing those who merit all a university can give. If a college is to be a place for study and research and not merely for social recreation, some of these traditions may have to die. Oxford would change. It would not be what it was. Nothing ever is. Our university could become what it set out to be—a place of learning. More credit would come to a university if it were said that one could tell a man had been educated there by what he said, and not by the way in which he said it. K. W. Fell. SEX AND ELECTRONS . . . cc . . . to remind you of the wealth and beauty of the tradition into which you are about to become assimilated . . ." 23
A
FEW of the scientists shifted uneasily. The less consciencious stared vacantly ahead, engrossed in their tawdry day-dreams a strange mixture of asepsis, se* and electrons. Around the walls of the Sheldonian Theatre a thousand freshmen were drowsily conscious of the Vice-Chancellor's address. Some of them contemplated the aggressively voluptuous decor and speculated as to the price it might fetch on the Market. Others delved into their already unreliable Latin vocabularies in a fruitless attempt to construe the naive injunction they had just heard pronounced. Still more dreamed of a perfect world. But here and there in the sombre assembly sat young men and women who HAD listened attentively to the uninteresting speech and who pondered over their significance in relation to it. It had been evident for some time that the majority of their educated countrymen were decidedly antipathetic to the cause which they had chosen to further—that of Human Knowledge. For in the last five years, the public has become more and more resentful of the increasing influence that science appears to exert over the life of the individual. At first, there were surprised leaders in the National Press, concerning the number of capable young men who graduated to this esoteric priestly body every year. Then the "Humanists" noticed the "insidious advance of barbarianism", and obscure periodicals flamed with contoversy. Mr. T. S. Eliot wrote some notes in an attempt to make us conscious of our distinctive heritage; and behind a bland façade of flawless prose, raged at the "de-humanising effect of scientific education". Most recently, a triumphant leader appeared in the Daily Telegraph, proclaiming to the nation that scientists had at last been confounded in their pride and had succumbed to the fate of Babel. Now these young Freshmen sat and heard a deliberately antagonizing address, and realized that in the emasculated mediaevel atmosphere of this ancient and beautiful University, their studies had already condemned them to unpopularity and a patronising sneer from their companions at the few parties which they might find time to attend. The reaction of their fellow-undergraduates is to these scientists, genuinely mystifying. Their minds have been occupied, since they first reached the Sixth Form, with discovering order in the illogical world around them; with making generalizations which relate all its parts and with the recognition of the familiar in the unfamiliar. It is only to be expected that a mind so trained should, in viewing civilization, attempt to relate the qualities of that elusive thing, "Culture" to an orderly scheme, and, as far as possible, to set some value upon it. It is the ambition of each 24-
one of them to become a true philosopher; to be genuinely affected in every decision by his or her conception of the apprehended world. These minds, trained in the analysis of material phenomena, turn to view the slowly evolving customs and habits of the race. They find the naiveties and endearing beliefs of the past incompatible with their sense of duty to reason. This is the origin of their urge to create a new and better world. Here, then, is the strange paradox which has arisen in Oxford during the last five years. This last oasis of beauty, our cultural heritage, is being populated with minds that have evaluated and determined to improve the fascinating world here contained. The scientific mind has necessarily come to regard tradition as an occupational risk of humanity, and not, as was suggested by Mr. T. S. Eliot, as an end to be pursued for itself. Ultimately, the apparent conflict between the scientific and humanistic outlook, is the difference between the rational, and the gullible approach to the material world. It is therefore to be expected, that in future decades, timeless Oxford will accustom itself to a revolutionary change in the Western philosophy of life. The world of test-tube-babies anu `feelies' is drawing nearer to even our conservative stronghold; it is important that we should realize why. H. J. Beveridge.
THE LORD OF RINGS ROFESSOR TOLKIEN'S triology has met with great success, particularly in Oxford; it is unfortunate that the continual eulogies and allusions of initiates have aroused exasperated resistance in many who have not yet been infected. Few can be lukewarm about the 'The Lord of the Rings'; one is committed from the first page. Some find a rather repellent psuedo-naivety about the opening chapter, which is not far removed from the children's tale "The Hobbit" that began the whole thing. But this mood passes, and with the unfolding of the history of the Ring of Power the story enters a larger world. The theme is age-old, the struggle of a good against an evil power with everything in favour of the latter; yet the story is free from all allegory and can stand on its own. Sauron the Lord of the Dark Tower is about to launch his last and greatest onslaught on the Free Peoples of Middle Earth, but his greatest treasure the Ring of Power, has passed by what seems mere chance into the possession of Frodo, a Hobbit from the peaceful Shire. The ring brings irresistible power and utter corruption to its user and the Free Peoples know that should any of their
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leaders wear 'it to overthrow Sauron he would himself become another Dark Lord through the pernicious influence of the ring. Only by destroying it can Middle Earth be saved, and only in the heart of Sauron's land of Mordor can the ring be destroyed. Therefore to Mordor Frodo must go, on his forlorn and hopeless task, bearing the fortunes of Middle Earth with him. The story is peopled with races and topography which are the greatest strength cf the book. Professor Tolkein's Elves and Dwarfs are far more interesting in their persons and actions than the wretched creatures of modern fairy-tale, while the races of his own creation, the Ores, the Ents and especially the Hobbits whoie growth in.moral stature is brilliantly shown, fit perfectly into the picture. So well told is the story that it does not occur to the reader to remind himself from time to time that, after all, it is merely a fantasy. The characters and their environment have a history and culture of their own, filled in by careful maps and copious appendices—some of which, admittedly, hold interest only for the philologist—and this makes a willing suspension or disbelief inevitable to all but the least imaginative. It is hard for a lover of the work to seek out its faults. At times it is over-written; and the last volume especially has an archaic flavour that does not always ring true. There are certain episodes which verge upon the whimsical; but fortunately these are very few. In nearly a thousand pages of narrative occasional lapses are inevitable. But no world so entirely imaginary carries the same conviction and internal consistency. We are all Hobbits for a time sharing in the War of the Ring as if we too lived in the Third Age; and the cause of the Free Peoples of the Middle Earth is our cause. We must be grateful to Professor Tolkein for introducing us to a new realm and for showing us that science fiction is not the only field of writing in which creative imagination can still travel beyond the horizon. David Sturman.
AEGEAN ISLANDS
A
LL afternoon the steamer has ploughed its way through Homer's "wine-dark sea". On deck every corner is filled with islanders returning or visitors visiting. There are wrinkled old women sitting on blankets, young sailors talking, laughing, gesticulating; luggage lies about everywhere, with the baskets of provisions, the children, the ship's crew merely adding to the cramped but contented discomfort. It's twilight and startime as the steamer begins to call at the islands, until at last, about midnight, another crowd under the lights of the taverns 26
and restaurants again becomes visible waiting to welcome their friends and relatives, waiting to guide the visitor to a whitewashed room, with an iron bedstead and icons for the night. Morning breaks with Grecian clarity and la patronne and her daughter shamelessly follow one's ablutions as they prepare coffee and bring out the grape jam from the family dresser. There is something new and fresh in the excitement of finding one's way about the little white-washed town of Mythinos perhaps because it is all so intimate. The whole is no more than that which is joined together and separated by the little alleyways, which have never seen anything larger than a donkey. The coloured dome of some of the larger three hundred and sixty odd churches, raised by sailors as thanks offerings, on their safe return after a storm, add soft pinks and blues to the grey of the island scenery, the white of the town and the deep blues of sky and sea. Picturesque windmills add the final touch to the perfection of this jewel among Grecian island towns. Gaily dressed visitors promenade in front of the shops which lie beside the little harbour many wearing the multi-coloured skirts and shirts for which Mythinos is famed. The visitor sees a simple loom in a tiny house. He enters and a shirt is made for him as gay as a rainbow, as cheerful as a clown. In the harbour fishing boats and laiques indicate the main livelihood of the simple, generous island folk. For next to nothing one of these laiques will take you fresh from your breakfast to the island of Delos, a trip which soothes the heart and covers one with cool spray. Standing in the bows one sings sea shanties for the very joy of living. Delos is small, rocky and flat save for its one central hill, and yet packed into its smallness is the largest ruined ancient town in the world outside of Pompeii. Statutes and pillars abound, superb mosaics with nautical motifs of dolphin and anchor still shine brightly under the fresh morning sun, all the thriving activity of a seaport town still exists in this deserted island of ruin. It is so detached that it is a heaven of its own, serenading one with its simple beauty and peacefulness. Far away to the West, near Athens, one can lie beneath the trees, which surround the beautiful temple on the island of Aegina and gaze down through the woods to a cool and delightful bay below. Unlike Delos, Aegina is hilly and wooded; its only ruin is the temple, which looks out over and towards the twinkling lights of Athens with the air of brotherly contentment, an air of satisfaction at the good things well shared with its elder and greater brother the Parthenon, which lies in the midst of a different sea, a sea of people and houses. G. D. L. R. Home, 27
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t4A / News from the Societies
THE JOHNSON SOCIETY Secretary: Richard Lugar. Secretary: Alan Bellringer. Entrance into the Johnson Society is not a conquest but a recognition. The last five presidents offer an insight into the composition of the society. John Jordan read for a D.Phil. in English; Colin Adlam, an English scholar of the college, read History; John Morris took a B.A. in English; John Gasson, a South African Rhodes Scholar is reading for a Bachelor of Civil Law Degree; and Richard Lugar, an American Rhodes Scholar is reading P.P.E. Though a written constitution has never been drawn up, traditional procedures are vigorously maintained. Each meeting begins with a reading from Boswell's "Life of Johnson" and ends with liqueurs. Sandwiched between these two formalities is the body of the meeting, when the President introduces the speakers and directs the question time which follows on the delivery of the paper. Two papers were read during the Trinity Term, The first, Mr. Lugar's on "McCarthyism in America," was long, closely reasoned, and exceedingly controversial. That he had even a few moments of sympathy for Senator McCarthy seemed inexcusable to a few members. An American guest of the Society, needless to say of a radically different political point of view to Mr. Lugar's dismissed the paper as "90% rubbish". The second paper of the term, given by Mr Alan Bellringer on "Virgina Woolf", was considered by many members to be the finest they had heard in the Society; his treatment was exhaustive and his composition even and sustained. The third meeting of the term was a dinner at which Mr. John Morris, Mr. John Gasson, Mr. Jay Morrish, and Mr. Ronald Limbrick spoke more or less. The Michaelmas term found the Society regrouped to hear Mr. Sturman on "Horace Walpole". His was a delightful and informative paper. Thorough scholarship and aptly quoted material increased the Society's enjoyment of a literary delicacy hitherto unappreciated by many members. Warren Jackson chose for his title "The Infinite Spider", a Brahman explanation of the origin of the universe, and then examined the thinking of David Hume with regard to arguments for the existence of God,
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Robert Carswell's paper "The Irish Tangle" added to his reputation as a scholar of Irish politics. The Society was moved by the speaker's comprehensive probing, alternately in sympathy and consternation. It is, perhaps, axiomatic that serious societies do not wish to be thought too serious. To dispel any such accusation, the Johnson Society found an "energetic" outlet in croquet. It has occasionally engaged the S.C.R. in a match and in the Trinity term a challenge from the Addison Society of Queen's College was accepted. Mr. Lugar and Mr. MacLennan defeated the Queen's first team in an alternate-stroke two-ball foursome, and Mr. Morris and Mr. Jackson were on their way to victory when tea, another less serious activity, was deemed more important than the Addison Society's further humiliation and the game was conceeded in our favour. BLACKSTONE SOCIETY President: R. Carswell. Secretary: R. Capsfick. The Blackstone Society which was founded in 1947, had as its object, "to engender a love of law and lawyers". It is named after Sir William Blackstone, who was an undergraduate at Pembroke from 1738 to 1741, and became the first Vinerian Professor of the Law of England, and later a justice of the Court of Common Pleas. Membership of the society is open to any members of the College interested in Law. In order to cater for a diversity of interests a varied programme of talks and moots are arranged. In the last year we have had talks on the barrister's and solicitor's professions, magistrates courts, juvenile delinquency, American trusts, and African native law, and an address by Lord Schuster on "Advocacy". Each term several moots are held, either against other colleges or among our own members, which provide barristers with an initiation into forensic argument. An annual dinner is held in the Hilary term at which the Society usually has a judge as one of its guests; these dinners have been very successful functions in the last few years. The society is very grateful to the Senior Treasurer, Mr. R. F. V. Heuston. We appreciate the helpfulness and guidance which he is always ready to give. HEYWOODE SOCIETY President: Robin Alban. Secretary: Tom Stanage. A music society was founded in January 1951. It was named after John Heywoode who was mythically attached to Broadgates Hall, and was Master of Henry VIII's Virginals. The first meeting of the Society in March of that year was an informal concert. The aim of the Society is to unite the musical interest of the College, to enable members to play at informal concerts, and at an annual public concert, and to read and discuss papers on musical subjects. Papers on a wide range of topics have been read, including: "A Discourse on Singing", "The violin through the ages", on "Grieg" and "Opera". Activities have included a Victorian evening, and, last summer a recital of sacred music was given in the (lapel by Miss Eirwen Mathias (soprano), Mr. Trevor Prichard (bass) and Mr. Gerald Smith, our College organ scholar. The Society is proud to have secured, after repeated attempts, a music room and piano for the use of everybody in the College. The Society now possesses a gramophone which is used to illustrate talks and, to enable members to enjoy their own records at any time. The Society's Manuscript book contains "Heywoode's Huffe" an olde foxetrotte composed by two members of the Society, Mr. Barnes and Mr. Winter. The Huffe is performed at the end of every inforhial concert. The last meeting of the Michaelmas term • was an informal concert which included music for trumpet, two violins, and piano, and Christmas carols. It is hoped to present the annual public recital of chamber music in the J.C.R. during Hilary Term 1956.
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NUFFIELD SOCIETY President: Hugh McKinney. Secretary: Colin S. Wiggins. With the growth in numbers of Pembroke men reading Science, a need was felt for some College organisation for their interests, and after much thought and discussion an inaugural meeting was held on November 3rd, 1954. Here it was proposed to call this organisation the Nuffield Society, if Viscount Nuffield, Honorary Fellow and generous benefactor of the College, approved, and to hold meetings after the fashion of other College clubs, though not of a "faculty" nature. At the second meeting on February 7th, 1955 it was announced that Lord Nuffield had consented to the use of the proposed title. The business of the evening was a talk by a member, Mr. M. A. Rucklidge, on "A Journey through North America". This was illustrated with coloured slides and was a most interesting account of his travels across America and Canada to climb in the. Rocky Mountains. On March 3rd a Sherry party was held to mark the conferring of a Knighthood on Professor Sir Robert Macintosh. The next meeting was intended to take the form of a Garden Party to enable Lord Nuffidd to meet members of the Society, but the elements were unkind and this was transformed into a Tea-Party in the Senior Common Room (by kind permission of the Master and Fellows). At subsequent meetings members heard about an Antarctic expedition, from Mr. C. W. M. Swithinbank, and a description of a tour of Yugoslavia by Mr. R. P. Ellis, both members of the Society. "Nuclear Power" was the title of a talk given by Mr. G. W. K. Ford, of Harwell, a Nuclear Engineer and British representative at the Geneva conference. The first year of the Society's existence was brought to a splendid and scientific close with a Wine-Tasting meeting; the professional touch was provided by two wine experts who came down from London especially to assist in the judging. The Society fulfilled a useful purpose in College life during its first year: long may it continue to do so. COLLINGWOOD SOCIETY President: Michael Winterbottom. Secretary: Brian Rees. The Collingwood Society has now been in active existence for four terms, though the first suggestion that the philosophers of Pembroke needed a rallying point was made by Colin Adlam as long ago at Hilary Term 1954. There followed a meeting of those interested who drafted a constitution similar to, but apparently more ambiguous than, that of the Beaumont Society. Finally on October 28th, 1954, the first full meeting was held, at which Mr. Macnabb provided much-needed enlightenment on Collingwood, our eponymous patron; the most, perhaps the only, distinguished philosopher closely connected with Pembroke. The aim of the Society is simple, it is the discussion of philosophy. During the Trinity term of 1955, for example it heard papers by Michael Petry on the "German mystic Novalis" and by Roger Rowley. on "Free Will". In the following term Russell Parkes spoke on "Truth", Mr. J. P. Corbett a Fellow of Balliol, propounded a paradoxical affinity between mysticism and empiricism, and Waren Jackson discussed three classic views of justice. He came down on the side of Hume, and this perhaps is symptomatic, for the Society in general nas a natural bent towards empiricism, and is impressed by the new schools of linguistic analysis. This does not mean that metaphysics is crowded out. It is hoped to maintain this balance during the present term, -with a paper by Duncan Kelly on "Christianity and Philosophy", and possibly a debate on some question of political theory. There is considerable room for expansion in the Society, and we hope that new members will be forthcoming, particularly from among those reading P.P.E. and Greats, for whom, whether they like it or not, philosophy is more that a pastime.
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SIR THOMAS BROWNE SOCIETY President: J. M. Bamforth. Secretary: N. Grantham. Treasurer: M. Henry. Let it suffice to say that Sir Thomas Browne (1605-1682) studied medicine at Broadgates Hall. Any literary reputation must rest upon his 'Religio Medici'. He eventually became a member of the College of Physicians and further reputation comes from such meditated curiosities as 'A dialogue between an inhabitant of the moon and of the earth' and 'A dialogue between Twins in the womb concerning the world they were to come into'. The present flourishing state of the Society is a result of the work of H. E. Francis (1953), whose return to the States was regretted in many Oxford circles. His production of Anderson's "Winterset" in the round, with Brian Bevan in the lead, revived the Society from a temporary depression. Since then Brian Bevan has produced a successful revue, "Black Velvet" in the J.C.R. and last term Martin Henry played the lead in the Spewacksfarcical " fable' "Under the Sycamore Tree". This was produced by Adam O'Riordan, of the Playhouse School, in the Fellows' Garden. And judging by the reception in the press this was above the average for College productions. Such a variety of public productions is an expression of the versatility of the Society. The training ground for such a programme is obviously the play readings held during the term when members are invited to produce plays of their choice, at which we have the pleasure of inviting ladies as guests of the Society. Last term's readings included Fry's "The Lady is not for Burning", Anouilh's "Thieves' Carnival" and Priestley's "An Inspector Calls". A surprizingly high level of reading is often achieved at these meetings, and this term's first production by Brian Le Geyt of "Eurydice" (Anouilh) was no exception. It is a pity that these readings are regarded as little more than background to larger productions, for if imaginatively produced they are at once rewarding and entertaining. Evidence of such initiative should be to the fore in the Society's Cabaret Evening to be held this term, at the time of going to nress, in the throes of rehearsal. To look forward to the Trinity Term may appear ambitious at this stage, but already plans are being considered for a large-scale production.
THE BEAUMONT SOCIETY President: David' Sturman. Secretary: Trevor Messenger. In the year 1895, not only did a small group of "bloods" use the Pembroke J.C.R. as a private club, but they also dominated the Johnson, the College literary Society. It was in rebellion against this autocracy that the Beaumont was founded. Sixty years later the Society is still flourishing, and on far better terms with its elder 'brother. It is limited to twenty-one members in residence, who meet normally three times a term to hear papers on subjects of literary or general interest. In the Hilary term one of the meetings takes the form of a dinner, with a guest to deliver the paper, and in the Trinity term a poetry reading is held, in punts on the Cherwell, if the weather is favourable. In the Trinity of 1955 papers were given by Mr. Trevor Messenger on "Gerard Manley Hopkins" and Mr. Robert Side on "Horror Comics". In the following term Mr. Michael Parkinson introduced the Society to "Thomas Lovell Beddoes", Mr. Richard Greenfield spoke on "Celtic Mythology" and Mr. Gospatrick Home on "Rudyard Kipling". The Beaumont is a society in which every member is encouraged to take an active part. Most members by the end of their second year, have delivered a paper, and seldom is anyone unable to contribute something of value to the discussion.
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CAMDEN SOCIETY President: W. F. Mandle. Secretary: R. IL Side. The Camden Society was founded at the close of the Michaelmas term 1938 and held its first meeting on February 1st, 1939. The suggestion that the society should be named after John Pym was rejected, in favour of William Camden (1551-1623) who became headmaster of Westminster School, Clarenceux King-at-Arms and author of "Britannia", an often unreliable historical and topographical account of the British Isles. Since 1946 the Society has had undergraduates as its presidents—prior to this date the master, now a vice-president, took the chair. In order to ensure continuity in the selection of paper speakers, offices are held for a year. This year's President is Mr. William F. Mandle, the Secretary is Mr. Robert H. Side and the Treasurer Mr. David J. Arnold. In Trinity term 1955 there were only two papers. The first was given by Mr. Mackesy, his subject, "Lord Collingwood in the Mediterranean". This was a brief, well documented defence of Collingwood, whose sound work in the difficult task of patrolling the Mediterranean has been overshadowed by the more spectacular feats of his great contemporary, Lord Nelson. The second paper was given by Mr. Peach on "Patronage and Politics 1558-1640". It formed the first of two papers putting forward a fresh interpretation of the background and origins of the Civil War. The second in the series was given at the first meeting of the Michaelmas term by the President. It dealt in detail with the years 1629-40 under the title "The Aristocracy, the origins of the English Civil War." Mr. M. R. D. Foot of Keble College read the second paper of the term. He gave a delightful address on the subject of "Politics and War 1914-18." The main interest of the paper centred in the detailed analysis of the Irish troubles in 1914, the Dardenelles expedition, and the Fisher mentality in the English government. The third paper of the term given by Mr. Russell Parkes turned out to be less tortuous than its title "History, Science of Common Sense" suggested. He stated his case best when, in answer to a question he said that "History was at its most reputable when dealing with the evidence alone". The paper contained interesting analyses of Collingwood's theories on historiography and the use of historical terminology. The papers of the present presidency have slanted towards modern history, but this will no doubt be remedied by the 'next president, so that if anyone of monkish disposition has been put off by the catalogue of papers, let him take heart and offer himself for election.
SONNET: To a woman—any woman 0, theories may have their chosen place Among the tomes of scholars' frowning thought, But when imagination brings your face, It blurs philosophy so highly wrought. Then, though others think me surely blind, I am absorbed with fancies smoothly drawn, And daydream brushes daydream from my mind While I on each with pleasure fondly fawn. The smile that lights these visions warmly glows; And I, unwary moth, cannot resist The flame of that illusion of repose, Till suddenly all fades in teary mist. At times like these I know, in sweet defeat, Without you I'm a being incomplete. P, di Pasquale. 32
Reports from the Hearties
BOAT CLUB Captain: Roy Chivers. Secretary: David Arnold. The extant annals of the Pembroke College Boat Club go back to 1907. Perhaps on some occasion before that date the College IV may have got as far as the semi-finals of the University Coxswainless Fours. The only record we have of it doing so since that date is this year, when Merton beat us in the semi-finals by 1.3 seconds. Perhaps on some occasion before that date the College pair may have got as far as the finals of the Pair Oar Silver Challenge Oars. But once again the only record we have of its doing so since that date is this year; and once again it was Merton who beat us—this time by 2.3 seconds. An event we did win this Michaelmas Term was the University Novices Fours. The reason, of course, is that the prize of success is no mere empty tankard but a full firkin of beer. In the Novice Division of the Long Distance Race our boat came fourth; and in the Senior division our first crew rose from twentieth to tenth. Two members of the club rowed in the University Trial Eights' race at Henley; and one of them we expect to see racing against Cambridge in the summer. Some members of the Rugger club have been learning to row with the intention of forming a rugger boat for Summer Eights; and ourselves we have to admit, to our shame, that during the Bachanalian revels on the evening of the Long Distance Race we attempted in the middle of the Old Quad to emulate the activities of rugger players with but little success. Speculation about the future is always invidious. Like every other college Boat Club in Oxford we hope to make bumps, bumps and more bumps during Torpids. D.J.A. RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB Captain: Roger The. Secretary: Keith Brown. After such a successful season last year we had high hopes of a similar one this year provided that the talent among the freshmen lived up to expectation. This expectation was soon dashed, however, by the unusual number of injuries in the first few matches. Ambng the unfortunate victims was the ex-captain, M. D. Stott, who has now been forced to retire. We extend to him our sincere sympathy. With so many injuries to contend with the team lacked combination until the end of the term drew near. However, by then, it was too late to avoid relegation to Division III. Whatever our misfortunes many enjoyable games were played and much needed experience was gained by the freshmen, no less than eleven of whom found a regular place in the 1st XV.
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Michaelmas 1955 was the first time that the Rugby Club has run a regular 2nd XV for some years. Although this team fared badly on the whole, a draw being its best result, it served its purpose which was to give those people who cannot play regularly for the 1st XV, a game of rugby. Results: 1st XV Lost 6— 8 v. Abingdon School Won 15— 6 v. Oratory School Lost 8-16 v. St. Peter's Hall Lost 3-36 v. Wadham College Lost 3— 9 v. Pembroke College, v. Jesus College Lost 0-27 Cambridge v. Magdalen College Lost 8-18 Won 13— 5 Lost 3— 9 v. Evesham v. Exeter College Lost 5-16 v. RMA Sandhurst Won 6— 0 v. St. John's Coll. Won 22-17 v. Merton College Lost 0-11 v. Oxford Exiles v. Balliol College Won 8— 3 Cuppers: 1st Round v. Lincoln. Lost 3-16. K.B. ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL Captain: Len Peach. Secretary: Steve Shipley. After gaining promotion from Division III to Division II in 1954-1955 the College team has again made a good start to the season narrowly failing to achieve Division I honours by losing 3-2 in the last match of the Michaelmas term to Queen's, where a draw would have been enough to ensure Division I football next year. The team is a well balanced mixture of enthusiastic freshmen and more experienced second and third year men. "Big" Bill Mandle ably—and sometimes flamboyantly—fills the gap left by goalkeeper Bob Manthorpe. The defence was strengthened last term by the return of veteran Roy Burton at left-back. The experience of Steve Shipley steadied the half-back line, which while sound, was seldom devastatingly constructive. In the forward line the old firm of David Hopkins, Josh Gabay, Len Peach and Brian Rees worked hard and scored goals—though, usually, they just worked hard. Several freshmen made their mark notably Brian Le Geyt, Laurie Shaw and Don Taylor and strengthened the side considerably, but more will be needed next year, unless the College's "Yo-yo" antics in the League tables are to start all over again. Cuppers: 1st Round v. Jesus. Lost 0-1. D.W.C. CHESS CLUB Captain: T. Landry. Secretary: G. Summerfield. The College entered two teams for the Chess Cuppers. This competition is not a knock-out tournament but is run on the Swiss system whereby winning teams play winners, losers play losers. T. Landry in the first team and P. Summerfield in the second team had unbeaten records. In Division II of the tournament the Pembroke I team came third with four points out of six. In Division III Pembroke II came fifteenth in a field of twenty-eight. The Club would like to acknowledge the three chess sets. and boards which it has acquired through the Amalgamated Sports Fund. Results: Michaelmas Term Pembroke I beat University I 2-1 Pembroke II beat Corpus Christi II 3-1---1 Pembroke I lost to Balliol 111-24- Pembroke II drew with Oriel II 2-2 Pembroke I drew with Jesus 2-2 Pembroke If drew with St. Cath's. II 2-2 G.S.
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THE INCOMPETENTS Commander: Horace Ball. I have been asked to write this short article in my capacity as the Commander, but before plunging headlong into this very serious subject, I must point out to readers that in the past the Incompetents have suffered much disrespect and ridicule. Before you read any further cast aside all hones of a humorous article as I feel that such a sober concern as the Incompetents merits an earnest and responsible approach. To begin with, after much pestering, I feel that I must discuss the question of the qualities necessary to become eligible as an "Incompetent". The qualifications are:1. The candidate should have a good drinking stomach. Duodenals may drink milk only when laced with rum. 2. He should have not less than one sound eye. 3. He must be capable of swinging one of Wilf's Willows thro' an arc of 375°. 4. He must be familiar with the following terms:—Bitter, Wallop, and Gut-Rot. 5. Evidence that he has original dress for the photograph must be shown to the Adjutant not later than June 1st 1956. 6. A working knowledge of the Mark I Beer Pump is essential. 7. Inebriates and qualified D.T.'s are given immediate membership. 8. Positively no-one who has the least recollection of having heard more than one of the following expressions can be classed as an Incompetent:—In-swinger, Seamers, Yorked, Offers, Leggers, Wrong 'un, Cricket. These then are the qualifications but I must point out to present and future members that an Incompetent has several responsibilities. The level headed and keen Incompetent should be above all completely incompetent. For example, when given out 1.b.w. he should swallow such vulgar expressions as "Tut tut", and "Never-in-this-world". The incompetent attitude must be adopted immediately. To wit:1. To overcome initial temper repeat to onself the following:— "Sunday is a day of rest, Cricket and bitter suit it best." 2. Tuck one's "stick" firmly under the left arm, and giving the umpire the "you won't get a drink out of me" look, stalk from the wicket with firm, resolute, and regular steps. One final word about colours: Old Colours know all about this, but I am sure they will appreciate the need for this explanation of how colours are awarded to Freshers. The Incompetents have evolved a system of colour's award which they strongly recommend to all other clubs; it avoids any unpleasant embarrassments or favouritism by awarding colours to anyone who has played one game or more! A note of urgency must now creep in. For years the team has lacked a Left Arm — Under-Arm — Chinaman — Bowler. Will anyone who believes that he can fulfill these reouirements Please contact the adjutant who will arrange net practice in Sir William -Sale's room at the latter's earliest convenience. F.D.B. THE GOLFING SET Michael Beaumont, John Otway, Dick Lugar, and Peter McConnell represented Pembroke College against Trinity College in the first round of Golf Cuppers and displayed marked improvement over their showing of last year. On that occasion, Mr. Lugar was Christmas shopping in London on the day of the Cuppers but the results in the other three contests rendered the playing of his match quite unecessary anyway. In this year's competition, each of the Pembroke contestants played a full 18 hole round through patches of heavy fog and a slight drizzle. Trinity won by an aggregate advantage of 12 holes. Beaumont was 4 down to the Oxford Blue, Murray Lawrence. Otway was 5 down, Lugar all, square, and McConnell 3 down in their respective encounters with less formidable opposition. R.O.L.
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SQUASH RACKETS Captain: S. G. Metcalfe. Secretary: W. F. Sale. The College Squash this year has been like the proverbial Curate's egg —good in parts. For the second year in succession we were, promoted in the League and are now in the Division II, having finished top of Division III the previous year with an aggregate of 24 points. (Four matches won, one lost). In the Hilary term, the team distinguished itself by reaching the Third Round of the Cuppers Competition, only to be knocked out by the ultimate finalists, Lincoln. We started the Michaelmas term full of hopes, as the team was the same as the previous year's, with the exception of M. Venables (who is now teaching Squash at Leighton Park School!). Although the results of the whole term were satisfactory, we fared badly in the League. Owing partly to misfortune and partly to the Secretary's miscalculations we found ourselves faced with three League matches in the seventh week of term! The strain proved too much and we finished fifth in Division II. This term Cuppers are once again upon us and we can only hope for reasonable luck in the draw. In spite of the team's varied success, it is fair to say that the standard of Squash in the College has been higher than for some time. Unfortunately four members of the present team will be going down. The fortunes of the club next year will depend entirely upon the talent provided by the freshmen in 1957. Results 1955 Michaelmas Term: League: Played 5, won 1, lost 4. Term's Results: - 1st V: Played 14, Won 8, lost 6. 2nd V: Played 3, Won 3, lost 0. W.F.S. HOCKEY CLUB Captain: D. R. G. Andrews. Secretary: A. F. Stirratt The team this year has been of average standard. The record of four won, two drawn and six lost shows it to be roughly on a par with other Colleges. Our victories were over Balliol, Corpus Christi, St. John's and Magdalen. Three of our defeats were by the odd goal, and the two heaviest 0-5 in each instance were at the hands of Guy's Hospital and Worcester College. Perhaps our best performance was against Guy's, who paid us the compliment of sending their 1st XI. In the first half especially we played well and were holding them to a single goal. In a side with no particular player outstanding we have had to develop teamwork. This has shown great improvement throughout the term with match practise, though more speed in the pass and the tackle is needed. At forward we have depended mainly on the inside trio of A. F. Stirrat, R. Vernon, and W. F. Sale. Their play has been constructive but they have not been shooting enough. At the end of the season Brian Bevan came out of goal to play on the right wing and showed appropriate speed. At centre-half David Currill has held the defence together with sound positional play and at right half F. D. Ball has tackled well. Unfortunately Keith Brown was injured and thus could not play regularly at left half. R. White-Cooper, right back showed himself to be a strong hitter and tackler. Most members of the team, including the goalkeeper S. Bonsall will be available again next season and they should provide the foundations of a strong side. Cuppers: 1st round v. University. Lost 0-4. A.F.S.
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TABLE TENNIS Captain and Secretary: John Otway Although the "Pinger's" team scarcely avoided relegation and ignominy in Division II, it was a good team when at full strength and playing at home. That it was often more difficult to raise a team than to match our opponents is clear, because we drew both with the League Champions, Exeter, and the bottom team, Keble. Michael Beaumont, John Otway, and Josh Gabay showed remarkable tenacity and spirit and, thanks sometimes to the inability of our opponents to adapt themselves to "local conditions", managed to win most of their games. The lack of a regular forth player and reliable reserves accounted for half of the matches being drawn, but should not hamper us in "Cuppers", where teams consist of three players. J.O. SAILING CLUB It is with watery-eyed regret that we bid farewell to the "Fandango" and its gallant salt-stained Commodore D. T. Byron. So much has the "Fandango" become part of the Oxford scene that it was only with much persuasion that the Council could be prevented from making it a Nautical Rust Property. We wish both it and its crew a peaceful haven for its final dance. R.G.S.L. THE CROQUET CLUB The Croquet Club completed an extremely successful season last Trinity Term, without suffering a single defeat—a record, I may venture to say, far better than that of any of the other sports clubs within the college. The amenities of the Club may be said to be even more amenable than those of the other College Sports Clubs—a playing area within the College, a three-storey grandstand, and a stare from American tourists, always momentarily inspired to foto Undergrads indulging in a typically English sport. However, it should be particularly emphasised to those members of the College, prevented by upbringing or other stigmas from being members of the sect, that participation in the croquet-ritual is not a matter for puerile entertainment but is essentially an example of the application of the ethos of croquet to what might otherwise be the mere tlemonstration of a certain skill and artistry. Colours were awarded to the Captain. The Captain.
SMALL ADS. If you want to get ahead get a herald.—B. Chestle. For sale: 'The Fandango'.—D .T. Byron. Portuguese lessons with Cornish teas, July-September. —J. Taskes. Don't forget your Student Travel Cards before going down. Wanted: second hand golf-balls.—R. G. Lugar. For sale: Easter cards with Christmasy greetings. —The Secretary. 37
Swiftly, swiftly do I flee In my Austin A.30. Mr. A. J. Stanford would like to thank all those gentlemen who contributed so generously to the shillelagh with the built in brandy flask he received for Christmas. Will anybody finding a taxi between the J.C.R. and the youknow-where please return it to Mr. P. Di. Pasquale. Mr. D. Sturman is looking for a ring. Mr. P. J. Turner will be selling Easter eggs in the Lodge on Friday. With only 303 days to Christmas don't forget your `Buyways', General Factotum R. J. Parker. Ian has sold his soul to the Company store. Pat hates wool gathering. "And all she wanted was a pineapple juice." Graham "I stalked the Mau Mau" Hall's second memorable saga of the swamp is to appear shortly, "Buffet in the Basket". Who said, "I played first board for the University" ? Peter Letts prefers firkins to Hunt Balls. Will Hugh Mckinney please wash the blood off his hands before coming into Hall. M.B. ? Michael Bateman of course. Small bore large bore it's all the same to "2-gun totin' " Ellis, the Kid. Chip-slinging, poker-ace, Will G., is looking forward to the opening of the Beer Cellar. "If kittens were mittens And puppies jalopies, We'd soon have a state Where gloves tried to mate And cars would stand nose to tail— and wail." 38
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