Feb 1886

THE

F'EMRITL. VOL . VIII .

FEBRUARY, 1886 .

No .

58.

SPEECHIFYING. HIS is an age of words—men, aye and women too, are continually making speeches, or to speak more correctly, trying to make speeches. It is of no consequence whatever, whether they have anything to say, any new light to throw upon things, or have the least notion of putting their ideas into words, speechify they must ; they are called upon to propose and second votes of thanks, to respond to toasts, to give their ideas on current events, and so on . Now it is very evident that as the world grows older, orators, or rather would-be orators, become more abundant, but at the same time it is equally evident that real orators of the stamp of Demosthenes, Cicero, Burke, Fox, etc ., are no longer to be heard . It is doubtful whether, at the present time in England, we have a single man who can really be styled an orator . We have eloquent preachers, such as the Bishop of Peterborough, Spurgeon, and a few others, but have we really an orator ?

Some will, perhaps, reply, "surely Mr . Gladstone is an orator?"

Undoubtedly he is our nearest approach to one, but he lacks many of the essential points which make up the real orator . In the first place, it ought to be the aim of such a one to make himself as clear and perspicuous as he can, to clothe his ideas in as few words as possible, in order to make his meaning perfectly plain to his hearers . Not even the most ardent and infatuated admirer of Mr . Gladstone would assert that he does this . His speeches very frequently are what may be described as eloquent and lengthy riddles, containing a great deal of language and very fine string of words, but the meaning is difficult and at times well-nigh impossible to discover.

Now, how is it that the study of rhetoric has so fallen into abeyance in this country? Why were our fathers better orators than we are?

The answer is easily found. Men have forgotten that rhetoric ought to be studied, and most carefully studied too ; before any degree of excellence

T

2

SPEECHIFYING.

can be obtained . Continually on our platforms and in our pulpits we cannot help remarking men, who from their complete ignorance of the first laws of rhetoric, utterly fail to put their ideas, which may be in themselves good and instructive, properly and forcibly before their hearers, and others who, though their voices are powerful and strong enough, do not make themselves heard, owing to their ignorance of the principles of elocution . Not long ago the writer came across a conspicuous example of a preacher who failed, and failed utterly to produce any effect by what was probably a good and learned sermon, merely because he evidently thought himself a perfect elocutionist, and had therefore never taken the trouble to study elocution properly, and further because his action was so ridiculous that instead of emphasising his words it only served to create amusement among the more youthful part of the congregation . The pulpit was fortunately a spacious one . No sooner hid the Rev . gentleman begun his discourse than he began to wave his arms frantically, and sway from side to side, as if on board ship in a heavy sea. At one time he shouted at the top of his voice, at another he dropped it to a tragic whisper, and the-consequence was that the greater part of his sermon was inaudible ; few of the congregation were able to follow it, whilst many were so amused at the preacher's contortions and attitudes as to render the sermon still less audible, owing to their titters . p his is given as an instance to shew that rhetoric and elocution ought to be much more carefully studied by men who intend to speak or preach in public.

The writers on rhetoric among the ancients seem to have been very numerous : chief amongst them was Aristotle ; but among the moderns few writers of ability have turned their thoughts to the subject, and little has been added either in respect of matter or of system to what has been left us . The question naturally suggests itself—what was the cause of the careful and extensive cultivation among the ancients of an art which the moderns have comparatively neglected ? No doubt the nature of the government in democratical states caused a demand for public speakers ; but the importance of public speaking is so great in our own and all other countries that are not under a despotic government, that the neglect of the study of rhetoric needs some further explanation ; and the reason seems to be this : most persons are inclined to the opinion that eloquence is either a natural gift, or at least to be acquired only by practice, and is not to be attained or improved by clay system of rules, And it must be admitted that rules which are

SPEECHIFYING .

3

not constructed on broad philosophical principles are more likely to -cramp than to assist the operations of our faculties . But in all arts such as painting, sculpture, etc ., certain rules must be and are conformed to, and no one would think of saying that the studying of these rules cramps the genius of the artist or sculptor . No one complains of the rules of grammar as fettering language, but it is understood that correct use of language is not founded on grammar, but grammar on correct use . And so it is with rhetoric—its principles do not come naturally to a man, any more than the principles of perspective in 'drawing do . It was only after a long and careful course of study that Demosthenes was enabled to attain to such a degree of excellence in his art . His first speech was an egregious failure, and he learned by bitter experience what it would 1)e better if speakers of the present day could learn, that rhetoric is an art, and that its rules need careful study and attention before they can be practically applied.

It would be wearisome, if not impossible, to detail all the errors which speakers of our time are continually falling into, but one or two of the principal may be commented on ; and first and foremost, speakers are, as a rule, far too wordy . Compare the conciseness and energy of ancient writers and speakers with the verbosity of men of the present day . Dr. C : mphell truly observes that °` of whatever kind the sentiment be, witty, humorous, grave, animated, or sublime, the more briefly it is expressed, the energy is the greater . Accordingly we find that the very same sentiment expressed diffusely, will be barely admitted as just ; expressed concisely, will be admitted as spirited . " It is a frequent occurrence to hear a speaker who is fond of a prodigality of words described as having a fine command of language, when it might, with more correctness, be said that his language has a command of him—that is to say, that instead of following his train of thought, he follows a train of language, stringing together all the striking expressions that occur to him . A speaker ought first to form a clear notion of the sense he wishes to convey, and then seek for the most appropriate vehicle to convey it in . No doubt a redundancy of words may often be very suitable, but there is no fault in speaking that ought to be more carefully avoided, and no fault more common among the speakers, great and small, in our own country . During the late general election our newspapers were flooded with speeches from all sorts of candidates and their supporters, and anyone who was foolish enough to be at the trouble of examining them must have dis-

4

SPEECHIFYING.

covered that though there were many words, there were but few which could not have been very well omitted, and, as a rule, the speeches of the would-be M .P .'s sheaved great, if not absolute, ignorance of the first principles of rhetoric.

Another most important point which is not properly studied is delivery. A good speech is not infrequently spoiled by a bad delivery, and a good delivery can only be acquired by constant practice . Often a speech which is inferior in matter and style may produce, if powerfully spoken, a more powerful effect than another which surpasses it in both these points . A good orator must be able to deliver his speech well and forcibly, or much of its effect will be lost . " What would you have said ? " observed Aeschines, when his recital of his great rival ' s speech was received by the Rhodians with a burst of admiration, "what would you have said if you had heard Demosthenes speak it ? " We live in critical times, when speeches, and above all sermons, are severely criticised. It is high time the quantity of speeches decreased, and the quality improved ; for it really seems that the great fault lies in this--that men, and more especially clergymen, have too many speeches to make, too many sermons to preach . How is it possible for a clergyman who is working hard all the week to preach two sermons worth hearing on Sunday? Congregations probably would not find it a very great hardship to be deprived of one of their sermons, and undoubtedly one good sermon would amply make up for two, indifferent ones.

Every man almost, from a cabinet minister to a town councillor,. thinks himself an orator, and it is a surprising fact that amongst this crowd of speechmakers, there is scarcely a man who can be called a real orator. Who has not known the exquisite torture of being compelled to listen in silence while some local magnate is mercilessly murdering your mother tongue ? Who has not known what it is to endure a long and wearisome harangue from an ineloquent chairman, when some man of note has come to make a speech, and we all on the tiptoe of excitement to hear him ? Men, alas, will speechify whether they can or no, and all we can do is grin and bear them.

In conclusion, it may be remarked that the debating societies of our Universities and Schools ought, if properly used, to be of the greatest use in teaching men to make speeches . All who intend to speak should first get the points they wish to bring out firmly fixed in their minds, and then look for the fittest form of words in which to convey

SCHOOL LETTER-CAMBRIDGE LETTER .

5

them to their hearers . But above all things be as brief, concise, and perspicuous as possible, and lastly, do not, as men of the present day -are so fond of doing, try to make a speech when you have got nothing to say .

G.

SCHOOL LETTER. HE football season is now at an end, and we may look back upon it not without feelings of satisfaction . Taking into consideration the slender foundation of old players on which we had to build our team, we may say the season has been successful . Our victories have been in several instances very creditable, and though the return match with Durham resulted in a defeat, this was in part atoned for by the way in which our forwards played, and had not we been deprived of the services of four of our regular team in addition to four who left last term, we should doubtless have shewn up much better.

Boating has as yet scarcely commenced in earnest, and as we publish some notes on the subject elsewhere, we forbear to express any -opinion.

T

The meetings of the Debating Society have been resumed, the number of members being now larger, we think, than at any previous times . The supply also of speakers has improved, and there is not the difficulty which has sometimes been experienced in former years of getting people to bring motions.

A fives tournament has been got up, which we hope may be a success, and help to rouse some interest in that excellent game, which is at present rather neglected among us.

CAMBRIDGE LETTER. "

OU don ' t mean to say that the Senate has really given way ? " is a remark which has been made, I expect, again and again . It is, however, true in spite of the incredulity with which it is generally received . Appeal after appeal has been made to the Senate, and proposal after proposal laid before it, and at last it has been compelled, greatly against its will, to yield to the general feeling . No longer will classical men be forced to pass through the trying ordeal of the

6

CAMBRIDGE LETTER.

"Additional , ." and if they do prefer them to the French and German, which is the alternative, will have no puzzling and perplexing Trigonometry to encounter.

Cambridge -ustained a heavy loss last week in the death of Mr ..

Henry Bradshaw . Elected in 1867 to the University Librarianship, he proved himself, during the nineteen years in which he held that office, inferior to none "in breadth and grasp of mind, in extent and thoroughness of knowledge, in devotion to truth, in strength and gentleness of character, in true nobleness of soul . " At present the University Eight is absorbing the attention of all, and is always ace npanied clown the river by a large number of critics and admirers . A, to tite chances of victory on the rapidly approaching .

3rd of April, it would be impossible to give any opinion as yet . This year, as probably most know, longer slides than those which have been used heretofore are to be given a trial ; but it remains to be seen whether they will be successful over the long University course.

The Lent races which are coming off next week are also a favourite topic . This week, boats competing for places on the river, row.

Peterites will have three representatives in the latter races and, we hope, three in the former, viz ., T . H . Little, who is rowing in one of the Trinity Hall boats—we are sorry not to be able to say which—and F . E. Robinson and R . T . E Fausset, who are rowing respectively stroke and seven in Corpus second boat.

Last week we had the slightly hackneyed question of the existence and " visible appearance " of ghosts discussed at the Union . The house, which was a large one, decided against supernatural apparitions by a majority of one.

There is just now a considerable amount of righteous indignation felt here with the Postmaster-General, who has robbed us of our college messengers . The dispute has not been quite settled, but I am afraid there is very little hope of that gentleman relenting . I believe Oxford has been subjected to the same hardship.

We had a meeting of a somewhat unique description in Pembroke Hall on Sunday evening. The Bishop of Exeter (Dr . E . H. Bickersteth) was in the chair, and the Bishop of Japan (the Rev . E..

Bickersteth) addressed the meeting . To have two Bishops at a college meeting is unusual, but to have two, of which one is father and the . other son, is most unusual, and perhaps unprecedented .

GA EP .

7

THE COMING BOATING SEASON. S the Boating Season is now close upon us, it will not be inopportune to make a few remarks upon the various crews, and upon the prizes and other matters connected with the subject . As is natural, the chief interest is centred upon the Senior House fours, which this year promise to be of more than usual interest, the crews being, as far as one can judge at present, will be very equal . First of all, to turn to last year's winners ; the Senior Day Boys promise to be a fair crew, but almost too light ; however, they pull together fairly well and make the boat travel . Williamson, who it will be remembered stroked the School-House Junior to victory last year, is taking the same important position in the Day Boy boat, and proves an excellent stroke, but is rather inclined to sacrifice length for speed . The other members of the boat are Wilson (3), Gabb (2), Rose (bow) . Mr . Gilbert ' s House has exactly the same boat as last year, and their chance looks decidedly rosy . They made an extremely close race with the School-House last year, and it may be reasonably expected that they will improve considerably this . In Crawshaw they have a very neat and judicious stroke.

They pull very well together, but are rather lacking in strength . With these good points and their experience from last year, they should succeed in winning. The School-House has been particularly unfortunate this year, as not only have they lost all last year's Senior, but also all last year's Junior, Crosthwaite being forbidden by the doctor to pull.

Notwithstanding these serious disadvantages, they have succeeded in turning out a very fair crew, the nucleus of which is formed from last year's third boat . This is a very convincing proof of the utility of such boats, which were first instituted last year . If these boats had not been introduced, it is painful to think what kind of a crew they would have turned out this year. Ward is pulling 'stroke, and is a very neat oar, Clark (3), Allen (2), and Hillman (bow) . They are physically the strongest of the three boats, but have a somewhat ungainly style at present, there is, however, plenty of time for improvement . The race that comes next in importance is the School Fours . This will practically be between the Sixth form and the Civil . The Sixth form boat, as at present constituted, consists of Crawshaw (stroke), Clarke (3), Wilson (2), and Bloomfield (bow) . They possess considerable strength and weight, if only it can be properly utilised ; but screwing and rounded backs are not altogether unknown at present . The Civil, on the

A

8

THE COMING BOATING SEASON.

contrary, pull in decidedly good style, but are extremely light.

Williamson is stroke, Gabb (3), «Vaud (2), and Rose (bow) . It will be . noticed that three of the Senior Dayboys are pulling it, and is by no means easy to say which of the two boats will go the faster . I leave the sequel to decide . The School boat will be a very poor one to all appearance, but as it has not been yet made up, it is impossible to criticise it.

With regard to the Junior Fours, the School House boat will be greatly inferior to last year's ; Gofton being the only man in the boat that has pulled before . It has not yet been decided who is to fill up the three other places, but their choice is somewhat limited . Mr . Gilbert 's House will have two men out of last year's Junior left, that is if Douglas comes back ; in which case he will pull stroke, Rouse (3), Whaley (2), and Campbell (bow) . The boat, however, may be altered later on . Their chance of winning is a very good one . The Dayboys ' boat, consists of Hutchings (stroke), Procter (3), Steward (2), and Wade (bow) . They get a fair amount of pace on, but their style leaves a great deal to be desired . As only one member of the crew has pulled in any four-oared race before, it is not to be wondered at . The third beats have not yet appeared, so no opinion can be formed on their respective merits . Judging from the material available, the crews should be very equal . The Senior Sculls is about the most uncertain race of the lot, the favourite generally losing ; the only competitors so far being Wilson, Crawshaw . and Williamson, but probably one or two others will enter . The races between the first three should be very close and exciting . There are several Senior Pair entries. Crawshaw and Wilson, the winners last year, upon public form should win in the end, but will probably find tough opponents in Williamson and Rose.

Waud and I'>ulman ought to be a very fair pair . The other boats will not be very formidable.

So much for the crews themselves and their prospects, and now let me add a few words of advice to Juniors, who have not yet begun to row, of whom I am sorry to say there are a very considerable number, especially among the Dayboys . " Begin to learn to row at once . " There is no excuse whatever for a boy who has reached the age of rz or even r r, and is able to swim, and cannot pull at all . It is not to be expected that they will pull all at once, but practice is everything in rowing, and ant one who begins at a reasonable age will learn to row decently . This is the only way by which the School can gain fame on the river, and with the advantages the School possesses, in the shape

DEBATING SOCIETY .

9

of an excellent river and boathouse of its own, its rowing ought to be one of its strongest points, instead of as at present, almost its weakest.

Lastly, with regard to prizes . It may not be known to some that there is a debt of Z1S to be paid, incurred by the recent improvements in the boathouse . This will make a terrible hole in the sum collected

by School subscriptions . Last year an appeal was made in this magazine for prizes to be offered by people interested in the School, as they are for the sports . This appeal was most generously responded to, and now that the need is even greater than then, may we hope that it will be responded to again, and even more generally .

SUPPLEX.

DEBATING SOCIETY. V Saturday, the 13th of February, the above Society held their first meeting for business purposes . The hour set down for assembly on the notice board was half-past five, but those who arrived punctually, three in number, paid the penalty for their rashness by an interesting wait of twenty minutes, profitably employed in social intercourse before the fire of the fourth form room . At last seven more members turned up, and a start was made by everybody taking their seats ; but, this done, it seemed uncertain what was to happen next, till it struck someone that it would be well if the meeting were provided with a chairman . The Rev . W . Routh was accordingly proposed, seconded, and elected to fill that position . Business at last started made some progress, Mr . Routh being elected president, J . G. Wilson vice-president, and L . W . Pickles secretary. New members were next proposed and elected, bringing the numbers of the Society up to about thirty . A discussion arose as to whether the lower fourth was in the upper school, a position in which is the passport to the ranks of the Society ; however, as no one felt qualified to decide the settlement of the question, it was put off to the next meeting . A curious confusion also seems to have arisen in the mind of one gentleman as to the meaning of the words "quorum " and " committee, " for after it had been decided that a quorum of the house should consist of eleven members, he asked why these members were not elected, evidently regarding the quorum as a committee, of which one existed last year, but owing to its functions amounting to nil it was not thought necessary to renew . The receiving of offers for motions terminated the proceedings .

O

IO

DEBATING SOCIETY. FEBRUARY 20.

A list of rules was first read and passed without difficulty.

The House then proceeded to discuss the motion of O . W . Whaley, °` That the position of a boarder in a public school is preferable to that of a dayboy ."

The mover broadly defined the objects for which boys were sent to school to be (I) intellectual and (2) manly training . He then proceeded to prove that in both these branches of education the life of a boarder was more likely to lead to success than that of a dayboy . Boarders had regular times for doing everything, and being compelled at least to sit with books before them for two hours every evening, it would be highly improbable if they did not sometimes do some work ; while dayboys perhaps, under no such compulsion, if so inclined, might do none at all . Further, and on this point special stress was laid, life in a boarding-house was certainly more favourable to the development of athletic powers, frequently, for example, disabusing ideas of the nature of the game known as football, which by some was supposed to be a murderous species of exercise calculated to injure life and limb.

The motion was seconded by H . McClellan, who, as having formerly been a dayboy, as well as a boarder, claimed special right to judge . He dwelt on the disadvantages of the morning tramp of the dayboy, perhaps through rain and mud, and the inconvenience of rising late, and not improbably being compelled to forego breakfast, and hurry to school unfortified for the arduous labours therein enjoined . He also mentioned the advantages of intercourse with other boys, and the friendships which a boarder has an opportunity of forming which would be impossible for a day boy.

The opposition was opened by J . G . Wilson, who denied any advantages possessed by boarders which were not more than counterbalanced by those which dayboys enjoyed . The freedom of an evening to attend lectures and other instructive meetings, with an occasional concert, was calculated to improve the intelligence without detriment to work . He then went on to refer to some recent Football events in the School, which, as affording no ground for generalization, we need not mention.

Williamson next spoke on the same side of the question, bringing forward his experience of both modes of existence as ground for his being able to express an opinion . He said that he thought it quite possible to be in a house and yet do no work at all .

rI

FOOTBALL .

L. W. Pickles spoke in favour of the motion, asking the House to consider the question on a broad basis—not to consider particular events in particular schools—but to take it in reference to all schools.

Speaking for those who were unable to take part in sports, he held that a boarder could not help taking an active interest in what was going on, whereas a davboy might really not belong to the School as regards what was taking place outside its walls . The discussion was continued by R. Crosthwaite and T . P . Clarke . The Rev . AV . Routh then spoke as an unbiassed outsider, showing that it was so much a question of individual character as to whether a boy got on better as a dayboy or a boarder that he could not undertake to form an opinion, but must leave it to the House to decide . The mover then replied, but as there had only been two speeches in opposition he had not much argument to refute.

On dividing the numbers were r6 For the motion . .

Against

9

Majority for the motion

. ..

7

FOOTBALL. v.

YORK (A) .

FEBRUARY 2ND.

This match was played on the School ground before several hundred spectators . A fast game was an impossibility, owing to the ground being covered with two inches of snow . The heavier team were consequently considerably favoured . The School, winning the toss, elected to play uphill . J . Procter kicked off for York, and Haynes, playing back in the place of 1Y . Procter, who never tur ned up, returned into touch . From the first it was evident the game would be a forward one mainly, and several scrimmages took place in the School 25 . These, as a rule, were carried by York, who were much heavier ; but what was lost in the pack was regained in the loose . The first point was a touch-down for York, from a long kick

by Procter, which was quickly followed by two or three others . The York men kicking somewhat rashly, a good run by Gofton transferred the struggle to the middle of the field, but the ball was brought back by the York forwards, headed by Brown and Holborn . Procter made a good attempt at goal, but it fell short . Haynes was collared before he could return it, and several desperate scrimmages were fought on

I2

FOOTBALL.

the School line . A rush of the School forwards, however, transferred the leather to a safer distance, where it remained until half time was called, the score being York five minor points to nil. After the ball was restarted, for a short time the School looked decidedly dangerous, (Vaud and Gofton putting in some good kicks . A wild pass, however, allowed York to get away, and they rushed the ball up the field and scored a touch-down . Dearlove making a good return into touch from the kick out, pressed the School hard, and Johnston crossed the line . He was mauled by Wilson and, after a desperate struggle, pulled out . The same player directly after made another rush for the line, and although fairly held by Rose, he nevertheless ran on unopposed, and grounded the ball . York persisted in claiming the try and it was kicked under protest . The School now played in a most determined manner, and made a vigorous attack on the York quarters . Nottingham, however, obtained a free kick for foul play, and the ball went into touch near the centre, where it remained until time was called ; the game thus ending in a draw . As this was the first match the team had played this term, the result was highly satisfactory ; especially as York had only suffered one defeat the whole season, and had the assistance of three first team men . The School forwards played a very good game, while of the backs the three three-quarters and Rose showed up well.

For York, Procter, Hood, and Nottingham behind, and Brown, Ankers, and Holborn played the best. The School team consisted of C . Haynes (back) ; J . E . Gofton, F. Bulman, G . C . Waud (three-quarter) ; A . Rose . N . Williamson (half) ; J . G . Wilson, R . Crosthwaite, W. Gabb, H . McClellan, O . Whaley, H . Rouse, W . Peck, W . Hutchings, and H . Allen (forward).

v . DURHAM GRAMMAR SCHOOL. FEBRUARY 13TH. This match was played at Durham, and resulted in a victory for Durham by 2 goals, 3 tries to nil. The match was, however, robbed to a great extent of its representative character, owing to the fact that Crosthwaite, Rose, and McClellan were all unable to play ; indeed, only eight of last term's team were playing . However, it is no use trying to excuse our defeat, as our opponents most certainly fully deserved their victory . The game that Durham play is far more scientific than ours, their passing being at times simply marvellous . Our forwards should learn to get up to the scrimmages more quickly. Durham won the toss, and elected to play downhill . The School kicked off, and

FOOTBALL .

13

Alderson returning with a long punt, the first scrimmage was formed in the York 25 . With a capital dribble the Durham forwards invaded the line, but Scarborough saved just in the nick of time . Bulman kicked out, and Miller made an excellent run, but was well tackled by Gofton. k'roni a scrimmage on the line Alderson obtained a try, though obviously off-side . However it was allowed, but no goal resulted.

Shortly after Sadler obtained a try nearly behind, from which a goal was kicked . The Durham three-quarters were continually fed, and made some good runs, but Bulman's and Gofton ' s collaring prevented them from scoring. At half-time the score was 1 goal, r try, to nil.

On recommencing the ball was kept for some time in the centre, but Miller made a capital run and got behind the posts . The place was successful . \Vaud made a nice run and kick, and for some time the ball was in the Durham quarters . However, in quick s;tccession, they obtained two more tries, nothing resulting from either . No further point was obtained before time was called . Our forwards played a very good game in the pack, but were poor in the loose ; those who had not played before showing great promise . Of the backs, Scarborough did very fairly on the whole, considering that this was the first 1st XV match he had played in . Gofton and \Vaud had few chances given them, but did very smartly what they had to do . Bulman ' s collaring and defensive play was of the greatest service . The halves were the weak point of the team, being quite overmatched by Sadler and Alderson, to whom Durham's victory was mainly due . For Durham Miller ran very fast and dodged well . The following was the School team : J . Scarborough (back) ; J. E . Gorton, T . Bulman, G . C . Waud (three-quarter) ; W. K. Procter, C . Haynes (half) ; J . G . Wilson, W. Gabb, O . AMaley, IL . Rouse, N. Williamson, W . Hutchings, T . 1' . Clarke, II . Allan, A. C . Clarke (forward).

v

YORK (A) .

FEBRUARY 18TH.

This match was played on the School ground in most inclement weather, there being a continuous fall of snow the whole time . York strengthened their backs by playing Fell, and forwards by Hurworth, both first team men . The School showed form far superior to any they have yet displayed . They were, however, ultimately defeated by z goals to 1 ; though one of the York tries was about as irregular as possible, there being three distinct pieces of off-side play in the

I4

FOOTBALL.

procuring of it . The School stopped playing and allowed York to run in, never for a moment thinking that the ball would not be brought back . However, the decision was given against us, as our umpire was, unfortunately, not in a position to see.

York won the toss and elected to take the kick . This was charged down, and the School forwards, with a grand dribble, carried the ball down the field forcing York to save . The kickout, however, brought no relief, and with another rush the School running the ball down, Nilson obtained a try right behind the posts, from which Crosthwaite kicked a goal . The York men now made desperate efforts, encouraged by the spectators . Owing to dreadful fumbling, Colley was allowed to gain a try right behind, and Gibson just managed to kick a goal . This, however, was the only bad piece of play on the part of the School during the match . After the kick-off the try referred to above was obtained, and, to the great surprise of everyone, allowed . Gibson again just managed to kick the ball over . These reverses stimulated the School to play with great determination, and they had the best of the game until half-time was called ; the score being York 2 goals, r minor, to I goal, 2 minors . Procter kicked off for York, and Gofton, with an excellent kick, sent the ball into touch half way . For about ten minutes the ball was close to the York line, the School being within an ace of scoring several times . At last York touched down, but play was confined to their quarters, until Gibson, owing to some misunderstanding, got off )vith the ball . The three quarters did not attempt to collar him, but Scarborough, more wisely, brought him over . The referee gave his decision in favour of Yolk, and for a little time the School had to act on the defensive . The ball was soon carried to the centre, but Fell made two capital runs, being, however, grandly tackled by Scarborough.

The School were rather hard pressed towards the end, but no further point was obtained . The team was weakened by the absence of Rose, but had the assistance of Crosthwaite and McClellan, who had recovered sufficiently to play . The forwards played well to a man, Gabb showing a distinct advance upon his previous performances, Clarke also showing considerable improvement . At full back Scarborough made no mistakes in kicking, and tackled in grand form . He should develop into a very good back indeed if he stays next year . Gofton seemed to have recovered all his old skill, and was invaluable at threequarters . \Vaud played pluckily, but Bulman had very little to do.

F'00'1'BALL .

15

The halves were vastly better than in the Durham match ; Procter being especially good . The School team was as follows : J . Scarborough (back) ; J . E . Gofton, I . Bulman, G . C . AVaud (three-quarter) ; W. K. Procter, N . Williamson (half) ; J . G . Wilson, R. Crosthwaite, W . Gabb, H . McClellan, O . H . Whaley, II . Rouse, W . Hutchings, A . C . Clarke, H . Bloomfield (forward) .

S1' . PETER'S SCHOOL SECOND XV. v.

MR. BLACKBURN'S TI AM. This match was played on the School ground on February 2001, in snow. Mr . Blackburn anticipated playing the First XV ., and as such brought a strong team . The School won the toss, and decided to play uphill . For the first few minutes some tough scrimmaging took place in the centre, the School pressing their opponents. Gray made a good run and somewhat relieved his side, but the St . Peter ' s forwards, owing to their good packing and combined play, kept the ball from their opponents ' three-quarters . Jackson, from a pass, gained ground, but Tones made a long run and obtained a try behind the posts, from which Gray kicked a goal . Very little play of importance took place after this before half-time was called, with the ball in our opponents' territory . Williamson kicked off, and the opposing three-quarter was collared before responding . The School looked very much like scoring, but played rather a selfish game, enabling Tones to get the ball, which he ran up to the centre ; a kick by \Vaud, however, came to the relief. Gradually the ball journeyed into our opponents' 25, yd from thence to the goal line . Under the goal-posts a scrimmage took place, which lasted for about five minutes, but, beyond the players getting wet and mud-bespattered, nothing resulted . The ball was taken on to firmer ground, and, becoming loose, Jackson dropped at goal, just missing . Smith endeavoured to run it out, but was pulled down just over the line . Tones now ran the ball to the 25, but Waud carried it back again close to the goal-line . Owing to the off-side play of certain of Mr. Blackburn' s team, which was fruitlessly appealed against, the ball was dribbled up to the centre, then to the 25, and Tomes again ran in, Gray landing a second goal. Time was now called, leaving Mr . Blackburn' s team victorious by 2 goals I minor point, to nil.

Tonics for our opponents, played a very good game ; but, excepting him, no one was worthy of mention . The School forwards may be congratulated on the way in which they packed and pushed their

16

CORRESPONDENCE—NOTES

AND

ITEMS.

opponents ; Hutchings, Allan, Mitchell, Mawson, and Campbell playing best . The halves played splendidly, but were too selfish on the goal-line . The three-quarters had very little chance of distinguishing themselves, but generally availed themselves of any opportunity.

School team : J . Scarborough (back) ; G . C . Waud, II . Jackson, E. Procter (three-quarter); N . Williamson, E. Steward (half) ; W . IIutchings (rapt .), H . \V . Allan, A . C . Clarke, H . Bloomfield, F . Mitchell, G . Campbell, R . Wade, II . Mawson, T . T . Isherwood.

CORRESPONDENCE. TO THE

EDITORS

OF

THE PETERITE.

SIRS,—May I trespass upon your space to set the writer 's mind of the letter, urging that colours should be given to the and XV ., one Fly-kick by name, at ease . Before next season a meeting will be held of the members of the 1st XV . to consider the advisability of giving colours to the and XV . For my own part I think it would be highly advantageous to do so . May I suggest as a reason for the proposal not having been considered before, the extreme difficulty of getting teams to play the and XV. For instance, this season there have only been three matches, but this is due to no want of energy, but to the refusal of several of the York schools to meet the 2nd XV ., the majority, possibly they had a defeat in view, pleading weakness or prior engagements . One York school, indeed, spurned the challenge with contempt . It would be somewhat ridiculous for a 2nd XV . to have colours If they had no matches to play . Next season, by arranging 2nd XV . matches earlier, we may hope to be able to get at least six matches .

ONE OF THE COMMITTEE.

NOTES AND ITEMS. REV. E . A . DOUGLAS, O .P ., gained a try for Durham County against Northumberland.

Iv the case of the Hey Memorial Scholarships being obtained by anyone outside the School, who is unable to attend as a dayboy, the Dean and Chapter have decided to remit the school fees . The value of the Scholarship will then become X28 13S. WE are sorry not to be able to publ i sh an Oxford letter in this issue, but we are unable to obtain one in time .