Jan 1887

THE

P[T[RITE. VoL . X .

JANUARY, 1887 .

No . 65.

OXFORD LETTER. ANY and bitter were the objurgations showered on the heads of the authorities when the rumour passed into fact that term would begin a week earlier than usual, simply to gratify a whim of certain dons who were desirous of making a pilgrimage to Rome at Easter.

Men were hurried from Xmas festivities undigested, to find themselves locked in the icy embrace of Alma Mater . Never did Oxford look more cheerless than on the first day of term, the ground was fast bound with frost and the river unnavigable . Boat captains betook them to their skates in despair and football secretaries began to think of next season . Everyone was on the ice, athletic men and non-athletic . Frost is a leveller in every sense of the word . For news one must go back to last term . The 'Varsity match is now a thing of the past . We were defeated but rot disgraced, and the best side undoubtedly won . The Irish tour was some consolation, the only two matches that came off, viz ., against the Dublin Wanderers and the Lansdowne Club, resulting in well-earned victories . Here, as against Cambridge, Key at full back and threequarters triumphantly confuted the oracular diction of the Oxford Magazine, "Key is a cricketer," and showed the best behind play of the team . Christopherson, in the latter matches, showed some return to his old form, and the forwards did not discredit the verdict passed on them, that they were fully equal to Vassal ' s men . Last term went out with a blaze . Queen's was the scene of a real, live fire, which quite put into the shade the performances on the 5th . The crowd appeared to think the fire had been raised for their amusement, and frequently testified their approval by rounds of applause.

On the river Magdalen won the coxwainless Fours ; Cobb and Peel rowed in their College Trials, we hope to see the latter stroking the Unattached Torpid this term .

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Rhodes and Wilson have been playing for their college both at Rugby and Association football, the former playing in the cup ties.

Wilson has played several times in the picked XV . and Rhodes was unfortunate in the ground being frostbound when he was asked to play.

Among others we have noticed Wade and Clayforth on "the Field o Blood, " as the Lancet would say. But how about the legs and arms my dear Lancet, not to mention wrists and ankles, that have been broken or put out of joint the last week or so all over England? Surely it is a rash and inconsiderate proceeding to trust oneself in the streets in these evil and slippery days.

We cannot close without one word of congratulation to the School and all that are interested in its welfare on the prosperous opening of the Old Boys' Club, which was, we believe, in the first instance an Oxford movement. It cannot but prove a great boon to the School, and will recall to all Old Boys pleasant memories of friendships contracted and associations formed at the Old School, where we are told Guy Fawkes learnt his grammar, and in a shady corner of the playground hatched treason.

MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING. HE second decade of the Theatricals opens with a new departure.

It was this year determined to venture on a Shaksperian revival; and with what prospects ? " Comparisons are odorous," no doubt ; yet the writer perhaps was not the only one who went back to the Christmas six years ago and thought of looking up in his Peterite the review of " Much Ado About Nothing," as it was then acted. There would he find heavy forebodings ; " never was the prospect so gloomy ; ` our guide, philosopher, and friend, ' Hugh Moss, had just left ; many leading actors were gone ; the spirit of the whole school was at a low ebb. " But there were giants in those days, and what were the difficulties that they had to contend with, compared with those of to-day? Where was there now any material? Of those who had to act, only two, Waud and Egginton, had hitherto taken parts worth the name ; only one other, McClellan, who had ever acted at all before.

Where should we find a " Benedick " like Baskett ? or another " inimitable " Dogberry? Who would be our Griffith, and sing? A

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"Miss Richland" was bnt poor preparation for a "Beatrice ." For they had triumphed : but the present, • . Surely in going back to an old play anything were better than to challenge comparison with one which if, perhaps, not the best acted, yet was certainly the most successful that the School had hitherto produced . Possibly in ' 8o we were younger and less critical ; if so, the worse for '86 ; we remember the good parts of the departed and forget the bad.

Such thoughts, not without previous gloomy reports from the scene of action to back them up, were no doubt in the minds of many when the curtain rose on Saturday, December 18th, and Monday, December 20th . The attendance was good, especially on the second night, when an unusual number of old boys, attracted by the O . P . Club meeting in the afternoon, were present, and the audience proved always attentive and encouraging, sometimes enthusiastic . The Dean, unfortunately, was indisposed, and sent a poetical apology for his absence . Certainly on Monday the performance deserved all the applause it obtained.

Saturday was not so good ; several actors were painfully nervous, and more than once a breakdown seemed inevitable . On the second night everything went splendidly ; dreams of ill were quickly forgotten, and, to be brief; the curtain fell on one of the best performances the School has given . The actors were, as a rule, distinct, and needed but little prompting. Of the second-rate parts, some were distinctly creditable, and, indeed, throughout them there was a fair average maintained . Of those, too, who were least successful, the defects were, as a rule, rather comical than painful. Among the side dishes, so to speak, of the feast that took the audience, may be noticed in particular the dance—a pretty picture—and the song " Sigh no more, Ladies, " in which M . H. Carroll well merited an enthusiastic recall . Except that some unnecessary time seemed to be spent in the scene shifting, the management and general arrangements were good ; this, of course, is Mr. Yeld's work, of which, after so many years, it is simply superfluous to speak . As regards coaching, in addition to him, we believe the actors have a great deal to thank Mr. Stephenson for . To Mrs . Vyvian too they are greatly ir.debted for the kind pains she took with them in the rehearsals . The three new scenes must also be mentioned, for which the School is again indebted to the unselfish kindness of Mr . T. H . Linberg ; which of the two was the better—the Straits of Messina or the Chapel of the Leonati—must be left to artistic

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eyes to judge . We also believe that the prison scene is new, though, as might be expected, there was not in it so much room for display.

A word, too, for the humbler assistants, call-boys, etc ., whose work is none the less useful and necessary because it is unseen.

The cast was as follows : DON PEDRO, Prince of Arragon . .

.. . .

DoN JOHN, his bastard Brother ..

CLAUDIO, a young Lord of Florence BENEDICK, a young Lord of Padua

G . C . WAUD. J . E. GOFTON

F.

..

C . MCCLELLAN. . . F. LEAF.

LEONATO, Governor of Messina ..

ANTONIO, his Brother

. .

. . J . RHINE.

F.

..

BALTHAZAR, Attendant on Don Pedro ..

BORACIIIO Followers of Don John CONRADE FRIAR FRANCIS . . ..

DOGBERRY, a Constable ..

II. C. JACKSON. G. MCCA\IPBELL. ..

H . CHILMAN. N . L . HooD. A. B . IIUTTON.

. . G. ..

VERGES, a Head Borough A SEXTON . .

..

MESSENGER

..

..

MITCIIELL.

F . A . BULMAN.

..

G . V. BIRKS.

..

H. F. CHADWICK.

HERO, daughter to Leonato BEATRICE, niece to Leonato

. .

R . Moss. .. . . A . G . EGGINTON. ..

Gentlewomen attending on c A . E . ROSE.

MARGARET URSULA

J

F.

Hero

C . CROwTIIER.

The staff was as follows : STAGE MANAGER ..

ACTING MANAGER

..

G. VELD, Esn. R . CROS'ruwAITE.

PROMPTER ..

H . W. ALLAN.

UNDER PROMPTER

A. C . CLARKE.

SUPER-MASTER

..

F . A. BULMAN.

S . O . BINGHAM. J . E. GOFTON. CARPENTERS F . C . CROWTIIER. Punctually at 7-30 R . Moss appeared before the curtain to spe the prologue (written by Mr . Yeld) " Sweet friends, we greet you.

PROPERTY-MAN

..

..

We had meant to-day To welcome you in silence to our play, Which, as it is ' joy's perfectest herald,' so 'Tis meetest greeting, too, for them to show Who feel they dare too much, yet, daring, feel What is presumption, you 'll forgive as zeal, And following Shakespere 's words, ' allowance give ' To ' daring dwarfs ' who strive their lives to live.

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" But when we see so many faces here That to these walls, this stage, are justly dear When we feel near so many hearts that beat In tune with ours, in friendship's music sweet, The love that ever in our hearts is dwelling Prompts us to speak, and love is all compelling. " Union is strength, or we should never dare This seventh time Shakesperian dress to wear Union is strength, we own it, great and small The house, the school, divided, straight must fall ; 'Wherefore the chain of Union, Love ' s warder, We wear, as 'twere, the jewel of Love's order.

Whatever grapples closely and makes fast In bonds of Love, the Present and the Past, Is dear to us as sunshine, dear as spring, Dear as the sound of Hope's approaching wing, Dear as the love which Shakespere's lips have taught us, And such a bond the present year has brought us. " 0, may success attend the bold endeavour, And the Old Peterite Club live on for ever !

Union is strength, the Club brings strength— nay more, It fosters Union's child, Esprit de Corps.

With all united, what's there we can't venture ?

Possum—you recollect—gui posse videntur. " Friends—Peterites—who, loyal to the core, Love this old school, to-night we say no more.

Although a hundred points—the Football fellows Anent this number are exceeding jealous— Call for our words, yet we must put them by, For ' tis not joy alone makes memory.

Sorrow sometimes lays finger on Love ' s lip, And faithful silence joins her fellowship: Let us in all that we essay be one, So is our task best learnt, our duty done ; Let us in all things labour hand in hand, So shall our light, though small, illume the land ."

Of the individual actors we may say that Don Pedro did well in a commonplace part ; there is no room for brilliant effects, and thoughtful study is necessary to prevent it being uninteresting ; that it was not is high commendation ; indeed it was surprising how much he made of it.

But ought the Duke to be as juvenile as his favourites ? Younger than Leonato we know he was ; but to be a fatherly, or at least an elderly

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brotherly, matchmaker at the age he seemed to be, looked rather unnatural, and almost grotesque.

Don john also was good ; he looked the villain to perfection ; at times, however, on the second night, he tried to improve on what was all right, and by laying the paint on too thick it showed in patches.

Claudio did not strike us ; he was nervous and unable to express the character. The original may be shallow and selfish, but not utterly indifferent and passionless . He had also an unfortunate habit of taking refuge at the sign of danger in the right-hand curtain, like a spider in his web ; he had no reason to be ashamed of his appearance. hero, on the other hand, promises well . Her acting in the church, for one so young and inexperienced, especially calls for notice . For the theatricals' sake, let us hope that he will go on in his brother's footsteps.

Of the two brothers—Leonato and Antonio—the former pleased us the more . In Act IV., where he hears the confession of Borachio, there was a certain dignity that could not but be impressive . Antonio suffered considerably from a youthful voice.

Dogberry is a terrible character, abounding in grizzly difficulties ; conceited, overbearing, servile, self-important in his servility, above all a common-place ass, apparently so easy, and yet so easy to misrepresent . We may well make Hood every allowance, considering that he undertook such a part at a week's notice . All things considered, it was surprising how much he took the audience . Verges was, we think, the better acted, but, of course, the character is much slighter, child's play by comparison.

Ursula and Margaret had little to do, and there is not much to be said on them . Perhaps they will pardon Shakespere for finding a word.

If one was " a vane blown with all winds," the other was too much " moved by none ."

Borachio and Conrade made one of the best pairs on the stage, both for appearance and acting . The confession of the former was one of the best delivered speeches in the play . At times, however, e.g., "the fiend, my master," he seemed to miss the idea altogether, and certainly if he comes on the stage half drunk it could hardly have "drizzled rain" enough to sober him after a single s p eech . But was he right in it at all ? Was it on the strength of " like a true drunkard ?" We hardly think this warrants so much . In vino veritas; he was going to make a

THEATRICALS .

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true confession, and " like " may equal " as if I were . " A stronger argument for intoxication would be his somewhat rambling talk of the " fashion " and " God Bel ' s priests," etc . Still he pleased us much, and it was to be wished that both he and Conrade had had something really difficult to put them on their mettle.

It is on account of the difficulties of their parts and the genuine efforts which they made to appreciate and to conquer them, that we feel bound to give the highest place to Benedick and Beaatrice. It is a .great pleasure to be able to say so much of the two leading characters ; perhaps it is the first time, too. Of Leaf we have a very high opinion.

He improved every night . He has never acted before, and is young.

There ought to be a great future before him on the school stage . A great deal is said of the supposed change that comes over the characters of Benedick and Beatrice in the play . This, perhaps, is scarcely true ; certainly not of Beatrice, we think, and only a half truth of Benedick . He finds a wider range of sympathy, and drops that selfcontainedness which before made him, in some respects, the type of an objectionable young man . Leaf hardly caught this . His acting fell off towards the end in consequence ; and he was not seen at his best in the later dialogues with Beatrice . Perhaps he was (to use a word in a somewhat different sense) too self-contained throughout, and failed to help the other actors as he might have done . Hence the paradoxical result—he was best in the hardest parts, simply because those parts were soliloquies, and he was alone.

And what of " sweet Beatrice ?" We " thank her for her pains."

As for appearance, her walk was perfect, and she had a pleasant smile when wanted. But where had last year' s laugh gone to ? It would have done good service in the earlier scenes . We also missed the utter simplicity and freshness that were so attractive then . We also thought her too unhesitating in her answers, and too frightened of being thought not to be acting while hidden in the arbour ; yet these were faults on the right side, and what we missed was largely due to a voice rapidly breaking and a severe cold that would allow of no liberties. Wherever Beatrice's unselfish nature showed itself, either in the glimpses which we get when she rallies Hero and Claudio on their betrothal, or in the passionate outbursts in the church, or the soliloquy in the garden (though this last was much too hurried), there Egginton was at his best . Vox populi, vox Dei ; we will not venture to set our-

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THEATRICALS.

selves up against the whole audience, and one of our chief regrets when all was over was that we should never see him in such a character again .

R. J . M.

THE DEAN'S VERSES.

To the Dramatis Persorzce, St . Peter' s School, I'ark .. " Sweet friends . I greet you.

I had meant to-day To be a favoured witness of your play ; For I retain, midst pleasant memories stored, The previous efforts on your Thespian board.

Your heroes vigorous, with hirsute face, Your heroines replete with female grace— True augury of power for noblest ends When strength with gentleness in action blends.

True principles of life—which, once again, In Hero's innocence you will make plain, And show how purity of life prevails When dark malignant enmity assails.

Fain would I come and hear, for I've no doubt That " when the age is in, the wit is out ."

My verse will shew, too, when you come to scan it, " I was not born under a rhyming planet ."

That your true kindness will, I know, let pass, But don 't, like Dogberry, " write me down an ass ;" Nay, rather pity one who still remains Enshackled in the Doctor's iron chains, In " dumps so dull and heavy " thinks to-night Upon your scenery and pageant bright ; Yet hopes that all who therein may engage Will shine hereafter on life 's actual stage, With will unswerving, and with faithful heart, Play, before " Gods and men," your appointed part ; And, when your curtain's dropped, your acting done, Find, in another world, your guerdon won.

Good wishes then, for life's oft shifting scene From one, though absent, yet your friend, THE DEAN . "

129

CAMBRIDGE LETTER. HE difficulty that is generally found to exist in writing a Cambridge letter is to find material for that letter . On this occasion the difficulty is not so much to find the material as to select the right material . The Peterite has not had news from the Cam, if I remember right, since October last . Consequently, much might be recorded.

There is a whole Michaelmas term to look back upon, and we have already settled down to the work and pleasure of a Lent term . W T ell, to return to a term that is past . The chief interest of a Michaelmas term is football . The University `fifteen' could well congratulate themselves on the way they sustained this interest.

Match after match was played and victory after victory gained, and though the matches against Richmond and Bradford were lost it was mainly due to the absence of Brutton and Duncan, certainly not to any falling to pieces on the part of the team . Consequently, it was little or no surprise to anyone that Cambridge scored one more victory over Oxford.

Although St . Peter's was unrepresented this year—the first time I believe for five years—in this important match, let no one suppose that her sons now at Cambridge altogether fail to keep up the football reputation that sons of former clays so well built up for her . Lord at Clare, Robinson and Clarke at Corpus, Johnson and Spencer at Christ ' s, Daniel at Trinity, are all to a greater or less degree prominent members of their college teams . But to turn to the river.

We have to congratulate Fausset and Crawshaw on their success in their College Trial Eights . Crawshaw, who stroked one of the Senior Trials at Pembroke, began his boating course most auspiciously, and a brilliant career we hope is in store for him . As for the University boat it is difficult as yet to pass a criticism upon it, as different combinations are being tried every day. All we can do is to hope that the president will find a crew that will satisfy Cambridge men as well as that of last year's did . In the last Cambridge letter your correspondent mentioned the death of the Master of Trinity . After some delay and much speculation as to his successor, the Queen was pleased to n npoin t Dr. Butler to the office, an appointment that affords general satisfaction throughout the University . Dr. Butler was accordingly installed in office with all the traditionary ceremonial . Shortly before his arrival

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the great gates of Trinity were shut . On his arrival and on his ringing the bell the under porter opened the gates and the head porter appeared in all his dignity . The new master presented his Letters Patent and asked for adrn trance . The porter, however, refused this until he had shewn the Fellows of the College the document and had informed them of Dr . Butler's request, and accordingly the gates were shut again and Dr. Butler left standing in the cold some ten minutes more.

Meanwhile, the Fellows of the College had inspected the letters and agreed that they would admit Dr . Butler . A procession n as accordingly formed with the Vice-Master at its head, the gates were again swung back, and the Vice-Master stepped forward to welcome the new corner.

He was then conducted to the chapel, where the ceremony of installation was completed with closed doors, and the proceedings were terminated by the singing of the Te Deum in B flat, so the papers reported . Many other events of interest might be mentioned in this letter, but time and paper forbids it . One, however, it is a pleasure and duty to recall . All Cambridge Peterites were delighted to hear of Whaley's success, and, I am sure, will give a hearty welcome next October to the Peterite Scholar of Caius .

GAEP.

FOOTBALL. v. OLD BOYS. This match was played on the School Ground, on Thursday, December the r6th . Previous rains and snows had left the ground in a very bad state, which certainly was not improved by the game.

However, in spite of this drawback, which made fast running almost impossible, the match was very evenly contested, and it was only at the last moment that the Old Boys were able to secure victory . Both teams were decidedly weak, the Old Boys being weakened by the absence of many who played a very prominent part in the first Old Boys ' match at the beginning of the term, while the School were without the services of Crosthwaite, Clarke, and Jackson . After the kick off the School were for some time pressed, a short run by Thompson proving rather dangerous . However Procter relieved, and after the kick out from the home "25 " play was carried on in neutral ground . This did not continue long, and the ball was brought down into the Old Boys' "25"

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After a little give-and take play, Waud, b3 a nice run, rounded his opponents and placed the ball almost behind the posts . The placekick however by Gofton was unsuccessful . The Old Boys after this played up with far more spirit and carried the ball into the School "25 ." Clarke then ran in, thus securing the first try for the Old Boys.

Rhodes failed at the place-kick . Half time was then called . After the usual interval the School again invaded the Old Boys ' territory, Gofton and \Vaud making short and useful runs . About ten minutes before time \Vaud ran in, this time placing the ball behind the posts . The place-kick was however again unsuccessful—a fact probably due to the heaviness of the ground . Shortly before time the Old Boys made a most determined effort to save the game . By a fine run from the home " 25" Rhodes obtained a grand try, which was converted into a goal.

Time was then called, leaving the Old Boys victorious by i goal try to 2 tries, or 4 points to 2.

ScxooL .—E . Procter, full back ; J . E . Gofton, G . C . Waud, F. A. Bulman, three-quarters ; N . 1, . Hood, W. Procter, halves ; J . H . G. Wilson, O . W. Whaley, A . Rouse, L . Hutchings, H . W . Allan, H. Smith, G . V . Birks, A . C . Clarke, G . McCampbell.

The Old Boys' team not to hand.

THE FOOTBALL SEASON. O congratulate the Fifteen on the net results of the season, so far as the balance of victories over defeats is concerned, would be meaningless conventionality . For it would be to compliment them on nothing. Eleven matches have been played, five won, five lost, and one drawn . Though the fortunes of the fight have thus been equal, there is and must be some sense of failure and disappointment from not having succeeded in beating those whom we regard as the foemen worthy of our steel . From the matches that were really worth winning, i.e., from those against the Old Boys, Durham, and Beverley, the XV. returned, undisgraced it is true, but not victorious . And in the matches won the victories might be overwhelming, but they were not glorious, for never was the day uncertain or the adversary formidable.

In one case, at least, they would have been a poor match for the Second XV .

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But if, as has been said, the net results are not a matter for great rejoicings, much may be urged to show that the season has been far from unsatisfactory. If the quality of the victories has not been great, they have not been deficient in quantity as far as points go . The XV. has scored ro6 to their opponents 46, and of these half were gained in a match that could not be called a first XV . match at all, making the score Io6 to 23, that is 4 . 6 to 1 . Again, time has wrought sad havoc among the peisonale of the XV . (luring the last two years . Of last year ' s team only seven remain, and of the year previous to it but three; while from various causes the XV . has rarely been able to put its full strength into the field . And to look at the defeats, paradaxical as it may seem, with the exception of that against the St . Peter' s Nomads, they have been as creditable as the victories . They were only lost after hard fought and equal games, and, besides, in some of them extenuating circumstances may be pleaded . The return match against Durham is not taken into consideration here, for the fifteen that represented St . Peter's was, unavoidably, little better than the second fifteen, and it would have been more sensible to have postponed the match under the circumstances.

Looking, away, however, from the results, there is one cause of genuine congratulation, and that is the vastly improved style of play, especially that of the three-quarters, combined with a greater knowledge of the game altogether . It is to this, and not to individual excellence, that the success, such as it is, of the season is due.

The season opened against a fairly strong XV. of the Old Boys, which, after a desperate struggle, resulted in a draw . Two facts were revealed in it to the critical eye, first, that the forwards we're poor, and secondly, the backs lacked tackling power . One brilliant exception must be mentioned, Bulman, whose collaring was simply excellent ; he had all to do and was as ubiquitous as anyone could be, "barring a bird . " E . Procter did fairly well, but the rest simply nothing . A match against the Nomads ended in signal disaster . The Peterile, in recording it, states that "owing to the absence of Wilson, Lofton, and Rouse, the match was robbed of all its interest . . . the School having practically no chance of victory ." And this is exactly the pervicious spirit in which the majority played in these two matches, though the teams were little, if at all, stronger than that with which they drew a short time before . The forwards tackled fairly well, but were, ,

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Crosthwaite excepted, woefully slow, and though Buhnan again did wonders in the way of determined and accurate collaring, his colleagues were spiritless and feeble in the extreme . After this disheartening commencement Ripon was beaten by r goal and 3 tries to nil. The score does not indicate the nature of the game, for the Ripon goal was in continual danger, which was only averted by their good tackling and energy . Several tries also were given in . Their style of play was much inferior to St. Peter' s as they had a decided aversion to passing . The behinds played well, Waud being the chief scorer, but the forwards were as desultory as usual. In the next match, against Beverley, the School had a somewhat weak team, and for the first few minutes, during which a try and dropped goal were scored against them, they were all at sea, the ground being very short and disproportionately broad . After that they picked themselves up and made it evident that there v s little to choose between the two sides . Gofton, stimulated doubtless by the air of his native land, showed what he could do on occasion ; it is a great pity, however, that he should have deferred the treat so long . \Vaud, on the other hand, once more displayed his weakness in a losing game . The forwards woke up from their lethargy and played in a way that did them credit . The following match, against Thorp Arch, afforded one of the most ludicrous sights ever witnessed on a football field . Even after yielding several points the score amounted to 43 points . The next largest score in the writer ' s memory was against Richmond in 1873, 6 goals and 15 tries, or 33 points being registered . As every one ran in without resistance there is little to say about the match, save that the School demonstrated what a scientific team can do in the way of bewildering their opponents, for the largeness of the score was due more to science than individual excellence . And this is the only creditable point about the match . On the following Saturday the School had a high old time of it against Hull Newiands . Unlike Thorp Arch, they were physically stronger, but were equally confounded by the fine play of our team . The kicking and passing of the behinds was again excellent . In both these matches Waud shone most brilliantly in every branch of the game ; in a winning game he is perhaps the best three-quarters we have had for years . But the jealousy of the Gods was excited by these high-handed proceedings, and in spite of long-cherished hopes Durham proved victorious on the following Saturday . The rain had rained every day for nearly a week

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and during the match it came down in torrents to augment the swamp.

The match resolved itself into a struggle of forwards, and as the School forwards were slow and feeble in the loose the result was inevitable.

The backs had little to do . Bulman played a good game and was ably assisted by Gofton, but Waud was not in it at all . There is little doubt, however, that the best team won . After this, Nemesis allowed the XV . to wax bold once more. Ripon was their first victim, the score, curiously enough, being the same as before . They had taken a lesson from our play, but the St . Peter's behinds were too good, Wand and Jackson being especially in form . Our forwards, with the exception of Wilson, Crosthwaite and perhaps Hood, neither played well in the loose nor in the pack . In the loose, as usual, they were something shocking . So great was their respect for offside, or so lavish their generosity to one another, that on emerging from the scrimmage no one dared to dribble, but each preferred to stand still, waiting for his neighbour to begin . The next match, against Leeds Grammar School, was won in the most hollow manner, 23 points being scored in 6o minutes play . Again the School showed how finely they could play a winning match . Waud, of course was in his element, and Gofton again exhibited his great pace, that he so seldom will use . The forwards, too, showed some improvement . The team taken to Durham on the following Saturday was exceedingly weak, being little better than the 2nd behind, as only Waud and Jackson were left, the latter playing three-quarters instead of half, while from the forwards Wilson, T . P. Clarke, and Smith were absent . Durham, whose behinds played a very fine game, won by 7 goals and 2 tries, not a very large score, considering the utter weakness of the team . All praise must be given to the forwards, who played grandly throughout, and did every bit of the tackling that was done . The concluding match, against St . Peter's Nomads, was a hard fought struggle, and perhaps the best team lost . The Nomad's team, however, was by no means strong, being decidedly weak behind, excepting the captain (H . W . Rhodes) and W . G . Wilson .* The forwards were evenly matched, the scratch being better in the loose, the School in the pack . Waud's play was again very fine, his kicking being quite up to first-class standard . Bulman, as usual, *It is only fair to the School to say that they played without Crosthwaite, Clarke, and Jackson, and were in the Nomad's

"25"

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played a thorough sound game, and the two Procters were in good form also .

Comparing the team with last year's, E . Procter is a decided improvement at back ; the three-quarters are individually better and their combined play incomparably superior ; the halves and forwards weaker.

For the first time the passing has been rational and systematic, Waud, generally, passing with great judgment from the centre . Two points, however, call for amendment. The wings seldom keep out far enough, especially when near the enemy's goal, and Waud was perhaps too much inclined to run round and defer his pass too long . As to the halves, at the beginning of the term they lacked offensive power, but towards the end Jackson became very dangerous . Smith and Procter played a very good defensive game, as far as falling on the ball is concerned ; but the collaring of the halves was not good. They are also rather too small to throw the ball out of touch well, and that duty had better be given to a forward ; nor did they keep the forwards sufficiently informed as to the whereabouts of the ball . But, heaven be praised, there was a wonderful absence of wild and foolish passing, and no chucking the ball straight back . Another very great improvement behind was that every one could kick in a way that astonished most clubs, and the art seems to be making rapid progress in the rest of the School, now that its advantages have been so amply demonstrated.

More attention, however, might be paid to dropping goals . Certainly there has never been such good kicking displayed on the School ground before . Unfortunately, with the exception of Bulman and E. Procter, the collaring behind was as weak as ever . Gofton and \Vaud seem to be helpless before a rush of forwards . They really should make strenuous attempts to collar with more dash and determination ; their weakness in this respect is a serious handicap to the team and a great hindrance to themselves . The forwards, with a few exceptions worked hard in the scrimmage and "screwed " well, and their tackling, providentially, was good throughout, or else the result would have been most disastrous . Moreover, they have learnt to stand on their feet, but in the loose they were very slow and did not back up half enough, Whaley, Wilson, and Crosthwaite excepted . The two latter and Hutchings are the best dribblers in the XV. As for the rest, when they got the ball through they could do nothing with it, and their lethargic movements minimised very greatly the advantage gained by the behinds . Following

136

FOOTBALL REVIEW.

up smartly and playing on the ball is the one virtue any school team can attain to, and it is the only remedy for weak tackling behind, so that this year it was more necessary than ever . An occasional game at Association would benefit the pace and dribbling of the team, if people could overcome their ignorant and unreasonable prejudice against it.

With greater smartness in collaring, dribbling, and following up they should pile up some big scores next term.

Fortunately, only two are leaving, of whom \Vaud will be a loss.

He cannot easily be replaced . Which thought leads to the Second XV . Forward, they were very strong . Campbell, Mitchell . and Greenwell are quite up to 1st XV . form . Behind, Isherwood is fairly fast and strong, and makes good runs at times ; moreover, he has a peculiar trick of lying on the ground and tripping over the foe, which cannot exactly be called collaring, but is sometimes a useful substitute for it . Unfortunately, Rip Van Winkle like, he has slumbered along, while his fellows have brought their game to an advanced state of science, and now he cannot understand such niceties as passing, but slings the ball guiltily away anyhow . Still he gives hopes of better things . Chadwick is fast, but has little science and little stamina . If Metcalfe was rather stronger and quicker he might develop into a useful three-quarters, as his play at back for Mr . Rhodes ' s team showed distinct promise . Hood is a sturdy player, but too slow for a half ; he has played forward, and well too, for the 1st XV. The following is a list of those who had permission to obtain 2nd XV. colours . (Apropos of colours, no team could look neater than the 1st XV . ; why should the Second have such common-place and fifthrate jerseys? As economy had nothing to do with the colours, why not have selected some that should at least be distinctive and appropriate?) :—Back, J . Napier ; three-quarters, T . Isherwood, H . F. Chadwick, H . Metcalfe ; half-backs, N . L . Hood, J . F. Leaf; forwards, R . McCampbell (capt .), F . Mitchell, B . Greenwell, A . Crosthwaite, J . Raine, A. Hutton, F . Mawson, B. Bennett, F . C . McClellan.

MATCHES PLAYED BY

2ND

XV. School score. Opponents' score.

Result.

Oct . 9 .

Ebor Rovers horne Nov . i o . v. Archbishop Holgate's School home

gls . trs, su jO. gls. trs m...

lost . . . o o o o 5

0

won . . . r 5 8 o

0

0

1 37

FOOTBALL REVIEW.

School score. Opronents ' stet e.

Result' . gls. tos . nu.t . gls. trs. m .f.

Nov. 31 . V. Archbishop Holgate's School home Dec . 11 . v . St . Maurice 's Y .M .C. F .C

won . . . o

7

9

0

0

0

won . . .

1

6

0

0

1

0

1

0

0

4

1

2

5

0

0

0

I

l

2

6

0

0

0

8

o 9 o 6 7

o

0

0

0

0

0

3

4

3

6

o

0

0

7

4

0

0

0

0

1

4

6

7 r

2

2

1

1

34 40

11

13

20

1

1sT XV . MATCHES. drawn. o Sep . 25 . V. Old Peterite F.C. . . .home lost . . . o Oct . 2 . v . *St . Peter ' s Nomads home Oct . 9 . V . Ripon Gram . School home won . . . 1

Oct . 16 . v . f Beverley F .C away lost . . . o Oct . 23 . v . Thorparch Grange home won . . .il Net . 30 . V. Hull Newland F .C home won . . . 5 Oov . 6 . v . + Durham Grammar School home lost . . . 0 Nov. 13 . V . t Ripon Gram . School away won . . . r won . . . 6 Nov .20 V. +Leeds Gram . School home Nov.27 . V . § Durham Grammar away lost . . . o School home . . . . lost ... 0 Dec . 17 . v . 11 St . Peter' s Nomads

Total

24

3 o 10

* Wilson, Gofton, and Rouse were absent.

E . Procter, W . K . Procter, and Smith were absent. $ T . P. Clarke was absent. § Wilson, Gofton, E . Procter, Clarke, and W. K . Procter were absent, and Bulman could not play three-quarters.

Crosthwaite, Clarke, and Jackson were absent, It will thus be seen that the School was never beaten when playing its full strength.

J . H . G . WILSON, Captain (1884-5-6). A fast and powerful forward, especially good in the loose . Plays a scientific and dashing game, tackling and passing well . Good at short place kicks and out of touch. lost . 121b.

R. CROSTHWAITE (1833-4-5-6) . A fast and hard-working forward; good both in and out of scrimmage ; tackles and dribbles well. lost. 51b .

138

FOOTBALL

REVIEW.

(1884-5-6) . Three-quarters . Possesses very great pace, but seldom showed to advantage from his habit of starting at a gentle trot and stopping when likely to be collared . Excellent at

J . E. GOFTON

hard place kicks, punts well at times, but is a poor collarer, and seldom shines in a hard game . 11st . 51b.

F . A . BULMAN (1SS5-6) . Three-quarter . On the whole the best of the three-quarters . A powerful runner, much improved in pace. Can kick well, but uncertainly. He tackles with the greatest accuracy and determination, and more than once the salvation of his side.

Is particularly brilliant in a hard game . 11st . 41bs.

W. K . PROCTER (1885-6) . Half-back . Played a plucky, defensive game, but is too slow to be dangerous ; does not pass as well as he might ; a very fair kick. 9st. 1olb.

O . W . WHALEY (1885-6) . Excellent forward for his weight and size; has considerable pace and unwearied energy. Too fond of picking up ball in the loose and writhing on the ground when collared.

9st.

A . H . RousE (1885-6) . A very conspicuous forward—a yard or so behind the scrimmage ; was enabled thereby to display a very fitful brilliance in the loose, which in no way compensated for his neglect to do any honest work in the pack . 9st . 61b.

G. C . WAUD (1886) . Centre three-quarters . A thoroughly scientific player ; a fast and dodgy runner, passing almost invariably seasonably, and correctly . Punts and drops with great accuracy and length ; his kicking was altogether of a very superior nature, and simply invaluable . Unfortunately is unreliable, as he is very deficient in tackling and stopping rushes, and does not play a losing game well . May improve in this with greater weight and age . lost.

L . HUTCHINGS (r886) . A good forward for his weight, plays hard, and dribbles fairly well . 9st. 31b.

H. S . SMITH (1886) . Played a good defensive game at half early in the season . Rather a slack forward . 9st . 81b.

T . P . CLARKE (1886) . Very powerful and hard-working forward; Collars well, and good out of touch . Unfortunately, was unable to play often . 1 z st . I 1lb.

H . W . ALLAN (1886). A thoroughly honest forward, works hard in scrimmage, but rather slow in loose ; tackles well . 11st . 71b .

SCHOOL LETTER .

139

(1886) . Half-back . A very speedy and dodgy half; passes accurately and unselfishly ; kicks a good length, but should keep more into touch ; collars well for his size and weight, but stands much too near the scrimmage . 9st.

E. PROCTER (1886) . Back . Tackles well as a rule, but is rather slow and uncertain ; kicks accurately with either leg, and showed a steady improvement throughout the season . lost . 31bs.

G . V . BIRKS (1886) . Vigorous, but unscientific and clumsy forward; tackled well at times . Might talk much less without any wisdom being lost . lost . 31bs.

H . C . JACKSON

SCHOOL LETTER. NOTHER year is past and we find ourselves entered on the year 1887 . As it is not another School year that has come to its end we forbear to review the fortunes of the School during the year 1886, but will confine ourselves to the last three months of that year, in fact, the Christmas term . On looking back to that time we cannot but cherish feelings of remorse as well as of relief ; remorse on the one hand that the jolliest term of the year has gone, and with it the best part of the football season, and the theatricals that have cost us so much trouble and occupied so much of our attention, and relief on the other hand that all has gone off so successfully, both in the football field and on the stage, and that fortune has not turned her back on us and refused to grant us ' Varsity honours.

During the latter part of the term very little football was indulged in, in fact, the sharp frosts that prevailed prohibited even the very thought of it and made it necessary for actual football to be given up.

However, a short break in the frosts allowed us to meet the Old Boys a second time . Neither side had a strong team, but the game throughout was well contested . The ground was in very bad condition—the condition shewed more than ever how good drainage is needed, and we sincerely hope that this need may have presented itself to other minds, and that a want, which makes us feel almost ashamed of our football ground, may be supplied before next season. The result was a win for the Old Boys by 4 points to 2 . Wand practically did everything for the School, obtaining the two tries obtained in fine form .

A

I40

SCHOOL LETTER.

The form he shewed in this match, as in other past matches, makes us feel how much his absence will be felt in the team . However, as he is the only one whom we shall not see again as a member of St. Peter's School F .C . we must not grumble at losing him, but be thankful we retain so many of the old members . Prosperity and happiness be to him in his new sphere of life.

It may surprise some of our readers that no mention has been made yet of the all-engaging topic of the term, we mean the theatricals . It is true it may seem strange that we have made it play second fiddle and football first, but for all that we have not done so without a purpose, in fact, we have no intention of dilating on the subject, as it is so fully dealt with elsewhere, and by worthier hands than ours . We cannot, all the same, refrain from complimenting the Amateur Theatrical Club for the way in which the play was put upon the stage, and from tendering to Mr . Yeld, whose indefatigable services and unceasing labours in the office of stage manager lay us and the whole School under so great an obligation to him, our most sincere thanks, and from expressing a heartfelt wish, which we are sure will be echoed by all within and without the School, that he may be spared many years to bring prosperity to the theatricals, which he may truly be said to have done hitherto . From amongst the people present on the nights we missed the face of " our friend the Dean, " and we truly hope that the illness which left him " enshackled in the doctor's iron hands " was only temporary and that next year he will be able to be present at our theatricals . We must thank him for the kind verses which he sent, and which assured us of his sympathy with everthing connected with the School and made us feel his absence less . The Old Peterite Club chews that it is still alive and flourishing . Another meeting was held on the last day of the term, and from the report of it we gather the prosperity of the new club. A series of matches had been arranged for the St . Peter's Nomads, but, unfortunately, the frosts and snows combined to make it impossible for them to be played . We hope another year the efforts and trouble spent in arranging matches may not thus be cruelly crossed by nature ' s laws.

We have just heard that Pulman has also left the old School . We cannot say how much he will be missed, and his absence from the football and cricket fields and from the river cannot but be felt by the whole School .

14 1

MISSIONARY NEWS. LETTER OF THE BISHOP OF N . CALEDONIA.

(Continued.)

September 18th.

Now I come back to the Haidas I started with . When their missionary crossed over and found so many of his catechumens here and a confirmation arranged on behalf of Indians speaking different languages we both thought it desirable that the first confirmation of the Haidas should then be performed . Including the English, I used four languages in that solemn service . Do not suppose I understand all of them . The Haida I read without knowing more than the general meaning of the sentences . The Nishga I can converse in, and the Tinistrian I have no difficulty in preaching in . It was a pleasant sight to see the once dreaded Haida kneeling beside •Indians of other tribes, they formerly hunted to slay or enslave . After the confirmation the Communion Service was (in some parts) said in three languages . After the service a missionary now working among the Nishgas told us it was the tenth anniversary of his setting foot on the land of the Haidas . The Hudson's Bay steamer landed him, his wife, and infant, with their scanty baggage on the beach . Heathenism was then untouched by the Gospel, and heathenism among the Haidas was a hideous and revolting mixture of superstition, disgusting impurity, and cruelty. The solitary trader had sunk to the Haida depths, and, therefore, had he the will, he was without the power to civilize, much less to Christianize the people . He had joined them, not them him !

The family on the beach was to them a curiosity, but soon to be a power . The missionary and his wife were quite young . Here is a little bit of their history. The lady joined the Hospital Corps during the Franco-German war . Later, she went on a visit to Dublin, and there she found the small-pox raging . The nurses had fled from the workhouse and the sick and the dying were neglected . Their need went to her heart, though a stranger, and she went in, offered her services, and remained as a volunteer until the disease had been eradicated . This gained for her an admiring friend in the late archbishop, and a husband in one of the most generous-hearted men I ever met, whose love grew out of admiration of this lady's courage and devotion.

There are not two better missionaries on this coast from the equator to the pole. They stood together that day on the Haida strand not

142

THE OLD PETERITE CLUB.

knowing what reception they might meet or where they could lay their heads that night . Until he could build a log house he lived in a corner of an Indian lodge. What that winter was to them I may not linger on now. Ten years had passed, and now heathenism is dead and those same Haidas sharers in the highest mysteries of our holy faith . The trader also was led to repentance, and, after his public confession of his sinful conformity and his change of heart, he was married to the Haida woman he then lived with and she was baptized . Since then he has died, in the sure hope of a joyful resurrection.

See what God does through a true missionary . I saw in the lowly reverence of those Haidas the triumph of the cross of Christ.

Never doubt its power, whatever those may say who never felt it.

Before I finish, and it is time I did so, let me just say that I have behind me three Indian boys printing the Church Catechism in thei r own language, and from time to time during the writing of this letter I have corrected I cannot tell you how many proof sheets . In this study of mine the natives of British Columbia have printed their first book . An epoch in their history . Don' t you think so? I do.

September 23rd.

P.S .—I have news of the young missionary I told you about in the middle of my letter . At first he was not allowed to land, but did so after a little patient waiting. The heathen crowd waited to fight the few well-disposed Indians who befriended the missionary . After he had found shelter in the house the mob came and turned him out and ordered him away . But he sat down patiently outside, and when the tumult had subsided pitched his tent . Last Saturday night he again entered the house, and the opposition for the present has burned itself out . Think of him, boys . Pray for him . He is not free from peril yet . I admire his courage and pertinacity.

THE OLD PETERITE CLUB. HE first annual general meeting of the above club was held at the School, on Monday, December 2oth, at 3 p .m . Mr . Stephenson presided, and there was a fair attendance of Old Peterites . The following rules were passed and officers elected . :

T

A

THE OLD PETERITE CLUB .

1 43

OFFICERS.

President.—The Head Master.

Vice-Presidents .—Clifford Allbutt, Esq . . Rev. G . F . Browne, S . J. Chadwick, Esq ., Lieut .-Col . G . II . Crowther, Rev . G. Edmundson, Canon Elwyn, Edwin Gray, Esq ., Rev . T . P . Hudson, Rev . J . B. McClellan, E . H . Pickersgill, Esq . Head Secretary and Treasurer.— G. H . Eyre . Secretary for Oxford District, H . W. Rhodes ; Cambridge, P. E . Lord ; London, C . H . Chadwick ; Edinburgh, R . C . D. Rose ; Newcastle, G . W . Bulman ; York, A . Peters ; Hull, A . Thorney; Huddersfield, Lieut .-Col . G . II . Crowther. Committee .—Messrs . T . L. Chadwick, J . R . Wood, J . H . Daniel, E . A . Douglas, J . H . Mallinson.

E . W . Clayforth .

RULES.

1. That the Club be called "The Old Peterite Club," and be open to all who have been at S . Peter ' s School, subject to election by the Committee.

2. That the subscription be 5s . per annum, which shall include the subscription to the School Magazine, and shall be payable on January 1st in each year.

3. That the Officers be President, Vice-Presidents, Head Secretary and Treasurer, Secretaries for the districts of Oxford, Cambridge, London, Edinburgh, Newcastle, York, Hull, and Huddersfield ; that the Committee consist of the above officers and six others, with power to add to their number, of whom after 1889 two shall retire annually by rotation, but shall be eligible for re-election ; that there be also a Sports Committee of three elected annually by the General Committee, whose duties shall be to select teams for tours in the holidays, and a Boat for Regattas, and to arrange matches.

4. That there be Committee Meetings held towards the end of each School Term in York, and a General Meeting annually on the second day of the School Theatricals ; that other meetings be held when necessary, and that notice be always given to members.

5. That for Committee Meetings five form a quorum, for a General Meeting fifteen.

6. That a list be published annually and be supplied to each member, containing the names of all the members and their addresses.

7. That the Club Colours be dark blue, light blue, chocolate and white ; the football jersey be white, with the cross keys in chocolate on the left breast.

8. That the Committee have power to add to or alter the existing Rules, subject to the approval of the next General Meeting .

1 44

CORRESPONDENCE. To the Editors of the Peterite. noticed in your last number a letter about the School colours . I have done my best to find out all about them, but don't quite see why blue and white should belong to the 1st XI . and chocolate and white to the 1st XV. I quite agree that blue and white are a very pretty combination, but I should think it would be very much preferable if the 1st XI . and 1st XV . both had chocolate and white . I am sure a good many will agree with me on this subject, and hoping that steps will speedily be taken to bring about this desirable result, I am, yours, &c ., CRICKETER. To the Editors of the Peterite.

DEAR SIRS,—On glancing over a recent number of the Giggleswick School Chronicle I observed the following :—" It has been determined to present to the reading room a scrap album large enough to contain on one page the Eleven and Fifteen Photographs each year, and any individual member of the school who may distinguish himself during the year . " Might not something of this kind be done at St . Peter' s?— OBSERVER. Yours, &c ., To the Editors of the Peterite.

SIRs,—I beg to modify the statement in the School Letter of the last Peterite stating the supremacy of the Rev . C . R . Gilbert 's house over the School-house Junior . There was never a match between these two houses when the teams were at all representative, and, therefore, no decision can be come to as to their relative merits . I hope you will be able to give the matter your consideration--Yours, &c ., SCHOOL-HOUSE. DEAR SIRS,—I

NOTES AND ITEMS. J . RAINE has been elected to the Ellerton Scholarship, worth 29 and tenable for 3 years, at Durham University.

F . GRINDROD has been awarded the Reading Prize of to at Lincoln College, Oxford.

W. H . HoLmES has been elected to a Scholarship of ;630 at Durham University, and has also passed 1st Class in the College Examination with honours.

O . IV . WHALEY has been elected to an open Scholarship of , ' So at Caius College, Cambridge.

W . H . GRINDROD has been elected to the Gibb 's Scholarship, worth zo, at Keble College, Oxford.

F . METCALFE has been playing as a regular member of the Durham University F .C. E . A . DOUGLAS, O .P., played half-back for Durham County v.

Cumberland.

Rev . G. S . Fox has been appointed to the living of Snaith. \Ve beg to acknowledge the receipt of the following magazines : Lorrettonian (3), Lily (2), Shirburnian, Ulula, Huddersfield Grammar School Magazine .