No. 1, Vol.
xxi.]
APRIL, 1900.
EDITORIAL.
F
ROST and snow, of which we have had more this year than for many years, came as a pleasant break in the usual monotony of rain and dreary weather, so general in this country in February. Skating was, of course, the order of the clay for about a week, and the boys, as many as could get skates, availed themselves of Mr. Tedcastle's kind permission to skate on his lake in Marlay Grange. Unfortunately, though the ice was at first in very fair condition, though slightly rough, a heavy fall of snow played great havoc with its glassy surface, the more so as the snow froze hard almost immediately and, lying, as it did about three or four inches deep, was hard to brush off. However, in the ardour of the moment and nothing daunted, a large party of boys armed with brooms, and shovels and other weapons of a like nature made an attack on the snow, but, as Xenophon would say, "being at a loss, only partially succeeded in overcoming it for the snow was brushed in heaps to the centre and only sufficient was really cleared off to make passages along the edge of the lake. For all this, we are sure the boys derived both pleasure and health from their invigorating exercise, and especial pleasure, seeing that, though Christmas in Ireland, as in England, comes once every year, frost, or at any rate frost suitable for skating, comes very seldom; indeed, only on two occasions in the last six years has there been any skating worth speaking of in this neighbourhood. But, as there is a bad side to nearly everything, so it was with the frost and snow, chiefly the latter, for football was grievously interrupted, and, though nobody was really sorry at the time, yet it cannot help having some effect on this year's Cup Team. The war, of course, is one of the most absorbing topics at School, as elsewhere, and S. Columba's may well be proud of the Old Columbans at present out in South Africa fighting for the honour of their country and for their queen. And especially proud may they be of belonging to Irish regiments whose conspicuous bravery and devotion has gained the admiration of Her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen; and now on next St, Patrick's Day the Irish
[Price 6d.
soldiers in the British army may wear their sprig of shamrock with impunity, as they would if they were at home with their wives and families in their native country; and when we drink the toast Floreat Hibernia on St. Patrick's Day let us give a thought to the Irishmen, and particularly to the Old Columbans at present fighting in South Africa. The Old Columbans' Dinner came off on December i4th last, and proved a great success. We hope that it will be continued as an annual custom, at any rate we would like to: expect one every two years. For nothing so much brings together old school friends and companions as a general assembly like this, and it serves to remind them of the happy days they once spent together at school; a former prefect perhaps to his great surprise may chance on a man who was once his "fag," and cordial, we are sure, is the greeting they give one another, for now the one does not think himself so infinitely superior to the other; and besides this it helps individual Old Columbans to keep in touch with their old school and to take a deeper interest in its welfare. A detailed account of the proceedings will be found elsewhere. Tgjium is approaching completion, and we really think that-if-rather mars the general appearance of the other more imposing granite buildings, even more so than the old Schoolroom used to. But purely from the point of view of utility it is admirable, and the appliances so far set up could not be improved upon. Football here is now at length overfor this season, and from most points of view the season has been very successful. The Cup Team was only beaten by one other Dublin School, namely, Blackrock College, and, though defeated by them at the beginning of the season by 24 points to nil, yet in the semi-final of the Cup Ties our opponents only beat us after a very hard game by i t points to 3. There is no doubt that Blackrock College put afar heavier team in the field, especially in the forwards, and it is very creditable for S. Columba's Cup Team that their opponents did not run up a bigger score. S.C.C. Cup Team were drawn against S, Andrew's Ccllege Cup Team in the fit
'N?
THE COLUMBAN.
2
round, and though they played rather carelessly in the first half of the game and allowed their opponents to score 2 tries without making any responsive score, yet they woke up after half time and won a good match by z goals and z tries to z tries. On the whole we think that the team may he congratulated on a successful season, for one cannot judge every season by last season's standard when, after scoring during the season 312 points to 3 3, and being only beaten once by any Dublin school, and that by one point, the Cup Team bore the Leinster Schools' Cup in triumph to St. Columba's, after beating Blackrock College in the final by 8 points to 5. We are very glad to see that this Christmas, as last year, the Columban contingent that competed in the Greek Testament Examination were again successful, and that some very good marks were obtained. The Warden's Divinity set has only been competing for three years, and the results have always been most creditable; a state of affairs which we hope will continue. The Editors are very sorry to notice that very few of the contributions to THE COLUMBAN ever come from the boys themselves; this we would like to see remedied, as THE COLUMBAN should be essentially a School Paper. Why don't boys send any correspondence to THE COLIJMBAN? In former years there used nearly always to be three or four letters from boys proposing different amendments in the existing practices about games, and on other general subjects. The Editor will always be very glad to consider any letter written by the boys, and he is sure that it would increase the general interest of the paper.
[APRIL, 1900
NOTES ON OLD COLUMBANS. IT affords us great pleasure to congratulate Mr. R. F. C. Orpen on his marriage with l\liss Violet Caulfield, which took place at Camolin on March 7th. Mr. Orpen is a prominent Old Columban, being, among other things, the architect under whose skilful guidance our school buildings were re-erected after their destruction by fire. We wish him all happiness. We congratulate H. V. Greer on being given his place on the 1st XV. of the University so soon after he had left School.. We have great pleasure in congratulating F. W. Hutchinson on obtaining the First Respondency at the late Degree Examination. H. C. White, who came to S. C. C. in 1872, has been appointed a member of the new County Council for Tipperary. In T.C.D., John L. Robinson won First Honors in Modern Literature; A. V. Matheson, First Honors in Modern History; J. T. Gwynn, First of First Honors in Classics; G. Salmon, First Honors in Classics; G. E. Hamilton, Second Honors in Classics. Captain J. R. K. Birch (1st Cheshire) has been seconded for service in South Africa, as signalling officer to the 7th (General Tucker's) Division. Captain Birch also saw service in the Soudan, under Sir Garnet (Viscount) Wolsely in 188, where he was three times wounded, and was mentioned in despatches. (Khedive's Star, Medal and Clasp.)
SCHOOL NEWS.
J. R. Shaw has entered the Irish contingent of the Imperial Yeomanry, and is about to leave for the front.
THE following new boys have come this Term: Davidson, Galwey (Form II.A.); Babington (I.B.)
One of the special Artillery Commissions, granted to Dublin University, has been given to J. D. V. Bowles.
J. P. Langrishe has been appointed Secretary to the Cricket Club.
Our Senior Prefect had an interesting letter the other day from the Rev. J. G. Browne, of Langby, Birmingham, asking for some shamrock. He was Senior Prefect here about i857, being the second Senior Prefect ever appointed in this School.'fl"6u1d be a good thing if other Old Columbans would keep up their interest in the School and in their successors.
The following boys left last Term :—Strangman (V.); Murphy (IV.A.); Furnell (III.) ; Newcomen, Smartt (II.A.); Johnson (ILn.).
EXHIBITIONS. SENIOR TODD EXHIBITION. THIS
Christmas, 1899. was won by Dobbs, ma. The marks were as fol-
lows:—
Total. Classics. Mathematics. 4.o6 289 Dobbs, ma. 69 6zi 341 280 Dickson, 60 149 Rolleston, The maximum for Classics was 600, and for Mathematics 450. JUNIOR TODD EXHIBITION. This Exhibition was won by Colquhoun, mi. The marks were as follows:— Total. Classics. Mathematics. i88 320 Colquhoun, ffll., 132 317 220 Lawson, 97 and the Mathematical The Classical Total was 35°, Total 3oo.
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The Editor of THE COLUMBAN would he deeply grateful to all O.Cs who would from time to time let him know any "Old Columban News" that may reach them, as he is in a position to obtain but little intelligence of O.Cs. and their movements. The regiments of the following Old Columbans are now at the front:— Captain R. Gabbett (Welsh Fusiliers). Lieutenant V. T. Bailey (1st King's Liverpool). Major H. S. McStannell Royal Scots Fusiliers). Major W. Fry (West Yorkshire Regiment). Second Lieutenant R. L. Payne (1st Connaught Rangers). Second Lieutenant J. G. Devenish (1st Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers). This officer has been twice severely wounded, though he has not held his commission for a year. Second Lieutenant P. G. Maynard (2nd Royal Irish Rifles). We regret to say that this officer, too, has not escaped the enemy's fire. Col. The Hon. H. G. L. Crichton has been appointed Assistant-Adjutant-General for the Imperial Yeomanry.
ME COLUMBAt.
APRIL, 19001
OLD COLUMBANS' DINNER. DECEMBER 14TH, 1899.
OBITUARY. WE are sorry to have to announce the death of Hr. Thomas Purcell, M.K.Q.C.P.I., L.R.C,S.I.,
at his house in Dublin. Dr. Purcell came here in 1849, and saw service in the Navy as Assistant-Surgeon in China, Japan, India, and South America. Since his retirement in i868 he has practised in Dublin, where he obained a dispensary.
THIS Dinner, notice of which was given in the last number of THE COLIOMBAN, was brought to a most successful
issue in the Dolphin Hotel on December i4th. Dinner had been ordered for 745 p.m. for sixty-one guests, eight of whom unfortunately were unable to attend. Each Columban, on arrival, was presented with a printed twopage card, containing Menu, List of Toasts, and a Plan of the Tables. PLAN OF TABLES. 5 4 3 2 1 60 58 57 56
to announce the death of Mr. William Butterfield, F.S,A., one of the most original of the ecclesiastical and collegiate architects of our time. WE have
He had reached the great age of 85 years, having been born in 1814, only two years later than Pugin, and three years later than Gilbert Scott. These names indicate his epoch, and suggest the standards by which his work should be judged; for, though he was till recently a well-known figure at the Athenum Club, his main work was done thirty, forty, or even fifty years ago. He was, in fact, a child of the ecclesiastical revival of the second quarter of the century, was a grown man when the "Tracts for the Times" first began to appear, and a practising architect at the date when the Oxford Movement first seriously affected the country. But, though he felt the full tide of the Gothic revival of which Pugin was, in architecture, the chief exponent, he had in some directions an originality which even Pugin,. man of genius as he was, failed to show, and which was wholly wanting in Scott. This was evident in the work by which Butterfield first became widely known, the Church of All Saints, Margaret-street, and it was shown as conspicuously, but less favourably, afterwards, especially in the buildings of Keble College. Several years before this Butterfield had designed the buildings of St. Augustine's College, Canterbury. He built the new chapel at Balliol College, Oxford; and then, after Keble's death in 1866, followed the most extensive work ever committed to Butterfield, the complete buildings of the College which was soon afterwards erected to Kebl&s memory. The idea of this work was that which had been expressed alike in the Athens of Pericles and in the monasteries of the Middle Ages-small private quarters and a vast and costly building for the public services of religion. Keble Chapel was the work into which Butterfield put, so to speak, the most of himself; but it unfortunately cannot be called a success, from any point of view. He had departed from the observance of well-known rules of proportion, and hence the effect of the interior, as a whole, is far less spacious and dignified than it should be. Keble College also gives an example of Butterfield's want of the true decorative feeling, which probablysprang from a somewhat insensitive eye for colour. He insisted upon the importance of colour, but by cutting up his surfaces and using variegated bricks, mosaics, &c., somewhat at random, he tended to forfeit breadth of effect. Among many other works of Butterfield's, we may mention the following :-The churches of St. Augustine, Queen's-gate; St. Mary Magdalene, Enfield; St. Augustine, Bournemouth; the chapel and other buildings at Fulham Palace; the chapel and school buildings at Rugby; the Grammar School, Exeter; and, in i88o, the Chapel of S. Columba's College, which many people believe is one of the best expressions of his art. He also "restored" many ancient buildings; but here he was too thorough-going, thanks to his want of sympathy with any school but one. He cannot be held blameless for the destruction of the 17th century stalls in Winchester College Chapel.
55 54 55 52 10 11
51
12
50
13
40
14
48
15
47
10
40
17
40
18
44
43
19 ENTRANCE.
KEY TO PLAN OF TABLES.
a. T. W. Rolleston 59. H. C. Bowen. 20. S. R. Bowles. (Chairman). 21. C. St. G. Orpen. 2. The Warden 22. A. A. Bourke. (Guest). 23. Rev. A. E.Wynne 3. C. P. Cotton. 24. J. R. Shaw. 4. A. de Burgh. 5. T. P. S. Cros- 25. L. R. Oswald. 26. H. J. Robinson. thwait. 6. T. Purcell, M.D. 27.R. D. Orr. 7. Rev. W. A. Hill 28. F. Whelan. 29. H. R. Guinness. (Guest). 30. T. Hugo. 8. R. C. Orpen. . R. E. Maunsell. 31. Lieut.-Col. Hall. 32. H. C. White. To. Capt. Johnston. to. F. W. Hutchin- 33. Armstrong Todd, M.D. son. 12. S. Beresford. 34. D. R. O'Brien. 13. J. H. L. Reade. 35. R. L. Tyrrell. 14. A. V. Macan 36.3, F. Walsh. 7. W. M. Shaw. 15. A. H. Croly. 38. C. L. Smith. 16. G. F. Steede. 17. Rev. H.F.Patton. 39. H. Lane. 40. C. W. Wilson. aS. E. J. Gwynn.
41. H. Croly, M.D. 42. W. F. Skipworth. 43. W. L. Scott. 44. R. H. Crofton. 45. A. G. Rolleston. 46. L. T. Leland. 47. M. F. Walsh. 48. J. T. Gwynn. 49. H. B. Mayne. So. H. V. Greer. 5t. L. H. Gwynn. Ia. H. H. Littledale. 52. R. W. Tate. 53. W. C. Bennett. 54. C. A. Owen. 55. H. C. Tisdall. 6. W. Hone. 57. A. V. Macan, M.D.
8. Col. Beresford. 59. Rev. L. H. O'Brien. 6o. 0. Alcock (Guest)
Of these, Nos. 3, 6, it, 17, 20, 23, 34, 56, and 59 failed to put in an appearance. A telegram was received from Dr. Thomas Purcell conveying his regret at not being able to be present owing to ill health. All Columbans will feel sorry to hear of the sad end to his illness recorded in another column of this number. A very warin welcome was given to Mr. G. Alcock and the Rev. W. A. Hill, who were for so many years on the staff of S.C.C.
t'I4E COLUIUBAN.
4
Dinner began with the grace "Non Nobis Domine" excellently rendered by ex-members of the Choir, conducted by F. Whelan, and an excellent menu was discussed with great unanimity. The more serious portion of the night's programme was appropriately concluded by the "Queen's health" and the passing of the Grace Cup, to which was added the toast of "the College," proposed by the Chairman. The Warden replied, and gave a most satisfactory account of the prospects of S.C.C. which called up most enthusiastic sentiments in his audience. Mr. R. C. Orpen in a very personal and amusing speech, proposed the "Masters past and present" coupled with the name of the late Sub-Warden. Mr. G. Alcock responded in a characteristic speech, which afforded great satisfaction to the old boys of his time. "Absent friends" were then toasted in answer to the eloquent speech of Colonel Beresford, to whom all listened with the greatest pleasure and admiration. Dr. A. V. Macan and H. C. White also spoke, and a vote of thanks was passed to the Members of the Committee, who, on the motion of Mr. T. B. S. Crosthwaitthe oldest Old Columban present—were unanimously elected a Standing Dinner Committee. A vote of thanks—proposed by the Warden—to the distinguished Chairman of the evening, Mr. T. W. Rolleston, for his admirable conduct of the onerous duties of the Chair, made a fitting end to a brilliant display of Columban rhetoric. Songs were then sung by Messrs. F. Whelan, R. H. Crofton, G. F. Steede, R. C. Orpen, H. E. Littledalethe latter contributing very largely to the pleasure of the evening. The accompaniments were played by Mr. C. W. Wilson, one of the most distinguished of Columban musicians. Letters expressing regret at inability to attend were received from Ph. Bagerial, W. D. Carr, W. M. Crofton, F. H. B. Daniell, T. S. Hillas-Drake, Lieut.-Col. Layard, Lieut. 0. H. C. Molony, W. A. Morton, M.D.; Rev. C. M. Rice, C. 0. Slacke, A. S. Tresilian, Rev. 0. W. Walsh, Rev. Robert Rice The Secretary wishes to thank Rev. Robert Rice and others who very kindly wrote to him giving assistance in finding addresses, and he will very gladly supply or receive any addresses of Old Colurubans. STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS Booeipts. Fifty-seven Dinner Ticket,, at ion. Sd. each, . . ag ig 6
Lag 18 6
Expenditure. Cheque to Dolphin Hotel, .23 iS Ponsonby & Weldrick, for printing. .... 2 o o Postage. .... a aS S Stationery. .... o x no Balance..... 3 7 8 £29 iS 6
FOOTBALL. S. C. C. V. ST. ANDREW'S COLLEGE (CUP-TIE). ON March 9th, 9900, we arrived at Lansdowne-road about 3 o'clock, and found the ground in beautiful condition, with the best of weather. Miller, winning the toss, elected to play towards the Dodder end. After the ki4 k off, S.C.C. failed to find touch, which St. Andrew's did at the home z; here play settled down for about
CAPRIL, 1900
five minutes. St. Andrew's then made several determined rushes, but were not successful for some time, until one of their forwards getting the ball from a line out from touch, burst over for a try at the corner, but the kick at goal failed (3 to o). From the drop out St. Andrew's found touch at S. C. C. z. Here a series of scrummages ensued, which ended in one of our opponents' backs bursting through the home defence and grounding the ball for the second and last time just outside the posts. The kick again failed (6 to o). These reverses woke up S.C.C., who seemed to have been asleep hitherto, and play was brought to the centre. Play then continued without either side scoring any material advantage until Miller and B•rooke with some very neat work brought play up to St. Andrew's 2 C . S.C.C. then made a fierce onslaught on the St. Andrew's line, but failed to cross it owing to the stern defence of our opponents, who after a while managed to send the ball to the centre again. Here a couple of frees were awarded to each side, from one of which awarded to S.C.C. Dobbs and Peyton following up, play was again brought back to St. Andrew's z. After some even play, which lasted for about five or ten minutes, St. Andrew's were awarded a free, and found touch at half-way just as the whistle went out for half-time. In the second half Creery started for S.C.C., and after some exchanges play settled down at half-way, S.C.C. getting slightly the better of matters and gradually working towards St. Andrew's 25, where several scrummages took place. S.C.C. got possession, and Miller passed to Shaw, who romped over for a try just at the corner. Miller converted with a splendid kick from a difficult angle (6 to 5). After the kick off, play remained at the centre and St. Andrew's right wing three-quarter getting possession of the ball ran right across the field and began to look dangerous, but Whitton brought him down with a very neat tackle. S.C.C. forwards now combined, and did some very good work, Brooke especially showing up, tackling hard and backing up well besides doing some good work in the scrum. Several frees were awarded to each side, and play settled down at St. Andrew's z, where, after some scrummaging, Whitton got the ball out and passed to Miller, who immediately transferred to Shaw; the latter with a good run again grounded the ball at the corner. The kick at goal failed (8 to 6). This seemed to demoralize St. Andrew's, and play continued at their 25 for the rest of the game. Scrummage after scrummage took place, but S.C.C. failed to score. Miller, indeed, nearly did so, but if he had passed out Rolleston would assuredly have scored. After a few scrummages Whitton got the three-quarters going, the ball getting out to Rolleston who made an excellent run towards the corner, and, turning sharply, dodged between the backs, and scored a magnificent try almost behind the posts. The kick again failed (i i to 6). After the drop-out play came to the centre, and from a line out from touch Brooke got away, but kicked too hard, so that St. Andrew's touched down in defence. Play then continued at our opponent's 25, and from a scrummage Shaw receiving from Miller again got over at the corner, Miller converted with a splendid kick (16 to 6). No side was then called, and S.C.C. were left the winners on the following score:— S.C.C., 2 goals, z tries (1:6 points). St. Andrew's, z tries (6 points). At the commencement it certainly seemed as if we were going to be beaten, the forwards not playing tip to form at all, with the result that our opponents twice crossed our line in the first fifteen minutes.
APRIL1 1900]
THE COLUMBAN.
It came as a great relief to see the team suddenly pull itself together and get to work in real earnest, Peyton, Dobbs, and Brooke doing some good work. Our opponents always seemed to get the better of us in a series of exchanges, our backs almost invariably failing to find touch. The backs had all of them an unusual amount of saving to do, 'while Dillon at foil played a good all-round game, picking up from the toes of our opponent's forwards and clearing in fine style. The following represented S. C. C. —(Full), Dillon; (three-quarters), Shaw, Miller, Jordi, Rolleston; (halves), Whitton, Powell; (forwa.rds, Peyton, Mills, Dobbs, Brooke, Creery, Kennedy, Smyth, Dickson. S.C.C. 2ND XV. V. ARkVON 1ST On March 7th, igoo, S.C.C. kicked off up-hill, and play settled down inside Aravon 25. After some scrummages Aravongot a free which found touch near half-way. Munn then with a good run along the upper touch line brought play once more to the Aravon 25. Aravon forwards next came away with a rush to half-way, but jordi picking up smartly drove them back by a good kick which found touch at their z. From a line out Rolleston dribbled the ball right through the Aravon backs and scored a fine try. Jordi kicked the goal (5 to o). After the kick off matters were pretty even until Rolleston with another good dribble brought play back to the Aravon z. Our opponents again made a rush and brought play to half-way, where matters remained even for about five minutes, until a combined run by Coiquhoun and Brad-Icy reached the Aravon 25. Rolleston again got the ball from a line out from touch, and scored after a good run. Jordi again converted (:o to a). Play was of an even character when the whistle vent for half-time. After the kick off S.C.C. pressed hard, and Daunt with a good run nearly succeeded in scoring, but soon afterwards Rolleston picking up in the loose managed to cross the line. He failed to convert (13 to o). After the drop out S.C.C. again brought play into the Aravon 25, and after a very nice bit of combination among the home backs Daunt scored, Jordi converted (iS to o). S.C.C. again pressed, and Bradley after a good run was collared on the line. A series of scrummages followed, and S.C.C. heeling out the ball, Daunt again scored, The kick failed (zi to o). A few moments afterwards Rolleston again burst over, but failed to convert his try (24 to o). S.C.C. continued to press, but no further score was registered when no side was called, leaving S.C.C. winners on the following score:S.C.C., 3 goals, 3 tries (24 points). Aravon, nil. S.C.C. V. BLACKL'OCK COLLEGE (CUP-TIE). This match, in the semi-final of the Schools' Cup, was played at Lansdowne-road on Thursday, March 15th. The whole school was allowed in to see the match, and there was a large number of Old Columbans present to cheer us on. Blackrock won the toss, and chose the railway end, from which a strong wind was blowing. Dobbs kicked off, but Blackrock returned to touch near our z. From the ensuing scrum it was soon seen that our opponents were considerably heavier forward. They gradually worked down towit]iin a few yards of the line, when O'Connor, obtaining possession from a scrum, eluded Whitton, and dashed over the line. The other backs evidently thinking he had gone into touch, allowed him to walk round and score
behind the posts, and from this a goal was easily kicked. For the remainder of the first half Blackrock made strenuous efforts to score again, but though the forwards gave the backs plenty of opportunities, the sound defence of our backs was too good for them. Most of the play was in our z, and Ave were forced to touch down several times. Aided by the wind the kicking of the Blackrock backs was most effective, and completely nullified any efforts of our forwards to break away. In the second half of the game the wind dropped considerably, and so deprived us of what should have been a great advantage. Rain also began to fall, and the ground and ball became rather slippery. From the kick off Blackrock pressed. Our forwards continued to do their best, but the backs, with the exception of Miller, did not kick nearly enough. O'Connor scored again, and also Moran, but no goals resulted. The game was mainly a forward one, though the Blackrock backs made occasional attempts at passing, but these generally resulted in loss of ground. Unfortunately our forwards were only able to get the ball about half-a-dozen times throughout the whole game, so the backs never had an opportunity of showing their attacking powers. Towards the end of the game we began to have rather more of the play, and on being given a free outside our opponents' z, Miller dropped a brilliant goal. From this to the end we had the better of the struggle, but were unable to score again, and so retired defeated by i i points to 3. There is no doubt the better team won, but it was entirely due to the superior weight of the Blackrock forwards and the kicking of their backs that they gained their victory. All our forwards worked hard, and played well; under the circumstances it would be invidious to mention any one in particular. The half-backs got through a lot of defensive work, but both have been seen to better advantage. Of the three-quarters, Miller was very sound, his tackling being very fine, in addition to which he was the only one who kicked at all well. Langrishe did some fine tackling. Shaw and Jordi did well for players, whose strong point is not defence. Dillon, at till, did all that could be expected of him, and was not responsible for any of the scores. Team: Dillon, Shaw, Miller, Jordi, Langrishe, Whitton, Powell, Peyton, Dobbs, Mills, Brooke, Kennedy, Creery, Rolleston, Smyth. CHARACTERS or THE TEAM. Dillon (full back).—A good kick, and very fair tackler; has played three-quarters on some' matches, but is inclined to be a little slow; should be of great use to the team next year; played very well in the Cup matches. Shaw.—A fast wing three-quarter, but does not make enough use of his pace; fairly good at intercepting; should learn to collar low; a poor kick, but takes his passes well. Jordi.—A very fair centre three-quarter, collars well, and is a good kick; played well in the Cup matches, and should be very good next year. Langrishe, ma. (wing three-quarter).—The fastest and strongest runner on the team, has improved immensely this season; takes his passes well, and hands off beautifully. Unfortunately hurt his wrist towards the close of the season which came against him rather in the Cup Match v. Bl,ackrock.
[Aptut, xoó
THE COLUMBAN. Whitton.—Our best half-back; has played on nearly every match this season; makes very good openings, and gives and takes his passes well; has plenty of pace, but is inclined to hold on to the ball too long; plays a very good saving game, especially in the last Cup Match. Powell, ma. (half-back).—Has improved very much indeed, this season, considering it is his first experience as half-back for the team ; a little slow in attacking, but very good in defence; collars well for his size, but should make more certain of his kicks. Peyton.—First forward on the team; very neat with his feet, and plays a good hard game all through; has been inclined to wing more than is necessary during the latter half of the season. Dobbs, ma.—A very good hard-working forward, has played exceedingly well all through the season; never shirks the scrum, and follows up hard always; collars low, and uses his feet very well. Mills. -Is rather on the light side for a forward, but works hard; is very neat at dribbling and tackles well; is a little too fond of winging, and should stick to the scrum more. Creery.--Our biggest, and heaviest forward, was inclined to slack at the commencement of the season, but has played with plenty of dash lately; follows up hard, and shoves well in the scrum. Brooke.—Has improved very much this season; a good forward; shoves hard; follows up well, and always keeps to the scrum; well deserves his place on the team. Kennedy..—A light forward, but very good out of touch; dribbles well, and shoves hard, and is a good kick. Rolleston.—A fast and heavy forward; has only played forward the latter part of the season; dribbles well, and is always well to the front in a rush. As a three-quarter back, he is rather shaky at taking a pass; has plenty of pace, and is a good kick. Smyth, via.—A fairly heavy forward; has improved a little this season, but is still rather slow, and should put more life into his play. Miller (Captain).—A brilliant wing three-quarter, but has unfortunately been compelled to play in the centre most of the season, where his sound defence and good kicking have been of great use; but centre is not his proper place; he is very fast; takes his passes well; tackles brilliantly, and kicks beautifully. The following is a short resume' of the matches played by the ist XV. this season :Oct. 18, v. Meath Hospital. Home. Drawn. 2 goals I penalty, to 2 goals i try. 21, v. St. Andrew's College. Home. Won. 4 goals 4 ties to nil. Nov. s, v. Blackrock College. Away. Lost. 3 goals 3 tries to nil. 4 V. Portora School. Away. Lost. i try to nil. 8, v. H. V. Greer's team. Home. Lost. i goal i try to nil. ir, v. St. Andrew's College. Away. Won. i goal to i try. i goal z try 1) 18l v. Monkstown 3rd XV. Home. Won. to I try. 25, V. High School. Away. Won. 3 goals 3 tries to nil. 30, V. Lansdowne 3rd XV. Away. Lost. I goal 2 tries to nil. Dec. 2, V. Monkatown 3rd XV. Away. Lost. i try to nil. ,, 6, v. Corrig School. Away. Won. i try to nil.
Mar, 3, v. Rathmines F. C. 2nd XV. Away. Won. 2 goals to nil. , v.St. Andrew's College. Away. Won. 2 goals 2 tries to 2 tries. io, v. St. Stephen's-green School. Away. Won. z goal 2 tries to I penalty goal. 15, v.*Blackrock College. Away. Lost. ii points to 3. During the season 1899-1900 the ist XV. scored points, as against 91 scored against them.
125
HALF-HOLIDAYS AT S. COLTJM BA'S. is no subject more full of interest for school-boys than that of half holidays—unless, indeed, it be the subject of whole holidays. The subject interests parents too, but in a vitally different way. The parents are inclined to think that half-holidays are superfluous and mischievous; the boys feel certain that they are—I speak as a school-boy, and therefore myjudgment is absolutely impartial—necessary, and beneficent; the parents regard them as an unworthy encouragement to idleness, the boys view them as the righteous rewards of patient merit; the parents hint that they are too numerous and too long, the boys affirm that they are too scanty and too short. Between such divergent opinions who will decide what is right? who will harmonize the discordance? Let us forthwith discuss the question in a concrete form, as it effects us boys at S. Columba's and our parents. One time-honaured usage of this School is to give socalled (I use the word advisedly) half-holidays on the Saints' Days, and to give whole holidays on two days in the year, S. Patrick's and S. Columba's Day. Another traditional usage, common to all schools, is to give socalled half-holidays for each distinction won by pupils of the School, but the distinctions must be of such superior merit as to be worthy of inscription on the walls of our Dining Hall—such honours, for instance, as Scholarships or Degree Honours in the universities, or the entrance of boys into Sandhurst or Woolwich. Now in this momentous question there is one consideration of which parents may be ignorant, but of which boys have the most luminous and accurate knowledge, and that is the length of a so-called half-holiday. Again, I say advisedly a so-called half-holiday. Our parents think that a half-holiday is the remission of half the work of a day. Therein we are at one with them. We heartily agree that the ideal half-holiday ought to be the remission of half the full work of the day. But if they think that we, their hopeful sons, attain this ideal, then they are greatly mistaken, and we deplore and pity their ignorance. The reality is that our half-holidays fall miserably short of the ideal. For consider what these misnamed relaxations are. The average amount of school work on each ordinary day is seven or eight hours. Now to be accurate, a halfholiday ought to be half of this, i.e., a remission of three or four hours work; but instead of this our half-holiday is just the remission of one and a-half hours school. That is we get off one and a-half hours out of seven or eight hours of work, and this thing we call a half-holiday I I quiver with resentment when I consider the awful injustice of it. It really isn't a quarter-holiday: nay, I believe, that if I had the courage to go into the vulgar fractions of the thing, it would not amount to one-fifth of a holiday. Halfholiday indeed! THERE
Cup-tie Matches.
THE COLUMBAN.
APRIL, 19001
But then people may think that there are so many of these fifth parts of holidays accruing to us from Saints' Days, that they mount up to a good deal in the aggregate. I have examined this part of the inquiry with great care— for I keep a private almanac of such days—and I find that only fifteen Saints' Days occur during the year in Term time; the rest happen in the vacations, and so are a most lamentable loss to us, as far as their holiday worth goes. If you consider that these fifteen "halfs" are really only "fifths," you will find that the aggregate of extra time off for Saints' Days only amounts to five genuine halfholidays—that, mind you, for the whole year—and if you add to this the extra relaxations of work given us on account of distinctions gained by pupils in the 'Varsity or elsewhere, you come to a grand total (a poor total I call it) of seven real half-holidays during the whole year. Just think of it, and judge if we be not hardly used in the matter of half holidays. FROM THE Boys' POINT OF VIEW.
CORRESPONDENCE.
To the Edz'lor of THa COLUMBAN. DEAR SIR,—Though struck with horror at the demand just made upon me to write a Trinity Letter, "as soon as I possibly can," I nevertheless, with sullen obedience raise my unwilling pen. As I do so, a scene rises vividly before me. Once more I am sitting in the prefects' class-room, with a fresh issue of THE COLUMnAN in my hand. As I scan the last page, my eye falls on "Trinity Letter." Words of scathing criticism pass my lips. Alas, for our spoken word.! How our own turn comes for each of us! Spare me, kind reader, spare my poor attempt a like bitter fate. Think how some day you too may be biting my nails to the quick, and tugging at your "scanty stubble" over a similar treatise. I need hardly, I think, touch on any prominence which may have been attained by 0. C. S. in athletics. I feel confident that they at least have been watched with keen enough an eye. Who does not know of Greer's ist XV. colours won last term? Others off last years cup team, have often represented Trinity znd XV., and there are nearly always a half dozen O.Cs. on the 3rd XV., with, I hope, fair promises of rising during ensuing seasons. Nor need I give a list of the honours gained at last exams. in work, as I most probably do not know as much about them as will appear in this issue. There is, however, "one victory gained and honour won," which I must not pass by without allusion. One loyal subject of the Queen, who departed from your midst last summer, endured the glory of being " hauled" together with a devoted band of thirteen. This notable distinction was gained solely through excessive loyalty, which prompted him fearlessly to attack a hostile policeman, at least six times his size. This preserver of law and order had actually attempted (horribile diclu) to deprive Trinity Students of their acknowledged right of pulling down, and tearing into small trophies, the Mansion House flag. But times have changed, and policemen, it appears, with them. As the poet of "T.C.D." has admirably put it:—" They're hauling 'jibs' and 'freshers' for the tearing of the green." There is often a difficulty when entering to know what clubs and Societies to gain. I would certainly advise any
7
one who has been on the cup team at School, to continue football and join "Trinity" when he enters. Although it is harder to get and keep your place on a team in Trinity than in other clubs, yet you are more in the way of learning to play a good game. And even if you do get "turfed," it only tends to keep you up to the mark. And if you have been on S.C.C. 1st XV., you will probably be sure of getting plenty of play on the 3 A XV. at least. The rowing club is an increasingly popular one in Trinity, and although no O.Cs., as far as I know, have up to this come into prominence, yet some have joined this year; and so we may hope in future years to see some O.Cs. following to a certain extent, at any rate, the example of their Warden. Now that Columbans have the advantage of a Gymnasium, we may hope to see them in future time, prominent in the "Trinity Gymnastic Club" which, I believe, is the best in Dublin. For us who have just entered there is an opening which was denied to our predecessors. A Junior Debating Society has been formed, going by the sounding appellation of the "Neophites." It is an excellent idea if it does not die down. I would strongly recommend those just entering College to join it, as it is exceedingly useful, if not necessary to learn to speak in public. Informer times there were only the Philosophical and Historical Societies, and junior men could seldom summon enough courage to speak, or even get an opportunity of speaking, at their meetings. But one of these Societies should be joined still, as they have comfortable rooms to sit in, which comes in very useful for non-residents in College. Trinity, ever to the fore in loyalty, is intending to get up some demonstration for the Queen, but the meeting to arrange what form it is to take has not yet been held. Hoping that there is some of this which does not come under the condemnation of stale news, I remain, yours, &c., ONCE KNOWN AS NOTRAB.
To the Editor of THE COLUMBAN. DEAR Si,—The late Grant Allen in the course of some remarks mentions the fact that undergraduates at Cambridge are not called students for obvious reasons. He is right in the main, but there are exceptions; for instance, the individual who has the rare joy of being in the running for the coveted (?) position of senior wrangler ; who works between eight and ten hours a day, and takes a short cycle ride on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, or Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, according as he is in the mood for problems or not. Senior wranglers are more or less a by-word; this is only to be expected in a University where sport counts for everything, and when the study of mathematics is widening to such an extent every year that people who take it up have little or no time for the improving influences of literature, other than that which comes within the tripos course. Occasionally one does hear of some Hercules who has got his blue for rowing and come out top wrangler the same year, but mighty seldom. For idle dispositions there are many attractions, and chiefest perhaps the Union. It is an admirable institution, fitted with every conceivable luxury and convenience, from a table d' h6te dinner to the " latest" from South Africa. Let me single out one room in it as an illustration. The smokers' quarters are on the second
8
[APRIL, 1900
THE COLUMBAN.
floor-large and sumptuous. For them the authorities seem to have found at last a really comfortable armchair; one that hits off to a nicety the happy mean between sitting and lying; whose back does not come to an end at the junction of one's head and shoulders, leaving the former no support; and without that uncomfortable thing of all uncomfortable things, a rigid crossbar whichit catches " the spine just where it crosses the meridian of the back. In front of the fire stands a screen with cushioned top to accommodate the legs in that peculiar position which is the sine qua non of a bachelor's paradise. There are besides writing materials, ash-trays, a penny-inthe-slot machine, for stamps, and papers, and periodicals galore. Tea is served in the afternoon, and coffee in the evening. I was walking down Trinity-street a few months ago when a newspaper ragamuffin yelled out " Suicide at Clare"; it was only natural to conclude that an unfortunate undergraduate at Clare College hopelessly involved in debt, or under the stress of some other pressing troubles, had been driven to take unto himself a rope and put an end to his unhappy life; but the hideous dream vanished when the place turned out to be in Ireland. Another and very favourite is "Serious charge against an undergraduate"; this generally means is. and costs for cycling without a lamp or over one of the grass commons. On the morning alter the news of the relief of Ladysmith pedestrians were beset by these merchants trying to press extra-specials on them with "Pape sa all about the rag." The origin and meaning of the term "rag" are disputed, but it has no doubt some connexion with the well-known "a red rag to a bull." The "rag" in question took place the night previous, to celebrate the joyful news. It happened to be the eve of market day, when wooden stalls and booths are erected by the various salespeople to hold the produce of the countryside. These afforded too tempting fuel to excited minds for a bonfire, which, notwithstanding the efforts of an inefficient body of police, was soon set going. Now the Vice-Chancellor had been at pains to impress on the lay mind on a previous occasion that "Members of the University in s/a/u pupillari are forbidden to take any part in making or lighting bonfirus in public places within the precincts of the University, unless the Vice-Chancellor shall have issued a notice withdrawing the prohibition for some special occasion. Members of the University in s/a/u pupihlari offending against this edict will render themselves liable to be punished by suspension, rustication, expulsion, or otherwise." This afforded a "handle" to the town magistrates, which they made good (or bad) use of, and the unlucky individuals who fell into the hands of the police had a trying experience of the severity of the law. Needless to say, the mayor, a chief among magistrates, has not materially increased his popularity. The two crews are now working hard at Putney for the supreme effort on March 3 ist; Oxford have had the great misfortune to lose their president through illness. The "Soccer" match, a couple of weeks ago, ended in a win for Oxford by seven goals to three. Cambridge "pulled off" the Hockey, and also the annual contest with the London Athletic Club by seven events to three. In the University Sports the zoo Yards was done in 9 secs. With best wishes, I remain, yours, &C., 0. C.
To the Editor of
THE COLUMBAN.
SIR,-May I he allowed to trespass on your valuable of colours for the space, and to bring up again the s znd XV. Football, in S. C. C. at any rate, is a ar more opu1arame than cricket, and it seems rather hard that while the znd XI. have a blazer and scarf, the znd XV. have not evenra jersey toplajfT'n, if full colours cannot be given to the 2nd XV., why not allow them the privilege of having something to distinguish them from the rest of their schoolfellows who are not so proficient in this branch of athletics? A<.*arf, I think, would be a on straw hat or cap. very good idea, or a badge Thanking the Committee beforehand for taling up this subject, I am, yours, &c., SECOND XV,
CHAPEL OFFERTORY ACCOUNTS, 18.
Receipts. Collections,
.
.
Expenditure.
. £si o 8
.
Organ Restoration Fund, £4 19 15 Lady Roberts' Fund, 6 4 o Dublin Hospitals, 4 50 6 City of Dublin Hospital, 44 0 Whitechurch Parish SustentatiOn 4 0 Whitechurch Parish Schools s 2 2 0 Diocesan Education, 2 2 10 Diocesan Expenses, 2 0 0 S.P.G.Funds, 2 5 3 C. M. S. Funds, 2 2 0 Dublin University Mission to Chhota Nagpur, s 10 0 Unirs,Mission to Central Africa, 7 2 6 Ballinrobe Church Restoration Fund, 2 2 0 Codlington College, s o o Poor of neighbourhood, 3 5 0 Rathfarnham Dorcas So. ciety o to o Miscellaneous Charities, 2 0 Balance o 14 8
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L57
8
1
£57
0
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Treasurer begs to acknowledge, with thanks, the following subscriptions :-Sir Penrose Fitzgerald, Bart., 35. 6d.; Mrs. Lawson, 35. 6d.; Rev. W. Smyth, 3:. ôd.; Mrs. J. D. Smyth, 35. 6d.; E. W. O'Brien, Esq., 38. 6d.; L. Creery, Esq., 3:. od.; Mrs. S. E. Smith, 3:. 6d.; Colonel Beresford, ios.; R. V. O'Brien, Esq., los. 6d.; R. D. O'Brien, Esq., vs.; H. J. Cooper, Esq., 3$. 6d.; Rev. Herbert Patton, 35. 6d.; S. R. Bowles, Esq., 3:. 6d.; S. Parker Hutchinson, Esq., 7s.; Mrs. Guinness, 3s. 6d.; J. Kennedy, Esq., 33. 6d.; A. Eraut, Esq., 3:. od.; Rev. E. Lewis Crosby, 5s. 6d.; A. R. M. Bourchier, 75.
THE
Editor acknowledges, with thanks, the receipt of the following periodicals: -Chehtonian (z), Hurs/.Johnian (z), 7'unbridgian, Droghiedean (z), C/ftonian (z), Gi'gleswick Magazine, Can/husian (z), S. S. G. S. (z).
THE
annual subscription to THE COLUMBAN is 3$. 6d., which can be sent to the Secretary of THE COLUMBAN, S. Columba's College, Rathfarnham, Dublin.
THE
ublin: Printed at the Vniveralty Prose, by PON8ONBT
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