June 1951

THE PETERITE Vol. XLI I I

JUNE, 1951

No. 327

EDITORIAL The Easter Term of 1951 will be memorable for the fact that for the first time in many years the calendar enabled us to observe Easter at School; and to very many this must have been an unique experience of great spiritual value. In other respects, perhaps, our recollections of the term are less satisfying. The prolonged winter and the brooding spectre of illness, always threatening to develop into a serious epidemic (though, thanks to the unremitting care of those who watch over our health, we escaped disaster), were depressing to the most cheerful spirits, and there is little doubt that the decision to end the term abruptly a week before it had run its allotted span was wise.

The weather had the last word. With characteristic venom it unleashed a snowstorm on the last day of term which frustrated our hope of holding the Athletic Sports before we dispersed. The Science Exhibition, too, was a casualty of the change of plan, though fortunately it had only to be postponed and not abandoned. The organisers, with ready adaptability, could undertake to stage it immediately at the beginning of the Summer Term, and we are able to give an account of it in this number of "The Peterite". We congratulate Mr. K. H. Robinson and all his helpers on an Exhibition which was, we believe, "better than ever".

Commemoration, the climax of the School Year, will be held on the 27th, 28th and 29th July. Canon C. E. Raven, D.D., Master of Christ's College, Cambridge, and a former Vice-Chancellor of the University, will distribute the prizes at Speech Day on Saturday, the 28th, and the Commemoration Sermon will be preached by the Rt. Rev. W. H. Baddeley, Bishop of Whitby. In general the programme for the three days will follow the usual lines, and details are given on another page.

The School is the poorer by the loss in the holidays of three people who, in their different spheres, have meant much to St. Peter's. In this issue we have to record the death of an Old Peterite, the Rev. H. Bloomfield, to whose generosity we owe our gymnasium, of Mr. A. E. Long, another 0.P., and of Sgt.-Major Puddick, who during .1

CONTENTS PAGE

Editorial ...

Obituary—The Rev. Herbert Bloomfield Albert Edward Long Sgt.-Major D. F. Puddick Frank Pick Memorial ...

Items Commemoration, 1951 ...

Calendar, Summer Term, 1951 Old Peterite News Valete and Salvete School Officers House Notes Games Committee Oxford Cup Results The Science Exhibition The Chapel The Curia The Library The Debating Society "York", by John Rodgers, M.P. The Choir The Musical Society The Science Society The Film Society Chess Belgian Tour C.C.F. Notes Scouting Shooting Squash ...

Hockey Athletics and Cross-Country Cricket Fixtures, 1951 The Boat Club ...

••• The Junior School

1 2 3 3 4 5 6 7 11 12 13 19 19 20 22 23 24 25 28 30 33 34 36 37 38 41 44 47 48 50 57 58 59 61

his 22 years' devoted service to the School endeared himself to generation after generation of boys. This is not the place to anticipate the obituary notices which we print below, but we would emphasise here our gratitude to two such generous O.P. benefactors.

And the advent of the cricket season reminds us how much we shall miss the burly figure and genial presence of S/M. Puddick from the pavilion. Though retired now for some years he remained of St. Peter's to the end; and of all our activities our cricket was, perhaps, his greatest love.

The success of W. H. N. Fairweather in the Drysdale Cup competition deserves special mention in our pages. The winning of the Cup is tantamount to the Public Schools Squash Racquets Championship, and although Fairweather was narrowly beaten in the final his achievement against the cream of Public School players is one of which we are proud and on which we congratulate him. We believe that no Peterite has reached the final since N. W. D. Yardley won the Cup in 1933 and 1934. The achievment of winning through to the final round had been previously attained by E. G. H. Mack in 1923. That Fairweather is the son of an O.P., Brigadier C. C. Fairweather, O.B.E., T.D. (1920-22), is an additional point of interest.

OBITUARY THE REV. HERBERT BLOOMFIELD We record with deep regret the death on 20th December, 1950, of the Rev. Herbert Bloomfield, who was at St. Peter's School from 1879 to 1886. In him the School has indeed lost a staunch and unfailing friend, whose support and interest were maintained throughout a long life.

In 1894 Bloomfield gave the School its present Gymnasium, a magnificent and timely gift indeed, and it is typical of him that this gift, at his urgent request, remained anonymous for many years. The Gymnasium was officially opened on St. Peter's Day, 1895, and the recorded names of School elevens, fifteens, and boats on its walls make it a Mecca for Old Peterites of many generations.

Throughout his long association with the O.P. Club, of which he was a Vice-President, there was rarely a School need which was not assisted by Bloomfield, and his quiet and unassuming support was of the greatest encouragement to us all.

Although he would be the last person to wish his obituary notice to include a long list of his many benefactions, we would specially place on record his recent gift to the School of his collection of coins and tokens, a gift which has created much interest and which will provide a permanent record of one of his favourite hobbies.

We extend to Mrs. Bloomfield our deepest sympathy in her loss.

THE HEADMASTER. 2

ALBERT EDWARD LONG It was with great regret that we heard of the sudden death of Mr. A. E. Long at Spofforth, on 24th April. Mr. Long had for some time been in indifferent health, but recent reports had been more reassuring.

Edward Long was at the School from 1901 to 1910, and in 1910 won a Choral Scholarship to St. John's College, Cambridge. After a successful University career he entered the teaching profession, and in fact for a short time deputised for Mr. Yeld at his old School.

He had lived in retirement at Spofforth for many years, and was wellknown in the district for his antiquarian and musical interests.

Edward Long is perhaps best known at St. Peter's as the founder of the Edward Long Scholarships. He has left a sufficient sum to endow one such scholarship in perpetuity, and during his lifetime provided the funds to maintain several additional scholars. The Edward Long Scholarship is available for suitable boys from the Minster Song School with outstanding musical ability.

In his later years Edward Long was a regular visitor to the School, and he will be much missed.

THE HEADMASTER. SERGEANT-MAJOR D.

F. PUDDICK

It will be with a deep feeling of personal loss that many Old Peterites hear of the death, on 24th April, of Sergeant-Major Puddick.

For over 22 years, from 1923 until 1945, he gave devoted service to the School. He came to St. Peter's after a distinguished career of 21 years in the Army, of which the high-water mark was, perhaps, his participation in the march of the famous "Dunster Forc," under the leadership of "Stalky". In this force he was the senior SergeantMajor, and many visitors to the Armoury will remember the pride with which Puddick used to show the photo taken on the banks of the Tigris, with himself seated in the centre of the group of picked N.C.O.s chosen from all the Commonwealth Forces.

Under his guidance the Physical Training of the School reached a very high level. Both spectators and members of the squads will remember the excellent and spectacular displays given by Puddick's Gym Squads at Commemoration before the war. To his enthusiasm, too, was undoubtedly due the success of the Junior School Annual Gym. Displays, while many Old Peterites who have distinguished themselves in the Boxing Ring owe their success to Puddick's early training. In all branches his patience was amazing and his enthusiasm infectious.

3

.

As Sergeant Instructor in the Corps—whether it was called O.T.C. or J.T.C.—Puddick's services were invaluable. A succession of Commanding Officers will bear witness to his efficiency in keeping the ledgers and in looking after the Stores—it was his boast that only one boy ever got away with his cap badge at the end of his time with the Corps. On his shoulders for years fell the burden of breaking in the new recruits, and especially in teaching them to shoot. To his efficiency the smartness and excellence of the "Guards", which he used to train for camp, one of which won the guard competition at Tidworth, bear sufficient witness.

Of his service during the difficult years of the War, when I was thrust into the command of the Corps, I can speak personally, and I cannot speak too highly of them. I know that without his help I should have fared very badly. I feel that I owe him a great debt for all his encouragement and assistance, and I know that I have lost a very good friend.

Puddick's enthusiasm was by no means confined to his work in the Gym. and in the Corps. He was a keen supporter of all the School games, and even after his retirement, when his health was by no means good, he rarely missed a cricket or rugger match. He followed keenly the doings of all Old Peterites, and little missed his eye.

But perhaps the greatest testimony to Sergeant-Major Puddick was the way in which Old Peterites, drawn from a period of over 20 years, would, on their return to the School, find their way to the Armoury for a chat with him, while he was still here, and after his retirement would ask, usually before they asked about anyone else, how Puddick was, and would recall with affection one or more of the many stories about him. Everyone knew him; everyone had a great affection for him and a great respect for his outstanding loyalty to the School.

K.H.R.

FRANK PICK MEMORIAL The London Transport Executive have expressed their desire to place at the School a memorial to Mr. Frank Pick, O.P.s and the Governors have gratefully accepted this proposal.

The memorial will take the form of a plaque, executed in slate, and designed and lettered by Mr. Reginald Stone. It is to be placed in the Archway through the new Classroom Block; and it is hoped to arrange for the unveiling ceremony to take place in October.

Full details will be available at Commemoration.

4

ITEMS BIRTH NIX.—On 2nd April, 1951, at 74 Westminster Road, York, to Sheila Mary (nee Allen) and John, a son (Nicholas William).

ENGAGEMENT WICKS—QUANT.—The engagement is announced between Edward Allan, elder son of the Rev. and Mrs. E. K. Wicks, of Hull, and Margaret, daughter of the late Mr. II. E. H. Quant and of Mrs. Quant, of Scarborough.

MR. H. V. 'MOORE Mr. H. V. 'Moore, who was from 1940 to 1948, Senior Modern Languages Master and some years Housemaster of Temple, left us three years ago to become Headmaster of Almondbury Grammar School, Huddersfield. He has recently accepted a new post as Head Master of Nunthorpe School, York, and hopes to take over in September next. We congratulate him on his appointment. We believe that Mr. and Mrs. Moore will be glad to come back to York. Certainly their many friends both at St. Peter's and in the City will welcome their return. * * * MR. J. M. RUCKLIDGE Mr. J. M. Rucklidge (0.P., 1933-37), left the Staff at the end of the Easter Term, forsaking schoolmastering for the world of business.

During his comparatively short time as a Master, from March, 1949, he proved his great value to the School and enjoyed a well-deserved popularity both with the boys and among his colleagues. We wish him every success in his new venture. For some time, at any rate, he will continue to live in York, and his resignation will not therefore imply a severance of his close association with the School.

* * * YORK FESTIVAL PLAY It is with a lively interest that we have heard that Mr. Leslie Burgess' new play "Sounding Brass" is to be staged at the Theatre Royal as one of the special features of the York Festival in June.

* * *

CRICKET SCORING BOX Some time ago Sir William Crosthwaite, IP., generously offered to present the School with a Cricket Scoring Box, an offer gratefully accepted by the Governors. It is unfortunate that present day building restrictions make it impossible to build the Box to the specification Sir William had in mind, but we have, we hope, managed to design one which we shall be proud to possess. It is hoped that by the time this note is read the Scoring Box will be nearing completion.

5

COMMEMORATION, 1951 The programme will be as follows :Friday, 27th July.

Cricket Match, School v. O.P.s. begins.

O.P. Dinner and General Meeting of the O.P. Club.

Saturday, 28th July.

11 a m Speeches and Distribution of Prizes by Canon C. E Raven, D.D., Master of Christ's College, Cambridge.

Afternoon : Cricket Match continued. Boat Races, School v. 01 Peterites.

Sunday, 29th July.

8-15 a.m. : Holy Communion.

11 a.m. : Commemoration Service and Sermon by the Rt. R W. H. Baddeley, Bishop of Whitby.

CALENDAR-SUMMER TERM, 1951 The following are excepts from the detailed Calendar of Events

:

Mon.

30th April. Term begins.

Fri. Sat.

4th May. 1 and } Science Exhibition.

5th May. J

Mon.

21st May.

R.A.F. Proficiency Examination.

Visit of Director of Public Schools Appointments Bureau.

Thurs. 24th May.

Talk on R.A.F. by Squadron Leader R. W. Richardson.

Tues.

29th May.

Inter-House Music Competition (6-30 p.m.).

Tues.

12th June.

C.C.F. and Scouts Day.

Mon.

25th June.

General Certificate of Education (A. & S. Levels) be

Thurs. 12th July.

General Certificate of Education (0. & Alt. 0.) beg' School Examinations begin.

Wed. 25th July.

Junior School Swimming Sports (2-30 p.m.).

Fri.—Sun. 27th-29th July.

1

Commemoration.

Mon. 30th July. Senior School Swimming Sports.

Tues. 31st July. End of Term (C.C.F. and Scouts Camps begin).

The Chapel Services are :— 8-15 a.m., Holy Communion. 11 a.m., Junior School Service. 6-30 p.

Evensong.

6

OLD PETERITE NEWS COMMEMORATION Commemoration this year will take place on the 27th, 28th and 29th July. The programme, which will take the form customary since the revival of the festival after the war, is given in detail on an earlier page. We need hardly emphasise the important contribution which a large gathering of O.P.s can make to the success of the occasion, and it is hoped that as many as possible will make the effort to be present. At the time of going to press the venue of the Dinner has not yet been decided, but this information, as well as all other particulars, will be circulated to members of the Club in due course.

It is very desirable that the attendance at the general meeting should be as large as possible. This is the one occasion in the year when the committee and officers of the Club (and, as well, the Headmaster and the School authorities) have an opportunity to ascertain the feelings of the rank and file of Peterites.

COMMEMORATION CRICKET AND ROWING The arrangements for the O.P. v. School Cricket Match are in the hands of J. C. M. Rayson. Any O.P.s who would like to play should write to him at Brasenose College, Oxford. As usual, K. H. Rhodes, at the School, has undertaken to organise the crews for the Boat Races. Anyone interested should communicate with him.

ITEMS A. M. Kendell (1945-50) was complimented by the City Coroner at an inquest in Chester on his courage in attempting the rescue of a 16 year old clerk who was drowned on 6th May as the result of a boating accident on the River Dee. Kendell, who was a passenger in a motor launch at the time of the accident, dived in several times in'the hope of locating and rescuing the submerged boy, but his efforts were unfortunately in vain. The Coroner said of Kendell : "I am happy to be able to compliment the cadet officer. I think he acted in an admirable way. I have no doubt that his conduct will be brought to the notice of one of the bodies concerned with life-saving.

One feels very encouraged to hear of a young man at the Cadet School acting so bravely".

Kendell passed out of the Eaton Hall Officer Cadet School on the 18th May, with a Commission in the Green Howards. He has volunteered for parachute training.

* * * R. E. Dodd (The Rise, 1932-43) has been awarded a Post-doctorate Fellowship in the Division of Chemistry of the National Research Council of Canada. For the past four years he has been lecturing at King's College, Newcastle, in the University of Durham. The National Research Council laboratories are in Ottawa, and Dodd 7

expects to begin a year's leave of absence from Newcastle in September, in order to take up the award. * * * The acquisition of an "Eight" by the School Boat Club satisfies a long-felt need. The circumstances of the purchase of a second-hand boat are detailed in our Rowing Notes, but it may be appropriate to mention here that something like half the sum required was given by an 0.P., J. L. Pattinson (1915-16). Pattinson made this generous contribution as a memorial to his brother, E.P., also an Old Peterite, who was killed in the first world war. The name given to the "Eight" —"E. P. Pattinson"—symbolizes the gratitude of the School Boat Club. * * * The Rev. H. N. Hodd (1918-24), at present Vicar of Retford, has been appointed Vicar of Mansfield, Notts., and will be inducted on the 13th June. We congratulate him on his preferment to this important parish. Hodd has recently given expression to his great interest in the School cricket by presenting to the School a new Cricket Flag. * * * John Rodgers, M.P. (1919-1925), has of late figured prominently in the Press, both national and local. Readers of the Peterite will scarcely need to be reminded of the furore in the House and in the daily newspapers created by his reaction to the letter he received from a communist vicar in his constituency of Sevenoaks. The question of Privilege involved became a matter of national importance.

The lesser storm provoked locally by certain passages in his recentlypublished book "York" (reviewed elsewhere in our pages), may have been little noticed in the outer world. Some provocative remarks at the conclusion of the book alleging negligence on the part of the civic and ecclesiastical activities with regard to the preservation of the City's ancient monuments have evoked a storm of protest in the York Press.

The controversy has particular interest in that John Rodgers' challenge was taken up by (among many) his own contemporary at St. Peter's, A. S. Rymer (1913-21). Rymer, whose indignation is understandable in view of his known enthusiasm for the antiquities of the City and his work in the past year as Chairman of the York Festival Committee, not only roundly rebutted the charge but also had some hard things to say about Rodgers' qualifications for writing the book.

From the angle of the Old Peterite "family" it was all very intriguing, though "The Peterite" will make no comment of its own. In passing, we would tender our condolences to Rymer on his rejection by the Clifton Ward in the recent City Council elections. After his devoted services, particularly in recent months, the loss of his seat must have been a great disappointment to him.

P. W. G. Chilman (1935-1943), whose engagement is announced in this issue and whose marriage, we understand, will be an accomplished fact by the time this issue is in print, has recently passed his examina8

tion for his First Officer's Certificate. We congratulate him on the rapid progress he is making in his career in the Merchant Service.

He is serving on a tanker of the Anglo-Saxon line, the company with which he embarked on his apprenticeship after leaving the Conway.

R. J. Gibson (1944-1950), who is now at Trinity College, Dublin, studying medicine, has gained a place in the T.C.D. swimming team and also rows in the 2nd VIII. * * * BIRTHS COOPER.—On 13th February, 1951, at Queen Mary's Maternity Home, Hampstead, London, N.W.3, to Peggy (nee Chalkley), wife of Alan Burton Cooper (School House, 1927-31), a second son (David Paul).

INGLIS.—On 1 1 th January, 1951, at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, to Irene, wife of James McNaught Inglis, M.B., Ch.B., D.A., a sister for Timothy. (Rosemary.) (1932-1940.)

MARRIAGE WALL—COLVER. On 4th April, 1951, at St. Michael's, Little Coates, Grimsby, Leonard James Lucas, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. H. L. Wall, of Sea Road, Gainsborough, to Catherine Mary, younger daughter of Rev. P. and Mrs. Colver, Binghams Melcombe Rectory, near Dorchester. (1927-30.)

ENGAGEMENTS CHILMAN—MACAULAY. The engagement is announced between Peter William Guy, eldest son of Lt-Col. and Mrs. K. G. Chilman, of 70 Bootham Crescent, York, and Sheila Mary, second daughter of Mr. and Mrs. R. M. Macaulay, of Galtres House, Huntington.

(1935-1943).

DENCH—MA'RTIN. The engagement is announced between Jeffrey D., younger son of Dr. and Mrs. R. A. Dench, of 54 Heworth Green, York, and Elizabeth Anne, only daughter of the late Mr. B. B. L. Martin (India Post and Telegraph), and of Mrs. C. M. Martin, of Thirty Four Upper 011and Street, Bungay, Suffolk. (1937-1947).

WEIGHILL—MITCHELL. The engagement is announced between Peter Wilfred, only son of Mr. and Mrs. W. C. S. Weighill, Acomb, York, and Marjorie Barbara Janet, younger daughter of Dr. and Mrs. George Mitchell, Insch, Aberdeenshire. (1939-1946).

WOOLER—GALE. The engagement is announced between Basil Wooler, Flight Lieut., Royal Air Force, R.A.A.F. Station, Richmond, New South Wales, son of Major G. A. Lofthouse, T.D. (The Grove, 1914-17) and Mrs. Lofthouse, of the Land Commissioner's Office, Hansestadt Hamburg, B.A.O.R. 3, and Lois Jean, Sister, Royal Australian Air Force Nursing Service, youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. L. D. Gale, of North Balwyn, Melbourne, Victoria.

9

ST. PETER'S SCHOOL SHOP There is a small supply of O.P. Ties and Squares at the followin prices :— 5/6 Old Peterite Ties 15/Old Peterite Squares The next consignment will cost more, but the manufacturers sa that the tie will be larger.

Old Peterite Blazer Badges

21/-

Please order from A. T. Howat, St. Peter's School, and enclose an extra 3d. to cover postage, etc.

OXFORD LETTER OXFORD.

April, 1951.

Dear Sirs, As you read this, it is just possible that the sun has returned to England, that the cricket team is enjoying yet another successful season and the walls of York (and St. Peter's?) are preparing themselves for the onslaught of visitors which the Festival of Britain is supposed to draw to these sunny Isles But it is your scribe's duty to give you news of the Hilary Term activities of the Oxford O.P.s. As elsewhere, the "city of dreaming spires' became the town of running gutters, for the elements were in control, and those who braved the 'flu, filth, and fuel shortage to venture forth in search of either knowledge or bonhomie were: inevitably rewarded with a further dose of influenza.

This term saw what was popularly supposed to be the last battle in the rowing world between "fixed pins" and "swivel rowlocks", and those who were at Putney on Easter Saturday saw the result when Oxford went down fighting—well, anyway, they went down !

J. A. Denison (Worcester) returned this term to receive his degree at one of this term's ceremonies, and found that his brother would be an official B.A. five minutes before him.

As regards those still in residence :P. Andrew (Keble) has really been working, and from all accounts this is likely to continue. Is apparently going to begin his schoolmastering at St. Paul's, and so rumours are rife that he has exchanged hockey stick for football.

E. A. K. Denison (B.N.C.) acquired a half-Blue equivalent (Panther) for boxing, but on arriving at Cambridge for the Varsity Match found his opponent injured and unable to fight. Was also seen entertaining an Irish K.C. with Scotch whisky on St. David's Day prior to an address on English Law. !

.

10

. G. Mountain (Wycliffe Hall) still leaves notes in still more "squiggly" handwriting in people's rooms. Suggested meeting times never seem to coincide and as a result not much news available.

Rumour has it, however, that he is to be ordained this Trinity Term, and for that proud day we offer our congratulations.

G. C. Norris (Worcester). To those who remember (and perhaps curse) "G.C.'s" enthusiasm for the J.T.C., it will come as no surprise to learn that he is applying for a regular Commission. In the meantime his consumption of cigarettes grows as the day comes closer when he must account for his three years at Oxford.

D. P. Norwood (Hertford)—the "New Boy"—appears to have settled down quickly into the University realm of higher mathematics.

The weather has reversed the priority of last term's activities, so that they now read : dispensing sherry and hockey.

For J. C. M. Rayson (B.N.C.) the working year has now ended.

The plough-share and milking stool have been put away, the bat and pads are being taken out in preparation for the summer. Referring once more to last term's letter, it is true to say that he has again been seen at the end of a leash—which end?

W. S. Samuels (Wadham) is undoubtedly the Mystery Man of the O.P.s. Should one chance to glimpse him, one is rewarded by a sudden start, an elevation of those enormous eyebrows, a muttered platitude and a swift departure. We feel that Guy Fawkes might yet have a successor.

P. R. Sykes (St. Edmund Hall) has been playing still more squash, as is befitting the College Secretary, but still finds enough energy to grace various social functions with an immaculate performance of the "Samba". Believed to have made a study of licensees during the past term. Is this something to do with law?

May we end this letter with a renewed plea that an effort be made to communicate to the national newspapers the results of school matches. What is perhaps not realised is that Oxford (and Cambridge?) receive only the southern edition of the newspapers, and unless the results are given to the southern offices we become bereft of all news of the School's achievements.

Wishing the School every success, We remain, Sirs, THE OXFORD OLD PETERITES.

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VALETE AND SALVETE VALETE (March, 1951) THE GROVE R. M. Hodgson. 1946-51 (Manor, 1946-48). School Monitor. Head of the Grove. LVI Science. School Cert., 1948. Special Entry to R.N., 1951.

Member of Curia. Member of Games Committee. Member of Debating Society Committee. Colts XV, 1948-49. Colours, 1948-49. 2nd XV, 1949-50. Colours, 1949-50. Played for 1st XV 1949-50-51. Colours, 1950-51. Played for 2nd XI Hockey, 1948. 1st XI, 1949-50-51. Colours, 1949-50-51. Cap, 1951. Played for Colts XI, 1947-48. Colours, 1948.

Captain,1948. Played for 2nd XI, 1950. 1st XI, 1948-49-50. Colours, 1948-49-50. Played for Squash Team, 19'50. Sergeant in C.C.F. (R.A.F. Section). Cert. A, Pt. 1. R.A.F. Proficiency Badge.

G. W. Gears. 1947-51 (St. Olave's, 1945). Remove. Cadet in C.C.F. SCHOOL HOUSE P. Gray.

1946-51.

House Monitor. LVI. School Cert, 1949. Member G. of Curia. School Play, 1950. Ldg. Seaman in C.C.F. (R. N. Section).

Cert. A. Ldg. Seaman Exam. Proficiency Badge. 1st Class Shot.

K. A. Howard. 1949-51 (St. Olave's, 1945-49). Shell B. Member of Science Society Committee. Cadet in C.C.F. TEMPLE M. G. Roe. 1946-51 (St. Olave's, 1944-46). Lower VIB. School Cert., 1949.

Junior Colts XI, 1947. Senior Colts, 1948. Flt. Sgt. in C.C.F. (R.A.F. Section) Proficiency Badge, Cert. A, Pt. 1, 1949. R.A.F. Proficiency Cert., 1950. Band. Flying Scholarship of Gt. Britain and Northern Ireland, 1950. 1st Class Shot.

SALVE "1'E ( January, 1951) The Rise J. R. Shirtcliffe (Sh.A).

Temple R. B. Holdsworth (IVc). :

:

SCHOOL OFFICERS Easter Term, 1951 SCHOOL MONITORS

:

Head of School and Temple: M. E. KERSHAW. Head of The Rise: G. GOODBURN. Head of The Manor: J. M. BOOTH. Head of The Grove: R. M. HODGSON. Head of School House: A. N. C. SMITH. Chapel Monitor: N. M. HODD. I. G. COBHAM.

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HOUSE MONITORS :

The Grove: P. J. BLINCOE, D. T. FLETCHER, H. MU RRAY. The Manor: A. CAWOOD, S. H. STOREY, J. J. YOUL L. The Rise: W. J. BURDASS, P. JAMES, D. SIMPSON, P. G. TAYLOR. School House: W. H. N. FAIRWEATHER, G. P. GRAY, J. POOLE, J. M.

SMITHSON. T. ANKERS, J. R. DWYER, N. E. V. MARSHALL, E. ROBINSON, M. W. SENIOR.

Temple: J.

GAMES CAPTAINS :

Hockey: A. N. C. SMITH. Boating: M. G. GOODBURN. Rugger: M. E. KERSHAW. Shooting: D. M. FINDLAY. Squash: W. H. N. FAIRWEATHER. Fencing: C. V. ROBERTS. EDITORS OF "THE PETERITE" :

I. G. COBHAM, D. G. HILTON, M. E. KERSHAW, E. ROBINSON.

HOUSE NOTES THE GROVE The term began on a disappointing note when we learnt that R. M. Hodgson would be leaving us, after a distinguished school career, at the end of term. We do, however, congratulate him on his success in the Special Entry Exam. for the Royal Navy. We also say goodbye to G. W. Gears, who leaves us to become an Accountant.

We wish them both the best of luck in their respective careers.

We must apologise for the omission of any mention of the School Play in the last edition of "The Peterite". Bardgett played the difficult part of a mother successfully, and we congratulate him on his achievement. H. Murray also managed to control the lights without too many mistakes.

For the third year in succession, in an open field, we won the Inter-House Cross Country by a handsome margin, thanks to a fine House spirit in the team. Gears ran extremely well to gain third place. Gears, Whittaker and Hollis, as a result of the race, were awarded their House Colours. Perhaps this effort exhausted the enthusiasm of the House for Athletics. But our fears were drowned in the rain and snow of Easter Monday. In passing we must mention the Intermediate mile, which was won by M. J. Everitt in fine style.

13

On the river the 1st IV beat School House by one length, The Manor by four, and then lost to The Rise, the favourites, by three lengths, in the final. This result, contrary to all expectations, again showed the difficulty in forecasting inter-house results. In the Junior Division we beat School House by one length, and again lost, this time to Manor, in the final.

In the Inter-House Squash we beat Manor 3-0, but we must congratulate School House who beat us 3-2 in the final.

This term The Grove gave an evening's entertainment at a Science Society meeting. Lectures were given by R. M. Hodgson on the History of the Motor Cycle, M. J. Everitt on Fruit Preservation, and N. M. Hodd on the Solar System.

A Finance Committee consisting of one member from each section of the House was elected, to decide what should be done with the House funds. The suggestions were acted upon during the holidays.

Several members of the House, in the latter stages of this term, were engaged in preparing their exhibits for the science exhibition.

Everitt, Shepherd and Baddeley performed in a musical concert before the School and the York Organists Society during the term.

Shepherd is to be especially congratulated on his performance on the piano.

The House Gramophone Society continued to flourish this term, and many varied programmes were given. We would like to thank Mr. and Mrs. Harding for their hospitality.

In the School Open Squash Competition M. J. Wood reached the final only to be beaten by J. M. Booth. M. J. Wood also got through several rounds in the Public Schools' Squash Championships in London during the holidays.

In the examination room H. Murray was successful in gaining Commoners' Entrance to Jesus College, Oxford, during the term.

We say goodbye to our Matron, Miss Winter, who has served us since we started again, three years ago. The House presented her with a leather wallet and purse as a recognition of her services.

Once again we were well represented in the School hockey teams.

N. M. Hodd, R. M. Hodgson, P. J. Blincoe and G. B. Pullan are to be congratulated on their 1st XI Hockey Colours. Hodd and Hodgson also gained their Caps. D. J. Fletcher also played for the 1st XI and was awarded his 2nd XI Colours.

H. H. Hunter and A. F. Wick represented the House in the School Shooting VIII, and were awarded their Colours. J. S. Megginson also shot for the 1st VIII. Ramsden and Foy shot for the 2nd VIII. 14

Finally we would like to mention the clean bill of health enjoyed by the whole House this term. Only one person in the House spoiled this record by contracting measles—and unfortunately passed them on to Richard and Anita.

THE MANOR With the loss of two of last term's seniors, the House felt that it was facing this term under some handicap, but within the first week Cobham had shown that he knew such a vast amount that he won the General Knowledge prize of the Senior division of the School.

As several other members of the House did pretty well too, that gave us a good start after all.

As inter-House hockey has been abolished—the Manor's contribution to the School teams is recorded elsewhere—the next interHouse event was the cross-country. To those whose tastes lie rather in a quiet stroll in the hinterland of Clifton Green, or even, perhaps, in a quiet rest in a Common Room chair, not too far from the wireless, the keenness of cross-country runners is strange to contemplate. Not for all the joys of seeing the scenery of the Ings flash by, and it was with some awe that we watched the House cross-country team setting off for practice runs when they could have been enjoying less active, but to lesser mortals more understandable occupations. Their enthusiasm was rewarded, however, as they were placed second—a meritorious performance, for we have no "stars".

Next came inter-House boating. Our first crew was desperately short of practice, owing to a whole series of interferences, and was outrowed by Grove. The Junior crew (Dunn, Saville, Johnson, Jackson, R., and Walton) met Temple on a very stormy day in the preliminary round. Temple early established a small lead, both horizontally and vertically (downwards), but the two progressions are not really compatible, and in due course Manor assumed, and retained, the horizontal lead. Temple, rowing gallantly, completed the course canvas under, and both boats had to be emptied for the paddle home. In the first round we were leading and would probably have won in any event, but Rise sealed their own fate by catching a crab. (We know the metaphors are mixed, but plead clarity in extenuation). The final was not marred by any untoward incidents, and our crew gleefully confounded the prophets and critics by beating Grove and securing that elegant little cup curiously inscribed "St. Peter's Canoes, 1872".

Then squash. We lost to Grove. Details are superfluous, but are no doubt faithfully recorded in Grove House notes. Booth, however, won the School Individual Squash Competition.

15

Athletics were all but ruined for everybody by weather, and we, in addition, suffered severely from illness amongst our keenest athletes, including Raylor, who had shown much enthusiasm as House Captain.

The new chess competition has provided interest for many, but the result is not yet known. It is understood, however, that Cawood has mastered the higher mathematics necessary to solve the intricate problems involved in discovering the winner when data are complete.

In the Hobbies Room the leviathan mentioned last term has continued its stately progress towards completion, while also awaiting finishing touches is a cabin cruiser complete with such homely details as a draining board and sink in the galley. The sound of model aircraft engines has been heard from time to time, and their foulsmelling fuel has finally dispelled—which honest iresh air failed to do—the lingering ordours of last term's zoo.

It has been quaintly observed of this term that it had not been necessary to commiserate with the House as much as had been expected. Perhaps as a summary that may fairly stand.

THE RISE The last term's weather brought with it our share of 'flu, but in this we were fairly lucky in that our boating and cross-country teams were not seriously 'hit. On the contrary, the boating went on despite the worst the elements could do, and a crew was produced which on an exciting Saturday carried off the Cup for the second year in succession. The cross-country was something of a set-back. M. G. Goodburn won again, but the team did not come up to expectations despite very enthusiastic training. The lesson to be learnt is that we must not depend so much on old stalwarts who are not likely to get much better. Next year let us hope we see some fresh blood helping along those two or more newcomers we did discover this year.

With the help of the more junior part of the House the Railway Club has made progress, and an outer track has been completed, built by the members themselves. A plan for a station has been drawn up, so we are now well on the way to having a railway like the one we used to have before those German bombs arrived.

In the School Junior Squash ladder we had two Risites in the final, E. A. M. Reid-Smith and D. H. Beachell. The latter eventually won after a very close game. In the Senior P. D. James lost in the semifinal to the winner.

On the hockey field A. N. Wyatt-Gunning gained his 1st XI Colours; he was also appointed a House Monitor at the beginning of

term.

16

We had returned full of good intentions for making sure of the Oxford Cup, and we were well on the way when the weather struck again. After a magnificent effort on Standards by the whole House, we won them by a greater margin than ever before, M. G. Goodburn, J. R. Moore, E. A. M. Reid-Smith gaining full points. Unfortunately Sports Day had to be cancelled, so we will have to depend on the cricketers after all.

SCHOOL HOUSE As each term ends, we look back with mingled emotions upon our contributions to the School and to the House, upon our successes and disappointments. We balance one against the other and ask ourselves "has it been worthwhile?", and of course the answer is always in the affirmative. If anything, this term it is emphatically so. We have produced no startling results, but we have managed to hold our own.

Until "The Peterite" brings its day of judgement we have basked in the glory of our few successes, and conveniently forgotten about our failures. These last, fortunately few in number have however, taught us as much as our successes and that is how it should be. The great thing is the spirit behind it all, and we have that in good measure.

A. N. C. Smith, our new Head of House, is to be congratulated not only on this appointment, but also on his Hockey Captaincy.

Amongst those he led were Fairweather and Jackson, both of whom won their 1st XI colours. McDougle also represented the School, and was awarded his 2nd XI colours.

Squash has long been one of our strongest sports, and the team retained the Cup after close matches with the Rise and the Grove, and a rather easier first round with Temple. In this connection, we must cite the brilliant playing of Fairweather who reached the final in the Drysdale Cup, and Surrey Junior Championships. He is following in the steps of one of our more famous House-ites, N. W. D. Yardley.

In the boating, our crews did not come up to expectation. The senior crew, which had been strongly favoured, proved no match for the Grove, and in the junior event, we were unable to hold the same house.

The cross-country team made a gallant effort, and their lowly placing was certainly not due to a lack of training. Two individual performances worthy of note were those of Fairweather and Webster, P. H., who came second and ninth respectively; Webster was subsequently awarded his House colours.

Athletic standards bring each year a unique opportunity for every member to represent his House, and is surely a test of a House's underlying spirit. That we came second, without having any great talent in the House, shows that we upheld our claim to spirit; all turned out and did their best.

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Indoor activities have flourished, largely because of the terrible weather. Two Table Tennis competitions were held, and a Chess ladder started. When we had practically won the Chess Cup, the idea of a knock-out competition was abandoned for a league, and King and his team have had to win all over again. Having tied at the top of the table, we have only to play off with Temple, and our engravers should soon be busy on the Cup. Finally, we were sorry to lose G. P. Gray so suddenly; we thank him for his contributions to House activities and wish him good luck in his career.

TEMPLE A term such as the one through which we have just passed leaves the House scribe (an honorary and henceforward vacant post) scratching his head, and frantically seeking to amplify the small successes and justify the failures.

It has not been a successful term. Boating was originally viewed with confidence; athletics with determination; cross-country with hope; and the squash with keenness amongst a few members of the House. The rowing was disastrous. The 2nd IV (Ward, Harbottle, Atkinson, Haw and Welsh, cox) were robbed of an almost certain success because their boat attempted to emulate a submarine—a catastrophe for which the crew were in no way responsible. The full story is too painful to recount, but we commiserate with the crew, who were extremely keen and one of the best Junior crews the House has had for some time. Their success in completing the course and losing only by a length in their foundering boat testifies to their oarsmanship. The 1st IV were held back by illness, and so were far from their peak when they lost to The Rise, who were a better trained crew.

N. E. V. Marshall was awarded his House Colours.

The cross-country team was, on the whole, a young one, and did not disgrace itself in finishing 3rd, a point or two behind The Manor.

The performances of Ankers (4th), Meredith (7th) and White (10th) deserve special mention. Meredith and White won House Colours and Welch his Junior House Colours. We hope that the team, of which the better ( !) part are staying, will cover themselves with glory next year.

Squash presents a less pleasant picture. We were defeated in spite of good efforts by Fawcett and Ward by School House. Squash is a game we in Temple have neglected far too long. The talent and facilities for squash are available; the general effort must be forthcoming. One or two younger players have improved greatly, but until there is greater competition, the general standard cannot but remain

low.

Athletics were curtailed by inclement weather. The House made commendable efforts to finish 2nd in Standards, and we appeared to have a good prospective team for Sports Day. Certain members of the House had personal successes. Ankers and Kershaw were awarded 1st XI Hockey Colours; White captained

18

the 2nd XI, and with Fawcett was awarded his 2nd's Colours. Ankers, Fawcett, and Sutton took a prominent part in the St. Matthew Passion, and a good number of other Templars participated in the Choir. To Roe, who is the only one to leave, we offer our best wishes for success in his future career.

It has been a bleak term in more than one way. We trust, however, that our fortunes will change next term, and not leave us as subject for another book by some admirer of Dickens.

THE GAMES COMMITTEE On Wednesday, 31st January, the Committee held its first meeting for over a year. The business in hand was the outcome of the Senior Rugger Cup and attendant points, as a result of the final match having been cancelled the previous term.

In spite of the argument that two worthy finalists had been found, and that each deserved a share in the points and the holding of the Cup, the majority strongly held the view that the competition was organised to award points to the winner only, and in any case the two finalists were not necessarily the two best teams. Therefore it was decided that no points should be awarded for the Senior Rugger this year, and that the holders of the Cup (The Grove) should retain it for a further year.

There was no further business.

THE OXFORD CUP, 1950-51 (Holders : THE GROVE and THE RISE) The following table gives the points gained up to date :Senior Rugger Junior Rugger Senior Cricket Junior Cricket Rowing (1st Division) Rowing (2nd Division) Athletics, 1st Athletics, 2nd Cross-country, 1st Cross-country, 2nd Swimming, 1st Swimming, 2nd Squash Tennis Shooting (Team) Fencing

Points Awarded Grove • • • •• • •• • •• • •• • •• • •• • •• • • •

• ••

• •

• •• • • •

20 10 20 10 20

Manor

School

Rise House Temple

10

10

10

20 10 10 5 10 5 10 10 5 5

10

20

5

10

20

180 19

15

20

10

THE SCIENCE EXHIBITION On Friday, 4th May, the Seventh Science Exhibition, which had had to be postponed from the end of the Easter term, was formally declared open by E. Wilfrid Taylor, Esq., C.B.E. These exhibitions, which had originated under the inspiration of Mr. C. R. Featherstone in 1924, were held triennially until 1939, with one break in 1936. In 1947 they were revived under the Chairmanship of Mr. E. K. Robinson. For the original Exhibition in 1924 it was the proud boast in the report in "The Peterite" that it had occupied all eight rooms in the Science Block. That this present Exhibition should occupy not only every available inch in the Science Block but also every room in the Main building, as well as many `outposts', is clear proof of the widening scope of the Exhibition and of the increase in the Scientific interests of the School.

At the Opening Ceremony, when the Headmaster, in introducing Mr. Taylor, had referred to his great scientific ability and his practical services to Science, Mr. Taylor after defining Science as "systematised knowledge" proceeded briefly to trace the development of Scientific thought from the time when all natural manifestations were put down to the supernatural until the present. After pointing out the great work done by Englishmen in scientific development, Mr. Taylor referred to the impossibility at the present day of living without the help of Science. Mr. Taylor then formally opened the Exhibition by unveiling a previously veiled exhibit, which symbolised Science in all its branches, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Geography, encircling a moving solar system and a metronome, to symbolise Space and Time.

Meteorology was sufficiently and persistently represented by the weather outside, as it rained continuously throughout the Exhibition.

It had been intended immediately after the opening to release six hydrogen-filled balloons, carrying messages in three languages and an international stamp, but this ceremony had to be postponed until the weather was rather less unkind.

Into details of all the Exhibits it is impossible to go, so vast was the scope of the Exhibition. To get anything like a comprehensive idea of all there was to see the full two days of the Exhibition were necessary, and even then there was only time for a cursory glance at many of the exhibits. Every taste, however catholic, was catered for.

Some were most impressed by the model of the Atomic Pile `Gleep', skilfully built by Everitt, or the Atomic Bomb, made by Holt. Some were attracted by the entertainment value of the Wimshurst Machine, demonstrated by Ibberson and Grainger; others thought most of the various light and radiation experiments. In the Chemistry department Smithson's exposition of Colloids was impressive, while Goodburn's demonstration of Catalysis was, at times, distincly exciting. To the unscientific mind the demonstration of Glass Blowing, by Potter and 20

Welch, was simple enough to understand, if not to perform. Mention too must be made of Rusholme's Indoor Fireworks which never failed to attract a crowd. Indeed all the experiments were performed and explained with confidence.

In the Biology Department Ford's Demonstration Frame of Bees evoked much interest, to which the chorus of chickens provided a musical background. The School Zoo, also, under the direction of Richardson, was a sure attraction.

In the Geography Section of the Exhibition typical work of different sections of the School was attractively displayed, together with a full history and plans of the School's adopted ship S.S. "Mountpark". The Meteorological Department displayed its depressing records, and published an hour to hour commentary on the weather during the Exhibition, producing the astounding information that over 10,000 gallons of water had fallen during the period over the area of the cricket square !

A very interesting innovation in this year's Exhibition was the inclusion of a Hobbies Room, where many models of ships and aeroplanes made by boys were displayed, together with a collection of firearms. In addition there were two working model railways, which proved a never ending source of attraction and were invaluable as a means of finding any lost children.

In addition to the many exhibits, of which only a few have been mentioned, there were also lectures, demonstrations, and films, given at intervals. The lectures were given by Robinson and Youll on "Liquid Oxygen' and proved so popular that an extra had to be arranged at the end of the second day. Rigg and Weightman gave demonstrations of X-Ray and High Voltage experiments, while Bolton and Moore, J. R., lectured on Colour and Fluorescence. Among the films shown were one on The Phase Contrast Microscope, one on the Vocal Chords, and one on Science in the Orchestra.

The Junior School made their contribution to the Exhibition in the form of a room of Junior School Exhibits of Botanical and Natural History specimens, geographical diagrams and meteorological charts, while J.VI demonstrated York's water and sewage system.

The share of the C.C.F. too in the Exhibition must not be forgotten. The Signals Section was responsible for maintaining a network of internal communications, of which the visitors were invited to make use, and demonstrated the working of the Signals Telephone Exchange and the Inter-Schools Network transmitter and receiver.

Finally the Artillery Section of the C.C.F. marked the close of each session of the Exhibition by the firing of a blank round from a 25 pounder gun, with resounding success.

Besides the School exhibits there were on show several pieces of apparatus which are normally outside the usual school activities and which were provided by the courtesy of various outside firms and

21

friends, to whom the Exhibition Committee is most grateful. Among these were a pattern Generator and Television Receiver (Messrs.

Cussins and Light, Ltd.), an Automatic Telephone Exchange (the Telephone Manager, York, and F. N. Pallier, Esq.), which was ably explained by Murray, a Phase Contrast Microscope, Captain Scott's Theodolite and an Extract from Captain Scott's Log (Messrs. Cooke, Troughton and Simms, Ltd.), Oxy-acetylene Welding (J. Gray, Esq., Messrs. Forsselius, Ltd), Instruments for Small Ship Navigation (Messrs. B. Cooke & Son, Ltd., Hull), demonstrated by Kay and Jordan, and Electronic Devices (Mullard Electronic Devices, Ltd., by the courtesy of J. W. O'Donnell, Esq.). In addition, Mr. D. V. Marshall lent X-ray negatives and bones, which N. E. V. Marshall demonstrated most lucidly.

Inevitably at the close of such an exhibition as this the questions are asked "was it a success?", "What has been gained by it?". The objects of the Exhibition were set out in the programme, to enable parents and friends to see what the School is normally doing in Science and to extend the interests both of boys and of visitors in the more advanced applications of Science. In these objectives success can certainly be claimed. Perhaps even more valuable is the effect and influence on those boys taking part. Over 211 boys in the Senior School, apart from those contributions to the Geography Section whose names do not appear in the programme, and members of the Junior School, took part in the preparation and demonstrations in the Exhibition : all showed confidence and enthusiasm, and can justly feel that it was their combined efforts, inspired by the unflagging efforts of the Science Staff, which made the Seventh Science Exhibition of 1951 a great success.

THE CHAPEL The Annual Confirmation was held in the School Chapel on Friday, 9th March, when the following boys were Confirmed by the Archbishop of York :— P. D. Allan, R. D. Beckitt, A. Bloomfield, C. M. C. Burdass, M. A.

Butterworth, J. W. Coates, P. Crowe, E. Davey, R. N. Davey, R. J. DeLittle, D. C. Dick, D. I. Donaldson, C. N. Dunn, F. G. Etches, M. D. Fish, P. A. Grayson, W. B. Hawkins, D. A. Haxby, R. M. Hick, F. B. Hudson, J. G. Humble, W. R. Ibberson, B. N. Jackson, M. G. Kay, P. A. King, R. M. Kirtus, P. K. Lapidge, M. R. Leonard, C. R. G. McNeil, D. A. Macpherson, D. G. Metcalf, J. D. Metcalfe, P. B. Mitchinson, D. J. Nesham, J. T. Oliver, F. J. Pacey, D. C. Pattison, D. Pfluger, E. S. Portlock, M. I. L. Rice, G. Ridley, C. W. R. Roy, M. Rushholme, J. M. Saville, A. E. Simpson, P. Smith, W. J. B. Strike, W. C. Stubbs, P. J. Taylor, T. E. Thomas, E. K. Varley, A. E. J. Wick.

A. T. Booth, who missed the School Confirmation because of illness, was confirmed on 20th March at Clifton Parish Church by the Bishop of Selby.

22

The greatest opportunity of this term was our observance of Holy Week and Easter. It is unlikely that any boy will spend Holy Week and Easter at School more than once in his School career, and many never have that opportunity. Quite clearly a good many boys appreciated it, and the attendances at Voluntary services in the evenings were very good indeed; while, more importantly, the numbers of Communicants at the Eucharist on the first four days of Holy Week were remarkable. It is a matter for great gratitude to God that this was so : and this observance of Holy Week can be of the greatest value in a boy's spiritual life.

Good Friday, 'beyond its Morning Service, was marked by the singing of part of Bach's St. 'Matthew Passion of which an account appears elsewhere : but again it was an opportunity to enter more fully into the meaning of Our Blessed Lord's Crucifixion.

Easter Day was indeed joyous, all the more so because we had kept Holy Week so well; and we ended by singing The Hallelujah Chorus as an act of corporate thanksgiving for the glorious Resurrection of Our Lord.

A special word of appreciation is due to the Chapel Monitor, N. M. Hodd, and all the Servers for the regularity of their attendance, and this applies especially this term because Holy Week made extra demands on them. Hodd will cease to be Chapel Monitor

after two terms of admirable service, for which we are most grateful.

C.P.

THE CURIA Easter Term, 1951 In accordance with our constitution we started this term with a new Chairman and Secretary, J. M. Booth and 'J. T. Ankers respectively, and the election of two new members brought our strength up to 19. Our first meeting took the form of a discussion of the question "What form of Government would be most advantageous for Great Britain at the present time?" M. E. Kershaw, opening the discussion, showed us the various recognised possibilities and put a brief case for each. Later speakers adopted more original lines and one member suggested a special "House of Foreign Affairs". The question of combating Communism then arose and in the heated argument which followed, most speakers lost sight altogether of the original subject.

Finally it was unanimously agreed that the real answer to the problem would be to put the Curia in power. (In this connection the Chairman wishes it to be understood that he can consider no more applications for the post of Chancellor of the Exchequer.)

A number of play-reading meetings were held during the term, the work chosen being Sheridan's "School for Scandal". Attendance at these meetings was, however, often disappointing.

23

The term's programme closed with a visit from the Archbishop's Chaplain and five ordinands from the York diocese, who tried to give us a clear picture of what is entailed in taking Holy Orders. A series of short addresses were followed by discussion and members showed a very lively interest. In closing we would like to thank those concerned for the excellent tea which preceded this most successful meeting.

J.T.A.

THE LIBRARY Librarian: L. BURGESS, Esq. Library Monitors: W. J. Burdass, D. J. Hilton, E. Robinson, M. W. Senior, G. H. Storey.

There is little to report in the Library this term. It has been noticeable that, in general, the School are keeping the library much tidier, and returning reference books to their shelves. It is hoped that this trend will continue.

For the benefit of the many who continue to make good use of the library, the following range of new books (including a large German section) have been added :Europe Overseas—Williamson.

The 17th Century—Clark.

Wingless Victory—Richardson.

Oxford Junior Encyclopaedia, Vol. IV (Communications).

Zivischen Himmel and Erde—Ludwig.

Novellen (2 Vol.)—Meyer.

Jungfrau von Orleans—Schiller.

Der Traum Ein Leben (2 copies)—Grillparzer.

Des Meeres und die Liebe Wellen—Grillparzer.

Faust—Goethe.

Don Carlos—Schiller.

Maria Magdalene—Hebbel.

Gyges und Sein Ring—Hebbel.

Immensee—Storm.

Verwandeugen Einer Jugend—Carossa.

Emilia Galotti—Lessing.

Die Leute von Seldwyla (2 vol.)—Keller.

Buch der Lieder—Heine.

Der Zerbrochene Krug—von Kleist.

Michael Kohlhass—von Kleist.

Minna von Barnhelm—Lessing.

The German Novelle—Bennet.

Schiller—Garland.

Report on the Teaching of General Science.

The Modern Theory of Electrolytes—Bell.

The Science Masters' Book, Pt. I (Physics)—Ed. Adlam.

24

THE DEBATING SOCIETY If last term's notes ended on a note of resolution, this time we open on one of satisfaction, a satisfaction not of the smug, contented variety, but rather that of the inexperienced mountaineer, who, having narrowly surveyed the lofty peaks towering above, has tackled the first slopes with some success, and is at last within striking distance of the formerly unattainable summit That the satisfaction is of partial and not complete success, is merely indicative of the high standard we have set ourselves.

The last six months have seen far-reaching changes in the Society, both of policy and of character. Instead of having a skeleton of the intellectuals remaining from last year sparsely sprinkled around the Hall like a mass meeting of the Liberal Party, we had a minor invasion with which to cope. This major influence led, however, to a serious decline in the standard of debating. The walls of Big Hall ceased to resound with the sustained wit and elegant humour of our classically-minded predecessors; instead, the decaying stones either trembled before the acclamation of a rather dubious anecdote, or were subjected to such a torrent of political abuse, that they echoed with the misdeeds of a Socialist government.

The situation called for decisive action, and the constitution of the Society was amended by the Committee, who decided to limit the membership to eighty. The notices for application were hardly posted before they were covered with no fewer than one hundred and fifty signatures. All those who had spoken at previous meetings were immediately admitted, and also all those above the fifth forms; there then remained but twenty places to fill. The selection of these was carried out quite impersonnally by the Committee, wh3 endeavoured to choose those whom they considered potential debaters. Seventy boys had to be rejected, but they will all have their chance another year, and whether they accept it or not will prove the extent and endurance of their enthusiasm. To the Secretary has fallen the lot of consoling seventy outraged souls, who have threatened him with most of the better-known fates; some have even suggested where he may spend his after-life, while others have contented themselves with a defiant resolution to draw all our members to a rival society. The seventy have not been neglected however, since they, and any others so desiring, may attend, normally, two out of our five meetings each term. On these 'open' occasions they will have the opportunity of delivering a speech, at the same time bringing themselves to the notice of the Committee, thereby ensuring membership in the future.

Let us now turn to our actual activities of last term. The first meeting was an open debate, when E. Robinson rose in optimistic mood to propose "that this House considers 1951 to be a year of good prospects". He attempted to predict our future, using the affairs of today as a basis, and he dwelt principally upon the prospects of major

25

hostilities in the coming year, assuring the House that a declaration of war from Russia was most unlikely.

Mr. J. F. Lavender, emerged from the murky depths of gloom on the other side of the House to predict a grim future for the British taxpayer. He asked not to be waved aside as a mere pessimist, declaring that he was a realist, forced to face a host of very disagreeable facts. War he agreed was the major issue, but he could not share the Proposer's hopes of universal peace.

R. D. Wheatley, seconding for the Proposition, discussed the future benefits of our welfare state, and looked forward to a year of prosperity. He preferred the idea of an open war rather than the present unnerving cold war. Speaking fourth, D. A. Haxby argued that the immense cost of rearmament, coupled with rising prices could lead only to inflation, with its accompanying social crises.

The motion was subsequently rejected by 64 to 59.

The next meeting was the first held 'for members only', and there were two short debates. For the first, R. J. Kelsey proposed "That this House would support the Scottish Nationalist movement". He outlined the aims of the movement, and claimed that Scotland received an unfair proportion of the national expenditure. M. C. M. Lochore denied the latter, and thought that the Scots were as well off as we were. This was certainly no time to threaten our national unity. The unity of the House was threatened however, and it divided in favour of the Opposition-35 votes to 16.

J. M. Booth then proposed "That this House would welcome the advent of interplanetary travel". With a vagueness, born of supreme confidence, he inferred that the planets would be utilised for housing surplus population and for growing food supplies, which would be transported to the earth.

In reply, Mr. E. S. Jeffs, with characteristic scientific method, dealt with each planet individually, and showed how small were the possibilities of exploitation. He produced that rather interesting fact that Mr. Fred Hoyle, the well-known mathematician, had proved that a rocket in its translation from one planet to another was about certain to collide with an astraloid.

The House did not appear unduly alarmed 'by this statement however, and carried the motion by 28 votes to 23.

Our third meeting consisted again of two short debates, and Mr. D. K. Crews opened by moving "That this House considers that `Discipline is the means whereby you are trained in orderliness, good conduct, and the habit of getting the best out of yourself' ". This is of course the opening sentence of the "discipline card", with which it was suspected that the proposer was not unconnected. Mr. Crews claimed it was just too obvious for words, while Mr. R. Calder, opposing, made out a very good case for rejecting the statement about `getting the best out of yourself.

26

The House, immediately suspicious of anything connected with the discipline card, could throw little light on the subject, and rejected the motion by 38 votes to 20.

D. G. Hilton then rose to suggest "That this House would look before it leapt". He stressed the disasters that befell a failure to look ahead into the future, illustrating the point on both a small and a large scale. One of the most important cases was that of Road Safety. j. B. Weightman, for the Opposition, said that a full life should be an adventurous one. Progress was never made by over-caution, and one should have the confidence to take one's hurdles as they came.

On the motion being put to the vote, 45 voted for and 11 against.

There were again two short debates at our next meeting, both of which went so well that they could have been full debates. R. D. Wheatley first proposed "That this House approves the Government decision to conscript farm labour for National Service". He began by showing how small the percentage of farm workers affected was, and added that with increased mechanisation, it would be just as easy for the farmworker to serve his two years, as for anyone else.

A. Cawood, for the sons of the land, spent most of his speech slinging mud at the Government. He had, however, a small united front in the House, and Messrs. Markus, Kelsey, Burdass, and Powell produced a battery of arguments. There was no more P.O.W. labour; the W.L.A. had been disbanded; the services could not properly employ farmers; and anyway, conscription was just a waste of time.

They carried the motion by 21 votes to 14.

E. Robinson then asked us to support the motion "That this House is tired of politics and politicians". At every debate for years, he had heard politics introduced, and he was frankly fed up with the whole business. There was too much Party idealism and not enough expression of individual views in politics today.

Mr. L. C. Le Tocq ingeniously swung practically the whole House to the other side, by making the somewhat subtle distinction between `being tired of and 'disliking'. He set the House a little test (where for once, he was only too anxious to give marks away), by which he made it clear that though many may dislike politics, nearly all were interested in them. The motion was rejected by 31 votes to 4..

Our last meeting was an open one, and the standard was noticeably lower. Proposing "That this House prefers the cinema to the living theatre". Mr. F. j. Wiseman, seconded by P. Taylor, brought forward all the technical superiorities which were used in film-making.

The quality of performance was as good in York as in London, unlike the theatre; films could show movement and travel much more adequately; and the cinema catered for a much larger audience.

For the Opposition, Mr. D. E. Ray, seconded by F. B. Hudson, claimed that the theatre stimulated much more intelligent thought than did the cinema, and its very limitations improved the skill of the stage technicians.

27

From the floor it was suggested that the many artifices employed in film-making led to a deterioration in acting ability, and the general standard was therefore lowered. The cinema had been abused and was falling behind as a fine art.

The motion was subsequently rejected by 54 votes to 36.

At the close of our final meeting, the House passed unanimously a resolution to continue our activities next term, should there be an opportunity. We hope that there will be such an opportunity. That debates should be held in the summer is something new, but it is surely a healthy omen.

D. G. HILTON.

"YORK" BY JOHN RODGERS, M.P. (BATSFORD, LTD., 8s. 6d.)

Here is a book for which the present reviewer has long been searching. Several years ago, on first coming to York, he searched the bookshops for a readable book about York—one which did not emphasise unduly the mediaeval history, or the architecture of the city, and one which avoided the annoying guide-book habit of bluntly ordering the reader to "notice the 17th cent. altar rails, or the projecting piscina in the S. chantry". To the writer's surprise, no bookseller offered any very helpful suggestion.

Now at last we have a book which gives us a glimpse with all features of the life and tradition of "this amazing city which is a treasure-house of all periods of English history", a book which Mr. Rodgers hopes will be of value to visitors from overseas. Certainly it is a book which will appeal to all Peterites and Old Peterites, to the exiled sons of Yorkshire, and "maybe to the citizens of York themselves, who are the trustees of a truly noble heritage which they must zealously and lovingly guard".

Its excellent photographs alone are reminders to anyone who has left York of the beautiful familiar scenes, and those of us who still live here will find it a useful source of information for visitors who take it for granted that we shall know all the answers to questions about the city's history.

We are grateful to Mr. Rodgers for presenting an autographed copy of his latest book to the School Library. Many of us have enjoyed his previous Batsford books, especially "The Old Public Schools of England", which of course, included an interesting account of St. Peter's. It is most appropriate that an Old Peterite should write the best book about York, and the School is naturally proud of Mr. Rodgers' reputation as an author, as well as of his achievements as an administrator and Member of Parliament.

28

Peterites and Old Peterites will be especially interested in the author's allusions to the school. The book is dedicated to "John Bowes Morrell and Stanley Mease Toyne, who together opened my eyes to the fact that I was a citizen of no mean city". And we note with interest the author's generous acknowledgment in the Preface : "As a schoolboy I was fortunate to sit at the feet of a truly remarkable teacher, George Yeld, who lived to be nearly a hundred, and who, with his flowing white beard and flashing eyes, seemed to me like one of the prophets and sages".

Mr. Rodgers has much to say about other features of the school, "the oldest secular school in the country"; of some early Masters, including Albert the Wise, afterwards Archbishop, and Alcuin, who later became, as we might say, "Director of Education in the Holy Roman Empire under Charlemagne". The author recounts that even in Alcuin's day St. Peter's was a boarding school, and states later that until the Dissolution of the Monasteries the School's 50 boarders lived in St. Mary's Abbey. Speaking of unsuccessful efforts to establish a university at York, the author mentions a petition praying Parliament in James I's time that St. Peter's School should be converted into a university in view of "its healthful situation, cheapness of victuals and food".

Mr. Rodgers states that "York remains today as it has been for centuries, the most certain anchor with the Middle Ages. Not only in England, but among European cities, it remains a complete, astonishing and unique example of a mediaeval city, built around and over a Roman one. Here truly the past is part of the present. Many of York's present day institutions, the Minster, St. Peter's School, the Merchant Adventurers' Company and other guilds, and the City Corporation, have an unbroken history since mediaeval times, and they are the watchful custodians of traditions and ceremonies which have grown up gradually since the Conquest".

His vivid picture of the days when the city was the Capital of the North is full of interesting information about the social and political background of the period. Under the Tudors, York's architecture was seriously neglected, while in the Stuart period York was too poor to go in for schemes of rebuilding or expansion.

One of the most interesting features of Mr. Rodgers' book, is his enthusiasm for the craftsmanship and beauty of the eighteenth century buildings in York.

"Whenever true values are in the ascendancy, then York, due to her historic past, participates in the resurgence. The religious feeling of the Middle Ages showed itself in York in an unrivalled series of churches, abbeys and halls, culminating in the great Minster. The eighteenth century again, though the inspiration was difficult, was a time of artistic appreciation and gracious living, of great vitality and variety and the reception of new ideas."

29

This account brings out a prominent feature that has been usually obscured by the emphasis placed upon mediaeval York. Such familiar Georgian features as the Mansion House, the Assembly Rooms, the Assize Courts, parts of Stonegate, and Micklegate, "one of the most beautiful Streets in Europe", acquire a new significance after their origin and history has been discovered. One may question, perhaps, the author's assertion that York exceeded Bath as a centre of true elegance and fashion.

Those of us who intend to see Mr. Burgess' Festival Play about the Railway King will be interested in what Mr. Rodgers says of the latter in his first chapter. This chapter, by the way, is marred by a misprint on page 86; the date given on page 88 for the beginning of the Mayoral year (9th November) is also inaccurate.

Mr. Rodgers declares that in York "everybody is steeped in centuries of old tradition and history. Nothing is dead in York. The past lives before our eyes, and everything, however old, which has survived, is serving some useful purpose." And at the end Mr. Rodgers demands that York must guard its heritage : "by sheer neglect and lack of interest a great deal of its treasures have fallen into a chronic state of disrepair". Not everyone will agree that most citizens of York are as apathetic towards the beauty and historical interest of the city as the author alleges; on the other hand, however, it must be recognised that it usually needs a smart reprimand such as Mr. Rodgers' to make people aware of their civic duties and responsibilities.

R.C.

THE CHOIR The Easter Term, though short, was particularly strenuous.

Although the Choir was not called on to sing Epiphany Carols in the Minster—this year the Service took place before the School reassembled—the season of Lent culminating in Holy Week and Easter made great demands at a time when individuals in the Choir were being incapacitated by illness. Owing to illness the Choir Supper had to be cancelled.

The following Anthems were sung :O come ye servants—Tye. Let thy merciful ears—Weelkes. *Hide not thou thy face—Farrant.

Save us 0 Lord—Bairstow.

Jesu, joy of man's desiring—J. S. Bach.

30

Drop, drop slow tears—O. Gibbons.

Jesu, grant me this I pray—Gibbons—Bairstow. * Also sung at the Music Society Concert.

On Easter Day the Carol "This joyful Eastertide" took the place

of the Anthem and at the close of the Service the Choir was joined by

the congregation in singing "The Hallelujah Chorus" from Handel's

Messiah.

* * *

A propos our notes in the last number of "The Peterite", the following letter has been received from an O.P. We apologise for the mis-statement and gladly print this correction.

20 Landsdowne Road, London, W.11.

6th March, 1951.

The Editor, The Peterite, St. Peter's School, York.

Sir, I notice in the February edition of "The Peterite" you state that the anthem "God be in my Head", by Walford Davies, was performed for the first time in Chapel in the Christmas term which has just passed. This is not correct as it was sung by the School Choir in the Chapel on the occasion of the marriage of Miss E. C. M. Toyne and Captain E. P. Sewell, as I believe he then was, when I myself had the pleasure of being a member of the choir.

Yours faithfully, NOEL COLBECK.

THE ST. MATTHEW PASSION (Good Friday, 1951) It was a very remarkable feat, in the realm of technical performance, for the School to sing an excerpt, lasting in all for one hour and a quarter, from Bach's St. Matthew Passion. Inevitably the full score was somewhat drastically cut; but the cutting was so done as to leave the main features of the story of Our Blessed Lord's Passion clear and distinct. The loss of practically all the Arias was sad, but it was inevitable. Again to select and train a double Chorus, and in addition the Ripieno of some 70 Juniors in the opening chorus, and to balance them all so satisfactorily, must have involved a tremendous amount 31

Bach's music has considerable and somewhat peculiar of work. difficulties, and it is not surprising that the Choral Society had to begin practising almost at the start of the 'Christmas term.

But technical skill is not enough; nor indeed for such an important occasion as Good Friday is it even the most vital consideration. It was essential that all concerned caught the devotional spirit of this masterly musical meditation on the Passion. To some of us Bach's genius reaches its highest point of expression in the St. Matthew Passion; and what was so impressive on Good Friday was that the music was clearly "felt" by Choirs and Soloists alike. The interpretation therefore did throw new light on the story of the Crucifixion of Christ. Particularly noticeable, and very rare in performances of the Passion music, was the singing of the Chorales by the whole School. No doubt Bach meant these glorious hymn tunes to be congregationally sung : and the effect, due to constant but not excessive rehearsal, was most striking. Surely the School learned not only to sing but to love these magnificent Chorales.

The main burden, outside the Choral singing, falls on the Evangelist, and we were very lucky to have George Palmer to undertake this exacting role. Palmer's voice is not powerful, but it was entirely adequate for the School Chapel; and the pureness of his tone, the excellence of his phrasing, and the insight of his interpretation left little to be desired. Philip Mason sang the part of Jesus with admirable taste. He never made the mistake of forcing his voice, which has not yet reached its full maturity, and he sang with real feeling. The other soloists—Judas, Peter, Pilate, Pilate's wife and the Maid—were sung by members of the School : and while all did their part admirably, special mention must be made of J. T. Ankers' singing of the part of Peter.

Allan Wicks, at the Organ, and Alice Knight (Continuo) cooperated with each other and with the Choir and Soloists with complete and musicianly skill.

If we had to pick out the high lights in a performance which was excellent throughout, we should choose the first Chorus "Come ye daughters, share my mourning" : the final Chorus "In tears of grief, dear Lord, we leave thee" : and the dramatic moment when in answer to Pilate's enquiry "Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you?" the crowd (both Choruses) answer "Barabbas !" We knew it was coming, and even so the effect was simply tremendous.

Finally let this tribute be paid to all, and especially to the Conductor on whose musicianship and appreciation so much depended.

The singing of the Passion was a worthy Act of Worship to Almighty God in commemoration of Christ's victory on Calvary. Had the singing failed there, all else would have been in vain.

32

PRINCIPALS Mr. J. Palmer Mr. P. J. R. Mason (O.P.) N. M. Hodd J. T. Ankers 5 G. P. Burden t F. F. Watson M. J. Baddeley J. E. Fawcett N. M. Hodd D. K. Hodd M. J. Baddeley M. A. Butterworth J. A. Sutton D. K. Hodd

Evangelist ... esus ... udas Peter 1st Maid

J

2nd Maid ... ...

Pilate Pilate's Wife Alto in No. 77 Treble in No. 77 Continuo Organist Conductor

Alice Knight Allan Wicks Frederic Waine

THE MUSICAL SOCIETY The Society has completed yet another successful term. The weekly gramophone recitals have been continued, and they have been generally well attended. The programmes have shown a welcome tendency to include works which have not previously been heard in this series. The recitalists to be commended for their initiative displayed in their choice of programmes. These were as follows :D. A. Haxby—Mendelssohn; J. T. Ankers—Sibelius; J. N. T. Howat—The Minuet and Trio; J. M. Smithson—RimskyKorsakov; G. B. Pullan—Borodin; E. Robinson—Prokofiev; D. G. Hilton—Tchaikowsky.

JOINT MEETING WITH THE YORK AND DISTRICT ORGANISTS' ASSOCIATION On 24th February, the Musical Society held a joint meeting with the York and District Organists' Association. Between sixty and seventy organists attended, and the Musical Society acting as host entertained them to the best of its ability.

On arrival, the organists were welcomed by Mr. Waine, in the unavoidable absence of the Headmaster, and partook of tea, assisted by three fortunate members of the Musical Society Committee. After tea. the organists adjourned to Chapel where they were able to observe the varying wave forms produced by differently voiced pipes of the organ. This demonstration was made possible by the hard work of Mr. Jeffs and his team, who arranged for the organ tones to be picked up by microphone, transmitted across the Chapel by an Army 18 set, lent by the C.C.F., and received by another 18 set. This in turn fed the results into a cathode ray oscillograph, kindly lent for the purpose

by St. John's College.

33

During the School high tea, opportunity was given to the organists to try the Chapel organ.

After tea, the joint meeting in Big Hall took the form of a concert given by the Musical Society, which was followed by a film on organ construction, called "Music in the Wind". The concert was an oportunity for seven members of the Society to play in public, some for the first time, and for the Chapel Choir to sing a short anthem.

The standard of performance naturally varied but it was noted that all the pianists kept their heads, while some produced polished performances. The Choir sang the anthem from memory. The programme had been planned on the assumption that the film would last twenty minutes, but when it was discovered it would last but half this time, Mr. Waine invited Mr. Ray, who was on the staff for the term, to entertain us with a piano solo. This he did in brilliant style, playing Chopin's Scherzo in B flat minor. He showed great virtuosity and received an ovation. It was interesting to compare his interpretation with one given on a previous occasion by Mr. Waine.

The film which followed characteristically proved to be a miracle of comparison, as one would expect from the land of the celluloid kings. Sections on the history of the organ, its manufacture at the present day, as well as an organ recital (given by the great Dr. Healey Willan) succeeded one another with bewildering rapidity. It might well repay a second showing, preceded perhaps by a relevant lecture, on some future occasion.

A few of the guests stayed to see the Film Society's presentation of a French film "Farrebique". All agreed they had spent a most enjoyable evening here, and we look forward to having the privilege of entertaining them again.

THE SCIENCE SOCIETY The keenness of members to take part in our meetings has perhaps been the most gratifying aspect of the term's adtivities. In three programmes more than twenty boys have taken an active part, and, as many of these are staying on, we hope to have laid a sound foundation for several years to come. This combined with our large attendances points to a successful future.

We opened this term on 27th January, by holding an inter-House quiz. These are always very popular and this proved no exception.

Each House was represented by one boy in the VIth or Transitus and one in the Vth or below. The contest developed into a keen struggle between Manor and School House, the former eventually 34

#

winning by a narrow margin. Many of the questions involved recognition of objects. The inevitable question from Mr. Harris, where competitors were asked to identify a liquid by smell, caused much amusement among the onlookers.

Our second meeting was held on 14th February and we were very glad to welcome an 0.P., Mr. J. Saville, who showed us three films.

The first was on high-speed photography, using exposures of about 1/3000 of a second. A rain drop appeared to fall into a puddle just like an atom bomb exploding. Other things we take for granted appeared to be quite different at this speed. The next film showed us how, by steam sterilising the soil, much better tomato crops could be grown. We saw how it was carried out and, at the conclusion, the resulting magnificent crop. The last film dealt with the problem of maximum fertility. Too many farmers rely solely on manure, the film pointed out the deep rooted suspicion the "old school" have of modern scientific fertilisers. We could not help being impressed by all the facts in the film and it is no wonder that the number of these farmers is slowly diminishing. We thank Mr. Saville very much for such an excellent show and also another O.P. Mr. R. Buckton, who operated the projector.

411.

'

Our next meeting was held on 4th March and consisted of a Grove night, three speakers from this House giving talks on different topics.

R. M. Hodgson spoke first on the history of the motor cycle. He traced its development and, by means of the epidiascope, showed us several photographs of old and new models. M. J. F. Everitt followed and spoke on the storage of fruit. He told us there were two main methods, cold and gas storage. He explained each separately and pointed out that by considering the flavour and firmness, etc., of any fruit it was found which type of storage retained the market value of fruit to the best advantage. The last talk was given by N. M. Hodd on the solar system. He described the features of all the planets and illustrated them with the aid of artists' impressions.

At the commencement of the last meeting of the term, held on 17th March, Mr. Ping, the chairman, announced that in order to commemorate the Science Exhibition he had suggested that three "conker" trees be planted at the far side of the rugger field near to the baths, so that, amongst other things, "the boys may carry on that ancient game". The proposal met with unanimous approval from all members present. The evening's programme was then commenced, and questions of a scientific nature which had been previously submitted, were answered by a panel of experts. J. R. Bird answered a question on territory in birds. J. M. Holt spoke on radio-activity, explaining why it is dangerous to our health. Mr. D. K. Crews spoke on telepathy, and told us of many simple experiments which may be carried

35

out. We later heard that many were tried by various members of the school, but none could claim to be Piddingtons. J. M. Booth answered a question on Flying Saucers, and cast grave doubts as to the validity of the recent popular song "Two little men in a flying saucer". P. J. Lumby next spoke on why some colour films tend to one colour. He also told us how an exposure meter works, C. B. Simpson followed by answering a question on Turbo-jet cars. He did not think they would appear for some time. Next came C. M. Dunn, who told us all about the Atlantic salmon. The final question was to do with sun spots, and S. H. Storey gave us the answer to why they occur and why they have an effect on the weather. This concluded a very successful evening where the attention of all members was held throughout, as could be proved by the number of questions asked after each question.

Much credit must go to A. Cawood, who organised the meeting.

And so ends another year in the Society's history. We have, however, one last item to come, the Science Exhibition, which has unavoidably had to be postponed until the summer term. We hope all members will be rejuvenated by the holidays, and will make the exhibition as big a success as the last one.

J.M.B.

THE FILM SOCIETY That the Film Society should be of more value than mere entertainment has long been the intention of the Society, and this term that policy has been pursued more than usual.

The first film, "The Overlanders"—a film showing the retreat of Australian ranchers from the expected Japanese invasion in 1942—had a setting most refreshing after so many American "Wild West" extravagances. Our appreciation was increased by a documentary shown after the main feature which took the form of a criticism of "The Overlanders" by Dilys Powell of the "Sunday Times".

At our next meeting, Mr. Shields, a welcome visitor from the York Film Society, addressed those present and not only introduced the night's film "The Big Store" starring the Marx Brothers, but also brought with him a commercial documentary which illustrated the technique used in such productions. The main film of the night was, of course, well received by the society, but as our visitor had warned us, such a reception, well deserved though it may be, causes much of the wit to be lost through laughter.

We joined with the Musical Society for our third meeting and a film on organ-making accompanied the main film "Farrebique" or "Les Quatre Saisons". This film depicted the life on a French farm 36

,

throughout the whole of one year. As the dialogue was in French we had to depend more than ever on the skill of the camera.

Technically the film was good but one criticism is that too much quick motion photography was used to show events as dawn breaking and flowers growing. The photography however, showing the beauties of the French countryside and depicting French country life was outstanding.

The last film "San Demetrio London" was one of many which has been produced about the war. It could best 'be described as typically British and is much like all the other films of its kind, with one redeeming factor however—an all male cast, which meant that there were no sentimental scenes so often out of place in such a production.

E.R.

CHESS Owing to the loss of the majority of last year's team, there was a shortage of experienced players, but the team, on the whole, played better chess than the results would seem to show.

The team was J. C. M. Herring (Capt.), H. P. G. Shaw, G. B. Pullan, C. D. King, J. Collins, S. H. Storey, H. A. L. Golightly, M. J. Quarmby.

In both the matches of the Christmas term, the team fared disastrously. They lost the first, against Archbishop Holgate's by King playing very well in obtaining a draw against the future Schoolboy Champion. In the second match, against Bootham, they lost by 7-0.

In the Easter term, however, they fared better by beating Worksop College by 5-1. There was also staged a match over fourteen boards against the masters, in which the masters were soundly beaten.

HOUSE CHESS. The Inter 'House competition was run on a more complicated system than in previous years in order to find any unknown chess enthusiasts as well as to make the competition more interesting.

It was won by School House with The Manor second and The Grove not far behind. Temple and The Rise tied for last place.

YORK SCHOOLBOY CHAMPIONSHIP. This was run, for the first two rounds, on a knock out system; three boys from each of 5 York schools entered for the first round, played on Monday, 5th February.

St. Peter's representatives were Herring, Shaw and Pullan. Shaw, through an unlucky slip, was beaten in the first round but Herring 37

and Pullan after a hard struggle found their way into the semi-finals.

The other two semi-finalists, Miers and Williams also came from the same School, Archbishop Holgate's. These four played in a minature league for the deciding position. It was cut short, however, by the fact that Miers beat both Peterites and his School colleague to win the championship. Herring also drew with Williams after a very long and exciting game.

Pullan must be congratulated on his fine performance, as it was the first time he had entered.

THE BELGIAN TOUR A DIARY OF THE TOUR In the Easter holidays Mr. LeTocq and Mr. Craven again took a party of boys to the Continent. This time it was for a tour in Belgium.

There was again a midnight start; and by mid-day the party was moving through calm waters on the "Prince Baudouin", watching the dark clouds roll away and enjoying the sunshine. We landed at Ostend, continued by motor-coach to Bruges, and tackled with gusto a week's meat ration at the Hotel Wellington.

We spent the second day in Bruges itself, a charming medieval town, dominated by its Belfrey and the massive brick spire of the Eglise Notre-Dame. It is a town in which to stroll at leisure, a town of picturesque waterways and winding streets, where in quiet, secluded quarters lace is still made with the old skill and patience. It is an appropriate home for the art-treasures it contains. Among these the Memlincs and Jan van Eyck's "Vierge au Donateur" remain vivid in the memory.

The brisk modern traveller cannot remain long in contemplation, and the following day we were on the road, making for the grottoes of Han-sur-Lesse. Courtrai, the first stop, was quite a pleasant town, but badly war-scarred. Tournai, our next stop, was quite the most badly damaged town we saw, but even so it had its interests, the five towered Cathedral being one of them. After having lunch at Mons some of us visited the interesting war museum there. By this time we had left the Flemish part of Belgium, and after Mons we watched the country change from flat plains of West Flanders to the varied, wooded landscape of the Ardennes. Han itself proved a delightful village, an ideal spot for a country-lover's holiday. The boys were billeted out among the local inhabitants.

38

Whether ancient pagan rites are still performed in this remote region I do not know. But at dawn next day a pig was sacrificed under the critical eye of Farmer Burdass. (I believe he still carries the tail in his pocket.) Or perhaps the ceremony has something to do with the freemasonry of farmers. Anyway the omens must have been favourable, for we soon penetrated into that eerie underworld of stalactites and stalagmites where the River Lesse, and perhaps Lethe and Phlegethon, winds for eighteen hours before re-emerging. And we all returned safely.

Our next halt was at Dinant, famed for its "couques" (gingerbread shapes) and "dinanderie" (brass-ware). We had stopped there awhile the previous evening, and felt it invited further exploration. It was indeed quite the prettiest town we visited, nestling as it does between high cliffs and the River Meuse, and with an impressive citadel. We climbed the 408 steps to this, wandered along the banks of the Meuse, then off once more to Namur and Brussels.

Half a day was hardly sufficient to do justice to the capital of the country. We had a quick look round, did some hurried shopping and set off on the last leg of our journey. We called at Heckelghem to see the sand carpets (reproductions of old masters in coloured sand) and spent a pleasant hour in Ghent. This is a fine old town, little damaged by two world wars. We visited the Cathedral, the Castle, and the Quays. Then back to Bruges.

Sunday we spent exploring some of the corners of the town we had not yet seen, watched a procession of the Catholic youth of West Flanders and had a glimpse of a religious play performed in one of the public squares. Then to round off the tour we added an excursion to Antwerp to our programme. We had hoped to visit the "Mountpark" there; but unfortunately her sailing was delayed and we missed her by a day. Nevertheless we enjoyed the excursion, the view over the Scheldt from the top of a skyscraper, the Art Gallery, the docks, and the race back along the "autostrade" which runs smooth and straight from Brussels to Ostend.

We now had to turn towards home. The crossing threatened for a while to be a rough one; but the boat hugged the French coast and finally emerged into smoother waters. Soon a fish and chip tea and a brusque waitress were reminding us that we were back in England.

It was a good holiday. We would gladly have prolonged it. We only saw enough of the Ardennes to make us want to see more. But there will no doubt be further opportunities. Where shall we go next year?

39

The following notes have been written by members of the party : SOME IMPRESSIONS OF THE BELGIAN COUNTRYSIDE. When a person who has been used to the English countryside goes to Belgium he is liable to think the Belgian countryside a little bare, especially when travelling across the flat Polder country from Ostend to Bruges. The absence of hedges gives the country a naked air, and the patch-work quilt effect so typical of the English countryside is entirely lost. The Polder country has few trees and a great many drainage ditches. The small farms in this area, of which there are a very large number, are found in the middle of their own area of land and are not grouped together in villages as in other parts of Belgium.

Further inland than Bruges the flat country continues but the rows of trees, mostly poplars, become more numerous, and there is a certain amount of woodland, all very neatly kept. A feature of the farmsteads over all Belgium is the woodpile, always carefully stacked and often with a thatch roof. This country gradually merges into gently undulating country which precedes the actual hills of the Ardennes. The waves of low hills of this district disappear into the distance giving a marvellous view.

This type of scenery gives way to more hilly country which is heavily wooded between Dinant and Hans-sur Lesse. The scenery in this district was by far the prettiest we travelled through.

Whilst in Han sur Lesse I had the pleasure of sleeping in a farm house. The house, in grey stone, was extremely modern in design and was fitted with all modern conveniences. It was spotlessly clean. The farm, although small by English standards, had on it some twenty-five head of cattle, including nine cows in milk. All black and white Friesian cattle. Besides the 2 roan draft horses and 8 days old foal there were several pigs and a few hens. It was here that Wheatley and I made ourselves useful by helping to haul a pig for slaughter for which we received the due reward of the pig's tail, now preserved in spirit as "un Souvenir de Belge".

W. J. Burdass.

SOME RANDOM IMPRESSIONS The Belgians are a very industrious people, and one is impressed by the speed with which they do their work. We found everything very clean and most of the people very well dressed. Another characteristic of the Belgians, is their politeness and their habit of shaking hands with everyone who comes and goes. The majority of Belgians are devout Roman Catholics, and, on the Sunday, nearly the whole of Bruges seemed to turn out to go to the church services and to see the youth parade and the pageant afterwards.

40

The Belgians speak two languages, Flemish (in Flanders) and French (in Wallonia). Having two languages does not seem to bother them, for they seem to know both equally well, and sometimes they even change from one to another in the middle of a sentence. Furthermore, many speak English and even German. It was disappointing for some of the party, who had hoped to use their French, over which so many weary hours had been spent, to find that so many Belgians, like the waitress and proprietor of the Hotel Wellington, insisted on speaking English. There were, as might be expected, the times when one launched forth into French, and received an English reply. But of course when we started in English we were usually met with an uncomprehending stare.

From the many conversations we had with the Belgians, we were able to get some idea of Belgian opinion. The Belgians, for the most part seem to have no time for the Communists. The two parties are the Socialists, and the Catholic-backed Government party, who have wide support. The Belgians are fairly politically minded. I was told by a Belgian, that they particularly resented British interference in the dispute over the monarchy last year.

We were given ample opportunity to shop, or at any rate window gaze in all the large towns. The large stores e.g., L'Innovation and Bon Marche, where much time was spent on the escalators and lifts, were the most popular; confectionery shops came a close second, though many mouths watered, many more were full of the marvellous variety of sweets.

The large proportion of British and American goods was very striking, but, unfortunately, many of us found that after a couple of days' ecstasy we were left to look ruefully at our few remaining francs.

Finally a note must be made upon the beauty of some of the characteristic products of Belgium, e.g., the brassware of the Dinant area and the lace of Bruges and Brussels.

C.C.F. NOTES This term has been, as usual, fully occupied with the various examinations. On 19th March the Annual Certificate "A" Examination was held. There were 66 candidates from the Basic Section for Part I and 30 from the Army Section for Part II. The result of the examination was very satisfactory. In Part I, 58 passed and in Part II, 25.

The high standard that the majority reached this year is indicated by the number who passed with distinction, six in Part I—Firth, Maxwell, Seaton, Ibberson, Kent and Haxby—and six in Part II41

Oldroyd, Fairweather, King, Whittaker, Steele and Gray. It is unfortunate that only two of the Part II distinctions could be granted under the limit restrictions. The President of the Examining Board stated in his report that the standard was above average and that the turn-out, bearing, and confidence were particularly high. In the Part II he thought that several candidates were first class potential leaders.

After patiently waiting for over two years the new shoulder flashes arrived. The new pattern is blue and red instead of the brown and white. The change had to be made to fit in with the colour of the R.N. and R.A.F. uniforms. There has been general approval of the change.

The new Armoury was completed early in the term and the rifles have now been distributed again.

The specialist sections are reporting their own activities, the high lights of these being the R.N. Section camp at Chatham and the recent successes of members of the R.A.F. Section. The signals continue to be very active and are now attracting a very keen type of recruit.

In conclusion we should like to publish an extract from a recent publication which emphasises the important part the C.C.F. now plays in preparing its members for National Service—"The possession of a Certificate showing that he has passed any of the three section examinations is of very real value to a boy when he is called up, if he wishes to obtain a commission; such a certificate, especially when combined with a record of more than one attendance at camp or at a course, combined with a relatively high rank as a Non-Commissioned officer in the contingent normally gives a boy a great advantage over the other National Servicemen.

SERGEANT MAJOR PUDDICK. It was with deep regret that the Corps learned of the death of Sgt. Major Puddick. He served the Contingent most loyally for 22 years and will be remembered by many. The C.C.F. was represented at the funeral which took place in York and a wreath was sent on behalf of all past and present members of the unit.

R.N. SECTION This term the section has been mainly engaged in work for examinations. In the earlier part of the term the Ldg. Seamen signalling exam. was taken and a large number of cadets were successful. After the exams. were over an exercise called "Fleet Manoeuvres", to test initiative, was introduced and was enjoyed by all who took part. Some work has been done on the whaler which will be completed early in the summer term. P.O. Murray is to be complimented on the high standard of efficiency with which he has run the Section.

42

Ldg. Seaman Hilton has done much invaluable work in the organisation of the Section's Training. Ldg. Seaman Gray has worked hard to make the Naval Sub-Station the best Basic Sub-Station. A.B.s Hawkins and Shaw have continued to run the Stores and Office efficiently.

EASTER CAMP This year, camp was held at Easter because of overcrowding at Summer Camps. Thirteen Cadets went to H.M.S. Swiftsure, a cruiser of the Home Fleet, at Chatham, and spent a very enjoyable week, thanks to the efficient organisation of the programme by the Gunnery Officer.

A day was spent at sea on H.M.S. "Bleasdale", a frigate, and much practical seamanship was learnt. An inter-ship whaler race was organised and the Section "A" Crew beat a Marlborough College Crew from H.M.S. "Corunna" in the semi-final, and a Blundell's School Crew from H.M.S. "Gabbard" in the final. "B" Crew were unfortunately beaten by Blundell's in the other semi-final.

The Section visited the Gunnery School, Fire Fighting School, the Rope works and Sail Loft in the Dock Yard. An afternoon was spent on H.M.S. "Mansomar", a very fast minelayer, and all were impressed by the very efficient railway system used for the handling of mines. A conducted tour of H.M.S. "Swiftsure's" Engine Rooms by one of the Engineer Officers was enjoyed by all.

At the end of the camp the Section was addressed and presented with a plaque, bearing the ships crest, by the Captain, Captain Sir Robert Stirling-Hamilton, Bt. R.A.F. SECTION Flight-Sergeant Roe has left the School to join the Royal Air Force, and Sergeant Hodgson to join the Royal Navy. Both carried out their duties as N.C.O.s with efficiency, and we wish them well in their Service careers.

Flight Sergeant Weightman becomes N.C.O. in charge of the Section. He is to be congratulated on winning a Flying Scholarship.

Cadet Timms was fortunate enough to fly to Iraq during the holidays as the guest of the Royal Air Force. His account of his experience is added to these notes.

Sergeant Danton and Cadet Timms were in charge of the R.A.F. Section exhibit in the Science Exhibition, and both put in a good deal of work in its preparations.

Last terms work was again concerned with preparing for the Proficiency Examination which will have been taken (21st May) by the time of going to print.

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One flight was made from Rufforth, by the kind arrangement of the Officer Commanding the Communications Flight, No. 64 (N) Group. New members of the Section flew on this occasion.

A FLIGHT TO IRAQ I set off from Lyneham Airport, near Swindon at the unsavoury hour of 12-15 a.m. on the 20th of April. The first leg of the flight was to Castel Benito, near Tripoli, where the plane duly arrived later in the morning. Castel Benito air station is situated only 15 miles from Tripoli which is on the sea coast. Tripoli is quite a large town with a huge harbour. There are still a few signs of the battering it received in the last war, when it was one of the main battlegrounds of North Africa. The town is dominated by a large castle, which rises nearly 200 feet above the harbour. This castle used to guard Tripoli against the marauding bands of pirates which roamed the Mediterrananean hundreds of years ago. It is now the British N.A.A.F.I. From Castel Benito I went on to my destination, the camp of Habbamya in Iraq. 'Habbamya is situated 60 miles S.W. of Baghdad, on the banks of the Euphrates. It is a very large camp, with modern buildings which include an air-conditioned cinema and a swimming pool about six times as large as the School baths. Outside the camp, however, there is just sand, sand, and more sand, the only noteworthy piece of scenery being Lake Habbamya, a huge lake in the desert near the camp. It has an area of about 150 sq. miles, and in stormy weather the waves on it reach a height of 30 feet. The temperature at Habbamya is usually about 85 deg; once or twice it reach over 100 deg. in the shade.

As on the outward journey, I flew back to England via El Adem, in Lybia, and Castle Benito, and again stayed two days at the latter camp. I arrived at Lyneham with 34 more flying hours to my credit, and very conscious of the fact that I had only 3/6 in my pocket to pay customs duty. The customs officer was in a good mood, however, and I got through without trouble. I reached home at 3 o'clock in the morning on the 30th April.

D. K. Timms.

SCOUTING SENIOR SCHOOL PATROLS Work for Second and First Class tests again occupied a large part of troop meetings, with a few wide games for variety. The Beavers won the patrol competition, closely followed by the Seals.

Bob-a-Job week this year was during the Easter Holidays. The average earned was over ten shillings per boy, which is very satisfactory.

44

A new venture was the hike in the Lake District towards the end of the holidays. This was attended by 14 Scouts and 2 Scouters who all seemed to enjoy themselves. It is hoped to make this an annual event. An account of the tour appears below.

Arrangements for Summer Camp are well in hand. The Court of Honour wished to go further afield than usual and a good site has been obtained at Aber on the North Wales coast opposite Anglesey.

SCOUT LAKE DISTRICT TOUR On the sunny morning of 18th April, fourteen Scouts and two Scouters met at York Station for a week's hike in the Lake District.

We arrived safely at Windermere in the afternoon and from the station walked along the lake to Waterhead and on to Ambleside.

The last of the party reached the Youth Hostel by 5-15 p.m. and soon discovered the hostel system of bed-making, while some of us peeled a large quantity of potatoes as our duty for the day. A very satisfying meal of soup, meat and vegetables and a sweet followed and after an evening stroll we settled more or less rapidly into the twotier beds.

Next day we divided into two parties for the walk to Greenside Hostel and we left Ambleside in beautiful sunshine. We had intended to go over Fairfield but were warned that the snow on it was rather treacherous so we chose the route over Scandale Pass instead. Following Scandale Beck we climbed slowly, while the weather gradually became colder, with low cloud and a biting wind, until at the top of the pass (1,700 ft.) there were patches of snow. Here one party lunched in the shelter of a wall while the other continued down Caiston Glen. While having lunch there they saw a pack of hounds hunting on the side of High Hartsopp Dodd and later picked up a foxes brush. After lunch we descended to Brothers Water and followed the road through Patterdale and alongside Ullswater, finishing with a steady climb up Glenridding to the hostel. Everyone found this a cold spot—a thousand feet above sea level and no hot water-but the small bedrooms and good meals were very popular.

The morning was clear but cold and extra clothing was worn as we left the hostel in one party for Helvellyn. After we started with a ziz-zag climb to the Sticks Pass the sun soon blazed out on us and superfluous garments were stowed for the rest of the day. On reaching the ridge between Stybarrow Dodd and Raise we turned south to the top of Raise (2,889 ft.) and rested there. Now we were walking on snow nearly all the time, dazzled by the sunlight reflected from it.

The views in all directions were magnificent while near at hand the snow overhanging the edge of the ridges by many feet was a warning of the care needed in bad weather. Continuing over Low Man (3,033 45

ft.) we reached the summit of Helvellyn (3,118 ft.) and there in the sunshine we lunched and enjoyed the views. In the afternoon one party went over Dollywaggon Pike and down by Grisedale Tarn while the other dropped down to Thirlmere and followed the road to Grasmere.

Our next day's journey was up Far Easedale, over Greenup Edge (1,990 ft.) and down to Longthwaite Hostel in Borrowdale for the week-end. A few of the more energetic ones struck off southwards over High White Stones for the Langdale Pikes. They climbed Sergeant Man and Harrison Stickle and were rewarded with views of Windermere, Coniston and several lesser lakes with the sea glinting to the south. The return to 'Greenup Edge and down to Borrowdale was hurried, the hostel being reached just as supper was served.

On the Sunday we attended Matins and Holy Communion at the little church in Stonethwaite and then enjoyed a comparatively lazy day without our ruc-sacs, some visiting Lodore Falls and Watendlath while a small group set off to reconnoitre next day's route. There was soft deep snow on the Esk Hause and huge sheets of ice on the north face of the Scafell range so it was decided with regret that we should not be able to climb the highest peak in England this year.

The alternative route which we took next day was by Seathwaite, Sty Head Tarn and down to Wasdale, then over Burnmoor to the hostel in Eskdale. Low cloud now covered Scafell as we skirted it and it was not until next day that most of us had a glimpse of the summit.

On Tuesday we followed the Roman road eastwards over Hard Knott and Wrynose Pass. On the way we investigated the Roman fort which guarded the valley from Ravenglass. The outlines of the walls and lower parts of the four corner towers are clearly recognisable and there is a bath house further down the hillside. Before reaching Little Landale Tarn we took the track northwards past Blea Tarn to Great Langdale. From here, there were impressive views of the Pikes to the north and Bowfell and Crinkle Crags to the west. A weary minority caught the bus from Dungeon Ghyll to Elterwater, but most of us scorned such help.

For the journey home we had a five mile walk to Ambleside, then the bus to Windermere to catch the eleven o'clock train. Some of the party, including the two Scouters, missed one bus and arrived at the station with only three minutes to spare. The journey home was comfortable and uneventful and we arrived back in York, perhaps a little tired after seventy miles of tramping, some of us more than a little sun-burned, but all feeling fitter for our exertions and with happy memories of the trip. It is hoped that an Easter Hike will become a regular feature of the Scout programme in future years. We are all very grateful to Mr. Bennett for giving us such an enjoyable time and arranging such a good route.

J.E.H.Q. 46

JUNIOR SCHOOL PATROLS The annual collection on behalf of the British Legion of used Christmas Cards was again most successful. With the help of the Pack last year's total of about 17,000 cards was reached. At the time of going to press 'Bob-a-Job' earnings are still coming in. Receipts so far indicate a larger total than a year ago.

The number of outdoor meetings that were 'rained off' during the past term must have been a record. However, good progress has been made with training, three 2nd Class badges have been gained and three proficiency badges.

At the St. George's Day Minster Service for York Scouts and Guides this year Sec. D. J. Oldman was chosen as the representative of the Scouts to read one of the Lessons.

The Summer camp this year will be held at Low Askew, nr.

Cropton, Pickering, on a site belonging to Mr. J. Cooper, District Commissioner for that area. It was last visited by the Troop three years ago.

SHOOTING Considering the large number of matches that have been shot inside the short space of seven weeks, this term has not been as disappointing as the match results might suggest. Most members of the 1st VIII had few or no practice shoots during this period, and the strain of shooting nothing else but matches was quite considerable.

After a poor start, however, the scores on the whole compared favourably with last year, especially those against Sutton Valence (who sent us an exceptionally high score) and St. Paul's.

The filling of the last place in the 1st VIII proved to be a tricky problem and was the subject of amusement to all except those making the choice. There were three very keen competitors of exactly equal merit, and the choosing of one of them (no duels being allowed) provided headaches before every match. On one occasion the decision was made on two practice shots fired by each just before the match.

At the beginning of term we faced the prospect of several 2nd VIII fixtures with some apprehension, for we could fill only three places in this team with confidence.. For this reason the 2nd VIII was not entered for the "Country Life" Competition, a decision which was perhaps regretted later when they had returned three most satisfactory scores in spite of their inexperience.

In the "Country Life" Competition the 1st VIII made a satisfactor score, the rapids being good, though the shooting on the Landscape was disappointing, although Robinson gave excellent fire orders 47

throughout. We were placed 25th, as compared with 18th last year.

Detailed scores were :Group 55, Rapid 362, Snap 195 Landscape 166. Total 778.

MATCH RESULTS:— 1st VIII.

St. Peter's 598 — Rossall School 640. Lost.

George Watson's College 642. Lost.

St. Peter's 615 — St. Bartholomew's Grammar School 605. Won. St. Peter's 604 — Felsted School 615. Lost.

Bridlington Grammar School 543. Won. St. Peter's 632 — Sutton Valence School 668. Lost.

St. Peter's 635 — St. Paul's School 592. Won. 2nd VIII. St. Peter's 560 — George Watson's College 562. Lost.

St. Peter's 563 — St. Bartholomew's Grammar School 470. Won. St. Peter's 547 — Sutton Valence School 629. Lost.

1ST VIII AND AVMRAGES:-D. M. Findlay (78.83), P. C. Knowlson (Christmas Term only) (79.80), H. W. J. Rigg (79.58), J. R. Bird (77.36), H. H. Hunter (78.67), J. G. Cobham (73.64), G. A. Danton (75.42), A. E. Wick (76.00), J. S. Megginson (Easter Term only) (75.42).

2ND VIII AND AVERAGES:--

D. J. Bird (Capt.) (73.29), P. S. Lumby (72.67), W. B. Powell (72.33), J. N. Ramsden (69.33), A. M. Carr (67.00), J. B. Weightman (67.33), T. A. Foy (67.33), P. Richardson (71.00).

Also shot :—J. R. Dwyer.

SQUASH The game remains as popular as ever and our name has been brought to the fore by the splendid performance of the School Captain, W. 11. N. Fairweather, who reached the final of the Junior Amateur Squash Rackets Competition (Drysdale Cup) at the Royal Automobile Club, London. The school can seldom claim to possess a player up to the standard that Fairweather has proved himself to be, in fact not since Norman Yardley won the cup in 1933 has the school sent forward an entrant for this highly competitive event.

After reaching the final of the Surrey County Championship, in which he lost to an opponent from Brighton College by 9-5, 8-10, 6-9, 2-9, Fairweather struck his best form in the Drysdale Cup and at last fulfilled the great promise which he showed, ever since he first won the School Open Competition 4 years ago at the age of 15. After drawing a bye in the 1st Round he met strong opponents in each ensuing round and met with the following successes :2nd Round v. Abraham (Lancing). Won, 10-9, 6-9, 9-6, 8-10, 9-7.

3rd Round v. Kenward (Winchester). Won, 3-9, 6-9, 9-4, 9-1, 9-2.

4th Round v. Hughes (Late Lancing). Won, 9-7, 9-1, 9-7.

Semi-final v. Norden (Lancing). Won, 9-10, 9-3, 9-7, 10-9.

Final v. Downey (Sedbergh). Lost, 6-9, 9-10, 3-9.

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In addition to this success both P. D. F. James and M. J. Wood survived for one round in the Surrey Junior Squash Championship, and in the Doubles competition W. H. N. Fairweather and M. J. Wood, after beating the Epsom School 1st pair by 15-9, 15-6, 15-9, lost in the 2nd round to the eventual winners of the competition from Brentwood School by only the narrowest of margins, 10-15, 9-15, 15-9, 18-16, 11-15.

Owing to unforeseen circumstances only two matches could be played at school this term. This was most unfortunate, as the school players, particularly M. J. Wood, showed considerable improvement.

Both the matches played were won by comfortable margins.

SCHOOL v. AIR MINISTRY, HARROGATE

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

W. H. N. Fairweather M. J. Wood N. M. Hodd P. D. F. James J. M. Booth

Won Won Lost Won Won

3-0 3-0 1-3 3-2 3-0

SCHOOL v. SCARBOROUGH L.T.C. 1.

W. H. N. Fairweather

Won

2.

M. J. Wood J. M. Booth

Won

3.

4.

5.

N. M. Hodd P. D. F. James

3-0 3-1

Won Lost

3-1

Won

3-0

2-3

With Fairweather standing down from the School Senior Competition the event became more open and informative, and J. M. Booth just managed to last the better and beat M. J. Wood in the final by 6-9, 7-9, 9-6, 9-7, 10-8. The Junior event (Under 16) was won by D. H. Beachell who beat E. A. M. Reid-Smith in the final by 9-6, 9-4, 9-2.

Details of the Inter-house Squash Matches are as follows :1st Round. School House beat Temple, 3-0 (4th and 5th strings did not play).

Semi-finals. School House beat Rise, 3-2.

Grove beat Manor, 3-0.

School House beat Grove, 3-2.

Final.

1. W. H. N. Fairweather beat M. J. Wood, 3-1 2. R. H. Jackson beat N. M. Hodd, 3-0.

3. P. H. Webster lost to R. M. Hodgson, 0.-3.

4. C. D. King lost to D. I. Fletcher, 0-3.

5. D. W. H. McDougle beat G. B. Pullan, 3-1.

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HOCKEY The results of our four inter-school matches were as follows :3rd Feb. v. Ashville College. Lost, 1-2.

28th Feb. v. Bootham School. Drawn, 0-0.

7th Mar. v. Worksop College. Lost, 2-3.

10th Mar. v. Trent College. Won, 1-0.

That table of results shows very clearly where the weakness of this year's Hockey XI lay. We could not score goals : and however well a side may play in mid-field, it is goals that count. The forwards just could not seize their chances in the circle. This was due to a slowness in shooting, an apparent inability to hit the ball hard enough, and a lack of anticipation. Scoring goals is partly a matter of experience and practice; and inevitably we have not enough of the former, and bad weather is always liable to deprive us of the latter.

Considering how wet February was, we were lucky to get as much hockey as we did : but even so, at the most critical stage of the season we had ten days completely blank.

We started the season with four old colours, and we really reduced that to three by deciding that Gunning should not keep goal, but try —with his quickness off the mark at Rugger in mind— to fill a gap at centre-forward : and he will certainly do that in time. That left us with Smith at full-back and Hodgson and Hodd at inside forward to build on.

We built our defence on the captain, A. N. C. Smith, at right back : and that defence became entirely adequate and at times very good indeed. Backs and halves knew their job and did it, and trusted the others to do theirs. Positional play was very good, and the only sides that looked likely to score many goals against us were Styx, who actually scored four and Worksop who outpaced us on foot and scored three.

The building of the forward line was not so successful, and yet there was much to admire in mid-field, and our passing was at times admirable. Hodgson and Hodd worked tremendously hard to get the line working together, but Hodgson has lost his shooting power, and Hodd never seemed quite to know where the goal was. We had to make an outside left, and after several experiments decided on Pullan who filled a difficult position very adequately and improved in every match. He has the makings of a good inside left, which may well be his position another year. At outside right the choice lay between Kershaw and Raylor, and Kershaw's superior speed won him the place, though he is not a natural hitter of a hockey ball.

Whatever results we may have achieved, everybody seemed to enjoy their hockey tremendously : and that is, after all, the primary object of playing any game.

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The second eleven also enjoyed themselves thoroughly, and moreover showed considerable promise. They lost at Bootham and by the odd goal at Worksop : but beat Ashville College and Trent, playing their best game at the very end. Since the whole of this second eleven may well be back next year, we may face the future with some confidence in our ability to contrive to play good hockey and win a reasonable proportion of our inter-school matches. The limitation of the number of boys playing hockey and the abandoning of House matches (surely a very wise step) has meant further opportunities for those who do play hockey, and this should mean an improvement in our standards before very long. A final word of congratulation must go to A. N. C. Smith, who captained the side with quiet but admirable and encouraging efficiency. The defence in general owed more to Smith than it probably realised.

CHARACTERS P. J. BLrNcoE, 1951 (Goal). He has entirely the right attitude for a goalkeeper, and he seemed to enjoy himself thoroughly. He kicks very well, and his only failing was in dealing with flick-shots from near at hand, even from difficult angles. The harder shots seldom found him wanting. *A. N. C. Starr% 1949-50-51 (Right Back). He is not a showy player and he sometimes fails to "catch the eye", but he is extremely sound and unselfish, marks his man admirably, and he has a really good understanding of the game. He never had the faster grounds which suit him best. As a captain he set an example of unassumingly skilful play.

J. T. ANKERS, 1951 (Left Back). He improved consistently and very considerably in the course of the season. He still needs to be able to hit with greater quickness and greater power; but he developed a really good understanding with Smith, and played his best game of the season against Trent, when the backs gave a very fine display. *J. M. BOOTH, 1951 (Right Half). The best hitter of a hockey ball on the side except for his captain. Despite some lack of speed he marked his outside efficiently and his passing to his forwards was admirable. He can use the cross-pass to an inside left extremely well, and has developed a most efficient lunge tackle.

W. H. N. FAIRWEATHER, 1951 (Centre Half). An experimental choice and on the whole a successful one. Handicapped by being left-handed, he nevertheless developed a good push-shot, and he did a tremendous amount of work. When he learned to mark his centre forward he filled in a gap in the defence. He was always inclined to spoil some excellent work by hanging on to the ball too long.

R. H. JACKSON, 1951 (Left Half). He was becoming a good half back when he had unfortunately to miss three weeks' hockey. He came back at the end of the season, but never quite recovered his earlier form. He knows the game and has the best flick-shot of anyone on the side. A promising player, but he is somewhat slow on his feet.

M. E.

KERSHAW, 1951 (Outside Right). His speed was a great asset to the side, and in mid-field he used it well. His centring was unreliable and he was inclined to wander inside too soon. But he never let us down and

was always a trier.

51

*R.

M. HODGSON, 1949-50-51 (Inside Right). He very largely recovered his best form, except for his shooting. He played with tremendous enthusiasm and would have been a very dangerous forward if he could have shot harder and more quickly. His passing improved enormously and in our last game he really showed us how to feed an outside right.

A. N. WYATT-GUNNING, 1950-51 (Centre Forward). Inevitably he took some time to settle into an entirely strange place, but he improved very considerably. His failure at present is that he is inclined to get his stick and his feet all muddled up when he is dribbling. If he can improve this he should be a dangerous centre forward next year. *N. M. HODD, 1950-51 (Inside Left). He is a tremendous worker, and "tackles back" better than anyone. But he is not quick enough to recover his position in the forward line, and there was a gap in the centre at times because he was hanging back. He is a most useful forward, and a thoroughly enthusiastic player.

G. B. PULLAN, 1951 (Outside Left). He learned to fill a most difficult position very adequately, and he improved considerably. A natural player, he should become a most useful forward. * Awarded Caps.

SCHOOL v. ASHVILLE COLLEGE, HARROGATE (away).

Saturday, 3rd February.

Lost 1-2.

We were handicapped by not having had any match at all prior to our visit to Harrogate, and when we were two goals down in five minutes we might have gone to pieces. As a fact, Ashville never scored again, and before half-time Gunning had reduced the lead.

In the second half there was very little to chose between the teams.

Each side missed some good opportunities of scoring, though how we missed on absolutely open goal must remain a mystery. Ashville just about deserved their win, on which we congratulate them. They were faster on the ball, and hit with greater certainty and precision on a very slow and difficult ground.

Team :—P. J. Blincoe (goal); A. N. C. Smith and J. T. Ankers (backs); J. M. Booth, 'W. H. N. Fairweather and R. H. Jackson (halves); M. E. Kershaw, R. N. Hodgson, A. N. Wyatt-Gunning, N. M. Hodd and G. B. Pullan (forwards).

SCHOOL v. SCARBOROUGH HOCKEY CLUB Played at home on Saturday, 10th February.

Lost 0-2.

The School eleven were slow in developing anything like a dangerous attack but the defence was sound almost throughout the game. It was good to notice the assistance given to the defence by the inside forwards. Hodd and Hodgson; and Booth at right-half was moving the ball about with some really good hitting.

When the forwards began to show more life they were still failing to find the gaps in the Scarborough defence, and when the ball did 52

get through to the circle, there was too much time taken over shooting. But there were some good points in the forward play; Pullan looked dangerous once or twice on the left and Hodgson had bad luck to be disallowed his excellent shot at goal after working so hard for it.

On the whole it was not a bright game to watch, but it was played on a very heavy ground and it must have been difficult to do much with the ball.

Team :—Blincoe, Ankers, Smith, Booth, J. M., White, Jackson, R. H., Raylor, Hodgson, Wyatt-Gunning, Hodd, Pullan.

SCHOOL v. STYX HOCKEY CLUB. Played at home on Wednesday, 14th February.

Lost 0-4.

From the bully-off, weather conditions became steadily worse, the second half being played in a steady downpour of rain and sleet.

The School were first in a position to score, when Hodd flicked a pass on to Hodgson's stick to see the shot go just wide of the post.

The Styx attack quickly settled down, and the two school fullbacks, Smith and Ankers, were kept very busy. Booth effectively stopped some dangerous left-wing movements. It was from one of these that the Styx first goal came, a centre flicked in by the speedy left-winger giving Blincoe no chance with the ensuing shot.

The two inside-forwards, Hodd and Hodgson, worked hard to get the School forward line moving. Their efforts bore fruit in the second half, but the Styx defence did not concede a goal. One movement engineered by Hodgson and Kershaw ended in a fine shot

by Hodgson which missed by barely a foot.

In the second half, Smith, keeping a cool head under pressure from the Styx forward line, helped to prevent further goals from the visitors' inside men and managed to feed his own attack. Play, throughout the half alternated evenly between the two halves of the field, a fact which in itself gives credit to the School team.

SCHOOL v. YORK H.C. (away).

Lost 0-2.

Saturday, 24th February.

Owing to the condition of our own ground this game was played away; and though the York ground was wonderfully dry, it was a little rough, and the School found it difficult. Moreover, because of rain, we had not touched a hockey stick for ten days, and the side took the whole of the first half to find its feet. By that time, despite some very good goalkeeping by Blincoe, we were 2 goals down. In the 53

second half the School played much better hockey and were a little unlucky not to score at least once. Jackson was unable to play; but, after a shaky start, Fletcher fitted in very well and did a good job in marking Bellerby, the most dangerous of the York forwards.

Team :—P. J. Blincoe (goal); A. N. C. Smith, J. T. Ankers (backs); J. M. Booth, W. H. N. Fairweather and D. I. Fletcher (halves); M. E. Kershaw, R. M. Hodgson, A. N. Gunning, N. M. Hodd, G. B. Pullan (forwards).

SCHOOL v. BOOTHAM SCHOOL (away).

Draw 0-0.

Wednesday, 28th February.

This was a very pleasant game of hockey on a lovely afternoon; and the Bootham ground, considering all the rain there had been, was in very good condition. The School played very well. They were much quicker on the ball, and their passing was quicker and harder.

In fact we could do most things except score goals, and perhaps Bootham were a little lucky to escape with a draw. But their defence was good, and their centre-half and left back both played very well.

For the School, Smith in the first half was in his best form, though he fell away somewhat in the second half : Ankers was good all through and played his best game so far. Booth was the pick of the halves, and Hodd and Hodgson both played very well. If only they could get goals !

The Team was identical with that which played against York.

ST. PETER'S 1st XI v. O.P's Won 4-1 Played at home on Saturday, 3rd March.

The match was played in perfect conditions on a ground which was well suited to the fast tactics employed by both teams.

The first twenty minutes were remarkable for the play of Steele, the O.P. centre-half, who repeatedly checked the School's attempts to feed their forwards by positioning himself to intercept their passes.

Steele himself opened the scoring, but from that moment the School really settled down to their task. Gunning quicky scored for the School, and the score at half-time remained one all.

In the second half the School attack played good constructive hockey, and a good movement, started by Hodd, who had dropped back to help his defenders, ended by Pullan's centre being taken by Gunning, who shot on the turn, to score his second goal.

The O.P's then tried to force their way through the school defence, but the backs, Smith and Ankers, kept them out.

Again the school forwards increased the pressure and in spite of repeated checks and hard clearances by Chilman, Gunning completed sh the scoring. a fine hat-trick. Hodd got the fourth goal, to fini 54

The O.P. side was :—R. M. Garth (goal); J. F. W. Addey, K. G. Chilman (backs); R. G. M. Quarrie, F. F. Steele, W. B. Batterick (halves); K. R. G. Harper, C. Dryden, D. Anderson, A. T. H. Wright, I. U. Warrington (forwards).

Our thanks are due to P. M. Steele for organising the team. He himself was unfortunately unable to play owing to a damaged foot.

SCHOOL v. WORKSOP COLLEGE (home).

Lost 2-3.

Wednesday, 7th March.

Had we seized two easy scoring chances in the second half, we might well have won this match : and yet it would have been an unjust result if we had. Worksop deserved to win. They were faster, and their forwards, well led by their captain at inside left, played more penetrating hockey than we did. Their positional defence was good too, and our forwards never shook themselves free. Our backs and halves played well in defence, but the halves were generally not constructive enough in their passing. Blincoe could only be blamed possibly for our opponents' third goal, scored with a down flick-shot from an almost impossible angle : an angle that better positioning could have made quite impossible. It was a thoroughly good and enjoyable game of hockey, and the ground really played very well.

This was a considerable achievement for Wallbank, because the ground had to absorb an unusual amount of water during the term.

Our goals were both scored in the second half by Gunning and Kershaw.

SCHOOL v. TRENT COLLEGE (away).

Won 1-0.

10th March.

Except inside the circle, this was our best display of the year; for inside the circle we were again terribly weak. But our defence was very good indeed, and Blincoe never had a real shot to stop. All the halves and the backs played well, and Ankers and Booth played their best games.

Hodd scored our goal by good following up within ten minutes of the start, and we hoped that might inspire the other forwards to get goals. But well though we played in mid-field, the Trent defence was good and sealed up all but the quickest opportunities, and these were too quick for our forwards. In the second half the same thing happened, and three glorious centres from Pullan went begging through lack of anticipation. The Trent captain at centre half and both the Trent backs defended stoutly : but their forwards were too well marked to make much headway. It was an extremely pleasant match on a faster ground than we have seen this year—and we appreciated that.

Team :—P. J. Blincoe (goal); A. N. C. Smith and J. T. Ankers (backs); J. M. Booth, W. H. N. Fairweather, R. H. Jackson (halves); M. E. Kershaw, R. M. Hodgson, A. N. Gunning, N. M. Hodd, G. B. Pullan (forwards.

55

SCHOOL MATCHES SUMMARY OF MATCHES 1st XI 3rd Feb. v. Ashville College, Harrogate 10th Feb. v. Scarborough H.C. 14th Feb. v. Styx H.C. ...

17th Feb. v. Phoenix H.C. 24th Feb. v. York H.C. 28th Feb. v. Bootham School 3rd Mar. v. O.P.s ...

7th Mar. v. Worksop College 10th Mar. v. Trent College ...

•• • Away • • • Home • • • Home ...

• • • Away . • • Away • • • Home • • • Home • • • Away

Lost — Lost 0— Lost Scratched Lost 0-Drawn 0Won 4Lost 2Won 1

2nd XI Won 6— Away 3rd Feb. v. Ashville College, Harrogate Lost 2— ...

Away 24th Feb. v. Railway Institute Lost 0— Away 28th Feb. v. Bootham School Lost 1— 7th Mar. v. Worksop College Home Won 3— ... ... ... Away 10th Mar. v. Trent College The 2nd XI team was :—R. D. Palframan (Goal); J. J. Youll, D. W. McDougle (Backs); D. H. Gudgeon, S. J. White (Capt.), D. I. Fletche (Halves); J. M. Raylor, H. W. J. Rigg, J. E. Fawcett, M. J. Wood, P. D. F. James (Forwards).

2nd XI Colours were awarded to :—S. J. White, D. I. Fletcher, J. E. Fawcett, J. M. Raylor, D. W. H. McDougle.

BRITISH SHIP ADOPTION SOCIETY The Easter term almost coincided with the "Mountpark's" passage home from Cairns, Queensland.

After completion of discharging at Bluff, New Zealand, the ship proceeded to Sydney for bunkers and then went on to Cairns to load sugar. This was in December, and Christmas was spent at Cairns, where the temperature was about 85 deg. F. Loading lasted until 18th January and in the early morning of the 19th the ship weighed anchor. After calling at Singapore for oil (1st Feb.) she passed through the Suez Canal during the night 20/21, and arrived at Gibraltar, where bunkers were filled again, on 1st March. The passage to Liverpool was completed on 7th March, when the ship had steamed 11,116 miles according to the log and had been at sea, except for fuelling, for 45 days.

Our correspondent, Mr. Ellis, left the ship at Liverpool, and will be on leave till July. Except for two short spells at home, he has been at sea in the "Mountpark" for five years—in fact, since she set off on her maiden voyage. She has been our "adopted" ship for the same period, but in accordance with the policy of the British Ship Adoption Society our link now comes to an end, and we shall have a "new" ship when Mr Ellis goes to sea again.

During the term we have received several bundles of newspapers from the ship, some have been put in the Library, and all were avail56

able at the Science Exhibition at the beginning of the Summer term.

We have also received notebooks, the Chief Engineer's copy of the Deck Abstracts, giving details of position, weather, day's steaming and so on for the "Mountpark" since her maiden voyage. During this time she has steamed about 150,000 miles, and these notebooks having been in actual use throughout, provide a most interesting record.

ATHLETICS AND CROSS-COUNTRY Our activities this term have been considerably restricted, mainly owing to most miserable weather conditions, which culminated in an assault of sleet, hail, and snow on Easter Monday, Sports Day. In spite of the prevailing conditions, a programme of standards was persevered with whenever the track was fit, and if Sports Day itself had only relented and warmed our limbs a little, we could have forgiven the past. But is was not to be. The Sports could not be held, The cheerless conditions did not prevent M. G. Goodburn (R), J. R. Moore (R), W. G. A. Maxwell (G) and D. J. Nesham (S.H.) from obtaining maximum points in the standards, and eight other boys were close on their heels, being only one short of a "possible". The Rise gained from standards a most commanding lead, so much that few would dispute that, with all their available talent they would have won the Athletics Shield. As was only to be expected, the average number of standards gained was nothing like so high as in past years (the half-mile standard was the only one not attempted), but the ultimate award of points gave a fair indication of the balance of the houses.

House Placings 1. Rise, 200 points.

School House, 160 points.

Temple, 160 points.

4. Manor, 157 points.

5. Grove, 154 points. :

2.

5

It was disappointing that the end should come in such a way, and we were not to witness once more the performances of outstanding athletes such as M. G. Goodburn and M. E. Kershaw, who for the past 3 or 4 years have held the fort. It was not likely that Goodburn would have bettered his half-mile record of last year, because training opportunities had been so adverse, and it was even more disappointing for him that he failed by inches to qualify for the final of the 4- mile in the Public Schools Sports at the White City in the holidays, having stumbled and fallen just short of the line when lying second. The mile races, both senior and intermediate were the only two track events to be held as is customary, 3 or 4 days before Sports Day. For the 3rd year in succession Goodburn won the senior event easily and thus brought to a conclusion his outstanding school athletic career.

57

Mile results :— Senior : 1, Goodburn ,(R.); 2, Ankers (T.); 3, Meredith (T.); 4, Fairwea t (S.H.). Time : 4 mins. 54% secs.

Intermediate : 1, Everitt (G.); 2, Atkinson (T.); 3, Dent (G.); 4, Whea (R.). Time : 5 mins. 33% secs.

CROSS-COUNTRY, 26th February, 1951 The event was very much a repeat performance of the previ years. For the 4th year in succession, Goodburn "walked" it, and the 3rd year in succession the Grove won the Plate.

To make up for the lack of surprises provided by the runners, Signal Section did at least surprise everyone by giving a very suc ful running commentary on the progress of the race, for which are very grateful.

Result:1, Goodburn (R.); 2, Fairweather (S.H.); 3, Gears (G.); 4, Ankers (T.): 5, Hodd (G.); 6, Raylor (M.); 7, Meredith (T.); 8, Whittaker (G.); 9, Webster (S.H.); 10, Hollis (G.); 11, White (T.); 12, Spencer (M.).

Time : 23 mins. 40 % secs.

House Placings :—

Rise

Manor

Grove

1 13 19 26 27 31

6 12 14 17 20 21

3 5 8 10 15i 15i

90

57

Schoo House 2 9 24 28 35 36

Temple 7

11 18 23 29

134

117

4

92

CRICKET FIXTURES, 1951 'Under 16' Colts XI

2nd XI

1st XI

-ZM>. Z > MX

... H Wed. May 16 York C.C. 19 Clifton C.C. ... H Sat. „ — Wed. „ 23 Sat. „ 26 Worksop Coll.

Wed. „ 30 Sat. June 2 Giggleswick Sch — Wed. „ 6 9 Yorks. Gent. ... „ Sat. Wed. „ 13 Ampleforth Coil Sat. „ 16 Leeds G S. ...

Wed. „ 20 Durham School Sat. „ 23 Bradford G.S....

— Wed. „ 27 Sat.,. 30 1st Round Seni Or Wed. July 4 Semi-finals Sent off „ 7 Bootham School Sat. — Wed. „ 11 „ 14 Final Senior ...

Sat. — Wed. „ 18 H „ 21 Craven Gents.

Sat. Wed. „ 25 T. H. Hobson's A XI H " 27 Old Peterites „ 28 Sat.

'Under 15' Colts XI

A

Leeds G S

Worksop Coll.... H

Worksop Coll.... A

Giggleswick Sch. H Durham School 1st Round Jun.

A

Ampleforth Col. Durham School

H A

Ampleforth Col. A

Bradford G.S.

H

Bradford G.S. H Semi-finals Junio r

House Match ...

House Matches Bootham School A House Match ...

58

Leeds G.S. Bootham Sch. Worksop Coll.

A H A

House Match Drax G.S.

H

House Matches

Giggleswick Sch. H House Match Final Junior PocklIngton School Bootham Sch.

H A

THE BOAT CLUB They're under ! Up went the shout from those wind-blown spectators on the bank, and some were already beginning to mourn the loss of five 'dear' Templars, when the Manor crew also started to play submarines.

Now we began to get a little anxious, for we could ill afford to lose two of our boats. This was. the eventful spectacle the first round of Junior House Boat Races presented. The Manor crew managed to stay rather more on the surface than their Temple opponents, and the latter had to row a boat home with their 'seats' sliding up and down in river water ! The Manor won the race in a time of three and a half minutes, which, in view of the conditions, was not bad at all.

Both crews pulled into York City landing stage to empty their boats before completing the return journey. The first round of the Senior Boat Race between the Grove and School House was rowed two days later under perfect conditions. At the start both crews were level, then down the reach Grove draw ahead by a foot or two, though still there was no appreciable change. Then at Scarborough Bridge, the Grove, who had been rowing the slightly slower stroke, gave her a `ten', and cleared the School House crew, who were making heavy work of it by now and could not reply to the challenge. Grove won by a length, in four minutes forty-eight seconds.

The remainder of the House races were rowed on Saturday, 10th March, as part of the York Spring Regatta Programme. This gave to some of the junior crews the novelty of using 'stake' boats at the start. The first race between School House and the Grove juniors again gave us a surprise, as here again the Grove triumphed against a muh more experienced House crew. The first senior race between the Rise and Temple saw both crews togther all the way to the diving boards; but by York Boat House Rise gave her a 'ten', and Temple soon faded out of the picture, suffering the unforunate accident also of one member of the crew coming off his seat in the final stages of the race. And so the Rise won comfortably by four and a half lengths in four minutes thirty eight seconds. A second junior race between Manor and the Rise then followed. There the 'Manor crew rowed with more steadiness than ever before and easily beat the Rise, who were rather apt to rush things.

The finals after tea saw the Manor crew take away the junior cup after being down at the start by over a length. They rowed magnificently to win the race by two lengths, Jackson, R. A., the stroke, deserving commendation for the fine way in which he held his crew together when all seemed lost.

The senior final saw the second Grove crew in action against the Rise. At the start both crews were level, but by the diving boards the Rise were comfortably a length up, and were rowing with a 59

•

beautiful long stroke. Two 'tens' under Scarborough Bridge and the Grove were left behind, the race being practically won. Thus the Rise became champions for the second year, winning by three and a half lengths. The Grove captain, J. Whittaker, is to be congratulated on his splendid effort in getting two crews to the finals.

This term we managed to clean up some of our older boats, owing to the fact that now we are able to lay up one of our boats at a time without barring too many people from boating. The landing stage is almost complete now, and we can accommodate an 'eight' easily.

The Festival cleaning up has provided us with a new tow-path so now we are hoping the floods next year don't wash it away again.

The building which has stood next to the boat house for so long now, without anybody knowing what was really inside, belonged to the York City Swimming Club. During the last term enquiries were made about buying it, and we are glad to report that we were successful, and the building now belongs to the School.

At the end of term a chosen few stayed over to row in the newly acquired 'eight'. Luckily it was one of the nicer days of the holidays and the outing was enjoyed by all.

,

THE "EIGHT" During the Christmas term a note was received from D. H. Tate, a former member of the Boat Club to say that King's College Boat Club, at Blaydon, Newcastle, was to sell one of its 'eights' and that we might have the first chance of buying it for the very moderate price of £45. The question of acquiring an 'eight' had long been in the thoughts of senior members of the Boat Club and the opportunity seemed too good to miss. Instead of asking the Governors to bear the expense it was decided to start a fund amongst the members of the School, and the Headmaster gave a generous start to this fund. The response to the appeal was so hearty—and here it must be recorded that, apart from one or two very kind donations from parents, the greater part of the total was subscribed in pence and sixpences—that the sum of £23 13s. 8d. was raised. Soon after this, word was received from another Old Peterite, Mr. J. L. Pattinson, of Middlesbrough, that he would like to give the balance of the cost of the 'eight' in memory of his brother, also an Old Peterite, who was killed in the 1914-18 war. This generous gift enabled the Boat Club to complete the purchase and, as a memorial to E. P. Pattinson, the 'eight' now carries his name.

The possession of an eight has value in two ways. First, it will enable the school to practise in its own boat in preparation for the eights race at Tyne Regatta in July in which the school has partici60

gated for the last two years, instead of taking advantage of the willing co-operation of York City Boat Club, which has always offered us the use of one of its eights. Secondly, it will be a benefit to boys leaving school for the university if they can get the feel of an eight before they leave, so that they will join their college Boat Club knowing something about the different technique required.

The Boat Club is also indebted to Mr. Charles Oliver, who kindly defrayed the cost of transporting the eight and to Mr. Roe, who made the necessary arrangements.

THE JUNIOR SCHOOL This Easter term seems to have been one of the less successful of Easter terms, largely perhaps owing to the prolonged cold and wet weather which prevented our regular games, and also seemed to bring about a succession of illness. In spite of these things, however, the Forms in the Junior School were never very seriously depleted at any one time, but the absence of a good many boys did prevent our holding the Junior School Concert which had been planned.

We held a 'trial run' of the Concert on 21st February which showed that the Concert would have been very good if we had been able to give the items a little more polishing up. Our Cross-country runs were successfully resulting in a win for the Spartans.

Quite a large number of boys under the enthusiastic guidance of the Music Staff have given a good deal of their spare time to music practices, both instrumental and vocal. The good results were heard in the musical production given at the end of term.

The lateness of the Spring was made very noticeable by the late date of the first flowering of the Lesser Celandine, as the first flower was not found until 16th March— the latest date for a good many years.

The following birds were brought to school at various times during the term : a Snipe, a Woodcock, a Sparrow Hawk, a Stock Dove, and a Carrion Crow.

We also had the unusual experience of examining a Stoat which had turned quite white and so became an Ermine. This animal had been caught in a trap on a farm about six miles from York.

Boxing was again taken up enthusiastically by a large number of boys, and we were able to hold our Annual Boxing Tournament on 21st March. A very creditable display was given.

61

We had been looking forward to, and making preparations for the Science Exhibition, but the term finished rather suddenly and unexpectedly owing to illness, so we shall hope to take part in the Exhibition next term.

Anyway, we were very glad to go home on Easter Monday even though many of us travelled in a thick snowstorm which made the countryside look more like January than the end of March !

SALVETE, January, 1951 R. Atkinson.

P. B. Brown.

W. E. Montague.

VALETE, April, 1951 B. W. Breckon.

A. J. C. North.

ST. OLAVE'S SCHOOL BOXING TOURNAMENT Wednesday, 21st March, 1951 CONTESTS 1, R. H. Sykes beat D. E. Coulson. 2, P. R. Webster beat W. Gibson 4, J. M. Holroyd beat J. J. Rhodes.

3, J. P. Harris beat F. D. Lavender.

6, H. A. Fenn beat P. A. Fenton, 5, R. E. Clifford beat R. A. Hodgson.

7, C. J. Copley beat R. Leach. 8, D. Storey beat R. S. Smyth. 9, A. P. 10, M. P. Giddings beat J. F. Middleton.

Hopwood beat N. J. Magson.

12, J. N. Hanson beat A. D. Best.

11, P. E. Bulmer beat J. L. Hyde.

13, D. G. Macpherson beat R. N. Bradford. 14, I. L. Barton beat A. D. Baker.

15, M. J. R. Loadman beat T. Chilman.

Duration of Bouts—Three rounds of one minute. One minute's interval between rounds.

Judges: K. G. Chilman, Esq., D. A. C. Blunt, Esq., J. S. Cooper, Esq. Announcer: A. W. Ping, Esq. Timekeeper: J. Nix, Esq. Referee: D. K. Crews, Esq. Instructor: R.M.S. P. F. Power, M.B.E. ,

JUNIOR SCHOOL GAMES Before the floods made the lower fields unfit for play we have had regular "Rugger" games for those 11 years old and above and "Soccer" for the under 11's. A Soccer match however was arranged for an "under 13" XI versus Mattersey Hall, played away on Tuesday, 13th February—this we lost by 12 goals to one after being 5-1 down at half-time.

The following represented the Junior School in this match :— Megginson, Sparham, Forster, Wilkinson, Hopwood (Captain), Welsh, Magson, Gurney, Fish, Burdass and Pfluger.

Inter-House Cross-Country Running occupied the remainder of the term.

62

CROSS-COUNTRY In spite of illness, the usual Cross-Country leagues and championships were held. Spartans won the shield with 14 points, Thebans being second with 11 and Etruscans third with 9.

The individual champions were as follows Seniors Pfluger (Spartans); 2nd Barton, I. (Spartans). :-

:

Middles Irvin (Thebans); 2nd High (Trojans).

Juniors Holroyd (Spartans); 2nd Thorpe (Thebans). :

:

WOLF CUB REPORT We continue as usual with a full pack, and have had a varied programme this term. Most of the meetings have taken place in the gym owing to the bad weather. Two first stars were gained, but unfortunately no second stars or badges. The inter-six competition was very close, four points separating the first three. The Red Six won, followed by Green and Blue. During the Christmas holidays we collected old Christmas Cards for renovation by disabled ex-servicemen, and during the Easter holidays we were busy with the bob a job week.

-

63

-

EDITORIAL NOTICES The Peterite is the magazine of St. Peter's School, York.

The Editors solicit literary contributions and general correspondence from past and present Peterites.

No notice can be taken of anonymous correspondence. Contributors may, if they prefer it, send their name in a separate envelope, which will not be opened unless the contribution is accepted.

Where the contributor's name is not intended for publication, his "nom-de-plume" should be enclosed as well.

The subscription to The Peterite is 6s. Od. per annum, payable in advance, i.e., before the issue of the first number of the year (January). Members of the O.P. Club receive The Peterite gratuitously.

The Peterite is published three times a year, at the beginning of each term.

If any members of the O.P. Club should not receive their numbers of The Peterite, the Editors would be obliged if notice could be sent at once to The Bursar, St. Peter's School, York.

The Editors of The Peterite will be glad to supply any past numbers which they may have to those desiring them, at the price of is Od. per copy.

Applications for advertising space to be made to The Bursar, St. Peter's School, York.

64

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