IP?, KEARSNEY COLLEGE CHRONICLE m PE >•1 ^ 'i Aif ■ ■■' ••;: /•I ■ ^ /V,,. • • , ,,J . T-Auy^': ' • • JULY, 1949 li MHH^ilMiliiiiill
K Kearsney College Ch ro n 1 c I e Vol. 2, No. 9 July, 1949 EDITORIAL It Is now exactly ten years since Kearsney moved from Its original position on the North Coast of Natal to the present site at Botha's Hill, and the passing of a decade suggests that we should pause for a moment to make certain reflections. Our first thought Is of gratitude for the faith, the courage and the generosity of those who made the move possible. In the years before 1939 It had seemed as if It would not be possible to keep the School going, but there were devout Christians on the Board of Governors who believed that It was not God's will that It should fall. Made bold by prayer and faith, they accepted the challenge of the new scheme and brought It to reality. This Is not the place to acknowledge any names or any deeds or any gifts, as that was done at the time, but we do desire to reaffirm the conviction of those who had the vision ofa new and prospering Schoolthat Kearsney Is one of the many instruments of God's purpose for young South Africa. That belief Is fundamental to our existence. If that faith burns strong within us, we need not fear the future, whatever Its looming difficulties. Our next thought Is of the privilege that has been ours In seeing the School grow from just over seventy boys to over two hundred. A schoolmaster finds his satisfaction not In the material rewards of his profession but In the opportunity that Is his of assisting In the development of young characters and young minds. Numbers are certainly not the sole criterion of success, but It is natural to feel a greater pride and joy In taking part In the work of a corporate body that Is growing and developing rather than In one whose existencise but limping and halting. More than half of the years of which we are thinking have been years ofendurance and ofsevere test for many young South Africans. Our third thought therefore. Is of gratitude for the part that our Old Boys played In the Second World War. Twenty-two made the supreme sacrifice on war-service ; they died, and several hundred 357
others joined the Forces that the way of life represented by schools such as Kearsney might continue in this land, and we think of them all with proud thanksgiving. In these ten years great developments have been going on in the country as a whole. The increase in population has been reflected in the tremendous demand for accommodation to which all schools are still subject. We hear of big expansion schemes that are being undertaken in other private schools, and it is a tragedy that Kearsney cannot follow suit at present, for our inability to do so means that we shall miss the numerous additional contacts that we ought to be making. Itseems as if our main hope of progress in this direction lies with the Old Boys, through their proposed Assurance Endowment Scheme. An outline of the scheme is given by the President of the Club in the Old Boys' Notes at the end of this Magazine, and we commend it to the earnest study of all who have shared the fellowship of life at Kearsney. The end of the first decade at Botha's Hill has brought us a mag nificent new Library and a fine new Laboratory. They will be an inspiration to our work and we are grateful for them. The Old Boys intend to proceed with the building of their Memorial Pavilion very shortly,and we have hopes that the Chapel which is so essential to the corporate spiritual life of the School will be an accomplished fact within the next twelve months. Our second decade therefore holds the prospect of further great development, but it will not come to pass without those qualities of faith and vision, of courage and generosity that established us here ten years ago. THE UNIVERSITY OF NATAL On March 19th the Natal University College, a College of the University of South Africa, achieved independent status and its own entity as the University of Natal. We offer our humble welcome to the new University,and our cordial congratulations to its Principal, E. G.Malherbe, M.A. Ph.D.,on this successful consummation ofsome years of strenuous effort. To Old Boys who are students at the University we send our best wishes, and trust that the new status of their Alma Mater will give them yet more pride in her and an added zest to their studies. The former N.U.C. will enjoy increased prestige and responsibility as it will be able to lay down its own syllabuses and conduct its own examinations. There will be no cheapening of degrees,for external examiners will be employed in all Finals. Another promised advantage is that the examination results will be known in December. There are nearly 2,000 students at the Natal University, and about one-third of them come from outside the Union. The influence ofthe University will consequently spread throughoutthe Continent, and countries beyond our borders are showing increasing interest. 358
It Is unfortunate that the University has to remain divided between Marltzburg and Durban. Maritzburg specialises in Agriculture and the Fine Arts, while Durban specialises in Engineering,Social Sciences and Medicine. It is intended to establish a Medical School for Natives in Durban also. This is one of the most valuable contributions that the University can make to the welfare of our country, and we wish the project speedy success. IN MEMORIAM OWEN WILLIAM CRANKSHAW (Born 25th March 1932, died 3rd May, 1949) It was a great shock to us when Owen Crankshaw died after a short illness within a few days of the opening of the second term. Owen came to us from Newcastle in January, 1947, and was a member of Finningley House. His cheery manner andhis happy disposition soon gained him many friends in both the House and the School. He was always ready to help his fellows and the staff. Owen's chief recreation was swimming, and many of us will carry with us all our days the pictures of him as he cleaved the air in perfect dives, for in this he was an artist. In March this year he represented Kearsney in diving at the Coastal Schools' Annual Gala. He was a keen and promising member of the School's Water Polo team. He played his part, too, in the other school games, and was a member of the 2nd XV last year. Kearsney is the poorer for his going, but a happy,joyous life is never wasted. Time will lay his hand upon those of us who are left, but we shall always carry in our hearts memories of him in the bloom of youth. Our sympathies go out to his parents and family. We feel that we owe them a debt for our share in a young and happy life. G.N. 359
SCHOOL NOTES First Term : January 27th to April 7th Second Term: April 28th to July 1st Appointments: School Prefects:J. R. Bishop (Head Prefect), C. L. Oliver (Head of Finningley), I. H. Lund (Head of Gillingham). House Prefects:R. A. O.Johnson, G. J. Brokensha, M. G.Shelton (Gillingham), E. N. C. Kitchen, B. G. Hagemann, P. T. Chappe (Finningley), A. L. Varrie, D. E. Proctor (Junior), M. T. Eastwood, E. T. E. Hansen (Milner). Cricket Captain:E. T. E. Hansen. Rugger Captain : E. T. E. Hansen. Swimming Captain : R. A. O. Johnson. Athletics Captain: M. T. Eastwood. Tennis Captain : R. A. O. Johnson. Shooting Captain: M. G. Shelton. School Printer: G. M. H. Shires. Projector Operators:R. J. Ireland, G. S. Pike. We extend a cordial welcome to two newly-born contemporaries, the"Highway Mail" and "Kearsney Cuts," the former being a professional matter of Durban commerce, and the latter an earnest effort to give an authentic picture of Kearsney news and views from the pen or pens of the boys themselves. The "Highway Mail" is published weekly in Pinetown and is designed to serve the needs of the area from the boundaries of Durban and along the main road as far as Cato Ridge and Camperdown. The Editor is an Old Boy, G. D. Hill (1940-45), and we offer him our heartiest congratulations on his management of the new paper, and our best wishes for its future growth and prosperity. Kearsney news, particularly our cricket and rugger matches, is regularly reported on in its columns. "Kearsney Cuts" appeared on the very last day of the second term, a shortage of printers' ink and a breakdown in the electriclight supply having very nearly jeopardised publication at all. The Editorial holds out hope of an issue every fortnight ; the charge is twopence, and the proceeds are to go towards buying books for the new Library. We congratuiate the Editor on his first number, and trust he and his contributors will succed in establishing the paper as a permanent part of Kearsney life. If they succeed in this, we foresee the time when large parts of the "Chronicle" will consist ofthe quotation of complete articles taken from"Cuts," and thus at last will the pages of this magazine be largely written bythe boysthemselves,and the hope of years will have been achieved! . 360
We start the good work by recording elsewhere the activities of the Gardeners' Club,the report being taken from that given in our new friend and contemporary. Films shown this Half have included the following :"Huckleberry Finn,""A Yank at Oxford,""A Tale of Two Cities,""A Matter of Life and Death," "Vacation frcm Marriage," "Caesar and Cleopatra," "Boys' Ranch" and the Afrikaans Film "Simon Beyers." A new Bus for the Sports Club was purchased at the beginning of the term, as the old was was becoming unsafe for use. This heroine ofthe roads,who kept us playing inter-school matches during the war years when other schools could not travel to us, has been sold to a native, and is now trundling along somewhere in the Bulwer district. We wish her—rather haltingly!—a happy old age. The new vehicle is a Bedford, and the"body-work" has been designed both for passenger and for goods carrying. In the former case, a canvas hood is added, and also a series of removable benches that will seat thirty. We understand that the passengers find their accommodation somewhat hard and draughty, but they will not allow these deficiencies to interfere with the pleasures of excursions awayfrom School. Mr.Colley,ofcourse, is the chauffeur,and under his able care the Bedford will no doubt do duty for us for a long time. Extensions are to be made during the July holidays to the Cricket Oval so that it will be possible to lay out a full quarter-mile circuit and a 100 yards straight. The rugger field beyond the Oval is also to be extended to provide a full-size ground. The Prefects' Dance on July 1st was a very enjoyable affair. Inspired by Mr. Colley,the boys rose to great heights in decorating the Hall, and made a really splendid job of it. They created a beautiful setting for soft lights and sweet music, and for the swishing and colourful dresses of fair young ladies. Hearty congratulations to the decorators! The performance of"Quality Street" by Epworth girls on the last Monday of the term was greatly enjoyed by a packed Hall. The splendid stage-settings and the varied costumes added a great deal to the impressiveness of the production. The visit must have put Epworth to a lot of trouble, and we hope that the very warm appreciation with which the audience received the play made them feel that the effort was well worth-while. Our thanks are due also to Mr. Colley for making many trips from Botha's Hill to Maritzburg and back in order to transport the scenery and properties for the production. The last week ofterm proved a very trying time as regards electriclight supply. A breakdown at the Durban power station put the whole district in darkness for uncertain periods on several evenings. We escaped, by the skin of our teeth as it were, having to see "Quality Street" by candle-light, and the Prefects' Dance too. 361
Congratulations to E. N. Kitchin who distinguished himself last January by winning the Natal Schools' Golf Tournament at Windsor Park, Durban. Bogey for the course is 73, and Kitchin went round the nine holes twice in 87 less 20 handicap. His score of 67 gave him top place among twenty-one competitors, and a lead of two over the runner-up. During the performance of"Quality Street," when everybody was in the Hall, thieves entered the Prefects' room at Milner House and stole some clothing. Fortunately they did not make a thorough clean-up, and the two victims were left with ample resources for clothing their persons^on the morrow I The police and the police dogs were called in, but so many amateur sleuths had been making investigations on their own,that footprints and possible scents were hopelessly intermingled, and no likely clues were found. At the end of the term all boys, with parents' consent, were vaccinated against small-pox. Several cases had lately been reported in Durban and Maritzburg. The following are among the decisions taken at the June Staff Meeting : a hymn to be sung at the morning assembly from next term onwards ; the wearing of brown shoes will not be permitted from the beginning of 1950. Mr.and Mrs. van den Berg have vacated the small house they were occupying beyond Junior House, and are now living on the main road beyond the Hotel. Their previous quarters are being used to accommodate three or four extra boys. Considerable alterations are being made to Junior House in the July holidays. These are detailed under"Junior House Notes." Hearthy congratulations to the following:— To ail successful December examination candidates, especially those who gained distinctions. To Old Boys Walker and Zeller on being chosen to take part In the rugger festival at Pretoria for possible Springboks. To Hansen on being elected as one of the reserves for the Natal Schools XV that will play a curtain-raiser to the third Test Match versus All Blacks In Durban. To Mr. Colley for his fine work In erecting the stage setting for"Quality Street," and for the very attractive set-up that he provided for the orchestra at the Prefects' Dance. Also for his work In fitting detach able benchestothe new school-bus. If they are hard on the anatomy— and we are told they definitely are—that Is not his fault I To the Editor and Editorial Staff of"Kearsney Cuts"(not so comic as we thought It would be)on a very Interesting first number. To the Board of Governors for authorising the appointment of another assistant-master to teach Science and Mathematics next year. The post Is being advertised In England as well as In South Africa. 362
IP EXAMINATION RESULTS Matriculation: 1st Class.—L M. Johnson, I. H. Mackenzie, D. S. Morrison (Distinctions in Latin, Maths and Science). 2nd Class.— G. F. Maclean, I. E. Morgan, G.Shuker. 3rd Class.—J. B. Speed. School-leaving Certificate:2nd Class.—A. L. Mundell. 3rd Class.— B. L. Stewart, D. E. Todd. There were four failures. National Senior Certificate: None of the eight candidates in Form VIb passed, but Hobson and Trehearn can gain the Certificate by re-writing Mathematics. National Junior Certificate: S. T. Fish, H. H. Hart, M. J. Leask, M. J. Rodda(passed whole exam, with distinction) ; J. M. Anderson, E. R. Ashby, B. J. Beck, W. S. Brass, A. Bulman, M. J. Collins, C. J. G. Dell, D. C. Dykes, T. E. Dyson, T. E. Gjestland, E. T. E. Hansen, O. V. Leibbrandt, R. D. Rich, D. B. A. Sclanders, G. M. H. Shires, D. A. Stranack, A. J. Tedder (passed). Primary School Certificate:B. P. Dingley, R. M.Dolton, B. N.Dykes, R. J. C. Giles, P. W. Haley, D. O. Hall, G. B. Hayes, D. B. Hewitt, G. A. Jones, I. J. Kirkman, C. H. Lee, S. R. Leask, T. D. McGregor, I. P. Mackenzie, M. S. Mannion, J. P. Newlands, P. R. Randall, C. R. Russell, D. G. Scott, G. Senior, G. E. Sherrele, D. W. Spencer, N.C.Steggall, L. C.Tarr, M.T. Woodley. There were two failures. Laer Taaleksamen:C. J. G. Dell, T. E. Gjestland, E. N. C. Kitchin, O. V. Leibbrandt, I. H. D. Lund, H. Shuttleworth, D. Sonderegger, B. L. Stewart, L. E. Trehearn. Voorbereidende Taaleksamen: Hoer Graad (60—74%)—P. R. Randall, H. M. Windsor. Laer Graad (40—59%)—E. R. Ashby, B. J. Beck, R. Brown, L. Callow, G. Coggin, R. M. Dolton, M. J. Leask, C. E. Leisegang, T. E. Metcalf, G. Price-Hughes, D. B. A. Sclanders. 1949 Bursaries Bursaries have been awarded to S. T. Fish on the results of the 1948 Junior Certificate Examination, and to M. J. Hindson on the results of the Standard VI Examination. Note. From this year the School is no longer taking the National Senior and the National Junior Certificate Examinations. Both Sixth Forms will in future write the Matriculation Examination of the University of South Africa, and both Fourth Forms will write the University Junior Certificate Examination. The Natal Education Department announces that the Primary School Certificate Examination has now been abolished. 363
VALETE December, 1948 Bensaul, M. (1947); Blackburn, M. A. (1945); Bramhali, D. M.(1947); Brass, W.S.(1945); Brink, K.T.(1946); Burger, P. E. F.(1945); Carte, H. J. B. (1948)(left June, 1948); Collingwood, V. D.(1946); Cowie, J. M.(1945); Ellett, J. H.(1945): Gardner, D. G.(1939); Giilitt, G. J.(1947)(left June, 1948); Hart, H. H.(1947); Hastle, G. D,(1947); Hewitt, D. B.(1947); Hobson, M.S.(1945); Jackson, B. G.(1945); Johnson, L. M.(1945); Jones, G. A.(1947); King, A. R. (1945)(left June 1948;) Kirk, D. L.(1947); MacKenzie, I. H.(1945): Mackenzie, I. P.(1948): Mackenzie, M. H.(1948); Maclean, G. F.(1943); McLuckie, N. A. (1945); MacMenigall, M. H.(1948)fMeinzer, C. E.(1944); Milliken, L. G.(1945); Moon, K. B.(1945); Morgan, I. E."(1943); Morrison, D. S. N.(1943); Mundell, A. L (1943); Mundell, M. M.(1945):Poole, M. F.(1948): Russell, C. R.(1947); Shuker,G.W.(l94l);Smith,J. M.(1944);Smith,J.A.(1944); Speed,J. B.(1946); Stewart, B. L.(1943); Tenquist, V. F. M.(1944); Todd, D. E.(1943); Tokelove, B. N.(1945):Trehearn,L E.(1943): Wheelwright, D.C. M.(1944):Zeeman, B. (1947). July. 1949 Hulett, B. H.(1946); Johnson, R. A.O.(1945): Mitchell, C. R.(1947). SALVETE Form i Form Ilia Barker, J. S.(Durban). Bethlehem, B. J.(Johannesburg). Colley, E.(Botha's Hill). Court, P.(Botha's Hill). Cruikshank, D.(Johannesburg). Fraser, H. C.(Johannesburg). Haley, B. W.(Durban). Harper, D. M.(Pietermaritzburg). Hirst, R. D.(Johannesburg). Maxweil, P. G.(Kloof). Mealin, M. E.(Standerton). Meumann, B. S.(Arbourg, Tvl.). Miller, M. F.(Zwartberg). Mooney, S.(Stanger). Ritz, J. H.(Durban). Simpson, M. J. N.(Germiston). Theunissen, D. W.(Kwambonambi). Thompson, M.G.(Durban). Witney, F. N.(Durban). Form II Anger, K.(Pietermaritzburg). Eddy, K. N.(Johannesburg). Jamieson, D.(Durban). Gumming, D. F.(Isipingo). Lamb, J. P.(Johannesburg). Leigh, J. H.(Johannesburg). Munnich, G. A.(Volksrust). Roach-Duggan, M.(Durban). Stevenson, D. B.(Germiston). Tudor-Davies, C.(Botha's Hill). Farquharson, F. L.(Maidstone). Hindson, M. J.(Kearsney). Howlett, B. G.(Durban). Jackson, O.W.K.(Shongweni). Khaled, M. C.(Hill Crest). Lancaster, G.(Johannesburg). MacKenzie, A. C. M.(Kokstad). Moon,A.(Durban). Rindel, C.(Durban). Stokoe, B.(Durban). Stevenson, R. Mcl.(Germiston). Woods,J. F.(Durban). Form lllb Brand, M. A.(Witzies Hoek). Dukes, D. J.(Eston). Mackinlay, I. F.(Westville). Marshall, P. C.(Johannesburg). More, N. R.(Durban). Sproson, J. A.(Durban). Woolliams, R. S.(Johannesburg). Form IV Wade, D.(Durban). Form Vb Biebuyck, R. A. M.(Durban). Cromme,H.(Botha's Hill). Hind, A. A.(Johannesburg). Orsmond, H. C. L.(Johannesburg). Steenberg, G. A.(Ginglndhlovu). 364
CONFIRMATIONS The following boys were confirmed by the Bishop of Natal at a service in St. Paul's Church, Durban, on May I Ith: A. A. Hind, C. S. Neumann, A. L. Varrie. The following boys were received into full membership of the Methodist Church at the Sunday morning service on June 12th : J. R. Bishop, A. Bulman, G. Coggin, M. J. Collins, C. J. G. Dell, S. T. Fish, T. G. M. Prankish, E. T. E. Hansen, T. E. Metcalf, R. D. Rich, P. Fl. Roberts, W. H. Southwood, The Service was conducted by our Chaplain, the Rev. D. W. Timm, and a thought-provoking sermon was preached by the Rev. E. W.Grant, President ofthe Conference, whom we were privileged to have with us for the occasion. NEW BUILDINGS—ACCOMPLISHED AND PROPOSED Library—Laboratory—Hobbies Room—Chapel—Pavilion The most prominent impression ofthis First Half is that an Import ant and considerable chapter in the development of our educational facilities has at last begun, and we are about to realise some part of long-cherished dreams. At the end of last year loads of building material began to arrive at the Finningley end of the class-room block, and there has been much traffic of heavy lorries and lighter tradesmen's vans ever since. Bricklayers and carpenters, plumbers and plasterers, electricians and painters, glaziers and floor-layers, and a host of other specialists in the highly sub-divided labour that goes to the making of a building to-day, have come and gone in constant succession during the last six months, and early next term, we are likely to be able to enjoy the result of all their labour—the new Library and the new Laboratory. And—yes, why be reticent about it I—the new Lavatories I Before any further details are given grateful acknowledgment must be made to the main Contractor, Mr. Sauer, and to all the subContractors, of the courtesy and consideration which they have shown us while school work has had to be continued in the class rooms immediately next to their own sphere of operations. They have inflicted on us the absolute minimum of noise and disturbance, and we are very grateful to them indeed, it is a pleasure also to acknowledge the excellent standard of their workmanship, for we have heard this most favourably commented upon by those who ought to be good judges. The architect for the scheme was Mr. Melville Poole, himself an Old Boy, of the firm of Chick, Bartholomewand Poole, Durban. We know nothing of the technical difficulties involved in dealing with the site and in converting a single-storey building into a doublestorey one, but they have been triumphantly surmounted. Even 365
more do we congratulate Mr. Poole on his detailed conception of the finishing and furnishing of the rooms. They are really magnifi cent, for nothing has been stinted. The architect's version is"I have given the boys something to live up to," and indeed he has. The Library is a great room, sixty feet long, and half its length is divided into bays by beautifully finished book-cases. The remaining half is lined with book-shelves up to window height, and the floor area will provide space in which to hold small meetings. There is accommodation for many thousands of volumes, but that is fit and proper,as the building up ofa library is a long-range affair and,indeed, is a process that never ceases at all in an alert centre of learning. The Laboratory is on the ground floor, and is being fully and care fully equipped, so that here too the accommodation will satisfy the needs of the School for the foreseeable future. It will give boys an opportunity for practical experience in Chemistry and Physics that they have hitherto been denied, and no longer will it be necessary to put off, with a shudder of shame,enquiring visitors who ask to see the Laboratory. We now have something that we shall be proud to show them. We hope to include photographs of these new additions in our next issue. The long-promised Hobbies Room is also now an accomplished fact, and is to be found between Mr. Colley's workshop and the Armoury. In this case Mr. Tedder and Mr. Colley were jointarchitects, and Mr. Colley was the builder. We are indebted to the latter for his skill in using old material derivefdrom the changes made at the classroom block, and so keeping down the expense of the job. The room provides plenty of space for eager amateur carpenters and all their equipment, and will no doubt prove a most popular acquisition. Mr. Tedder will be in charge, and will also give instruc tion. As this will be entirely a spare-time activity at present, too much must not be expected either of master or of boys. The Hobbies block provides another keenly felt want—a dark room for the Photographic Society. We look forward to much good light coming out of this darkness, and trust we shall have the pleasure of publishing some of the results in future "Chronicles." By the way, if anybody cares to send along any tools or materials for use in the Hobbies Room or the Dark Room, such gifts will be most gratefully received. Further building activity in the near future seems to be very likely, for the Governors have applied for a permit to build the Chapel, and the Old Boys' Executive Committee recently decided to ask for a permit to go ahead with the Memorial Pavilion. 366
The plans for the Chapel have been draWn up by Mr. W.Payne, the architect of the original school buildings at Botha's Hill, after much discussion between the Governors, the Chapel Committee appointed by the Governors, and the Staff. What is now proposed represents a reasonable compromise between various personal views, between what may be called conflicting"professional"claims, and between undue economy and excessive expense. Ready acceptance was found for the principle that the Chapel should be cruciform in plan, and also for the idea that the nave should be without pillars so that no one's view should be obstructed. The position of the choir gave rise to the chief problem, for Ministerial opinion whole-heartedly condemned the idea of a chancel choir on the not unreasonable grounds that no preacher liked to have as many as 50 of his congregation behind his back. It is now proposed to place the choir facing across the nave at the foot of the chancel steps. The plan shows seating accommodation for about four hundred people, including the choir. This may seem a surprisingly large figure, as the School numbers only two hundred at present, but it must be remembered that the district is growing rapidly, and visitors to Sunday services will increase. We must also provide room for large numbers who will wish to attend on special occasions such as the annual Carol Service. The Chapel Fund stands at present at just over £9,000 of which sum,we may remind our readers, no less than £7,000 was a gift from Mr. R. T. Polkinghorne. The building and its furnishings are likely to cost at least double that, so we shall need to rely heavily on the generosity of other friends if the Chapel is to become a reality In the near future. The beauty of holiness does not depend entirely on buildings—far from it—but environment has a great influence, and can be a great aid in training the bodies, the minds, and the souls of youngsters especially. We long for them to worship the Lord in the outward and visible beauty of holiness, for it is often an important gateway to the inward and spiritual grace. •$ 9 * Everybody remembers the magnificent success of last year's Fete in aid ofthe Old Boys' Memorial Pavilion Fund,and the splendid generosity of another Polkinghorne—Lawrence T. Polkinghorne (1921-25) in doubling the takings of the day. Mr. Walter Robinson (1936-37), the Old Boys' Hon. Treasurer, reports that the Building Fund stands at £2,547, and that another £1^800 has been promised, thus making a total of £4,347. The Executive Committee feel that this warrants them in going ahead with the scheme as soon as a permit can be obtained, so perhaps another of our great needs will have been fulfilled by this time next year. Plans have been pre pared by Mr. Melville Poole and approved in principle by the Committee. The Pavilion will include a tuck-shop and tea-room, and is to be built on the bank overlooking the far end of the Oval, near the old scrumming machine. In this position it will serve the needs of several fields that abut upon each other there. 367
STAFF NOTES—PRESENT AND PAST Mr. and Mrs. J. F. Reece left South Africa at the end of last year to spend a year's well-earned leave In England. Letters from him and from Mrs. Reece have kept us Informed of their movements, and show that they are having a busy and most Interesting time. They are getting about a good deal In their new Morris-Oxford, and the car Is making them a centre of attraction, and of envy too, wherever they go. They have both received many pressing Invita tions to talk to various Clubs and Societies In Mr. Reece's home district, so much so In fact that the schoolmaster on holiday found himself almost at work again, and we believe he had to harden his heart somewhat In self-defence. Soon after his arrival, Mr. Reece had the privilege of preaching to a large congregation In the Church of which his late father was the minister for many years. Some Interesting extracts from their letters will be found else where In this Issue. At the beginning of the year we welcomed to the Staff Mr. R. C. Best, B.Comm (S.A.), who has come to teach Commerce and Junior Mathematics. He has also taken over the Cricketfrom Mr. Hopkins. Mr. Best was a boy at Kingswood College, Grahamstown,and joined the Chamber of Mines after matriculating. During the War he served as a gunner with the First Division In East Africa and In the Desert, and was unlucky enough to get"In the bag"at Tobruk. He escaped from a German prison camp In the closing stages of the War, and then went to England. On his return to South Africa he decided to take up schoolmastering, and entered Rhodes Uni versity College. Mr. and Mrs. Best are living at Glllltts, and we wish them a long and happy association with the School. After her long Illness Sister Kirkman did not return to Gllllngham at the beginning of the year, but we are glad to hear that she has since fully recovered. She visited the School recently to see the rugger match against Queens College and the performance of "Quality Street." In her place as Matron of Gllllngham we wel comed Sister M. O'Dwyer, formerly of the Royal Naval Nursing Services. Sister O'Dwyer spent a good deal of her war service at sea and on two or three occasions was unfortunate enough to be on ships that were sunk. She too has now left us and returned to Johannesburg to finish qualifying as a masseuse. Congratulations to Mr. Nel on the announcement of his engage ment. With so many of the Staff married and living outside the School,the prospect ofothers joining them In their"blissful estate" means that the already difficult matter of supervision In the Houses Is likely to become even more of a problem In the future. Cupid's arrow found another willing victim last March when Mr. C. O. Medworth, our sports master for eighteen years and now Sports Editor of the Natal Mercury, was married at St. James's Church, Durban, to Miss Daphne Wayne. We offer them our hearty congratulations and best wishes for their future happiness. 368
Some three hundred guests, among whom were a number of Old Boys, attended the wedding. Mr. G. M. Gram was the best man— a"quid pro quo"for similar assistance a good many years ago I Many Old Boys will still have affectionate memories of Sister E. N. Edwards who was for seven years the first Matron at Kearsney in the old days when the School was on the North Coast. After retiring from the position of Matron of the Kearsney Hospital, Sister Edwards lived in Durban for a time, and then tried the experiment of returning to Australia, her native land. Her verdict on Australia was"a grand country for young people but not for old ones like me," and she came back to Durban again last year. Weare sorry to say that she has recently had a very serious operation, but she is now gradually getting over it. All Old Boys who knew her will wish her a full and speedy recovery. We were gladto have a brief glimpse of Sister Attlee when she came down from Johannesburg last March for Mr. Medworth's wedding. Fourteen years of stalwart service as Matron of the old School and then of Gillingham House when we moved to Botha's Hill are still gratefully remembered. Sister Attlee continues to put many Old Boys under a debt of gratitude through the generous and ever-willing assistance that she gives to the Transvaal Branch of the Old Boys' Club, by allowing them to have meetings at her home, and by giving an unfailing welcome to any individual Old Boy who calls at any time—convenient or inconvenient I We have been grateful for the assistance on the Staff in a temporary —and honorary—capacity ofan Old Boy, Mr. B. J. Nieuwoudt(44-45). He has cheerfully and willingly played the part of general"stooge" wherever and whenever such a useful personage was required, principally by taking many of the extra tutorials that clog-up the latter end of the afternoon of the permanent masters, and by filling the gap when illness caused some of the latter to be off duty for a time. He also assisted with games and with the duties of Gilling ham House. Mr. Nieuwoudt now returns to complete his studies at the Natal University, and carries v/ith him our very best wishes for success in his finals at the end of year. We shall certainly miss him a good deal. Messrs. Burger and Storm are playing rugger for the Pinetown Rugby Club. Mr. Hopkins has been elected Adjutant of the newlyformed Highway Shellhole at Hill Crest. Our ex-Headmaster, Mr. R. H. Matterson, leads a busy life in spite of his retirement. The following list of the offices he holds is truly formidable, and it is probably quite incomplete: Provincial President of the Sons of England Society, Chairman of the Botha's Hill Water Supply Company, Hon. Secretary of the Private Schools' Association, Hon. Treasurer of the Hill Crest Bowling Club, Hon. Treasurer of the School Chapel Fund, Member of the Botha's Hill Health Committee,a Methodist local preacher and Circuit Steward, and member of various Church Committees. So he gives his services 369
to the community without stint, as he gave them to the School for nearly twenty-five years. Surely to no one is his favourite text less applicable than it is to himself—" We are unprofitable servants; we have done that which we ought." We are glad to say that Mr. and Mrs. Matterson are keeping very well, and both continue to take a keen interest in the School's activities. We offer our hearty congratulations to Mrs.A. Milner on achieving the B.Sc. Degree with distinction in Chemistry atthe Natal University last year. Her success was richly deserved although she declares herself disappointed in not gaining a distinction in Zoology also. Mrs. Milner says she made the fatal mistake of overworking just before the exam—Kearsney examination candidates please note! Mrs. Milner is now preparing for the M.Sc. Degree, and we con fidently extend to her our very best wishes for further signal success at the end of the year. Her former pupils in Book-keeping and Geography will know that she will not spare herself, as she spared neither herself nor them while she was a member of the Staff. Mr."Ben" Milner is farming on the other side of Albert Falls beyond Maritzburg, and seems to be doing a good bit of everything there, including snake farming. One of the species came an-egghunting in the fowl run, and ended up as a sale to the Durban Snake Park. What's lost to the Dairy is, by biological metamorphosis, gain to the credit side of Farmer Ben's ledger. On another occasion a reptile most strangely objected to being trodden upon, and bit the hand that sought to pick It up. Ben was very ill after it. He did not die, but the snake did. The moral is that drawn by many of his former pupils—don't bite Ben! Mr. E. C. K. Knubley, whom many Old Boys will remember as teaching junior mathematics during some of the war years, visited the School in the second term. We were glad to see him looking so well, and we appreciate the keen interest that he still takes in the progress of Kearsney. LITERARY AND DEBATING SOCIETY Officers: President, The Head ; Vice-President, Mr. Reece ; Hon.-Secretary, Metcalf, D. J.; Executive, Shelton, M. G., Kitchin, E. N. C., Livingstone, D. J., Prankish, J. G., and Rock, W. N. Programme: February 13th; Election of Officers. March 6th: Sharp practice. March l lth: Debate (with Epworth): "That Euthanasia should be legally recog nised."—Motion lost, 21—27. March 20th: Debate:"That modern science is over-reaching itself."—Motion lost, 3—35. May 22nd: Debate;"That this House believes In Ghosts."—Motion won, 19—11. June 5th: Patents office. June 19th; Sharp practice. 370
On March I Ith an Epworth debating team came to Kearsney to defend the motion "That Euthanasia should be legally recognised." Although they spoke with much expression, our team was able to pick holes In most oftheir arguments. However we greatly enjoyed the meeting and are eagerly looking forward to another interschool debate. The"Patents Office" brought to light the fact that thereare many fertile minds in the Society. Some of the Patents were very humorous and very ingenious. It is regretted that the standard of speaking during the last six months has been very low Indeed. Members will gain nothing from the Society unless they come with their speeches prepared, and with the Intention of speaking when the debate is open to the House. D.J.M. JUNIOR DEBATING SOCIETY This was originally the idea of Mr. Reece, who wanted to start a Junior Debating Society as a means of helping the Senior Society by feeding It with boys who would have had some experience of debating and would thus be less diffident in taking a share in the work of the senior Society when promoted from the Junior School. Itwas found possible to give effect to Mr. Reece's suggestion and a Junior Society was started this term, membership being confined to the Third forms. The boys meet at the same time as the senior Society. The Idea has received enthusiastic support from these classes, and attendance has been excellent although membership of the Society Is voluntary. Two debates were held. The first"That Town life is better than Country life"; the second"That the native has been of more use to South Africathan the Indian." In both cases the motion was carried. While the standard of debating is not very high there was a distinct Improvement in the second debate. Proposers and seconders must get together and plan their cam paign carefully and logically, each taking definite points. The same applies to the speakers against the motion. Careful preparation is very necessary as Is careful attention during the debate to record points for the summing up and answering in your final speeches. Those of you who are called upon to speak next term must put these suggestions Into operation and you will soon Improve your standard. R.W.B. 371
ir AFRIKAANSE VERENIGING Die Afrikaanse Debatsvereniging het hierdle halfjaar 'n paarbale geslaagde byeenkomste gehad. Veral is gepoog om meer aan die seuns oor te laat, om vir hulle die meeste van die werk self te laat doen. Die volgende bestuur is vir 1949 gekies: Voorsitter—M. Rodda. Sekretaris—C. Dell. Addisionele lede—Leibbrandt en Ashby. Sommige van die hoogtepunte gedurende die jaar was: „Die Duisendpoot" wat vaie onlik deur die hele Vorm I voorgedra Is; 'n Vasvra tussen die lede van die twee greet huise, wat Finningley 20—I I gewen het, en verskeie debatte. Veral een bespreking het bale enteesiasme epgewek, nl. „ Pietermaritzburg Is 'n beter piek as Durban." „Sleepy hellew"se endersteuners het wakkergeskrik, maar weer te laat, sees geweenlik, en Durban het gewen. G.B. THE CHOIR As is usual in the first half efthe year Cheir activities are confined te the Sunday services and preparation for the Cheir Concerts in the third term. It is pleasing te see se many beys in the cheir and in view ef the fact that there are se many eut-ef-scheel activities in which senior beys must necessarily participate, it is particularly pleasing, and much te their credit, that se many ef them attend cheir practices regularly and enthusiastically. As acting-choirmaster during Mr. Reece's absence I am very grateful te them. Mr. Gersback, a member ef the Beard who has always shewn particular interest in the cheir, made a suggestion that the cheir was in the wrong place te be heard advantageously. We therefore made an alteration in seating by putting the trebles and altos diagonally across one corner ef the platform and the tenors and basses in similar formation en the fleer. This has resulted in a considerable improvement. Thank you, Mr. Gersback. The main item for the Cheir in the calendar was the service for the Reception ef New Members. The cheir sang as an Anthem "Brother James' Air," a setting ef the biblical version ef the 23rd Psalm, and gave a good account ef itself. Just a word ef thanks te Mr. Burger for his interesatnd help in the cheir, and lastly te my wife, Mrs. Brown, without whose help at the piano and with all sorts ef ether musical advice I could net have undertaken te carry en the cheir during Mr. Reece's absence. 372
Mr. Reece has kept in close touch with our activities through a voluminous correspondence with me. How he manages to write so many letters and still have time to tour England I don't know. He has sent us various pieces of music and has readily tried to obtain anything for which I have asked him. We are glad he is having such an enjoyable and interesting holiday and send him our best wishes and kind remembrances—not forgetting to include Mrs. Reece and the children. R.W.B. MUSIC CLUB On Saturday evening, 7th May, Sidney Rosenbloom gave a piano recital to the School. He was accompanied by Madame Francis Hertslett who explained the meaning of the compositions played. He gave a very varied and pleasing programme which included light classical composition as well as more serious works. It was much appreciated by the audience. We should like to express our most grateful thanks to MissDulcie Goodwin for her interesatnd practical help in our Society. She has frequently brought artists from Maritzburg and has also played herself, and we much appreciate it that she has been so ready to take a"Busman's Holiday" from teaching music at the Training College, to come to Kearsney to play to us. The artists who have come to our Music Club meetings this year are Misses Joyce and Rae Barker (Girls' High School, Maritzburg), Miss Lucia Condon (Training College). With Miss Goodwin and Mr. and Mrs. Brown they have given us three delightful meetings which everyone has enjoyed. On the I Ith June Mrs. Brown arranged a concert in aid of the Music Section of the New School Library. The artists were: Miss Eva Dudley (Soprano), Miss Dulcie Goodwin and Mrs. Brown (Two Pianos), Stewart and Michael Leask (Piano Duets), Barrle Penberthy (Piano Solo), Mr. Brown (Bass) and pupils of the Nancy Graham School of Dancing (Pietermaritzburg). All combined to provide a most enjoyable programme,the variety of which delighted the audience. In conclusion we should like to express our thanks to Mrs. Brown for doing so much to help us in making the work of the Society a success. B. PENBERTHY. 373
PIANO RECITAL On Saturday evening, May 7th, Mr. Sydney Rosenbloom gave an interesting and varied programme of piano-music v/hich was atten tively listened to, and, if the applause was not entirely a matter of politeness, was much appreciated by the audience. Even the un initiated could not fail to admire the player's brilliant technique, while those who were qualified to judge found especial delight in his wide range of tone-colours and his superb control of emotional expression at the keyboard. The Hall piano is not now as readily responsive to the performer's wishes as it might be, but Mr. Rosenbloom never faltered for a moment. Every note sang clearly of a well-considered purpose ; every phrase had its defined context; every crescendo or dimuendo was under control from beginning to end. The result was a luminosity, a grace, and a strength, too, that gave the listener the complete satisfaction that comesfrom well-nigh perfect artistry. Mr. Rosenbloom's programme Included the following ; March (Schumann), Bouree for left-hand (Salnt-Saens), Golliwog's Cake-walk (Debussy), Toccata (Debussy), Blue Danube (Strauss), The Romp (York Bowen), Polonaise In A flat (Chopin), and the Warsaw Concerto. Madam Hertslett prefaced each piece by an explanation that was intended to make for easier listening by the youngermembers of the audience. PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY This Society has been marking time for a period as we felt that we had done all that could usefully be carried out without the aid of a dark room. Thanks to the interest of the Head and the Board a dark room has been incorporated in the new hobbies room which will be in use next term, and we hope for a particularly interesting period when we shall be able to put into practice all the things we have learned at various lectures and demonstrations which we have had. It was decided at the beginning of this term to divide the Society into two sections—a senior and junior—each with its own officials who became members of the main committee of the Society. This will make for much easier working in the dark room and, what is more important, give some of the juniors a chance to fit themselves for leadership when they move up to the senior school. The Head has appealed for equipment for the dark room and we hope that we shall be able to start next term with sufficient apparatus to enable every member ofthe Society to make full use ofthe facilities provided. R.W.B. 374
THE PRAYER MEETING On Friday evenings after Prep, a group of boys gather In one of the classrooms for a quiet time of worship. The meetings are started with a short prayer and this Is followed by a reading from the Bible. A short story or article of religious significance, usually taken from the"Youth from Christ" magazine, Is then read. The evening Is rounded off with community praying which Is regarded as the most important part of the meeting. This Fellowship was started six years ago by.M. Albertyn. It has a considerable Influence In the spiritual lives of many boys." (Reported from"Kearsney Cuts.") THE GARDENERS' CLUB The Club wasfounded this term and rapidly got busy on the ground behind the class-rooms. There was much Initial work to be done such as removing tree stumps and brambles, but when this had been accomplished the choice of ground proved to be an excellent piece ofgood judgment. A plot measuring 20ft. by 12ft. wasthen allotted to each member. Members were split Into groups, and each group was supplied with a quantity of varied seeds,some fertiliser and some agricultural lime to neutralise the sourness of the soil. A number of Implements were very kindly provided by generous donors, and we can still do with some more, such as rakes, heavy hoes and a pitch-fork. The seeds were planted rather later than Is usual and the result Is that the plants are somewhat backward, but an especially good crop of beans is expected. Other vegetables that are being grown are peas, potatoes, radishes, lettuce and cabbages. A few flowers have also been planted. We are much Indebted to Mr. Brown for his material assistance, and we expect to take full advantage ofthe opportunities offered us. (Reported from"Kearsney Cuts"). 375
SOCIAL STUDIES GROUP The programme for this term Included the following talks:— "The Economic Problems of South Africa" by Mr. Carleton Dyer. "World Peace and the Individual"by Rotary International. "The Background of the Native Problem"by Mr. I. Allen. The first lecture named above rapidly became a general discussion by way of question and answer on the present industrial and mone tary position of our country, rather than a formal review of its problems as suggested by the title. Mr. Dyer's answers were always well-informed, and frequently humorous, and he got his audience"alerted"to an unusual degree. We heard some interest ing things about the recent establishment of new industries by industrialists from England, and there were some enlightening comments on import control and on the use—and misuse—of native labour in factories. Altogether a stimulating evening. Mr. I. Allen's outline of the development of the Native Problem was absorbing. Hethen proceeded to discussthe existing differences in law and economic life ofthe whites and the Africans;the evolution ofthe"caste"system in our business life and its inevitable reactions on the Bantu. From here he went on to draw attention to the inefficiency of this from the point of view of economics and showed how the productivity of the Union could be greatly increased by allowing labour to be used where it was most needed. He outlined some proposals for the rehabilitation ofthe Reserves,for the development ofsecondary industries in Native Areas and for the vigorous measures needed to combat Housing and Soil Erosion in the big cities. South Africa he stressed was in the throes of an industrial revolution and statesmanship was never more needed than at this time to plan for a happy and secure future for this country. We were glad to welcome the American Consul, Mr. McGregor, Mr. Gordon Jacobs, Mr. Biebuyck and Mr. A.Smythe, who came up on June 2nd to hold a seminar on the individual's contribution to Peace. Mr. Smythe opened the discussion informally by explaining the principles of Rotary and then the group was divided into sections representing present world groupings: America, England, the Western Block, Russia, Latin American Republics and one section played the role of the Union of South Africa. It was soon apparent that political peace could be achieved only through greater co-operation and vision than present perspectives gave promise of. Tea and refreshments provided by Rotary, however, brought the touch"that makes the whole world kin," and then speakers wound up the evening by suggesting ways in which each individual could assist the cause of Peace. S.G.O. 376
JUNIOR HOUSE NOTES A number of alterations have been made in the House during the first two terms. These have resulted in increased facilities which have been appreciated by the boys. The first addition was that of a Bath Room (an extra one 1) and that has made the bathing problem a much less lengthy business. Then the outside dormitory, which had been built during the war when windows of the size required were unobtainable, had a large portion of one wall removed and a large window put in. A big improvement. The improvement now in progress is the re-roofing of one small dormitory and the conversion of a garage into lavatory accommodation. This will enable the lavatories at present in the main building to be removed and additional shower accommodation will take their place. A small hobbies room for the house will be provided by bricking up an outside summerhouse. The lawn adjoining Junior House behind the Swimming Bath dressing rooms has been made available to us for a Tenniquoit Court and a most useful addition it is. We should like to thank the Head and Mr. Clegg for giving us access to it. The members of the House, nearly all new boys, have settled down into a happy family, a fact which is no small tribute to their characters and the efforts of the prefects. Proctor and Varrie, and seniors. If disputes do arise, and they are very few, a set of boxing gloves (begged, borrowed or stolen from Mr. Van den Berg) has proved a most effective remedy in a supervised bout which has an excellent remedial effect on the temporarily disrupted harmony of personal relations. The daily rest hour from 5—5.45 is a useful time for reading and in this respecwte are most grateful for books of all kinds. Mrs. Caney, mother of one of our old boys has been most helpful in this respect, and we should like to express our appreciation of her kindness in donating so many books to the House Library. In conclusion a hearty vote of thanks to the Head for his interest in the House and his many helpful and practical suggestions for its welfare. A number of members of Staff and their wives have visited us from time to time to sample prefects' special brew of tea. We have been delighted to welcome them and hope that those who have not yet come will be able to do so before the end of next term. R.W.B. 377
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