THE IMP,
December,
192 3.
EDITOR : R. J.MITCHELL. YEAR REPRESENTATIVES ONCOMMITTEE : Third Year Representative.—H. Moss. Second Year Representative.-- -E. BARRY. TREASURER I.FREE.
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THE IMP Na. 14.
TERM.
MICHAELMAS
1923.
EDITORIAL.
term has seen a further decrease in the number of conTHIStributions tendered. As there is scarcely any matter beyond the usual reports an editorial is superfluous. Unless contributors are more active next term, " THE IMP will shortly be defunct. "
COMPETITION.
Although contributions are so few, there are just two which make it possible to award the 10/- prize. We announce that it is divided between :— P. A. Martin (The Essay) and M. 1 D. Holmes (" Things we want to know.") E.,M. Yonge. 11...1.4 Yoe.. 11.14.01
ON THE UNDERGRADUETTE AS SEEN AT DINNER THROUGH A CLOUD OF DEPRESSION.
All dull and plain and badly dressed With spectacles and straggly hair And noses shining like the west When the .sun sets in crimson glare— With pallid faces, stooping backs, Dull eyes black ringed, they sit and eat I swear I've seen potatoes sacks Look more attractive and more neat ! ERICA BARRY. With apologies for a distorted mind on the occasion of writing this ! ,
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THE IMP. THE WELL.
In the corner of the garden was an old well ; it was half-hidden by a weeping willow whose branches reached nearly to its red brick wall. The well itself was ordinary enough to look at ; but its bricks were covered with moss and lichen and there was a halfforgotten look about the whole place that suggested that it was neglected and little used. There is a tale about that well, forgotten by all save the oldest of the villagers, and only occasionally remembered by them on winter evenings when they are sitting by the fire talking to their gossips. In the olden days the well stood by a high road along which the pilgrims passed to visit the shrine at Canterbury ; and many a weary man and woman coming slowly along the dusty white road, in the bright glare of an August day, had sat down thankfully on the grass by the wayside and had drunk of the clear well-water ; and while they rested there in the shade of the trees, they called down blessings on the man who had made that resting-place for the pilgrims. For years the well was as used by every passer-by, until it appeared almost to belong to the people who went along the highway ; and then there came a lord of the manor who claimed the land by the roadside where the well stood ; he pulled down his wall and built it out again so as to shut the well into his own garden. And now the pilgrims passing along the way stopped sorrowfully at their old resting place, and thought with regret of the clear well water, and cursed the selfishness of the lord, who, although he already had gardens and water more than he could use, must needs take away this resting-place so beloved of the village and of all those who passed through it. And it is told of the well that after it became a part of that lord's garden, it dried up for some reason, and it became moss-grown and fell into a ruin ; and the place that had seen so many merry gatherings of pilgrims was now shunned and neglected, and gradually the willow tree almost hid it from sight, and it lay undisturbed through the long days. D. M. LEE.
" Write for the IMP," they said, arid I With sorrow and with pain Covered one sheet with bad vers libre, Then tore it up again. R.J.M. [We gather this attitude is general.—ED.]
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THE IMP. " THE PURPLE MASK."
We had expected great things from the Second Year, who had previously shown signs of much dramatic talent, and many individual performers fulfilled our expectations, but the organization and co-operation could have been improved upon. It should be remembered also that such matters as lighting are quite as worthy of attention as the actual acting and that the powers of the prompter should not be overtaxed. It was an ambitious attempt for an exclusively female cast, since the majority of the characters in the play are men, but this difficulty was valiantly faced. The men showed a creditable absence of feminine gesture, and the period of the action eliminated the problem of modern male attire. The dresses were remarkably good and Miss Steele and Miss Laurie deserve high praise for their efforts in this direction. M. G. Harvey, as the hero, Armand, looked very charming and is to be congratulated upon the success of her love scenes. For the rest, she appeared content to be just herself ; we cannot help feeling that with a little more abandonment she might have achieved something very much better. This applies to other members of the cast, notably to E. M. Watson and I. Shrigley. It is a real pleasure to listen to Miss Watson's voice but we should like to see her act as well as hear her talk, and at no moment during the evening did Miss Shrigley lose herself in her part. It is a great thing to be natural, but one should first identify oneself with the character to be represented and then give natural expression to the adopted personality. Lack of time prevents us from mentioning every member of the large cast, but certain people call for special commendation. We were sorry not to see more of M. A. Roberts, whose rendering of the part of Sabine was outstandingly good, and of M. Steel, whose conception of the drunken captain of the National Guard met with well-merited applause. J. Galbraith was an excellent Brisquet—the expressive sounds which issued from her throat must have necessitated careful practice. N. Moller acted very well indeed as Dominique, and H. Thompson and J. Sargeaunt were two delightfully comic characters: M. Dean and M. Dale each succeeded in making something distinctive of a small part. The play was well received, and members of the college had the additional gratification of seeing the new stage in use. The improvement upon the old arrangement is not to be doubted and next term's college play should benefit greatly thereby.
K.C.M.
THE IMP. CLUB REPORTS. LITERARY SOCIETY.
President—Miss H. Moss. Secretary—Miss A. PERCIVAL. Treasurer—Miss STEEL. There have been four meetings this term, and one open meeting, at which Mr. Matheson read a paper entitled " Reminiscences of an Amateur in Modern Languages " which was full of interesting information about old Oxford. At other meetings the society has read " Selections of Ballads," " The Knight of the Burning Pestle " and " The Rehearsal," while at the fourth Miss Benson read a paper on " Flecker." DEBATING SOCIETY. President—Miss A. PERCIVAL. Secretary—Miss J. SARGEAUNT. Treasurer—Miss M. WAGE. The Debating Society has been very active this term, and as a whole the speaking is much improved. The First Year should be congratulated on their keenness and regular attendance, especially at the informal meetings held on Sunday evenings. Besides these there have been two successful college debates, and one with Keble. The chief faults jai present are that the speaking is too heavy and vague, and repartee lacks fire and is slow. It is a pity also that so many of the set speakers will read their speeches, especially as they are apt to lose the place and rustle their papers. There is a lack of oratorical force, and speakers should try to be more impressive and less colloquial. But the standard of the debating is decidedly higher than it was, and there are several promising speakers. Personal criticisms of those who have spoken this term can be obtained from any of the Committee . HOCKEY CLUB. Captain—MISS SLANEY.
Secretary—MISS FIELD. There is fortunately good news to begin with. The Club has obtained a first-class ground in the Parks for three days a week next term, Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Theoretically the Club is flourishing, having 55 members ; but in practice there exists the deplorable fact that on the one day a week when there is a game for those not in the first or second eleven, it has frequently been impossible to collect full sides. It is to be hoped this will not be the case next term, when the remoteness of the ground will no longer provide the lazy with an excuse. Part of the term has of necessity been spent in arranging the team, but since that has been done appreciable progress has been made in combination ; if this con-
THE 1MP.
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tinues the College should have a really strong team for the Cuppers. The forwards in particular promise to be more formidable than last year. They have individual push and their passing has improved ; but the shooting is at present useless. Individuals must rectify this themselves by practising off the field. The half-line is strong individually, but is not sufficiently energetic ; they must make greater effort to back up their forwards and to make their backs combine with them. The latter are excellent in a crisis, but are not usually certain enough of stopping the ball ; their passing is too often misdirected. In the second eleven there is good material, but at present they are far from being a team. First eleven colours have been awarded to Miss Cowell-Smith. MATCHES.
v. The Laurels, won, 9-1. v. The Etceteras, lost, 9 0. v. Bedford College, London, lost, 2-0. v. S. Mary's and S. Catherine's, Wantage, won, 8-1. LACROSSE.
Captain—Miss W. Secretary—Miss G.
BROOKE. BARKER.
There was some delay at the beginning of term in obtaining a field at the required times for practice, but in spite of difficulties keenness has been shown throughout the term. The freshers are well represented in the College first twelve, which consists of Brook (goal), Dingwall (point), Learoyd (cover point), Bonner (3rd man), Brooke (centre), Barker (3rd home), Awdry (2nd home), Ashford (1st home), Slaney (R. attack), Osbourne (L. attack), Budenburg (R. defence), Neville-Rolfe (L. defence). BROOK.—Keeps her head, plays very well indeed sometimes, inclined to be erratic. DINGWALL.—Steady and energetic, a very dependable player. LEAROYD.—A useful player, does not use her head enough in the game. BONNER.—Plays a determined game, very keen, technique weak. BARKER.—Plays an excellent all round game, lacks confidence in her own ability. AWDRY.—Shoots well, catching inaccurate. Does not play a sufficiently pushing game for an attack. ASHFORD.—Good technique. Is inclined to be erratic. SLANEY.—Her pace is extremely useful on the wing, and her shooting brilliant. OSBOURNE.—Plays an excellent game, a little too diffident. Shooting very good but inclined to be inaccurate. BUDENBURG.—Plays a very energetic game. Intercepts well. NEVILLE-ROLFE.—A useful member of the team. Lacks technique.
THE IMP.
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The team has played two outside matches this term, one against St. George's, Harpenden (away) lost 12-3. The other was against the Gloucester Ladies' (home) won 0-3. Miss E. Brook's excellent play in the latter match is worthy of mention. The cup-tie played last week against S. Hilda's resulted in a win for S. Hugh's 12-3. Miss Barker and Miss Osbourne were recommended for colours. The final Cupper in which we meet L.M.H. is to be played next week.
NETBALL. Captain—I. SHRIGLEY. Vice-Captain—S. ANDREWS. Secretary—N. MOLLER. 1ST VII. A reliable and most useful member of the team. DORMER*. Shooter, Plays unselfishly and is quick to take her chances. Attack, RUSSELL* Plays an excellent game. Attacking Centre, BARKER. Combines well but lacks discrimination in her passing. Centre, BROOKE* The mainstay of the centre. Plays with amazing speed and accuracy, but not always keeps the balance of the game. Defending Centre, FOWLER. A neat player, but lacks determination. Defence, ANDREWS*. A resourceful and energetic player, but is inclined to rely too much on an attacking policy. *Colours. .
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We have played only four matches this term, and we have won them all, for which we may consider ourselves peculiarly fortunate. The weakness of the team lies in the defence, which is lacking in vigilance and does not always co-operate with the attack. On the whole the, team sacrifices accuracy and a scientific use of available space to speed, and there is a want of control about the game. Andrews is a keen and inspiring vice-captain and in Moller we have an efficient and hard-working secretary. The thanks of the Club are due to them for the decided improvement in the play and spirit of its members, which has made it possible to have four regular games a week. The second seven has had very little practice together, but brought its one match against Somerville to a very cheerful issue. M. Maynard, N. Osbourne, N. Moller and J. Cartright are to be commended for their play on this occasion and when substituting for the first seven.
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THE IMP.
SWIMMING CLUB. President—Miss AWDRY-NICKS. Secretary—Miss BRYANT. Treasurer—Miss BONNER. In spite of adverse conditions with regard to the heating of the Merton Baths, regular water-polo and swimming practice has been maintained throughout the term. At the O.U.W.S.C. tests there were six entrants from S. Hugh's, out of which V. Russell, G. M. Simey and D. E. Platt succeeded in gaining their membership. The first year have shown great keenness and considerable promise. CORRESPONDENCE. DEAR SIR,
More in sorrow than in anger, I write to ask you if my treasured silver spoons have found their way into your columns, as I have not seen them since the last issue of the IMP ? Yours truly, INFORTUNATA.
[We accept no responsibility for MSS of this description.—ED.] DEAR MADAM,
May an anxious parent claim your valuable attention on a most urgent matter ? I was horrified and alarmed to hear from my little Rosamond that she has been barred into her room this term ! Can an affectionate parent support in silence this affront to the moral character of her daughter, and the most careful upbringing given her by her father and myself ? Apart from this, has the hygienic point of view received sufficient consideration ? (Signed) AN INDIGNANT AND HUMILIATED PARENT. Answer.—DEAR MADAM,—Pray put your mind at rest. The character of your daughter is well known.—EDITOR. THINGS WE WANT TO KNOW.
Whether a member of the seventh year has room for any more washing in her basket. Whether the College is run for 1. The maids ; 2. The Staff ; 3. Whiteman ; , 4. Eric. [Our correspondent is misinformed ; Eric should come first.— ED.]
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Whether there is anyone in the first year ready to carry on the tradition built up by two illustrious members of senior years of never keeping their feet for more than two minutes at a time on the hockey or lacrosse fields.
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THE IMP.
Whether a tea-cup is really the best place in which to keep one's false hair when one is separated from it. [We have heard of this plan, but we cannot recommend it.— ED.] Whether the editor's skirt really fell off in S. Margaret's Road last week. [But why not ?—ED.] * * Whether the chapel is intended to be a place of worship. [Only during choir-practice.—ED.]
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Whether a certain member of the fourth year sleeps in College or Linton Road. [She doesn't sleep.—ED.]
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Whether the site has been chosen yet for the North Oxford lunatic asylum. Whether the prestige of ping-pong has yet been raised to that of net-ball. [Yes, but it still needs moral support. —ED.]
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Whether an intimate knowledge of " Wisden " is all that is needed to insure a first in schools. [Does not our correspondent know that " Wisdom is the principle thing : therefore get " Wisden." Proverbs iv. verse 7. ?—ED]
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Whether it would not be kinder of the boating committee to tell the rest of the College the terrible fate that awaits all those unable to take a bank backwards.
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Who are the authors of the following remarks :1. Books, dear books. Mush ! hush ! 2. My dear, its an omen ! Its spoilt my day ! Ruined my life ! 3. Just you say half-past six and it'll be all right. 4. Oh too poor ! Quite too squalid ! , can you oblige me with change for a 5. Excuse me M florin ? 6. Hang it all, I mean to say, under the circs. what can a bloke do ? Whether the habit of entering chapel in penetential attitudes is being discontinued till next Lent.
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Whether there's anything left for the College to give up next Lent.
Signed
JUSTIN THYME. FESTINA LENTE,
CONSTITUTION OF THE COLLEGE MAGAZINE. I.—That the Magazine shall be called THE IMP.' 2.—That the officers of the Magazine shall be an Editor and a Treasurer, elected by the J.C.R., and an elected representative from each year. 3.—Contributions shall be accepted or refused by the decision of the majority of the Committee, the Editor reserving the right of the casting vote. 4.—The Committee shall not be held responsible for any opinions expressed in the Magazine. 5.—Nothing of intrinsic merit shall be excluded on account of views expressed therein. 6.—The anonymous character of contributions shall be respected when required. 7.—Contributions are eligible from the Senior and Junior Common Rooms, past and present. 8.—The Committee shall be empowered at their discretion to invite contributions from anyone not a member of the College.