before they could contact, and effect fission of the 235 isotope. This difficulty was overcome when it was discovered that if the speed of the neutrons was reduced then they were not absorbed; the reduction in speed was achieved by the use of graphite moderators. After discussing the layout of a nuclear power station the lecturer closed by showing a series of views of Calder Hall, Britain's and the world's first atomic power station on the commercial scale. At the last meeting three members of Queen's House gave talks, demonstrations and lectures. R. H. Thorp opened with a lecture on "High Speed Flight". The first aspect of the lecture was the area rule which had been formulated by Whitcomb, an American. He had compared the shape of a 'plane with an ideally streamlined shape; modification of the 'plane's shape had enabled attainment of much higher speeds. One of the problems of high speed flight was keeping pilots alive in spite of severe forces acting on them; this problem was being dealt with by the design of helmets and pressure suits. P. J. Netherwood gave a talk entitled "Fitness : Go !". He summarised the main source of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and vitamins, and explained why each was necessary for a healthy existence. A good method of training for any sport was the power circuit, which consisted of a series of simple exercises which could be undertaken daily, great benefit being gained by the gradual increase of the circuit. The speaker then stressed the importance of fitness in the avoidance of injury. The Secretary, speaking last, talked about power craft handling. A boat's screw produced a flow of water which exerted a forward force on the boat by reason of Newton's third law of motion. This flow of water could be deflected by the rudder and this enabled the boat to manceuvre. So ended another term during the course of which the Society had heard lectures on many varied subjects, lectures which had only one common aspect, and that was their high standard. C.R.C.
THE BRITISH SHIP ADOPTION SOCIETY The "Clan Stewart" sailed from Liverpool on 11th January with a general cargo for South African ports, and made her first call at Durban, where she arrived on the 29th. Of this passage Capt. Graham writes : "The weather was excellent from the time we left until we were about two days' from Cape Town, when the usual strong S.E. or S.W. winds started. The passage time was 18 days 11 hours, which was very good going. As usual, we had a full passenger list, with five of the passengers doing the round voyage to Australia and back. "It was very unusual to see so many ships between Cape Verde and Cape Town. It reminded one of the Red Sea with all its tankers. One sees many strange ships in Durban these days. Yesterday we had two P. and 0. ships in, the "Arcadia" and "Chusan". The Orient Line are regular callers as well. Tankers come in practically every day." 34
