St Hugh's College, Oxford - The Imp, Michaelmas 1921

THE IMP.

Michaelmas,

1921.

EDITOR HELEN BURNETT.

COMMITTEE Third Year Representative—P. F. MicHELL. Second Year Representative—N. CLIVE SMITH.

TREASURER: R. G. RHOADS.

THE IMP. No. 9.

MICHAELMAS TERM.

1921.

EDITORIAL. HE COMMITTEE are much gratified by the number of con tributions to the present number, and only regret that so many excellent things had to be left out for lack of space. They were sorry, too, to have had so few contributions from the First Year. They hope, however, that the College has come to see that the Imp is their natural means of publication, and if a larger magazine is needed, they would consider putting it upon a new financial basis. ' Imp-ressions,' a convention which had become only mildly entertaining, have been supplied by official reports from the various Clubs and Societies.

T

• 11.11.11 *14 V••■■

COMPETITION ENTRIES. i. A Short Story. N. Clive Smith.

IRRITATION.'

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Maude really was tool tiresome. This made the third morning running.

Mrs. Blake sighed, and carefully moved the teapot on to the right side of the tray. Ever since Maude had been housekeeper to that Colonel, who'd taken the house furnished for three months, it had been very difficult to correct her.

Aunt Fenton was late again and Aunt Mosey, and where was Freda? By the time prayers were over everything would be cold, as it had been the day before yesterday.

Mrs. Blake called out Prayers,' in a sing-song voice. The second time her voice cracked just as the two aunts came in, and she: had to turn it into- a cough. She hated to look silly before the aunts, and yet somehow she so often did.

She liked prayers, and reading the psalms. And hearing her voice do all the talking, so to speak, gave her an important feeling. It emphasized the fact that she was head of th e house.

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But she liked a bigger audience. Maude refused to answer from the kitchen, though Mrs. Blake knew she must have heard.

Freda, really might try. . . this unpunctuality must be stopped, and some order got into the house.

Mrs. Blake's voice trembled a little as she read, and when Aunt Fenton lagged behind rather more than usual in the. Lord's Prayer, she began the Collect before the old lady had finished.

Nobody spoke till the post came. Then Maude burst in abruptly and flung down the letters on the table.

No ma'am,' and she must have been waiting at the hall door. Why did she never remember to bring the letters straight to her. Aunt Toosey had got them again. Mrs. Blake hated to be dealt her letters like a schoolgirl. She: only had a bill, and, 'yes, there were two letters to the aunts from Keith and Mary. Probably they, her own children, would send her their love, and she would be read a few sentences here and there.

She must be out of sorts. She felt almost bad-tempered this morning. She thought she had become reconciled to being slighted like this, but it hurt every time.

It had been cruel of her husband, yes, and wicked.

She could not control her thoughts this morning. And she had been weak.

But one had to acquiesce in dying people's wishes. They ought not to ask.

But, she was excusing him again, she supposed she had seemed very young and incapaj)le, and there had been very little money. She must be a bad business woman. She always seemed to be overdrawing at the bank.

Freda, the child she had been left to bring up entirely, seemed out of sympathy with her.

She must say a word or two to her when she came down to show the aunts howl she hated unpunctuality. She: hoped Freda wouldn't be rude this morning. Ah. ' Darling, you really must be more punctual.'

Mrs. Blake flushed as the girl answered irritably, Oh mother, don't be such a fuss.'

There was a choking feeling in- her throat. Remember the last time. It hadn't done any good. But she would not be slighted by her own daughter; slighted by the aunts; slighted by the maid ; her other children didn't care for her.

Freda, you've got far too much powder on your nose.'

It sounded feeble, but she must show some authority.

The girl was rude again. ' Oh shut up, mother. You're always nagging. I shall rouge and dye my hair if you're not careful. Silly old idiot.'

The- blood surged to Mrs. Blake's cheeks, and then slowly left them looking yellow and wrinkled. •

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Freda had never been so rude before when the aunts were there.

But what was that? What was Aunt Fenton saying? How dare you.' Threatening Freda? Howl dare she. How dare she.

No-one should scold her own daughter but herself. They controlled Mary and Keith. They should not control Freda.

I won't have my child spoken to like that, Aunt Fenton. Do you hear? She's my child, not yours. You've taken away Keith and Mary from me. You shan't order Freda about. I won't have it. You've made my . . . ' Her face was scarlet again now, and one hand was shaking as it lay near her cup on the tablecloth. Aunt Fenton had left the room and Aunt Too•sey, her echo, was following her with a quavering ' Marian, you've forgotten yourself.' Mrs. Blake looked at Freda.

She couldn't speak any more, her lips were trembling too much.

No sympathy there, but anger. Little hard sentences flung out after short sullen pauses. ' What on earth are you talking about. . . you've offended the aunts frightfully. .. You don't care about me in the least.. .

I don't suppose they'll give me that hat I've wanted for ages. . .

They'll go now and we'll be worse off than ever.'

Mrs. Blake was crying now. A little from shame and a little from fear.

Freda was right. She could not afford to let the aunts go.

She wiped her eyes and moved the china and silver aimlessly about on the tray.

• Extraordinary of her to let herself go like that. Childish.

Of course the aunts were very angry. After all they were her husbands aunts and had brought him up.

Freda morosely refused a second cup of tea, and she poured ok. The halfherself out a fresh cup with a hand that still sho empty cup of Aunt Fenton reproached her. She must go and apologise.

• A fresh pot of tea had been brewed, and it was evident that breakfast would end even later than usual. Aunt Fenton was reading her letter again.

Keith and Mary send their love to you, Marian. Keith says he's getting more salary. . . Mary has just bought a new frock for the evening.'

Mrs. Blake was eagerly polite. ' Oh, I'm. so glad. So very glad.'

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THE IMP. 2. A Translation of Horace, Odes Book I, 5., Will ` A.C.P.' please: give her name to the Editor, who will send her her prize?

HORACE, Odes,' Book I, v.

In shady cave, on roses soft, Bedewed with odours sweet, What slender youth now lays his heart Fair Pyrrha, at your feet?

And who delights you now, that you Should deck your golden hair, Charming in your simplicity, That he may think you fair?

Alas ! how oft with bitter tears Will he lament in vain At your false promise, and the gods, That care not for his pain Will wonder at the unwonted storm Ruffling the once smooth brow : Fool ! for he thinks you ever kind— Languid, as. you are now.

Now he enjoys your golden self And knows no changing gales, Poor wanderer who where that bright light Glitters, directs his sails:.

The mighty sea-god's temple walls A votive tablet show, Thanksgiving for my heart's escape— (But that was long ago !)

A.C.P. 1/.•••••

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COMPETITIONS FOR HILARY TERM, 1922. z.—A short play suitable for a curtain-raiser. Prize, 2/6.

2.—A pictorial design in black and white. Prize, 2/6.

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THE CLOCK AND THE FIRE. I lie in bed and my small bright fire Shines red, red, red through the room.

I lie quite still, and my silver clock Goes tick, tick, tick in the gloom.

I hold my breath, and I hear quick words From the small clock wooing the fire I close my eyes, and I feel the kiss Of the red coals' hot desire.

I fall asleep in the queer soft light Of the silver clock and the fire, And I wake to the tick of the cold bright clock, But the fire is dead of desire.

M. BAI.MFORTH.

LE MANOIR DE LA SALAMANDRE. Where the river valley narrows between two ridges of hills sleeps an old, old town. A quaint cathedral with uneven spires keeps watch over it. The narrow cobbled streets wind away up the hill to the dark woods. Amid the twisted houses crowded together one has not grown tired, but stands as straight and fair as when it was young ; its beams carved by a master-hand with figures of Salamanders and strange devices'. It raises itself above those which press around it as if in disdain, and they shrink away and turn their backs on it, delighting in the swarming happy families that they hold, while the house that is famous envies them their share in love and life. No one lives in it now, but it stands there alone in the crowded town, dreaming of times gone by, and waiting. The grass grows between the flagstones in the paved courtyard.

One who was staying in the town passed up the old street, stumbling over the sharp cobbles. She stopped before the house, attracted by its youth amid the old houses, although it was older than they. Afterwards she came there many times to admire the beauty of the carvings, and longing to know all it could tell of years that were lost. She was lonely and young in the old town, so she loved the lonely house that had not grown old.

One day the door was open. She stepped in very quietly.

She stood still and looked at the panels black with age and the chests covered with dust. She climbed the worn stairs and just

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peeped into the empty rooms on her way, and, without staying, went on up to the top of the old house to a tiny room in the roof.

There she looked out into a new world—the land of housetops.

They were all covered with smooth green moss. The chimneys stood together in groups or leaned over to talk to each other, and the birds told them weird tales of faraway lands. There were no humans there, nor any sound. For a little while she watched the birds flying across the sky and the smoke curling upward.

She climbed slowly down to the big hall, for there dwelt the spirit of the house and the ghosts of the past and the future.

She stood in the wide dark chimney corner very still with her cheek against the smooth roughness of the carved wood. Suddenly she whispered, ' I love you, old house,' and leaned up and kissed the smooth beam above her. The house trembled. A ray of sunlight found its way through a dusty square of the window and fell across the room. Through the open door came the voices of children. She turned away. The old house creaked, Come back soon ' ; so she promised and went away.

M. E. COUSENS.

rals.• 111.11.11

I mind how thou didst stand-Thy red-gold hair aflame-Intense blue eyes adanceSwaying In thy chariot.

I mind how I did standSelf-conscious—cheeks aflame— My burning heart adanceWaiting Near thy chariot.

But I stood not alone Were others claimed thy glance— Whose hearts thou hadst enthralled— Eager Round thy chariot.

But thou at me alone Didst throw thy laughing glance.

My heart thou hadst enthralled— Once Within thy chariot.

THE IMP. And, laughing, at my feet Didst throw a crimson rose As radiant as our love— Tossed it From thy chariot.

Then sped thy horses' feet.

And I took up the rose— As fading as thy love— Gazing At thy chariot.

I have it by me yet, A faded, shrivelled thing : But still its thorns will hurt— Token.

From thy chariot.

I have that passion yet, A cold and lifeless thing : But still its pain will hurtGuerdon From thy chariot.

LARTIVS.

THE ETERNITY EXPRESS. The Eternity Express was roaring out of Infinite Space into the restricted region of Time, as I took my stand at the edge of the red-grey iron-hard platform. There change was unknown, and the thermometer stood invariable at 105 degrees.

Knowledge I had of other Presences, yet unbroken solitude.

At Midnight in Time a shriek cut through the silence a writhing yellow path. Followed the right light of an immense furnace ; an engine of menacing proportions in rapid motion ; a fractional second of vision of the driver with face of luminous beauty and shining hair ; a long streak of swaying yellow with endless divisions shutting in upon each other down its length.

I flung myself at them, fighting for a space through which to force my way into the monster's belly. Time closed all apertures too soon, and, beaten, I fell back.

The roar became distant. Exhausted, I picked my raggedness from the sullen heat of the platform. A rocking red light grew small and went out. Only the rails shewed luminous.

Once more 1 had been left behind, and only the dead sighs, which, discarded, floated upon the heavy air, indicated that others had been more fortunate than I. A calcuivta.

THE IMP. DREAMS. Last night I saw the thunder-beast In Congo Forest's purple shade, I watched him thread his- cumberous way Through giant fern-tree glade.

I tracked him to his slimy den, Far in the silent swampy lake; I saw the lizards swimming there, And oily water snake.

And then. I lay in my canoe, Hearing the babbling water pass, And something moved beside me, And came through the rustling grass.

And down to his mossy front-door came A brown and pleasant water-rat, And looked around and up and down, And watched the stream--and sat.

Perhaps to-night I'll die and see The fine-plumed hosts that ride the wind, For in my dreams a god am I, And all things hold within my mind— And all that daytime blindness hides, The secret joys of time and space— And see myself and know myself, And greet my spirit face to face.

MARGARET PICKFORD. 10■ Al ►•4

AN INVITATION. A lecture by a poet : A famous man. He's to speak On painting. Oh come All you yellow-faced untidily-dressed old women And sit at his feet. Laugh In your cracked old voices And laughing, cough noisily.

And you sleek girls With half-an-eye on the back benches, Where the young men sit, Come and yawn In wrapt attention, Filling your minds with empty enthusiasms.

NESTA CLIVE SMITH.

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THE OLD MAN'S YOUTH.'

4

How quickly you've come, Sister ! But there's nothing to do.' Just to wait. I see.' The little nun watched the doctor run down the steps, settling his hat at he ran, before she began her climb to the top of the lodging-house. ' That's the door,' said a frowsy woman on the landing, and went back to her children.

Sister Mary Joseph was used to this sort of thing, and moved with that queer swift walk of nuns and priests through the halfopen door, and shut it quietly behind her. The room was what she had expected ; barely furnished, a medicine bottle and spoon looking oddly out of place on the dusty table, a fire struggling to consume its burden of new coals, a piece of greyish curtain covering a pile of things in a corner,—all very flat in the light from the wide window that showed only the grey northern sky.

In the be9j„jay an old man whose fingers were restless on the coverlet. VItter Mary Joseph bent down to poke the fire. ' You come here ! ' The little nun turned to find such strange eyes upon her—blue, very bright, and full of fear and desire.

She came to the bed and stood there very still. The old man's hands moved frantically about the bed. What isr it? ' she said, and began searching, too. Just at the edge of the pillow they found it, their fingers touching on the warmed steel. It was a boy's knife, with a corkscrew curled into the side, and a ring to hang it by. The biggest blade was out of the sheath. The old man lay still as if he were very tired. She waited. Presently his eyes opened, full again of that great desire. He waved her away from the bed. ' Under the curtain,' he whispered. She moved into the shadows, and was lost in them but for her white hands upon the curtain. She knew from the feel of it that it was velvet and very dusty. She drew it away gingerly, bundling it carefully together to keep the dust from flying, and set the bundle on the floor.

I can't see ! ' The old man was crouching in the bed, his fingers clenched about the knife. The nun tried to quiet him, but he lamented at the darkness, and peered past her into the shadows. She began to be frightened ; she had never had a case like this before, and wished she had someone with her. Suddenly a flame broke through the coals, and others after it. The window, that just before had dominated the room, faded into' blackness, and the fire leapt out at the shadows. The old man grew even more excited. I can see it now,' he said with almost a ring in his voice. Strangely thrilled, Sister Mary Joseph looked at the litter she had uncovered—a wooden stool, dry tubes of paint, brushes, a cracked palette, and, propped on a packing-case, a picture of a boy. The boy was very still; there was no move-

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rnent in the picture but the wind that blew past the naked figure, and his eyes were blind, like a statue's. But the body was lithe, and the feet curved for running, lips sweet, and firm, and strong boy's hands half-open. The little nun was strangely moved, more than she had been ever in her life before. She was not clever, but she was good, and always mistress of herself. Now she felt that something very strong had taken possession of her, and she took the knife the old man put into her hand. His eyes were blazing, and his body shook with the strength of his spirit. ' Cut it down,' he said, while I can see it.' She stumbled away from the bed, afire with his passion, and slashed the picture with a great cross from top to bottom, and from side to side. The canvas fell out towards her, and she saw the cracks in the wall behind.

She began to be frightened again, as much of the strange thing that had ppssessed her as of the shadows and the old man. He was speaking again to someone he saw at his bed-foot. I tell you I have no money. You must take something els. But not that. All the books if you will, but leave me my 'youth.' A sudden terror distorted his face, and he stretched out his hands, to the woman. Burn it,' he implored her, ' Tear it away and burn it while we can.' Cold terror at her heart, she tore at the canvas, and it ripped with a noise that brought her near to screaming.

The fire licked at the paint, and the four pieces of the picture curled together in the flame. The old man was quiet. The knife glittered now and then when the slow flames caught it. The fire burned low, and ashes piled up softly. Sister Mary Joseph said her prayers. HELEN BURNETT. ,

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LIFE'S MOODS. Life has so many moods that pass me by, The hopes and fears of all men pulsate round My head and move me scarce a whit. I sigh.

Because all down the ages comes the sound Of laughter that I may not hear, and mirth I cannot feel. The overwhelming weight Of all the sadness crushing down the earth Has only brushed me lightly ; and the great Devouring fire of high endeavour will Not consume me. The songs that poets sing Have failed to move me, and my spirit still Remains a broken insensible thing.

Ah life, by all that I have missed in vain, Teach me, I pray, the way to live again.

B. NICKALLS.

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TO A DREAM. Pale, chaste queen of the moonlight, What are the Spells you weave In some enchanted island of the east?

Why do your clear, deep eyes Glisten with dew, And commune with the stars?

You glide about as if some ghost trod in your footprints.

Some livid spirit of the bygone years, Haunting you.

Can you know age and sorrow and decay?

The world is not for you, And passion dies, Reflected in the deepness Of your calm, clear eyes.

P. FLEmp;cr.

••••• •••■■ s,1 •■

10.11M.41

SONG OF WOE OF A STUDENT LIVING-OUT.' When I waken in the morning from my slumbers, stretching, yawning, I always think it can't be very late; (Just for the sake of rhyme) I look to see the time— And find that it is twenty-five to eight.

With a heart that's slowly sinking, I simply can't help thinking Of all the chapels I have yet to do : (As I wildly claw the air For the clothes I want to wear) Before I have attained the forty-two.

It is really most distressing, but I have to finish dressing As zo m.p.h. I scorch in fear; While in the front a few Hundreds are rushing, too, But I am. always bringing up the rear.

There are none who could be fleeter as I tumble over Peter, And hurl my coat upon the cloak-room floor.

But oh ! it is heart-rending— just as I am ascending, To hear' the fatal closing of the door.

It's a bore.

J. 1111. L. CURREY.

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THE IMP. THE SECOND YEAR PLAY.

To Miss Rhoads and her assistants go the honours. of the Second Year's performance of ` The Brass Bottle,' for her admir_able production of it on so small a stage, and with no footlights.

The sudden exits and entrances, on which the success of the play so largely depends, were skilfully contrived, and were carried out

by Horace. Ventimore, Fakrash-el-Aamash, Mr. Wackerbath, and by anyone else who may have dropped in or out, with a suddenness that left no doubt as to their celestial route. For its colouring, its atmosphere, and its unexpected spaciousness, the transformation of Ventimore's rooms into something rather more Eastern was quite remarkable. Nothing crowded suggested itself either in the arrival of the slaves with the gifts, or in the dinner party and its incidental diversions. (These last were realistically either excrutiating or alarming !) The domestic staff appeared to emerge at the back of the stage from endless pillared halls, and there were surely camels on the terrace outside I For the acting, we would dare to suggest that it seems a pity to have selected a play in which so many of the actors had but to appear as themselves for all to go well with their parts;. (We are not referring to the dancing ladies or the musicians.) We were delighted to see them, but we would rather have had them suit themselves to the play than the play to them. It would have put their dramatic powers to a greater test.

But K. Hills gave a delightful interpretation of the part of Fakrash-el-Aamash, with his uncertain temperament. She passed from servile gratitude to haughty scorn, took refuge in bewilderment, and resorted to the threat of a nasty-looking knife with a startling rapidity.

B. Nickalls enjoyed—and made us enjoy—the character of Horace Ventimore, though she might have lost her lines a little less frequently with advantage ; and her continual attentions either to the back of her head or to her neck-tie made her somewhat monotonous. In moderation these gestures would have been useful detail in the masculine role which she otherwise adopted admirably.

B. Jowers' Spencer Pringle provided an excellent counterpart to Ventimote, though she appeared less at her ease in masculine garb. Both Pringle and Ventimore failed in their dialogue with Silvia, for which reason we offer Miss Wickham• all the more sympathy for having to play that thankless part. A suddenly self-conscious Ventimore or Pringle certainly did not help her out.

Mr. Wackerbath (E. Wait) was a success from the beginning.

His entrance—presumably from the window—saw to that, and his connection later, in the play with the idea of a mirage. .

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M. Bellamy made a stately and dignified Professor, sceptical and conservative. There were occasions, though, on which she might have made more of the opportunities for caustic wit and sarcasm which her lines offered her.

Mrs. Futvoye (V. Leys) bore herself with a dignified air, as well become the endless series of gowns, fur-coats and lorgnettes in which she appeared. Her great moment was her forty winks on the. sofa. (The open mouth was a stroke of genius.)

And it was charming of Mrs. Rapkin to add a little local colour in the way of dialect, and to spin round in circles while doing so.

A few unexpected ' gags ' added to the delight of the audience, notably the gallant restoration of the beard by Ventimore to Fakrash-el-Aamash窶馬ot to mention the dignified extinction of a refractory lamp by the Leader of the Caravan, that almost savoured of ritual !

MARGARET SINCLAIR.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE. Horace Ventimore (an architect) B. NICKALLS. Professor Anthony Futvoye (an Egyptologist) M. BELLAMY. K. HILLS. Fakrash-el-Aamash (Jinnee of the Jinn) .. ..........1 B. Spencer Pringle (an architect) 1 I JOWERS. Samuel Wackerbath (auctioneer amt. estate agent) , E. WAIT. Rapkin (Ventimore's landlord) M. TAYLOR. Chief of Caravan 1.

M. LAGDEN. Head Efreet I , , K. SMITH. Waiter at Savoy Hotel . , V. LEYS. Mrs. Futvoye S. WICKHAM. i I Silvia (her daughter) M. COOK. Mrs. Rapkin (Ventimore's landlady) B. KENDALL. Mrs. Wackerbath !

M. DALGLEISH. Jessie (Parlourmaid to Mrs. Futvoye) 窶｢ I. MOBERLEY. Principal Dancing Girl Caravan Slaves, Musicians and Efreets N. CLIVE-SMITH, M. BALMFORTH, D. HOLMES and E. YOUNG. P. FLEMING, E. KINGSTON and D. DENHAM. Dancing Girls Stage Manager : R. .RHoADs. Committee : K. HILLS (Pres.), R. RHOADS and M. BELLAMY. Dresses : M. GUY. Scenery : N. HEWETT and M. LINTON. :

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THE IMP. GENERAL DRAMATIC NOTES.

There has been no lack of originality in the choice of plays this Term, and we have had opportunities of seeing both tragedy, comedy, and farce. ' The Laughter of the Gods,' by Lord Dunsany, was perhaps an ambitious choice for a college play ; but it was admirably well staged, and only just failed to be a signal triumph for Lady Margaret Hall Dramatic Society. The costumes were magnificent, and the general colour scheme and grouping spoke well for Miss Mackenzie's powers of organisation. It was a pity that the play was not quite a success, for the fault did not lie in an inadequate rendering of the tragic ending. In fact, the earthquake, with its accompanying thunder, and the terror with which it inspired the inhabitants of Thek, did not fail to create quite an eerie sensation amongst the audience.

It is difficult to say where the play failed, exactly. The entrances of the various characters were done most effectively, especially that of the Queen, whose voice was delightful; but none of the characters were able to sustain the impression they had made, and the result was at times an entire lack of life in the performance, which made parts of the play positively dull to watch.

To turn to the comedy, we have St. Hilda's Hall Dramatic Society's representation of ' Mice and Men.' This is a pretty play, and conies well within the scope of a college draMatic society. This again was well staged; especially the last two scenes—one being an anti-room at a ball, where, through an opening at the back of the stage, figures could be seen dancing in the distance ; the other, the exterior of a creeper-grown cottage with a garden and an arbour.

Miss Reynolds was excellent in the part of Captain George Lovell, and looked both manly and soldier-like. She was inclined just occasionally to spoil her acting by—there is no other word to describe it—wriggling. Miss Leeder made a charming Peggy, though she. was more realistic when she was laughing than when she was crying. As for•the: Orphans and Matron of the Foundling Hospital, they were truly delightful, and it was a great disappointment that they were only on the stage for such a short time.

Altogether, Miss Hewitt is to be congratulated upon providing the audience with a very enjoyable evening.

Since a detailed criticism of the St. Hugh's Second Year play has already been included in these pages, it is unnecessary to do much more than mention it, and say what an excellent stage manager Miss Rhoads proved to be. As a year play ' The Brass Bottle ' was an undoubted triumph. The staging, which was by ,

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no means a simple undertaking, was wonderfully done ; the Arabian costumes were very lovely, and the miraculous entries of the Jinnee, Ventimore, and Wackerbath were most cleverly executed.

O.W.I.D.S. has taken a new lease of life under the presidency of Mrs. Kilroy Kenyon (Somerville). Two general meetings have been set for this Term. At the first the Society read The Fairy's Dilemma ' (W. S. Gilbert) to an appreciative audience, who took much pride in the new President's rendering of the Rev. Aloysius Parfit ; the second is to be a charade party, each college providing one syllable, and the Committee the whole word.

O.U.D.S. invited the Society to a joint reading of Quality Street,' and regretted they had no space for an audience, so that the caste had to be selected mainly from the Committee. Miss Sinclair (St. Hugh's) was excellent as Phoebe.

The FirstYear have had a purely informal Shakespeare reading : the play chosen being The Merchant of Venice.' There was not time for everyone to read, unfortunately ; although several of the parts' were doubled. It was a pleasure to listen to Miss Morrah, who read the part of Shylock ; she has a beautiful speaking voice.

Since so many of the First Year have examinations in March, it is to be hoped that there will be a sufficient number of them free to do a play in the Summer Term, to which the rest of the College will look forward to being an appreciative audience.

A. BROUGtI, President Dramatic 'Society.

•■W.M.11 0.11.re •••■■

CLUB REPORTS. LACROSSE. It is difficult to give any real criticism on the subject of College Lacrosse this Term, as there has on the whole been less team-play than usual, perhaps partly owing to the lack of matches —only two First XII matches—those against Berks L.L.C. and Bucks L.L.C.—have been played, each resulting in a victory for St. Hugh's.

The lacrosse players in College are to be congratulated- on their regular attendance at all games. Those- not put down for games have been particularly considerate in their readiness to fill gaps at short notice.

1ST XII. GENERAL CRITICISM. As compared with last year, the standard of individual play is probably lower, but the general combination of the team is better. We need theory as well as keenness. The defences must

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try to work together according to a definite formation. The attacks are lacking in dash, and are slow in making up their minds.

Everyone should practice catching and the short straight pass.

Remember that accuracy, speed and perfect combination are the essence of the game.

INDIVIDUAL CRITICISM. Goal.—Must practice catching the ball when she saves. Has improved this Term Point.—Useful. Must learn to pass straight and quickly.

Cover-point.—Very good and reliable. Might practice accurate, straight passing.

3rd, Man.--Quick, but uncertain of her catching and intercepting, and should mark more closely.

Left Defence.—Much improved. Would do better to keep back more, in order to make certain of being goal-side of her man.

Right Defence.—Would be good if she could be more accurate and would pass sooner. Is not quick enough in her movements, and is apt to lose her head when in difficulties.

Centre.—Useful. Passes are too short and easy to intercept.

Too slow in making up her mind. Should practice the simple dodge.

Left Attack.—Passes and shots still inaccurate. Must practice hard shooting. Fast and useful.

Right Attack.—Improving steadily. Very useful. Checking very good, but inclined to be rough.

3rd Home.—Still inclined to miss catches. Passing not straight and accurate enough. When on her game shows signs of promise, but must play more with her head.

1st Home.—Must learn to move more quickly. A useful and telling shot. Needs dodging practise.

2ND XII. There is hope that next Term the znd XII may get more opportunity for practice, both in games and matches.

Windle, (P.) 'Windham, (C.P.) *Leys, (3 M.) Ist *Sinclair, (L.D.) Lovett, (R.D.) *Wait, (C.) *Monk, (L.A.) *Brough, (R.A.) Slaney, (3 H.) *Emtage, (2 H.) *Godley (Capt), (i H.) *Peters. znd XII.—(G.) Dumas, (P.) Bellamy, (C.P.) Douglas, (3 M.) Trevelyan, (L. D.) Percival, (R. D.) Fieldler, (C.) Cook (Capt.), (L.A.) Brown, (R.A.) Clive-Smith, (3 FL) Denham, (2 H.) Perkins, (i H.) Randolph. *Last year's: Colours.

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HOCKEY CLUB. Captain.—M. E. PRICHARD. Vice-Captain.—D. ROGERS. Secretary.—S. WICKHAM. There are over fifty players this year, this large number being accounted for not only by the influx of many recruits from the First Year, but by the sudden determination on the part of some of the Senior Years to take up the game again for amusement, with an ulterior motive of exercise. The First XI has lost several most valuable members whose places are hard to fill.

We have also been unlucky in seldom having all the team together for practices. There is a dearth of good forwards, but the present line has much improved and should be, with practice, quite effective. The defence only lacks combination to make it very strong. The team on the whole lacks initiative and is too slow at seizing opportunities. The 2nd XI is not yet fixed, and in consequence does not play together ; it is promising however.

The following have usually played in the ist XI :HARRISON (right wing). Fast, but must use her head more.

BROWN (left inside). Lacks dash and initiative and should try and get onto the ball quicker and make a point of using both. inners.

STANIER (centre). An excellent shot, and when she has learnt to combine with the team should make a great difference to the forward line.

FLEMING (left wing). Rather slow and inclined to keep the ball too long. Practice keeping the ball on, as many passes are wasted.

FIEDLER (right half). A good steady player ; might sometimes use more judgment when passing.

ROGERS (centre half). Indispensable and indefatigable.

WICKHAM (left half). Much improved, inclined to do too much herself instead of combining with the other defences.

WRIGHT (left back). Tackles well, but should try and follow the ball up until she can get a clear pass to one of the forwards.

FIELD (right back). Plays a good game. Should be careful not to come up too far.

CHATTAWAY (goal). Very good. When there is time should clear with the stick instead of trusting to the rebound of the ball off the pads.

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THE IMP. TENNIS.

There has been very little Tennis this Term on the whole, owing chiefly to bad weather and to the fact that so many tennisplayers are also in demand for other games on the days announced for Centrals' practices.

There are many keen players amongst the First Year, and although only two have so far been admitted to the Centrals' Club there will be further trials next Term' for those who failed on the first occasion.

M. Staney has been admitted to the Centrals Tennis Club and M. Brown and P. Beards as playing associates. The latter is to be tried again for membership at the end of Term.

BOAT CLUB. President.—Miss EVANS. Captain.—J. L. WHYTLAW. Secretary.—M. HOARE. At a General Meeting of the Members of the Boat Club held at the beginning of this Term, it was decided that the standard of captaincies in punting, sculling- and canoeing should be lowered to one ensuring more safety.

Now, therefore, all the compulsory gymnastic feats which hitherto had to be performed on the river before a captaincy could be gained have been abolished ; more than half the Members of the Boat Club are captains, and far more use will be made of the College boats than has formerly been done. For those who wish to cultivate style and ability to perform stunts ' there remains as an incitement and reward the Boat Club Badge— a wholly desirable little article.

There have been captaincy qualifications to the number of about a score this Term, and it appears as though the new Boat Club regime were-goinz to prove wholly satisfactory.

NET-BALL CLUB., The membership of the Net-Ball Club this Term, has increased, and as a result the standard of play and practice is higher than last year. Playing on asphalt is: also helpful, as precision of passing and jumping is more possible.

The two matches that have been played this. Term were a test of the team's strength. On November Toth we 'lost to St. Michael's, 21-14, but the following Wednesday the match with Wychwood resulted in a victory to us, 29-12. The first match was played on a very slippery ground, which did not permit of

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jumping. The passing was wild throughout the game', and was the chief cause of our defeat. The shooting also was poor, so that when the ball did reach the goal-circle we frequently failed' to score. The match against Wychwood was played by the full team on our ground. We had the advantage of height, but even allowing for that, the victory was deserved. There was far more combination in the centre, and the passing was better aimed, though it grew wild towards the end of the game. The tactics of the centre and centre-defence are good, but it is a pity to use the same strategy every time. The centre should remember the existence of the attacks, and not pass back so often.

Both the attack and shooter must remember not to take steps, and the shooter must remember to be quicker in aiming. Some of our goals in the last match should have been penalised. Our weakness at present lies chiefly in a general incapacity to catch and aim in passing. On the whole the results of this Term's clay are satisfactory, and next Term should see more team-work and better passing. G. S. Maynard, A. Dormer, *C. A. Emtage, C. Andrew's, C. D. Field, D. Crump and *G. D. Norton. *Colours.

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LITERARY SOCIETY. The Society has met only twice this. Term, owing to rehearsals of the Second Year Play. Some of William Morris' prose remances were read on the first occasion; on the second, Drinkwater's ' Mary Stuart.' The Society takes this opportunity of thanking Miss Rogers, Miss Sinclair, and Miss Reynolds who, though not themselves members, contributed so largely to the success of the meetings. Owing to delays in correspondence we were unable to secure Mr. Yeats as ' Distinguished Visitor,' and there has been no open meeting. One more ordinary meeting is iet for this Term, when Miss Linton will read a paper to the Society.

HELEN BURNETT,

President.

1.11.1

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THE IMP. S.H.C. DEBATING SOCIETY. President.—A. WINDHAM. Secretary.—L. Alarm.

Up and Down Girl.—E. CROSTHWAITE.

The first meeting of the Debating Society this Term took place on October 22nd, when a new constitution of the Society was ratified and adopted. A sharp practice debate was then held on the motion That the savage is happier than the civilised man.'

The debating was keen and quite a number of the First Year joined in the fray. Unfortunately the new members have not been given much opportunity of speaking this Term, but it is hoped that they will bring with them a spirit of enthusiasm and will be given greater occasion of putting new life into the somewhat depleted ranks next Term. We have one debate ahead— that with Ruskin, on December 5th, when the motion before the House will be ' That the present chaos in society is due to wrong methods in Education.'

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ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY. The Archaeological Society has so far hold one meeting this Term, which took the form of an excusion round the City walls.

We were lucky enough to have Mr. Salter to conduct us, and so were able to visit many parts of the wall which are usually closed to visitors, such as the Fellows' Garden at Merton and a bastion in Ship Street which is now used as a cottage.

Another excursion has been arranged for Tuesday, November 29th, to visit the Castle.

M. CHATTAWAY, President.

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