St. Michael's College Magazine HITCHIN.

Volume XXIV July, 1951

EDITORIAL

IT is ;tImost impossible in the thrust of immediate events to seize what is progress and abandon what is worn and exhausted

by the friction of current phantasy. The neoteric and the obsolete flash and tremble in the light of a swiftly-fading age. Men stumble in haste as they yearn for the future, whilst others delay in the frantically obstinate averring of bygone values.

Whither travels the light? Where is the triumph? Must history swell up to overflood the advancing tide or is the gentIy­throbbing ease of security stormed and wrenched for eyer from out time?

The school's sketch of the person, to be filled in by a pending career, is it to be drawn and redrawn with puritanical indelibility which forbids or, at least, overcasts the charm of finer featuring? Perhaps the modern trend is thus. It adds anxiety to the poet's appeal:

"Thou little child, yet glorious in the MIGHT Of heaven-born freedom on thy being's height, Why with such earnest pains dost thou provoke The years to bring the i~evitable yoke, Thus blindly with thy blessedness at strife."

Can we not leave the lines bold but light and more certain to do no more than contain the broader tones of life? For the thoroughness of life is surely in its ending; that is when we can grasp the full value 'of its beginning and glance through the dazzle or gloom which opened up in some further measure the fuller meaning of creation.

Let us plunge deep into the new and vigorous wake of learn­ing and method, but let us give measure and value to the undying past-undying because its form lies embedded in the ever-evolving present.

1

SCHOOL NOTES THE Assumptiorust Fathers took over the direction of SL

Michael's in 1925. The 25th anniversary of this event was cele­brated at the school on December 8th. Among our guests were many who, for periods of varying lengths, worked on the staff during the quarter of a century which has just closed. The Reverend Father James Whitworth, now Provincial Superior of the Congregation in this country, presided at the festivities. They began with a High Mass of thanksgiving, sung in the parish church by Fr. Provincial. Fr. WaIter Robertson, well-known to many Qld Boys, preached the sermon. Four ex-headmasters were among the guests at lunch. We all deeply regretted that other engagements lIad prevented Bishop Beck from coming to take part in the celebrations. Tribute was paid in the course of the after-dinner speeches to the work done in the school in the early years by Fr. Marie-Louis Deydier, the first Superior of the Com­munity and the first Assumptionist headmaster of the school. Most of the guests were able to stay and attend the first per­formance of the annual concert in the afternoon. .

* * * Notable changes of staff took place during the summer holi­

days of last year. Those who left for other posts were Fr. Ambrose Moss, Fr. Joseph Scally and Mrs. Bodkin. The new appointments were: Fr. Richard Leppard, for Handicrafts; Fr. Roger Killeen, B.A., for Senior History, and Dr. J . Prot, Ph .D., Physical Chemistry, for Senior Science. We were also fortunate in secur­ing the temporary assistance of Br. Francis White, who accepted an interruption in his own studies to come and strengthen the school staff.

* * * Brother Francis' presence here gave the boys the opportunit)

of witnessing the ceremony of a Final Religious Profession. Brother pronounced his Perpetual Vows on October 18th, in the school chapel. .

* * * Half-term, November, 1950, was the occasion of an important

change in the school timetable. It was judged opportune to abandon the practice of Saturday morning school. We now have the normal seven periods on Wednesday, and Saturday morning is free.

* * * Visitors on the day of the annual concert found the hall re­

decorated. Other parts of the school have since been given a new appearance. The Sports Master kept himself in training by wielding a paint brush during most of the Easter holidays. Father Richard and Fr. Roger are in process 01 re-fashioning the boys'

Z

library, according to a carefully-planned scheme. The former shelf-space will be almost doubled, and facilities for the use of reference books, in particular, will be greatly increased. The Librarian will welcome gratefully gifts of books of all kinds.

* * * Many boys were keenly interested in a talk given on November

25th on the Legion of Mary. The result of the lecture was the founding of · a Praesidium in the school. Members have main­tained their initial enthusiasm both for weekly meetings and for work undertaken.

* * * The re-birth of a vigorous Debating Society has been one of

the most gratifying features of school life during the year. Meetings have been very well attended and discussions have been lively. One could wish for more general interest in the debates on the part of the day boys.

* * * Good use was made of the film projector during the autumn

and winter terms. Most tastes were catered for at one time or another. Our thanks to Fr. Eric and to his assistants for time and trouble spent on ensuring the smooth running of these entertainments.

* * * Beds usurped the place of scholastic equipment for a brief

period in the Art room during the spring term, when some twenty 'flu victims overflowed from the Infirmary. Matron was, as usual, untiring in her devotedness to her patients, and it was not surpris­ing, however distressing it may have been, that she herself was forced to give up her work for a few days afterwards and become a patient in her turn. Our ninety boarders give Matron a deal of work and we can only admire the way in which she copes with the multitudinous calls on her efficient attention.

* * * Eight successful candidates helped to inter the old School

Certificate Examination in 1950:-G. P. Baldwin.-Distinction in Mathematics: Credit in English

Language; Passes in Literature, Geography and Art. E. Berenhaut.- Distinctions in History and French. Credits

in English Language, Literature, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology. Pass in Art.

D. C. Luckham.- Distinctions in Literature, History, Geography and Mathematics. Credits in English . Language, Chemistry and Art.

M. R. Oyston.- Credits in Mathematics and Biology. Passes in Literature, G~ography, Chemistry and Art.

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C. -J. Robson.-Credits in Literature, English Language and Geography. Passes in Biology and Art.

G. Fanfani.-Di&tinction in Italian. Credits in English Language, Literature, French and Mathematics. Pass in History.

J. Harkins.-Credits in English Language, Literature, French and Mathematics. Passes in History, Geography and ·Latin.

A. B. Long.-Credits in English ·Language and Literature. Passes in History~ French, Mathematics and Art.

A. Trivett.-Credits in English Language, Literature and Geography. Passes in History, Mathematics and Art.

Successful candidates for the Higher Certificate were : K. W. Berentzen.-Principals: History and English. Subsid.

French, Elementary Politics and Economics. D. E. Deeks-Camagna.-Principals: English and Italian. Sub­

sid. French. D. T. McLean.-Principals: English and Hi!:ltory. Subsid.

Elementary Politics and Economics. P. I. Robbins.-Principals: English and History. Subsid.

French. In the Inter-Collegiate Examinatlbn in Religion: T. AlIen and

P. Robbins secured the Higher Certificate. School Religious Certificates were awarded to G. Baldwin.

R. Ballerini, C. Barrett, R. Eberhard, V. Edwards, G. Fanfani, M. FauI, B. Gavin, J. Harkins, A. Long, D. Luckham. E. Niedwirski, M. Oyston, M. Rose.

In the l'nfer-Collegiate Examination in R eligion, Certificates were awarded in 1951 to:

B. Ahern, D. Duff, E. Gudgeon, J. Hardiman, C. Harkins, M. Hurley, A. Lawrence, G. Lukaszewski, T. Masterson, T. Payne, P. Quigley, M. J. Shannon, G. Truman.

VALETE

(Since July, 1950)

D. Ansell, E . Bozman, J. Anslow, P. Cowley, J . O. Crawley, R . Bcillerini, K. Burnett, M. Faul, C. Fisher, G. Fanfani, E. Gavin, J. Gutteridge, J. Harkins, E. Hugo, A. Hall, M. Haywood, H. Kaszuba, A. . Krasinski, A. King, C. Lewis, A. Long, D. Luckham, A. Lay ton, B. Mellody, N. Mulkern, T. Martin, D. McLean, M. Oyston, M. O'Reilly, H. Perzanowski, T. Price, P. Robbins, C. Robson, M. SaW, M. Taylor, S. Tullett, G. Truman, A. Thurlow, A. Trivett, W. Wrazej, A. Watkin, E. Niedzwirski, L. Malik-David, D. Deeks-Camagna, L. Aslanowicz, M. Verhaeghe.

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SALVETE (Since September, 1950)

R. Ward, C. Ward, B. Smith, H. Taylor, M. Thacker, R. Slater, P. Sandeman, T. sande~n A. Sandeman, P. Ronchetti, M. Ronchetti, R. Robson, (g.1f~ W. Penfold, N. Parker, D. Os borne, C. O'Leary, A. . deJe, J. McCaffrey, M. Leary, R. Jenkins, T. James, G. Greveson, D. Gould, M. Dyer, J. Drew, C. Davis, M. Craigen, J. Collins, B. Butler, artle , S. Atkinson, M. Fleetwood, D. Wilson, K. Thompson, . Thomas, G. Thomas, J. Smyth, P. Shambrook, W. Morris, Z. 0 ano, . James, J. Fraser. P. Duggan, P. Woods, P. Wey, I. Watson, A. Stocks, P. A. Spragg, B. OdelI, N. Nash, M. Lawrence, J. lackson, D. Dimiels, A. Dainton, P. Clements, M. Moloney, G. Losos, A. Green, P. Cosgrave, P. Donovan, J. Loseby, T. Evans, V. Mouchez. .

ED~;~~:~··~~~E? f~~~ lr1 THE editor would like to acknowledge with thanks the receipt of

the following contemporary magazines and apologises for those inadvertently omitted: The Ratcliffian, The Mitre, Hitchin Grammar School Chronicle, Sherrardswood School Chronicle, St. Froncis College Magazine, The Ushaw Magazine, The Wellbury Maga::.:ine, L'Assomption, Worcester, D.S.A.

* * * Many thanks are offered to· all who in any way supported the

" Annual Sports." Special thanks to those who sent donations: . Mr. McKay, Mrs. Webster, Mrs. Robinson (Swaffham), Matron, Mr. Browne, Mrs. McCartney, Mr. Gallagher and to all who kindly helped in other ways. .

* * * The editor received a letter from Fr. Superior of the House

of Studies saying that he had a number of memorial cards for Michael O'Shea, R.I.P. All those who knew him are not only invited, but asked to write for one (to the editor or to the House of Studies, "CapenOl:," Nutfield, Surrey), so that they will be reminded to pray for his soul. And the editor ventures to suggest that those who knew him very well, might like to contribute to the erection of a fitting memorial stone.

The College would like to thank those who contributed to the Stage Fund; St. Andrew's Players particularly, for two guineas.

* * * The editor would like to make it clear that his staff does not

hold itself responsible for any Wagstaffean inaccuracy in the article entitled" Motor-cycling for Boys."

5

CHRONICLE WINTER TERM ,~5" 0

Sept.

Oct.

Nov.

19th

22nd

26th 28th 29th

1st

4th

6th

13th 14th 25th 28th

1st

3rd

1'3th 15th

Boarders return to find the absence of Frs. Ambrose and Joseph and the arrival of Frs. Roger and Richard. Fr. Eric informs us that he has built a table-tennis table-without legs. ,( Fr. Roger somersaults into class. School record? All the boarders get a 1,000 lines. St. Michael's and customary holiday. No record­punishments forgiven.

Some members of the Staff and" WaIter" take the opportunity to go to the Hierarchy Centenary Cele­brations at Wembley. Maths' Class : " If I am standing here and a train comes towards me at . . .. " Energt;tic youth: " You'll get out of the way." Echo! Prefects are nominated, and with this further riots break out. Needham is 13 today- Friday the 13th! The First XI lose . . . . The First XI lose . . . . The First XI lose .. .. (This is now closed).

All Saints' Day. A holiday and we celebrate " Fawkes." A" barrel" goes up in smoke.

,Half-term and, whereas most of the boarders go home, Quigley goes" Haywire." The Roses begin their new career- Bill-sticking. With the arrival of Fr. John at the" Pop Shop," the Roses abandon their career.

23rd The hall is prepared for the oncoming onslaught. 26th Holmes gets to work on the case of the " missing

. pyjamas," and the Bloodhound just stops a dormitory massacre.

28th Sixth Form exercise book- " English History. Fr. Roger (1272-1485)."

Dec. 8th Celebrating a jubilee, holiday and concert, boarders get a treat-one ice-cream and another twopence on the bill [I am not a very experienced censor, so I'll let it pass.- Ed.].

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Dec. 9th 14th 20th 21st

More concert-ed chaos. Snow and Harkins go " gate "-crashing. Day boys break up, and Boarders depart.

SPRING TERM iL\5'l Jan. 8th Boarders return-very fat.

9th

10th

11th

15th 18th

19th I

20th

22nd

24th

28th

Day boys return, and with them work [After a fashion.-Ed. ]. One of the Masters is in mourning because Christmas is over. One of the boarders" hides" himself in the infirmary with 'flu. The 'flu epidemic is in full swing. Fisher House take · their half holiday and go to inspect the" Inspector General." The 'first debate of the term is a great success. Michaeleans decide that "no further nationalisation should take place." The Scout Troop celebrates its 10th Anniversary [Birthday, that is.- Ed.]. Barnes leads us on a wild-bike chase and Fr. Hilary makes a desperate bid for freedom. Fr. Roger gets caught while just about to jump from a window. Berentzen returns-with a cheer from the school.

Feb. 2nd Meccano Club notice: -" There will be a meeting of the Meccano Club at 12 P.M." (The meeting did not take place.)

3rd The boarders take a stroll down town, which was "Highly dangerous," in view of the faGt that it was raining.

6th Half-term and Shrove Tuesday. The school goes to see the" Scarlet PimPl?rnel."

7th The exams start with the groans. 9th "Thliee Smart Girls" come to see us.

12th Second-Form pupil, asked what melancholy meant, replied, "A place where melons grow." And the feminine of lad? Ladle!

17th The Upper School become house-proud and Fr. John takes a look at the polish.

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March 1st 5th

7th

12th 15th

17th

A visit from Fr. James and promise of a half holiday_ Another debate. Apparently aeroplanes have not been disastrous to mankind : feelings, however, ran rather high. The long-awaited half-day [Only five days.- Ed.]. The boarders beat the day bo.ys by two goals to one. and the eleven conquering heroes enable the boarders to go to the cinema. The retreat is postponed. The Junior School plan a pincer movement on one of the prefects. It didn't pinch! Patrick has a feast, and the Irish League meets . The following was intercepted, though written, presum-ably, for private circulation:

Can there ever joy be blasting In the life that's everlasting? Is there green and blood-red peril In the sphere beyond the devil ?

CHALLENGE Go thou, QUIGLEY, doughty darer And the patron of our land, There's aROSE a De Valera In the MASTERS 'ONest band. St. George, they call them MAC ART NEYding a peace patcher Do thou WARD them oft' with tact Or they'll LEARYngly GO AT CHER.

REPLY Come now HARDIMAN of England Wilt prolong this mortal strife In the BARNES and HOLMES of England Where tolerance is rife?

19th Day boys depart for a month. 20th Boarders depart.

SUMMER TERM r15l April 17th Boarders return to the smell of new paint.

23rd St. George's Day. No feast, no feud. We go to the cinema.

28th The First XI lose. May 5th The First XI .. ~ . (Closed!).

11th Fr. Dunstan is caught reading" Chips." 14th Sports Day. Fr. Bernard brings terrible weather

with him.

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May 15th A holiday. Little recuperation! 24th Corpus Christi. The First XI go to Nottingham and

bring back the "ashes." 20th The Sixth Form are quietly told to get out of the

classroom. 28th Fr. Hilary loses some bees [The circumstance are

recorded furthet on.- Ed.]. 31st Half-term. Relief.

June 5th Boarders return. Fr. Roger threatens to give some of the boys a boxing lesson rather different from the one to which they listened. '

13th St. Michael's invade the Police and beat them UD [With several wickets !- Ed.].

16th A great day for St. Michae1's. We win both cricket matches decisively and also win the title of "North Herts Athletic Champions."

17th Fr. Dunstan teaches the younger generation how to play " cricket."

18th It is almost tomorrow · when today's news happens. So for the sake of accuracy I'll just move on to 12.15 a.m. on . . ..

] 9th .. . when FT. Hilary is the unbidden guest at noCturnal revelry. Martin, rushing desperately for an aspirin, establishes contact with Fr. H. at 12.16 He disengages about 1/ 10th second later- holding his ear.

19th At 4.30 p.m., over a cup of tea, Fr. H. reviews the night's events. It's the old Korean trouble of a vanishing enemy.

23rd Maths Master: "Are you conversant with trigono­.metry?" Boy : "Yes, I have a chat with it now and again! "

July 1st Old Boys show us how they used to cheat in the equaUy old days.

3rd Bra. Francis shows with what geometrical precision the batsman's nose should be pointing over the ball. Su[ely one's nose should not be quite so gushing.

6th Examinations have already commenced and the Chronicler goes to seed [Which is an excuse for his going to print.- Ed.].

J . SAHL.

9

BEHIND THE FOOTLIGHTS AN abridged version of " Richard n," in nine scenes, was staged.

under pressure, by the Upper School before packed audiences on December 8th and 9th last.

As the curtains parted to reveal the first scene, a room in WiI¥isor Castle as the programme informed us, there was an intense hush and air of expectancy, -broken only by the crunching of cornets, the crackling of ice-cream wrappers and sounds of concerted suction at the back of the halL

In this scene there was a quarrel between the haughty Bolingbroke and the loyal Mowbray, rendered in a spirited manner by SaW an1i Lawrence, who flung down their gages without the sound-effects deemed. necessary at our rehearsals. A trial by combat was arranged, and this led us to Scene Two, the lists at Coventry.

In spite of elaborate preparations, involving the science of heraldry on a large scale, the weak-willed king disappointingly stopped the duel. There was a magnificent display of armorial bearings and family crests, but the Royal Standard, on which Edwards had expended much loving care, was missing. Apparently the producer, whqse knowledge of heraldry is derived from a pro­found study of marmalade-jars or inn-signs, had inserted tb.e Irish harp (azure, a stringed. argent) two centuries too soon. Luckily the blunder was discovered before the College of Arms could haul us before the magistrates for malfeasance.

Edwards, as the king, gave a finished performance in this scene, and sustained his good acting to the end (his end). Other luminaries in a galaxy of talent were Wagstaff (Duke of York)' and Woods (Lord Marshal)."

We were then treated to a fine patriotic performance, full of pathos, by the dying and dignified Gaunt, played by Crawley, who, naturally, had to infuse enough carrying-power into his death-bed tones to penetrate the insurrection at the back of the hall.

:rhe succeeding scenes rolled by with cinematic . celerity. Bushy and Green died manfully under the formidable axe of the heads­man (Alexander). The acting and the costumes of Thompson and Baldwin in this moving scene were colourful.

The roles of the Queen and her . lady-in-waiting were ade­quately filled by the beauteous Hide and the coy Webster. Rather starchy and stand-offish was her majesty when parting from her dear Richard-as if he was suffering from an infectious disease.

A colourful and dramatic spectacle was presented in the abdication scene in Westminster Hall. In cultured accents, the Bishop of Carlisle (AlIen) protested against the deposition of

10

England's king, and was arrested by Northumberland, who 'came to life convincingly in the impressive acting of Barrett.

Hathos and melodrama followed. The unhappy king was murdered ill his prison cell, With great gusto, by Sir Pierce of Exton, vigorously impersonated by Quigley. The curtains closed as the dead king was borne off the stage.'

• Then, of course, the thunder of the theatre ascended. Pit, boxes and gallery in convulsions hurled. Very polite thunder and very well-bred convulsions. .

We bow in grateful acknowledgment to the Fathers who helped us with costumes a.nd make-up. And we drop a special curtsey to tthe Headmaster and to Brother Francis for their charitable comments on our performance.

NOTES:

1 His declamation of the passage beginning" Pardon me, my liege," was in the best Shakespearean tradition. .

, A very strict Lord Marshal, who wouldn't let anyone even TOUCH the lists. Several knuckles were rapped by his baton.

" It is now safe to reveal that, in this scene, we palmed off on an uncritical audience a flagon and drinking-vessel of a later period than the 14th century.

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THE BEE CLUB I HAVE never analysed English humour; I suspect it ·defies

analysis. I would certainly never presume to define- ~ t. I know that its rising is often in the acutely serious and its setting is almost invariably in the golden clarity of uncompromising kindlmess. / I

Some would have us ' believe that every joke is at another's expense. This is nearly true. In fact, so nearly ' true that the word expanse. would unbevel what is merely a literal bias. " Every joke is at another's expanse. When a man gives rise to humour he expands in character; I mean he becomes a character.

You might ask what this means. You might even go so far as to demand, not without reason, what it has to do with the Bee <;:lub. My answer at present would make you more impatient. It would be, " Yes! 'What does it mean and what has it to do with the Bee Club?" One answer, I feel, somehow contains the other, though my conclusion is, as yet, anything but conclusive, and I may be wrong; as I very often am. But I would a thousand times sooner be wildly wrong than insipidly cl<;?se to the mark!

* * Father President of the Bee Society is a singularly delightful

person, and he has (as he might himself express it) plumbed the fathomless depths of humour; and it was precisely his encounter with another "bee-man" which made me stop and wonder at the insoluble question of where an Englishman's humour ends, or , more to the point, where it begins.

It was Sunday morning in June, and one of those days when energy seems astonishingly the property of the lower beings and not at all of such mortal men as we. rather President had sung mass, heard confessions and preached, and finally returned at the end of the morning. He found abnormal excitement. The air was excited, the garden excited, the Fathers excited, the boys ~xcited . But, towering above all these, in excited indignation and knowledgeable criticism, was a neighbour readily columbine in <;implicity, though, perhaps, less colubrine in sagacity.

* * * My writing often tends to the obscure. But, then, I have a

persistent terror of misdeeming my readers' powers; and I feel it would be an insultingly cerberific sop were I to state without apology the not unobvious fact that Fr. President's bees had swarmed. Might I add 1ust two things: that Fr. President (of "be Bee Society, of course) went forthwith to manage his bees;

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and that the neighbour, on whose neighbour's tree the bees were hanging, was at once anxious, worried and growling. He was successively attempting to scare or entice, coax or surround, attack or bewilder the clinging bees; in short, he was attempting anything but bottling them. He was nonplussed but undaunted, and turned with almost jubilant satisfaction as, at last, Father arrived.

" You don't know nothing about bees!" he suggested fiercely:. with none the less a shade of pathetic reminiscence in his tone.

Father smiled as he put on his gloves . . , Besides," continued the rather truculent gentleman, "got the

glove Of! the wrong 'and." Another charming smile (there were only two lefts) . .. That ain't no swarm! " ., I know it isn't," said Father. ., It is! " cried the old man, with emphasising cadence, and

suddenly flying the colours of modern logic with defiant vehemence. Father President blinked. He remembered well his course

on contraries and contradictories, but decided on the argument ad hominem

., I know it is," he said. The old man found this most unsatisfactory. He raised his

sun-warmed face to the sky and resumed his argument with slightly altered method.

" Humph! How would you like to climb up trees that there 'igh with myoId dad's pitch fork, like I did many a time? Them there bees all over me face, like . . .. " And doubting our powers of discernment he showed us where his face was.

"I wouldn't," was all Father could manage. " Bees!" came the next cry, with alarming vigour. "You

can't get meddling about with them bees!" Poor Father President, already twice stung, agreed heartily.

But the argument continued mercilessly. " Well, what you got that margarine box for?" he said, putting

the final touch to what was obviously considered a masterpiece of trapping.

Any manufacturer of r~pute would have rebounded as the next remark was levelled with unerring precision.

" Might have anything in it. You don't know nothing about bees. Got carbolic in it!"

His suspicions proved unfounded, and to his surprise the bee.s took a distinct fancy to Father's box. He declined to show any feelings .

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"Something they like about .that box. I told you . . . . " and as he saw Father snatch his hand out of distance, he followed up with scorn.

"They know when you're scared ... Funny they never sting me .... "

Father President quite understandably thought it would be more proportionately funny if. they did sting him and showed his mirth, but, presumably in an effort not to offend the old gentle­man, went off in search of a packing-board, about which the said gentleman had been raging long before the recorded conversation.

* * * 1 stood there still. "Stung me, them did, right over 'ere . " But I thought .... " I startt:d. "Get off me mint!" he roared. "I'm sorry," I said, .0 it does seem a little trampled." But my euphemistic irony failed to strike, and at this moment,

very much to my disappointment, I had to go. I was just in time, however, to hear one of those questions so often ignored in class and I had the great curiosity to witness how it would be answered.

"How many bees are in that box, Sir?" a small boy enquired, giving, admittedly, a magnificent opening to one so learned and experienced.

I was , again disappointed, for the same old answer was employed, eminently crushing, but sadly impertinent; , concerning a certain quantity of mint which had been eradicated (.0 lugged out," to quote) and backed up by the .0 not knowing nothing abo,ut bees like the old days "-or dad's, I was not sure.

* * * I am still puzzled. I understand nothing of the old saying

"to laugh on the wrong side of one's face." I care nothing, too. Why do we laugh at Westminster and fight at Dunkirk? Why do we laugh at the batsman and hurl down the ball? Why do we applaud what is genial and scorn what is thorough? And, above all, when is a man amusing and when does he anger? I have thought hard. Perhaps it is the last straw which breaks a bulldog's back. I have drawn distinctions. I have built theories in every gorgeous style and with bitterness I have demolished them. I have read a dozen authors. To no avail. I have not ·found the point. And almost certainly, I never will.

Unofficial Hon. Secretary.

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CYCLING ALTHOUGH more boys than ever before brought bicycles back

to school with them, there have been fewer outings than usual, due mainly to unfavourable weather or other unforeseen circum­stances. However, those outings that did take place were certainly very enjoyable. We remember the many pleasant Saturday evening trips to the surrounding wooded countryside, where our budding ornithologists had a great time oJ it. One Saturday afternoon we decided on a picnic at the Pegsdon Hills, which was most enjoy­able, in spite of the fact that there were a few raindrops in the tea even then! We remember also that on the Feast of Corpus Christi our disappointment at not being able to go to the proces­sion at Roxley Court was somewhat made up for by our trip to the Weston Hills, where some of the cyclists took to the" waters" also.

Brother Frapcis helped in conducting the outings now and then, and one Sunday morning he took us all very energetically to Hatfield- unfortunately the return was not quite so energetic and we all 'aqived late for lunch- and famished!

Well, so long till next year. JOHN BARNES (Lower Fifth).

FURTHER JOTTINGS FROM A DIARY R. Kitchin has travelled great distances as his father is

abroad in the Army. This is an extract from hls diary , kept especitllly for the magazine.-Ed.

T HE bus crossed the Ponte deIla Liberta and came to a standstill on the Piazzale Roma. The square was filled

with hundreds of cars, as it is the only place where cars can be parked. My father wanted to see St. Mark's, so we bought a guide-book and· made our way into the city. When we had studied the map we found that we were on the opposite side of the Grand 'Canal from St. Mark's, and to get across we would have to take a gondola or walk miles to the nearest bridge. We decided to take a gondola. In fact, while we had been looking at the map on some church steps a gondola had come across and was waiting for us. Dad . told the gondolier to take us straight to St. Mark's ; but he had other ideas, and proceeded to take us on a grand tour of Venice.

As we pushed off, a small rowing boat came alongside and, after a few words with the gondolier, the owner rowed off a little a nd took our photograph.

15

The banks of the Grand Canal are lined with famous palaces made during the last thousand years. They are of varied archi­tecture, from Byzantine, Gothic and Renaissance to the later 18th century (the Upper Fifth would have recognised them at once­I am sure): Outside the palaces are numerous brightly-coloured gondola-poles sticking out of the water. The palaces themselves are now mostly hotels or public buildings belonging to the commune (city council).

We passed under the Ponte Rialto, with its 6,000 supporting piles and twelve shops, and shortly afterwards turned off the Grand Canal and sailed along the lagoon close to the island of Murano, the Venetian cemetery.

Then under the Bridge of Sighs and at . last to St. Mark's. It had taken us nearly three hours.

Before visiting S1. Mark's we went to have lunch in a big hotel near the waterfront. Most of the people there seemed to be English.

After lunch we went to feed the pigeons. on the Piazza San Marco. There are literally thousands of them. I held out a handful of wheat and was immediately covered with birds ; they climbed all over me to get at the food. We stopped to watch the official feeding of the birds and, as the clock struck two, all the pigeons flew towards one end of the square. They looked like a massive white cloud. Only a few stayed behind, I noticed; these were too fat to fly.

When the "feeding event" was 9ver we went to S1. Mark's . The front of the famous cathedral is supported by six marble" pillars, each richly covered with mosaic. Over the central portal there are four gilt-bronze horses. These were made by the Greeks in the time of Alexanger, and were brought to Venice as spoils during the Crusades.

The interior of the Basilica is much the same as other Italian churches, though it is larger and more beautiful. The walls and the roof are covered in richly-decorated marble and mosaics depicting well-known scenes from the Bible and lives of the Saints. The altar we could not see very well, but what we did see of it" looked wonderful. Unfortunately, we could not go into the treasury, as it is opened for only a · short period each day; and that, in the morning.

When we had taken a good look round in the Cathedral we moved on to the Doge's Palace, a building so vast as almost to defy description. Some of the rooms are half the size of a foot­ball pitch. The walls of the f(~oms are all covered with paintings by famous artists of the last hundred years. In one room is the largest picture in the world, "The Paradiso," by Jacopo R _

16

Tintoretto, himself a Venetian. The picture measures 84 ft. by 34 ft.

The rooms which I enjoyed most were the" Arms-Rooms." These contain trophies from the wars with the Turks. There are several full-sized models of horses and men in armour.

Leaving the Ducal Palace we wandered through the narrow. winding streets of Venice, feeling rather sorry that time would not allow us to visit. more of the places for which that city is famous. We had to catch the train back to Trieste. .

R. KIT CHIN (Form 4a).

MUSIC NOTES A FEAST of major importance always succeeds in putting the

Choir on its mettle to show what it really can do, and this year we were rather fortunate in having one quite early in the school year. On December 8th, St. Michael's celebrated its Silver Jubilee and the definition of the Dogma of the Assumption of Our Lady. There were many visitors at the Solemn High Mass in the mornihg, the Choir rose to the occasion splendidly and thus set itself a standard from which it hardly ever fell throughout the year. We have learned some new parts of Masses and Motets and have, at the same time, kept our old repertoire well up to scratch. We are going to miss" Nick" Webster from among the Trebles and Quigley's "bourdon" from among the Basses, but I hope providence will be kind again next year in finding adequate sub­stitutes for them.

Class singing has followed its normal course, with, perhaps, a little more insistence on sight reading and other theoretical matters. All forms have made good progress, and it would be difficult to single out ilny one of them for special praise.

The group of violinists, which is a little smaller than usual this year, has certainly worked hard and enthusiastically. I hear that Miss Collins and the student-teachers under her direction intend putting some new life into the School Orchestra next year.

Piano pupils have worked well also. There is not much sign of any outstal,lding talent among the Seniors, but there are two or three Juniors who ought to be really good in a couple of years' time.

We are hoping to give a private demonstration of the school's musical activities jn the School Hall just before the final examina­tions. Class singing, violinists, pianists and even solo singers will all have their place. It is proving to be a good incentive and one which may well be developed and improved upon year by year.

P.L.

17

BROTHER EDWARD O'SHEA, R.I.P. , .... The bitterest woe of woes , Is to remember in our wretchedness Old happy times ....

Dante. Inferno, Cant V, 121-123.

MANY will be sad, if they learn here for the first time, that Michael O'Sheq, later Brother EdwaTd in our House of Studies,

died on March 7th this year; sad because few who knew him could fail to measure the loss.

In 1940, when the world was in the exhausting chaos of war, here at St. Michael's we welcomed "Mick" O'Shea, and in 1946 the College wished him success and God's blessing as he left to join the Congregation. .

During those six years the sporting enthusiasts had an idol as well as an ideal, and even now, as the light dashes clearly against the blend of green and white of the cricket field, I think of the decisive powerful stroke which was so very much his. I watched him often, cutting or turning the ball to a delightfully safe distance beyond the fielders, and I marvel that one so light of build could sweep the field with such force.

At football he gained equal renown, as well as at boxing, tennis and all other sport. He was an expert at marbles.

In the novitiate he was always full of life and energy, and spent much ' of his time looking after the hens and ducks. The latter were highly indignant because he gave them flying lessons.

Then, as a student, his popularity continued, and his voice, which was of amazing range, was greatly missed when /last year he went to see the doctor and was at once ordered to hospital for observation. It was Hodgkin's disease.

Then began a journeying to and from the House of Studies and hospitals and it was then that his courage was a simple and continual example. It is not easy for one of twenty-two to await death, and the pain be endured as the emaciating action of Hodg­kin's disease left his body gradually to waste awax was really great. He was anxious that Almighty God would accept what he suffered, so that many more Michaeleans and others might . one day approach the altar as priests.

There were many present to sing at the Requiem Mass. and as we saw him later lowered to the grave we recalled, despite the sorrow of our loss, that

" The splendours of the firmament of time May be eclipsed but are extinguished not."

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Do we wonder why God took him when we wanted him so much? Several years ago a young lad of eighteen, whom the late Archbishop of Southwark wanted for his seminary, cUed suddenly of meningitis. Some time after the funeral his mother said to the Archbishop, "My Lord, you always said you wanted him." "Yes," replied the Archbishop gently, "I wanted him very much, but our Lord wanted him more."

May Brother Edward-Michael O'Shea-rest eternally in the company of all the Saints, and may Almigbty God remember his prayers and pain on earth 'and, finally, may He, let us all pray, console Michael's mother. To her we offer our deep sympathy.

THE RE-FOUNDING OF THE MICHAELEAN PARLIAMENT

BEFORE the Debating Society was re-founded on December 15th, 1950, / there had been spasmodic debates, but they were very

few- and far between. The Society was re-founded because Fr. , Dunstan was very keen on having regular debates to encourage the boys to develop their general reading.

Fr. Roger, who had 'just come to the staff of S1. Michael's, was willing to participate in the new venture. There was also a group of enthusiasts in the College, who were interested in dis­cussing political events .and other subjects. This interest led to continual arguments, and it was thought a good idea that the latter should be conducted in more formal fashion through the medium of the Michaelean P,!-rliamen1.

* * At the inaugural General Meeting, and under the auspices

of Fr. Roger, Fr. Dunstan was eagerly accepted as President of the re-born Society, and officers were elected. There was a simple code of rules drawn up, which threw open membership to the . whole school and settled other details.

* * * . The Society at first met in the classroom of the Upper Fifth, which was of such convenient size that speakers could be heard plainly by all. Also, it was more homely than the Art Room. A variety of subjects came under discussion. As many members as possible were given a chance to speak from the platform and subjects included: "That living in the Country is better than living in the Town "; "That the invention of the Aeroplane has been disastrous to mankind."

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Attendance at the deba~es was never disappointing; as many as fifty-five members voted on one occasion. The speakers. have been good, on the whole, though, at first, experience was lacking. Among speakers from the platform, J. Crawley deserves special mention for the number of times he has chosen to speak and for the ability he has shown. Fr. Roger has consistently attended meetings and has done much to enliven debates with a skilful mixture of serious argument and lashing irony. With his help the scope of the debates has brmidened and ideas have increased.

* * * Some faults, which time will correct, need to be mentioned.

Too few speakers have thoroughly prepared their subject and, as a result, have failed to " keep their end up " for any length of time. Often debates have been narrowed down to a minor point in the argument, and finally, we have not seen much vigorous party management to secure organised support for a motion.

To sum up, we have seen in this last year a re-founding of the Society, satisfactory progress in the nature of debates and a prospect of many interesting debates to come.

THE SCHOOL CAPTAIN.

MOTOR-CYCLING FOR BOYS There are vartous intricate reasons for the choice of

contributions to a magazine. One is undoubtedly the pleasant blend and balance of words. Another is the sheer force and vigour in the use of those words. Here, the editor has been pleased to set aside such consi'derq­tions. Mr. WagstafJe last year, if you will remember, was in a dream; a magnificent dream of all the technicali­ties of fish and fishes. Suddenly he awoke with a start and found that the wheels of a cycle are more enthralling than the fins of a fish; that the resistance of air is con­siderably le'ss than the resistance of an obstinate cod. And wi'th the same whole-hearted energy he found that mechanical adaptations are even more scornfully demean­ing than the sacrilegious imitation of an angel-fish.

pEOPLE who say that motor-cycles should be banned, because they are dangerous, display themselves as ignorants. They

will tell you that 75 per cent. of road accidents are caused by motor-cyclists. This is definitely wrong; at the very most it is 40 per cent. Now why are there these accidents? About half­if not three-quarters-of these accidents are not the motor-cyclist's

20

fault. Most motorists seem to forget that the motor-cyclist has an equal right to the road-as they both pay tax. There are too many "greedy " motorists on the road today; they won't give over to let another vehicle pass; they think they have more right to the road than the motor-cyclist; they forget that the motor­cyclist is not protected as they are; they even go so far as to ignore him on a main road, when they come out of a side turning.

True, I must admit, that if a " man-headed devil" gets on a !potor-cycle he might be rather dangerous. But the motor-cycle isn't dangerous; it's the person driving it.

* * * There are many makes of motor-cycles, but they all come

under two classes: two-strokes and four-strokes. Two-strokes range generally from 100 C.c. to 250 c.c. They are very economical; doing 130 m.p.g., and capable of 55 m.p.h. Two-strokes are usuall)l termed "light-weights" and can easily carry two passengers.

Four-strokes are the bigger motor-cycles. They are more powerful and more expensive to run. They range from 250 C.c. to 1000 c.c. or even more. .The 250 c.c. and 350 c.c. are solo machines and the others are designed for combinations.

* * * Motor-cycles have many advantages. They are a means of

cheap conveyance and can often go where cars cannot. They provide a tremendous opportunity for touring and viewing the country. An immense amount of fun can be obtained from them. There is nothing more thrilling than sailing along on a motor-cycle on a bright summer's day.

Finally, for the benefit of people who like to criticise some " son of a motor-cycle," let them criticise the" cycle-motors" and I will whole-heartedly join them. These" cycle-motors" are dangerous because the standard frame is too frail to take a heavy weight. One has no control over the machine, except for two " rim brakes" and a throttle. These are useless when a person steps in front of the travelling machine. .

If anyone doesn't want a motor-cycle, yet wants a similar conveyance, let him buy an auto-cycle, which is designed for a motor, and not an "adaptable motor," which, in my opinion, should be banned.

M. WAGSTAFFE.

21

ST. MICHAEL'S SCOUT TROOP (13th Hitchin)

WITH the' close of the Summer Term, 1950, we went at once to camp. The site was at Bromham, Beds, on an island in

the River Ouse. The island was kindly lent to us by Mr. and Mrs. Felce, who are very firm friends of the Troop. The Troop had already camped there three times.

Several incidents occurred to make the camp unforgettable: when we helped the local parish with the annual fete and staggered back to camp, having helped with the hand-worked roundabout; when Fr. Ambrose fell fully-clothed into the river; the grand sports meeting; the archery contest, and the aquatic sports. All of these made it one of the best camps we have had.

After camp we suffered a serious set-back; Fr. Ambrose was sent to Nottingham. Nevertheless, determined to continue, we placed ourselves under the leadership of Senior P.L. Robbins, who was appointed Acting S.M. by the Local Association. We were a bit shaky at {irst, but, inspired by our leader, we were soon back to our old form. The hut was redecorated inside and out, and a door key handed to each P.L.

On December 12th we went to· 'Hammersmith bv coach to . see Ralph Reader's "Gang Show." -

On January 20th the Troop celebrated its 10th birthday and

over 50 pa~t members and others attended, the chief guest being Mr. Haydn Dimmock, editor of "The Scout."

At the "Bob-a-job" week, we were narrowly beaten by £2 only. However, we came second in the district with £35 lOs. Od.

On May 28th the Troop took part in the march past Her Majesty the Queen, when she came to Hitchin for the Historical Pageant. At this also we acted as stewards for the whole week of its duration. '

* * * The Troop has grown recently and new Scouts include:

T. Wise, G. Forsyth, J. Drew, R. O'Dell, R. Robertson, M. Brown, M. Lawrence, Ronchetti and Kitchin H.

Many badges have been passed, and successful hikes and Patrol camps have been organised.

A. Lawrence has been awarded with his" Scout Cord," for which he worked so hard; " Well done, 'Lara '!"

A Troop magazine has been founded under the capable management of M. McCartney. We wish to thank all readers for their patience-and their money!

22

We were the only Troop in the Clistrict to enter a vehitIe for the" Soap-box Derby," but, owing to Barnes' accelerating rather too quickly, we lost. But, never mind !-we will win next year.

J. W. HERBERT (p.L. Panthers).

SUMMER SCENE

The brook goes bubbling down the hill, . Never weary, never ill. .

Yonder merry leaf- away! In summer, how these banks are gay.

The bees are circling overhead Of peta1s, blue and lovely red. The sun is fiercely shining down

I And soon we'll all be glistening brown.

C. HALES (Form 1).

LETTER TO THE EDITOR Dear Sir,

I am, as I trust you will believe, a man of no hasty tempera­ment. I abhor petulance. But my grammatical nerves are frayed and my pride in English outraged beyond belief by certain pupils intimately connected with your own occupation.

When I was apprised of the fact that lots and loads were the respectiVe comparative and sl,lperlative of much, and similarly sweet and sickening of good, I was amazed, though only slightly jolted.

To find that buckle was the proposed feminine form of buck stunned me no less than the suggested alternative; namely, buckshee.

Imagine my horror to find that the plural of baby ,was quids and potato multiplied briefly as cwt.

But, sir, my hand is scarce steady enough to write, when I think of the armorial crest, the symbol and expression of all past honour and greatness, the sign that brings reverence and ancestral pride, that brings courage and vigour, described insolently as: cresi: strings of crest. It is green, and the dregs of bad breeding: You eat it in soup!

¥..ours, etc., H. d'e.

23 I

LEGION OF MARY WHEN Our Lord said, "Go ye therefore and teach all nations,"

He certainly included all the means and methods of teach­ing . . What a great amount we can learn, for example, from a man who works hard and to a purpose. Once we know his principl~s, the work itself says more than words; it gives a more ready insight to the will, which is the dynamic power of the soul.

The Legion of Mary aims at guiding men to coincide ' with the plan of God for them. There are two aspects of God's plan for all of us: the full realisation of our character, which can be achieved only by the actuation of all our faculties-in short, by action-and secondly the transformation of each one of ourselves into a man after the pattern of Christ.

In other words, the Legion of Mary wa,nts to make men "whole men" with all the external consequences which are implied. Many sodalities and coilfraternities have the second aspect mentioned above as their central purpose. The Legion laYs careful stress on both.

Thanks are due, after Our Lady, to Fr. Timothy, that here in the College we have a "Junior Praesidium" of the Legion, subject, through the president, to control by the Senior Praesidium in the parish. .

For action, little opportunity is wanting in a college with nearly 100 boarders, though perhaps it is not of the type always which attracts one seeking direct and "solid participation " in the apostolate of the Church. The more praise, I think, that so · much willing effort has been- concentrated on the activity itself, regardless of its nature.

There are cynics, of course, in school. I might ,almost say that all schoolboys have a marked trend of cynicism, which heJps them eventually to a balanced view of life. . But in the Legion there has been, on the whole, an enthusiasm which comes from getthtg things done and which sweeps aside the idea, so prevalent in our time, of " not doing more than the minimum required" and even more of "not putting oneself out."

We are not angels or saints. And we do not much care what is thought; for we never claimed to be. But we do know more than many men. We know how hard it is to try.

A LEGIONARY.

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OLD BOYS: THE EDITOR IS OBLIGED TO SAY THAT ....

THE Old Boys of this College are extraordinary; individually, no doubt, but as a body, outstandingly so. They remind me of

a story 1 once heard about two brothers. One was in the Eighth Army during the war and the other was a regular. They went, It seems, to the fair together, and both began to argue about their shooting ability. So the "Eighth man" picked up his weapon ~t the rifle range and fired at the small multi-coloured balls held up by a jet of water. As the shot sounded all the balls dr,s­appeared and, with serene satisfaction, the rifle was handed to the regular. The latter, so the story goes, was quite unconcerned. When the balls were reassembled he fired with nonchalant ease into the other direction. To the amazement of his brother, not only did the balls disappear but the jet of water, too.

"Good heavens, what shooting! It's splendid. It's phan­tastic! You certainly win all right."

"Look, Jim, it was easy-but you don't understand-we've got to get out of here quick. The trouble is- I've just shot the feller that works the pump."

The connection, I hope, is simple enough. Why exactly do the Old Boys of this College take such care to leave as little trace as possible of their sojourn here? At one time in the history of this magazine there was great promise that its initial aims would be realised:

"That the magazine is n'ot only intended to record all school news, but is espedally to form a bond of union between the College and its Old Boys " , (l925}.

In the period of the 'thirties, for instance, Old Boys' letters. to the editor were published and formed a strong basis for real contact, but gradually Old Boys once again lapsed into' a very phantasmic background until they appear as no further reality than mere names. Somehow I had hoped that after last year's. brilliant circumlocution on the personality of a certain F. Cash, he would suddenly burst anew into the life of the College; if not in person, at least in the form of an overwhelming flow of contro­versial correspondence. I was disappointed.

The war carried many ills and one of them was the suspension of the magazine. Another was a new atmosphere at Sports Day, which, during the war, seemed to be carried on thanks only to the weight of former greatness. It is regrettable, but the war is. gone and, though we yet labour under such difficulties as cost, it is. time that ' the threads were picked up from departed years.

25

At Sports Day several Old Boys were present. At the Old Boys' match we even found · eleven players. Surely that is not enough. The editor does not possess all your addresses ~nd the Michaelean Association is in a period of violent fluctuation. But if only you would write and even ask questions, things would soon move, interest would revive, curiosity be satisfied and problems be solved.

It would be untrue to say that there is nothing at all to write of Old Boys' visits and occupations. But my Wormation is so limited that it would seem lamentably paltry parading under the title of "News of the Old Boys."

Each one of you can, by return of post, help to change affairs, and to your effort lies the gloomy alternative of an editor's uneasy mind contemplating the Old Boys' corner unhappily as a

"Sad relic of departed worth."

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FOOTBALL FIRST ELEVEN

THIS year has been rather poor from the point of view of capable footballers but the team has not lacked spirit or keenness.

By the end of the Christmas term any of the old team remaining from 1949-50 had left, so Edwards took over the captaincy and though not an outstanding player himself, he did much in giving tlie team spirit and encouragement. The new team had never played as a whole before and was therefore somewhat disjointed. But, as the term passed, the players gradually, became accustomed to one another until in the very last match of the season they played extremely well-only luck was wanting.

In the first part of the season Fanfani was playing with a great amount of intelligent application and also skill. Lindsay at times made some fine saves but too often confined himself to the middle of the goal line.

Good movements were frequently frustrated I?y a fatal last pass but next year with the ' gain of experience this fault should be remedied.

On the whole a comment made by one watching the last match is fair and justified: "I have seen many Michaelean teams better than this one, but I have not seen one with as great a spirit."

1ST XI T~AM: Lindsay, Duff, Verhaeghe, McCartney, Edwards (Capt.), Woods, I., Keegan, Sahl, Harkins, n, Quigley, Rose, 1. SECOND ELEVEN

The 2nd XI this year have done very well and several members will doubtlessly be playing for the 1st XI next season. Much credit for their success must go to the defence, and Hide particularly deserves mention. Rickard also has played some good games but is sometimes rather slow. Corney, the captain, is a good footballer who threatens to deteriorate rapidly on account of over-dribbling and wild shooting. The main fault with the team has, been failure to combine, as 'Yell as much unsuccessful shooting in the forward line. But on the whole it has done remarkably well and St. Michael's can look forward with confidence to a very reliable " first" in the coming years.

THE TEAM: Crossley, Rickard, Cull, Sayer, Hide, Kane, Reilly, . McAleese, Worth, Corney (Capt.), Kok'kinos. .

27

CRICKET OBSERVAT ARBITER

THE 1st XI this year deserves much'praise. That may seem at the outset to be politely condemning or obsequiously sympa­

thetic. In fact it is neither. On the contrary it is wholly true. r wonder how many schools have been able to witness their 1st XI making every possible effort at the nets and spending almost every spare moment there. Since the second week of term there has not been a recreation, after tea or after supper, when a group has not been dismaying already terrified neighbours or less expectant pedestrians behind the fence. That practice by itself is worthy of highest praise. It says far more for a team than high-scoring victories, which have as their background more natural ability than grinding effort. I am not suggesting that net practice is not pleasant; but it can be exhausting and even disheartening when a certain stroke does not" play" easily.

* * Matches have always been interesting and sometimes more than

just interestl1ng. Playing against one Grammar School, I was so pleased with some really enterprising strokes by one of our" bats" that I let slip the pebbles and gave a nine-ball over, during which some fourteen runs were made. Perhaps you can imagine the heartless sort of laughter I received on apology; but this was sincere. Incidentally the match was a tie.

The weakest part of the team's play (I hope they would readily admit) was the alternating balance between batting and fielding. Against the Becket School, batting was poor and I feared a disgrace. We won! Fielding was brilliant. On one other occasion only was it equalled, and that time, rain just seized what was certainly a victory.

But, with better batting, came very often poorer fielding; right up to the Old Boys' match when batting was sound throughout the

. team (though the " tip of the tail failed to wag") but fielding was less aggressive. One or two matches were outstanding for neither one nor the other. The pall of defeat hangs long over the minds of the vanquished!

As regards batting I will not continue my term-long argument in favour of the forward-defensive stroke. It is however my opinion that the team's many collapses have been due to " too much play behind the popping-crease" or in some individual cases a continued effort to stop every ball over the crease. One particular player several times attempted to play the ball behind the bawling creatS"e-with the not unexpected result that the wicket was " batted" rather than the ball.

28

Very often in school magazines the Sports Comment ends with a hope for the future. In this case I am ccmvinced of one thing: that if next year the same determination is shown in the way of practice at the nets, the 1952 XI, with more experience (and with more forward-play) will meet with the success which so often they really have deserved this season.

THE TEAM

CRAWLEY (Capt.). Bats with a fascinating use of wrists though he has not had eminent success. Is inclined to play back and let the bowling 'get on top of him. Has also kept wicket on occasion and bowled, though with rather too many " loose" balls.

EDWARDS (Vice-Capt.). Always very reliable fielding at point and has taken some excellent catches there. He has also regularly opened the batting. His defensive technique seems the only thing preventing some really high scores.

SAHL. Probably the best all-rounder in the team; always shows enthusiasm. l1as bowled well, if not in an exactly orthodox manner.

HIDE. Another good all-rounder. Has bowled well though he shows a tendency to over-pace his balls. In batting he has made some good scores at times but uses the" half-cock" defence which has let him down frequently.

HURLEY. Has a very orthodox manner of batting and has ,made some very well-earned scores. His main difficulty seems to be in settling down (nihll aut om:nia).

HARKINS. Kept wicket for most matches but needed more practice. In batting he too rarely "opened up" despite the fact that he is capable of some very effective strokes.

SANDEMAN. Essentially an aggressive batsman with a perfect drive, Has played some very spectacular innings but too readily "throws caution to the wind."

RIVENELL. Regularly opens the bowling and, especially early in the season, bowled very well this year. As a " bat" he is a bitter and lacks concentration. Is liable to desert the crease to make way for fast balls to leg.

QUIGLEY. Has attacked the bowling occasionally but usually fails to get his foot to the ball.

F.W.

ALSO PLAYED: Rose,!, Rose, n, McCartney, Webster, Rickard I, Corney, Robertson, Thompson, Wagstaffe, Fenell. Club matches FT. Eric (Capt.), Bro. Francis.

29

,.

BATTING

Times Highest Inns. Not Out Runs Score Av.

M. Hurley 13 · 3 80 29* 8.0 J. Sa hI 13 2 84 28 7.6 P. Sandeman 11 0 79 30 7.2 V. Edwards 14 0 85 26 6.1 C. Harkins 8 1 . 40 15 5.7 J. E. Crawley ... 14 0 79 23 5.66 A. M. Hide . .. 14 0 79 32 5.66

BOWLING

O vers Maldens Runs Wickets Average J. Sahl 72.2 23 14~ 34 4.2 A. Hide 105 26 316 34 9.29 M. RivenelI ... 101.5 32 238 24 9.92

,.

30

CLOSE OF YEAR - FINAL NOTES

ON Friday, July 13th, a new function was introduced among the many College events, thanks to the energy of Fr. Philip_

the music-master, and Fr. Eric the art-master. It was the beginning of what the College hopes will develop into an " Open Day"; when parents and other visitors can come and see something of school a'ctivity and achievement which at the moment, no doubt, seems to them almost as retiring and bashful as their own sons.

In the College Hall, on the stage and around it, were exhibited ouvrage d'arl', wood-work products and numberless hobbies. hitherto unsuspected in their variety; ranging from large model­aeroplanes with miniature engines, weird scientific contraptions, and experimental paraphernalia, to coins, fossils, wireless, and even a rather entertaining guinea pig.

The central, constructive idea was a general review of school music- piano, violin, and vocal. The pianists were not brilliant. Possibly they lacked intuitive inspiration; more probably they misunderstood the seriousness of the affair and also misjudged the unpleasantness of making a muddle coram omnibus.

Robertson's playing of the violin was excellent. There was a complete and appreciative silence until the end of each piece when the applausive reaction was proportional to the quality of the playing.

The singing was good, and the lower forms were commendably insistent on the production of tone rather than volume.

The event was in the nature of an experiment only, but Fr. Dunstan expressed the wish that it will continue in the coming years , and grow to be a truly representative, external sign of work and interest which so often lie concealed and unexplored.

* * * The Legion of Mary has just received a vexillum (the legionary

standard, in metal and marble) from a benefactress who wishes to remain unknown as such. Nevertheless the Legion would like to express its thanks; as also for a beautiful statue of Our Lady given earlier in the year.

* * * During the month of November the College collected sufficient

money to have mass said every day in the College Chapel, for the Holy Souls.

* *

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