Cambridge Letter

could wish he was not quite so thorough in his methods. J. B. D. Chapman was seen during the term playing for the Harlequins against the University, and, but for bad weather, which caused the match to be cancelled, C. L. Troop would have appeared here for the Army. We would congratulate him on playing in the English Trial. We also had a visit from C. F. Williams.

As regards the academic achievements of members of the club, J. E. C. Hill (Balliol) successfully surmounted Pass Moderations at the end of last term and has now settled down to the more serious work of the Honours School of Modern History. S. K. Kooka (Brasenose) is taking Pass Moderations at the end of this term and we wish him success. Turning to sporting activities, H. A. Patrick (Balliol) rowed in the Balliol III Togger which managed to make four bumps. J. R. Mawer (Lincoln) played "rugger" for his college "Cupper" team. S. K. Kooka boxed for the University in the Inter-Universities Competition in London, but after winning his first fight, he was narrowly beaten in the second. He is unfortunate in that there is no weight sufficiently light for him to find a place in the team to meet and, we hope, beat Cambridge. Other members of the club have led blameless, it undistinguished lives, and have no noteworthy achievements to their credit.

Wishing the School every success for the future,

We beg to remain your obedient servants,

THE OXFORD OLD PETERITES.

To the Editors of " The Peterite," Dear Sirs,

Once more it falls to my lot to give you glimpses of the various sides of Cambridge life during the present term and to relate truthfully some of the activities of Old Peterites in residence. At the outset perhaps I ought to mention that in the interests of economy it has been found necessary to cancel the Annual Dinner, which normally is held in the early part of next term. This is a regrettable step, but one which in the circumstances seemed inevitable. The temporary depression seems to have been generally realised in Cambridge, and many festivities, including those of " May Week" are to be substantially curtailed. However, it is to be hoped that the promised prosperity will soon enable us to resume our normal course and allow us our full share of those lighter moments which are unique in university life.

Depression may come and go, but the building trade seems ever to flourish. Downing grows apace, St. Catharine's has now a complete new block, but the piece de resistawce is the new wall in front of King's, • a structure quite inadequate as a barrier—it is about two feet high—but more pleasing to the eye than the old iron railings it has supplanted. In matters of general interest the term has been particularly quiet. Celebrities seem to have avoided us and little has intervened to interrupt the normal course of town ' and gown ' life. Even the weather has been more than usually kind, the only lapse being a fall of snow which disappeared with remarkable speed.

As a result, sport has been able to pursue the even tenor of its way, free from winter's grip.

Of chief interest have been the " Lents " and " Cuppers." In the former Jesus came out head of the river. The standard of rowing generally was high and many colleges had more cause to be pleased with their efforts than for some years. Incidentally the 'Varsity crew is considered to be quite the best since the war, and there is much confidence about the result on 19th March.

Of the " Cuppers " it is impossible to speak at the moment as they are still in process of completion. The " Rugger " Final, which attracts most attention will see Caius and St. Catharine's in opposition, and as the latter won the cup last year they are naturally strong favourites.

I am glad to be able to report that J. R. Pope has recovered, as far as is possible, from the injuries he received last term ; he has had this term " off," but hopes to resume residence in April.

N. H. Sutcliffe is to be congratulated on getting his 1st team colours for the 'Varsity in cross-country running. He has also been awarded 1st string colours for King's. Un- fortunately owing to the pressure of work he has been unable to run this term. All his leisure hours have been taken up by interviews with headmasters in various parts of the country.

D. V. Hewitt, having taken two examinations, is now a flourishing

B.A., and has transferred his attentions to Westcott House.

When not employed there, his activities are divided between conducting tours round King's and delivering sermons at the

Workhouse, where we feel sure he is much appreciated.

W. G. Hutton has been a victim of 'flu, but when not so indisposed he has been able to play some hockey.

R. G. Bullen is to be congratulated on his victory in record time in the 'Varsity squash match. It is to be hoped that he will be able to stay up another year to captain Cambridge. He is concentrating just now on agriculture, and spends a good deal of time " on the farm."

C. L. Parkinson has found little time for anything but work, and he assures us that he took no part in the abduction of an actress recently.

C. G. Rob has, we hear, taken to the turf, and was a prominent figure at Cottenham races.

G. N. P. Crombie has passed an examination in Law. He has played a good deal of squash this term and an occasional game of " rugger."

H. J. B. Greaves rowed in his College 1st Lent Boat. He can be seen walking aesthetically along " K.P." on occasions.

A. L. B. Pattinson continues to represent the College at golf, and has played a considerable amount of hockey.

W. Mc C. Scott has been playing " rugger " for his College, for which he has been awarded colours. He also rowed in the

College " Rugger " Boat which, sad to relate, finished bottom of the river, only managing to " bump " the bank.

H. F. Whalley has been combining work and " rugger," with a balance in favour of the former.

W. L. Seaborne early fell a victim to 'flu, but since his recovery he has been working hard to make up lost time.

J. B. Doyle has been promoted to his College 2nd Boat. He has also played some squash.

A. L. Hicks has been building a car, but when not so engrossed. has played some badminton. He has also found time for some revolver shooting.

Yours, etc.,

THE CAMBRIDGE OLD PETERITES.

Three Wise Fools."

Those who saw " Three Wise Fools " are bound to admit that it is a very delightful play, but dramatic critics will not be slow to realise that it makes exacting demands on an amateur cast. At times the action of the play is far from swift moving, at times there are sudden contrasts, and what can be more difficult for amateurs than to sustain their characters when there is little action, and restrain their fire when the dramatic moment arrives ? It is not very often that a school can adequately furnish the personnel for a play of this sort even when the staff is drawn upon freely, nor is it an easy task to cast the parts. However, at Christmas we had three who could fill the parts of the " Three Wise Fools." This is a compliment, for it is the true actor's part not merely to conceal his art, but also to sink his own individuality in his characterisation. A. C. Mackintosh was quite magnificent as Findley. It will, indeed, be hard to remember him as anything but the wizened bachelor. The growth of his affection for the unwanted ward was subtly portrayed by many a little touch. The doctor (Mr. K. H. Rhodes) and the judge (T. C. Jenkins) were excellent in their parts, and the trio combined to give the right atmosphere. Their foolish jealousy of the breezy young nephew Gordon (P. O. Dowson), who played with natural ease, brought down the house, and Mrs. Saunders (Mrs. Toyne) showed her disapprov al of their " goings-on " by the flick of an eyelid and a half smile which were not lost on the attentive audience. Miss Toyne made a great hit as Miss Fairchild, and it was pleasant to hear her clear enunciations and the flexions of her voice (some professionals and many amateurs please copy). But what of the villain ? Since the Dartmoor episode, we understand that snarling Benny (Mr. R. E. Greenway) ; a difficult part so easy to overdo and spoil and yet get applause at the moment. As it was done, it was a great achievement and just right. The other parts were attractively played, but surely Seed ought to be a butler or the head waiter of a big hotel? Having attended in some capacity or other every performance of the St. Peter's Players, I am inclined to say that this must rank with " If I were King " and " The Admirable Crichton " as one of the best achievements of this band of players.

(All those who enjoyed " Three Wise Fools " will appreciate that much of the praise ungrudgingly bestowed in the above paragraph would scarcely have been earned but for the untiring efforts of Mr. Toyne himself as producer. His inspiration and encouragement and his sure sense of dramatic fitness in casting and production increased the debt of gratitude which St. Peter's Players already owe to him for his hard work and cheerful leadership in the past—Eds.).

DRAMATIS PERSONX. Mr. Theodore Findley (A Banker) A. C. Mackintosh. Dr. Richard Gaunt K. H. Rhodes, Esq. Hon. James Trumbull (Chief Justice) T. W. Jenkins. Gordon Schuyler P. 0. Dowson. Poole R. C. Baker. Gray M. H. Seed. Clancey D. Lupton. Miss Fairchild Miss Toyne. Benny Suratt R E. Greenway, Esq. Mrs. Saunders Mrs. Toyne. John Crawshav W. Toulmin. Douglas J. F. Wren. Policeman H. S. Eardley. Produced by S. M. Toyne, Esq.

Stage Carpenter and Electrician : Mr. A. E. Scholfield.

Incidental Music by the Orchestra under the direction of P. H. Sykes, Esq.

Winter Term Rugby.

1st XV v. HARROGATE O.B. " A." Saturday, 5th December. Result : Won 9-3.

The first score came from Harrogate. They were awarded a penalty near the touch line, and the back kicked an excellent goal. It was not long, however, before J. E. Ruddock levelled the score after a fine three-quarter movement following a line-out on the Harrogate " 25 " line. Shortly after the kick-off S. Dodds got the ball from a scrum and gave it to N. W. D. Yardley, who cut through to send J. R. Barton over in the corner. At half-time St. Peter's were leading 6-3.

After the interval the School continued to attack. Un- fortunately the Harrogate full-back hurt his leg and was badly handicapped for the rest of the game. He played very pluckily, however, and fielded well. Despite repeated efforts the School only scored once when D. Lyth, who was playing a much-improved game, cut in to touch down. Near the end Harrogate presssed again, but the School forwards relieved the situation with a good dribble.

The School had a weakened team owing to injuries, but showed excellent form. Attenborough, the reserve full-hack, kicked and tackled really well, while the three-quarters combined excellently, Dowson and Yardley being as good as ever. The forwards played a spirited game, Baker, Butler and Allport being the best of a good pack.

Team : L. Attenborough ; J. E. Ruddock, P. O. Dowson, D. Lyth, J. R. Barton ; N. W. D. Yardley, S. Dodds ; J. H. Patrick, H. A. Butler, D. Kirk, H. Wiseman, W. Allport, R. C. Baker, J. N. Emery, 1\4. H. Seed.

1st XV v. YORKSHIRE WANDERERS. Wednesday, 9th December. Result : Won 14-5.

Neither side was at full strength, the School having two colours absent and the Wanderers playing with 14 men.

The game was very fast, but it was not against the run of the play when Barton charged down a kick near the corner flag to score an unconverted try, giving the School the lead after 20 minutes. There had been no further score at half-time.

Play in the second half was still very fast, but St. Peter's had rather more of the exchanges, and after 10 minutes Ruddock fielded a clearance kick by the Wanderers' back and ran over to touch down far out. The kick failed. Shortly after, Ashworth reduced the School's lead by touching down after a dribble and the try was converted. immediately after the kick-off Dowson intercepted a pass on the half-way line and ran through to score" a magnificent try between the posts. Yardley placed a goal. In the last minute of the game Dowson put the School further ahead with a try following a dribble, but the kick just failed. Yardley and Dowson were easily the best behind the scrum, while Baker was the best of a good, hard-working pack.

Team : L. Attenborough ; J. E. Ruddock, P. O. Dowson, D. Lyth, J. R. Barton ; N. W. D. Yardley, S. Dodds ; J. E. Smart, R. C. Baker, H. K. Worsley, M. H. Seed, H. Wiseman, H. A. Butler, J. H. Patrick, D. Kirk.

1st XV v. AMPLEFORTH COLLEGE. Saturday, 12th December. Result : Lost 6 , 8.

The game started very evenly, but J. R. Bean soon put Ampleforth ahead with a penalty goal from an easy position. Almost immediately after the kick-off, however, Ampleforth were penalised, and Yardley landed an excellent goal from a long way out to level the scores. For the remainder of the half the game was very even, both sides playing really hard, but neither making much ground, and at the interval there had been no further score.

For the first 10 minutes of the second half the School pressed hard, but the forwards made the mistake of trying to cross the line instead of feeding the backs, and when they did heel the ball the visiting wing forwards were too quick on it and the scrum-half was seldom given a chance of getting it back. Grieve, the Ampleforth fly-half, relieved the situation by running through the home defence to send Kendall over for a try which Bean converted.

From the kick-off St. Peter's returned determinedly to the attack, and about ten minutes from the end Allport dribbled over to touch down for a try. The kick at goal actually crossed the bar, but was touched by a defender and the major points were not allowed. The remainder of the game was very even, and neither side were able to score again.

Team : L. Attenborough ; J. E. Ruddock, P. 0. Dowson, D. Lyth, J. R. Barton ; N. W. D. Yardley, S. Dodds ; J. H. Patrick,. H. A. Butler, D. Kirk, H. Wiseman, W. Allport, R. C. Baker, N. J. L. Brockbank, M. H. Seed.

SCHOOL v. OLD PETERITES.

Wednesday, 16th December. Result : Draw 11-11.

The School played their last match of the season against the Old Peterites, and drew, each side scoring a goal and two tries (11 points). The match was very evenly contested, the School )having the better of the forward play, and the Old Peterites being faster in the back division. P. 0. Dowson scored a brilliant try from an intercepted pass, after a 75 yard run down the field. J. R. Barton scored two other tries for the School, one of them being converted by N. W. D. Yardley. G. B. Bridges (2), and W. D. Draffan scored for the Old Peterites, J. G. Troop converting one.

Team : L. Attenborough ; J. E. Ruddock, D. Lyth, P. 0. Dowson, J. R. Barton ; N. W. D. Yardley, S. Dodds; J. H. Patrick, H. A. Butler, H. K. Worsley, W. Allport, H. Wiseman, M. H. Seed, J. N. Emery, R. C. Baker.

Hockey Retrospect.

Not many weeks of the Term had passed before it was quite clear that barring accidents the hockey XI was going to be well up to scratch. Unfortunately accidents did occur, but fortunately the team was good enough to rise above its mischances and developed into the best side the school has had since it was good enough to play boys alone in its matches. At the time of writing it has won 7 matches, drawn 1, and lost 1. Its real misfortune was that it played its strongest opponent, York, as the second match and that four substitutes were required. How this affected the side can well be gauged by the comparison of three matches. York beat St. Peter's (with a depleted side) 11-1 ; York beat Doncaster, 2-1 ; St. Peter's (with a full side) beat Doncaster, 5-2. After this one defeat, the School improved every match. The backs, Ogley and Atkinson combined well, and the half-backs, Wiseman, Allport, and Sedman had a rare good understanding, whilst the three inside forwards, Yardley, Dodds, and Baker were