'M'' KEARSNEY COLLEGE CHRONICLE -f'fyte: July, 1963
Kearsney College Chronicle Vol. 5 No. 7 July, 1963 EDITORIAL THE RECENT "population cxploslon" at Kearsney has its merits, of course, but it also brings problems in its train. It means a bigger inflow of capital and so more flexibility in expansion of buildings and amenities. It means that more parents, so minded, can enrol their boys with us. It means the added prestige of the larger school, and the bigger opportunity to make such impact upon the public life as we think fit to make. But, for those steeped in the character of the school, it also poses problems. In just over one year we have had 220 new boys — over half the school — who naturally knew nothing of Kearsney's characteristics and traditions. It has become increasingly diflicult to maintain those features of behaviour on which we have always prided ourselves. It is idle to pretend that we have succeeded. Influence cannot immediately be exerted over 400 boys as it was gradually over 100. Growth has been too rapid for that. Courtesy, properly controlled behaviour, consideration for others and the property of others, appropriate restraint — these are the things which matter. If we allow quantity to overrule quality we are rendering a disservice to those who have passed through the school and built up its traditions. 295
SCHOOL NOTES THE YEAR Opened with 420 boys, this being approximately 50 more than last year and 100 more than the year before. There have also been numerous additions to the Staff, whom we warmly welcome. They are:— Messrs: J. D. Gertenbach, B.A., U.E.D. (Stellenbosch), J. L. Hall, B.A., U.E.D. (Natal), J. A. Hewson, B.A. (Hons.), U.E.D. (Rhodes), D. A. Hicks, B.Sc., U.E.D. (Rhodes), J. D. LewisWilliams, B.A., U.E.D. (Rhodes), W. E. Lundie, B.Sc., U.E.D. (Natal), M. S. Mossam, B.Sc., U.E.D.(Rhodes), D. Walker, B.A. (Hons.), U.E.D. (Cape Town) and G. A. Yates, B.Sc., U.E.D. (Natal). Also Matrons: Sister Brokensha(Finningley), Mrs. MacDonald (Pembroke) and Mrs. Harris (Junior) and assistant housekeeper, Mrs. du Plessis. In addition, our Chaplain, Rev. A. R. Jennings, has come on to the staff in a full-time capacity, having withdrawn from Circuit work. All the above have settled easily into the Kearnsey routine and we look forward to long association with them. The Headmaster has spent over half his time in Pretoria, serving on the Executive of the Education Advisory Board. During his absence the school has functioned smoothly under the hands of Mr. Hopkins, who has acted calmly but firmly. At the end ofthe half-year Mr. Hopkins retired from the housemastership of Finningley, where he has been in charge for 4^ years. It has been impossible for him to do proper justiee to his dual role. He will live in a newly-built house opposite that of the headmaster. The housemastership of Finningley will be under taken by Mr. K. Fish. Mr. G. Nel has been awarded a Science Institute Scholarship in a South African-American Leader Exchange Programme, one of only two awarded in this country. This takes him for over a year to the University of North Dakota, Grand Forkes, on the Canadian Border. Here he will study modern methods in science teaching. Mr. Nel flies across in July with his wife and family and should be back for Michaelmas 1964. We congratulate him on this honour, and trust that he will have a beneficial time, if he sur vives the cold. We all look forward to his returning with a new accent. 296
Mr.P.E.Metcalf will succeed Mr.Nel as permanent housemaster ofPembroke. We congratulate the following:— Mr. & Mrs. Jennings, on the birth of Kevin Andrew; Mr.& Mrs. Currin, on the birth of Carol Lesley; Mr. Townsend, on his marriage to Miss Nan Metcalf; Mr. Hall, on his engagement to Miss Pat McKowen. We have been pleased to have Selby Smith with us on exchange from America. Besides participating keenly in the life ofthe school here, he has visited many other sehools, given numerous talks and newspaper interviews, and taken a service at Kearsney. We wish him a happy future back home and hope that we may sometimes hear from him. A. Eriksson eame third in the Republic (92%) in a Science Examination, through which it is intended to select representatives at an International Youth Scienee Fortnight to be held in London in July. We hear he will be one of the lucky ones. Building never seems to cease. This half year has seen the eompletion of the Finningley wing of the Dining Hall, so that henceforth Finningley and Gillingham will dine in separate wings, while Pembroke and Junior share the main hall. The self-service system appears to be working efficiently. There has also been built a new master's residence near the workshops. It is understood that there are now to be additions to Junior House, and more classrooms to accommodate the extra boys. Thus the process of enlargement goes on unceasingly. German measles persisted throughout the second terra, causing near panic when several actors went sick on the day of the play, and later resulting in large numbers ofboys having to sit their exami nations in the sanatorium. The cricket XI had its usual encounters with Springbok and provincial cricketers — good for the experience but bad for the averages! On the day after playing against us Carlstein made a double century against Richie Benaud's Cavaliers. Among the boys, Richards and Heath of D.H.S. were chosen for the S. African team to tour England,the former being captain. The rugger results do not look good on paper, but there are no weak sides among the leading Natal schools, and the standard of rugby is very high. The team was generally greatly out-weighted. 297
CHAPEL NOTES SERVICES this half year have been conducted by: Revs. A. R. Jennings, J. W. Massey, A. G. Powell, F. M. Basel, A. P. Kluge, I. Bellis, Archdeacon P. Russell; by Staff members, Messrs. J. F. Reece, K. G. Fish, C. E. Jeannot, H. Thorpe, D. Lewis-Williams, and by Messrs. R. Walker, D. Wayne, R. W. Hemson,and Master J. Selby Smith. We are grateful to Mr. and Mrs. Rodda, of Hill Crest, for their gift of carpeting to extend between the choir stalls and up to the chancel steps. Mr. J. H. Hopkins and his brothers, Mr. W. C. Hopkins, who is a member of our Board of Governors, and Group Capt. H. E. Hopkins, now retired to Kloof, have generously donated the St. Paul stained-glass window in memory of their parents, who died within a few days of one another in 1945. The question of accommodation in the Chapel is becoming critical, especially on visiting Sundays. The possibility of a galleiy is being considered. Guild has been held every Thursday night, with up to 180 boys participating. The Secretary is M. L. Griffiths. Within the life of the Church, Rev. A. R. Jennings and Mr. K.G. Fish have been appointed District Secretaries of Natal Youth work, and Mr. Reece continues as District Treasurer of the Minis terial Students' Fund, and Secretary to the Zululand Mission Committee. Messrs. J. F. Hewson, and A. R. Jennings together with several of the boys will be spending July with the Youth building party in Maputaland. Several of the Staff receive regular plannings for preaching appointments throughout the District. APPOINTMENTS House Prefects: Finningley: R. J. Greene (left at Easter), R. D. Bickerton (Head), G. J. Craven, A. Eriksson, M.L. Griffiths. Gillingham: P. H.Bryan(Head), J. E. Anderson, F. A. Courie, S. R. Gibson, A. S. Marr. Junior House: J. Bester(Head),P.K.Cunnington,L.R. Nuting, R.S. Rogers. Pembroke:J. W.Shire(Head ofSchool),P.Bland van den Berg, H.J. Daykin,E. Rogaly, J. C. van den Berg, J. L. Wood. The Head prefects and H. J. Daykin are also School Prefects. Cricket Captain: R. D. Bickerton. Swimming Captain: A. S. Marr. Athletics Captain: J. E. Anderson. 298
Rugby Captain: J. W.Shire. Librarians: R. M.Crewe and M.A. Barnard. Guild Secretary: M.L. Griffiths. Parliamentary Prime Minister: R. M.Crewe. Drum Major: J. E. Anderson. VALETE Form I A.B.Pottow,R.J. Abdinor. IIA B. Armstrong, I. J. Goldberg. IIB E.Pike. lie L.F. Wills. Ills A. R. Crewe. IIIA P. Strydom,J. R. Young,R.A.Ross. IIIB A.R.T. Miller. IIIC J. Hermer,R.S. Proctor, A. N. Wesson,A.N. Wilson. IVB G. K.Brown, C. S. E. H. Dean, A. J. B. Lawrence. G.M.Lindeque,C.E.Smith. IVC D. E. Alcock, C. M. Ellis, M. J. Hancock, J. B. Kay, T. S. Merrifleld. IVD I. F. Bell, A. Harris, W. W. Currer, M. M. Dinkelman, A. S. McEwan, G. C. Osborn, G. L. Pottow. yc B. R. Morel du Boil. yiA T. W. Beckett, M. O. Brutsch, A. I. Calderwood, B. G. Deane, C. J. C. Dunscombe, L. Fienberg, A. O. M. Gordon, D. G. E. Hardie, C. D. L. Hemson, I. C. Heron, M. A. Johnston, A. Lowenstein, M. B. Lyons, S. E. Piper, K. O. P. Shires, H. A. Tedder, E. von Maltitz, D. McC. Watson, B. G. Williams, M.R. Wood. VIB O. H. G. Beier, G. W. Brown, R. Doidge, D. F. Ford, T. G. Goodricke, B. G. Harvett, R. K. Jackson, C. James, J. A. Johnstone, J. S. Kaplan, C.C. Larsen, M.R. Macfarlane, D.W. Roper, P. D. Smith, B. H. Todd, P. B. Walsh, E. G. YoungThompson. Post Matric: H. B. W. Hulett. Also(1963): J. Plummer, R. J. Greene,D.I. Kelso, M.R.Cope. EXAMINATION RESULTS 1962 SENIOR CERTIFICATE: First Class: "B" aggregate (over 70%); A. I. Calderwood* (Latin, Maths, Physical Science), D. M. Watson* (Latin, Physical Science), B. G. Williams*(Maths,Physical Science). "C"aggregate(over60%): M.O.Brutsch*,L.Fienberg*, I. C. Heron* (Geography), A. Lowenstein* (Maths), M. B. Lyons* (Maths), J. F. Plummer*, K. O. P. Shires, H. A. Tedder* (Physical Science), E. von Maltitz* (Afrikaans). Second Class:P.H.Bryan*,B.G.Deane,* C.J. C.Dunscombe*, T. G. Goodricke*, A. O. M. Gordon*, C. D. L. Hemson*, M. R. Macfarlane*, S. E. Piper*, D. W. Roper*, M. R. Woods.* 299
W" Third Class: T. W. Beckett, G. W. Brown, D. F. Ford, R. J. Greene, D. G. F. Hardie, R. K. Jackson, C. W. James, M. A. Johnston*, J. S. Kaplan, J. W. Shire*, P. D. Smith, B. H. Todd*, P. B. Walsh. *Matriculation exemption. JUNIOR CERTIFICATE: (Number of Distinctions —80%— given in brackets). First Class: "A" aggregate (over 80%): D. M. Barnard (6), M.H. Fienberg (5), T. W. F. Smith (5). "B" aggregate (over 70%): J. C. B. Balfe (1), P. H. Foster (2), B. Q. Manieom (3), A. R. Melman (3), J. A. Perkins (4), N. F. Pollard, R. O. Salvesen (1). "C" aggregate (over 60%): M. S. Awerbueh, C. M. Biggs, G. M. Colloty (1), J. M. Ginsberg, R. B. Hansen (1), B. Hart, C. M.C. Hemson, J. K. M.Hemson, R. A. Meyer (1), J. P. Muller, D. B. Paul, J. A. Pitout (1), J. L. RivettCarnac (1), C. D. van der Westhuizen (1), R. R. Wright. Second Class: D. E. Alcock, D. W. Berry, J. R. Berry, G. K. Brown, P. C. Cattell, W. M. S. Doubell, G. B. Dyer (1), R. W.Groom, R. B. Heming, M.Kark, A. P. Kluge, J. E. Little, G. M. Mail, T. S. Merrifield, I. G. Morgan, T. R. Neill-Dore, R. Piper, S. S. Ryan, R. V. Salm, A. N. Schikkinger, R. G. Tapper, N. J. Tonkin, D. R. Walker, S. M. Webb, D. A. Westgate. Third Class: P. R. Aitcheson, M. G. Allen, D. C. Austin, T. Coggin, G. E. Cox, C. S. E. H. Dean, T. H. W. Dowse, C. M. Ellis, P. J. Engels, J. G. Frank, K. R. Gamble, M.J. Haneock, N. J. Hermer, A. A. Hipkin, N. J. Hope, J. B, Kay, F. A. L. Kennedy, M. J. Knott, B. N. Lawrenee, G. M. Lindeque, G. L. Pottow, C. E. Smith, V. N. Stuart, G. E. Tomlinson, R. A. Watts. The following boys obtained a Provincial Bursary:— J. C. B. Balfe, D. M. Barnard, M. H. Fienberg, P. H. Foster, C. M.C. Hemson,B.Q. Manieom,A.R.Melman,J. P. Muller, J. A.Perkins, N.F. Pollard, J. L. Rivett-Carnae, R.O.Salvesen, T. W. F. Smith. (The above over-all J.C. results, with their 36 distinctions and 13 Provincial Bursaries, are among the best in the school's history—Ed.) 300
KEARSNEY PARLIAMENT 1963 Speaker Clerk Prime Minister Leader of Opposition Publicity Officer .. GOVERNMENT: Foreign Affairs, Prop., Inf. Finance, Commerce & Mines Justice Defence and Interior Lands and Ag., Food & Water Railways, Posts & Tel. Bantu Administration.. Educ., Arts & Science Health & Social Welfare OPPOSITION; Deputy Leader .. .. Reece, J. F. ., Biggs, C. M. R. M.Crewe .. Broom,A. R. Eriksson, A. J. Roodepoort Bobbejaanskloof Creighton Benoni Eensgevouden Brothers, D. J. Boesmanskop Hansen, R. .. Courie, F. Anderson, J. E. Hart,B. Nutting, L. Berry, D. W... Fienberg, M.H. Awerbuch, M.S. Heidelberg Cato Manor Alberton Hottentots Holland Nqutu Babanango Ficksburg Amanzimtoti Murray, A. G.T. Magaliesburg Barnard, D. Bronkhorstspruit Berry, J. R. Cox, G. W. .. Craven, J. G. Engels, P. J. .. Lindsay, H. S. Manicom,B. Q. Press, E. Banana Beach Colesberg Clarence Ermelo Lintzfontein Margate Pofadder Plus 50 Cross Benchers PROGRAMME February 22nd: Motion of No Confidence in the Government. Proposed by the Leader of the Opposition. No vote taken. J^drch 22nd: Government Motion: "That the Government is upholding „' the ethics of a Christian democracy". Proposed by the Mini ster for Foreign Affairs and opposed by the Deputy Leader of the Opposition. Motion won. April i9th: Opposition Motion: "That the Government places too much emphasis upon defence". Proposed by Member for Pofadder and opposed by the Minister for Defence. Motion lost. May ird: Cross-bench Motion: "That South Africa must educate its entire potential for the development of the state". Proposed by J. A.Perkins and opposed by M.Polti. Motion lost. May Mfh; Government Motion: "That South Africa should resign from U.N.O." Proposed by the Minister for Defence and Ppposed by the Member for Bronkhorstspruit. Motion lost. 301
June Hth: Government Motion: "That the South African races are assured of peaceful co-existence imder the Apartheid policy". Proposed by the Minister for Bantu Administration and opposed by the Member for Banana Beach. Result, a tie. Parliament has been disappointing so far. With the interrup tions of other activities, it has never really got going. There have been few outstanding speeches, and far too many unmannerly interruptions of speakers; in fact a good deal of the dignity of Parliament has been lost this year. Even question-time, normally an interesting and entertaining period, has frequently fizzled out. We sincerely hope that the second half ofthe year will bring Parlia ment back to its former status — a society that trains public speakand increases political awareness, conducted with proper Parlia mentary dignity AFRIKAANSE VERENIGING WERKSAAMHEDE Van die eerste halfjaar:— 15 Maart .. Verkiesing van bestuur vir 1963. Voorsitter: P" B. J. Behr. Sekretaris: A. P. Kluge. Bykomende Lede: R. M. Crewe, J. F. Viljoen, O.Toombs, R.L. Kluge. 1 Maart .. Lesings: B. Hart oor „Jag". J. B. Milne oor „Die Suid-Afrikaanse Walvisnywerheid". A. P. Kluge oor „Die Vliegtuig as Oorlogswapen". J. F. Viljoen oor „Motorwedrenne". 15 Maart .. Debat: „Dat kosskool beter as dagskool is." Meier: O.H. Martin. Teenstander: S.S. Ryan. 22 Maart .. Toneellesing: Twee Eenbedrywe is gelees: „Die Storm" waaraan deelgeneem het, R. M. Crewe, M. A. Barnard, S. M. Webb, S.S. Ryan en J. F. Viljoen, en „Vrees" waaraan deelgeneem het B. Hart, H.S. Lindsay, D. B. Paul, en A. P. Kluge. 26 April .. Vasvrawedstryd. 10 Mei .. .. Lesings: M. Kark oor „Hout". R. Salm oor „Onderwater-visvang". D. Westgate oor „Portugese-OosAfrika". 21 Junie Rolprentvertoning: „Rip van Wyk". G.E,B. 302
ARE WE USING THE HENDERSON HALL 23rd August, 1962, was the official birthday of our new Hall, the day which saw the culmination of many months ofcarefully planned construction. Now,nearly a year later, it may be ofinterest to see how this addition to our school facilities has become a vital part of the extra-curricular activities of the College. For the official opening ceremonies, the Dramatic and Operatic Societies combined to present "Trial By Jury" and also several scenes from "Macbeth" and "The Tempest". These productions were well received and have been reviewed in a previous issue of the Chronicle. The Hall was then handed back to the builders and sub-contractors who continued their labours for several months. During this finishing period, however, we managed to hold the Sixth Form Dance, Prize Giving and several film shows. Also, towards the end of 1962, the Hall was used for a debate against Estcourt High School, against the Durban City Parliament, for public examinations and for the final assembly of the year. During 1963 we have continued to obtain increasing benefit from the Hall. Each class has a regular period of physical training, and a gymnastic club is in operation; societies such as Parliament and the Afrikaanse Vereniging are able to meetin dignified surround ings; the Wesley Guild and the Exploration Society have both arranged lectures, films and slide shows —•and even a variety con cert to entertain elderly folk from the district; badminton has been introduced as an optional form of recreation(?)for staff and boys; on wet days, cricket practice (using plastic balls) has been held on the stage and in the auditorium. We have heard talks on "Sharks", we have written examinations, we have held another Sixth Form Dance, we have seen film shows both instructional and entertaining. Yes,the Henderson Hall is, indeed,proving a wonder ful asset in many departments of our communal life. However, there is yet another field in which the Hall is being used,and one which seems to hold considerable potential for future use. We refer to the field of drama. Our policy in this matter is quite simple: we hope that our boys will become so thoroughly theatre-minded that, when they leave the College, they will be eager to support the dramatic societies in their home towns either as actors,stage-hands or simply as appreciative members ofan audience. In short, we hope to show our boys that plays, far from being ana chronisms in this age of the film and television screen, do in fact offer enormous opportunities for creative expression and intelligent audience participation. To date, we have tried to foster this policy in two ways. By taking part in our own production of "Morning Departure", a number of boys were able to test their own abilities as actors(and some of them discovered hidden talents which we hope they will 303 X v-
continue to use). Others gathered useful tips about set construction and stage lighting. And all the boys learned how well-disciplined audience behaviour can add to the enjoyment of a "live" show. Both cast and technical staff benefited from being able to work on a properstage,and the resulting performances werefar more polished than would have been possible under the makeshift conditions of the old dining hall. Our second method of making the boys theatre-conscious con sists in bringing "outside" productions to the College. There have been four so far. Last year, the Kloof Amateur Dramatic Society gave an enjoyable performance of "The Shadow Witness". A fairly well constructed murder mystery,this play roused considerable enthusiasm, particularly among the younger boys; yet it was pleasing to hear how constructively some of the more sophisticated young members of the audience criticised various aspects of the production! During the first quarter of 1963, and after successful runs in Durban and Maritzburg, the Y-Club Reps staged "The Shop at Sly Corner" at Kearsney. Again,"murder most foul" caught the imagination ofthe boys, and they responded well to the experienced acting ofprofessional producer David Barnett. Many were intrigued by the intricate setting, particularly by the moving fireplace. The importance of clear diction and meaningful action was admirably demonstrated early in the second quarter when, entirely without the assistance of scenery, costume or lighting, a party of students and staflF from the Natal University Department of Speech and Drama presented a number ofepisodes from a"A Tale ofTwo Cities". Although some youngermembers of the audience, not having read this Dickens classic, found it rather difficult to follow the story, all were caught up by the cleverly-created atmosphere; it was almost possible to hear the rumble of the tumbrils and the thud of the guillotine, so effectively did the actors use their voices, their faces and their hands. Perhaps the greatest dramatic treat which we have had in our new Hall was the recent performance of"The Taming of'he Shrew" by the Dramatic Society of the University of Natal in Piefermaritzburg. Superb acting, colourful costumes and the cle'er use of scenery and lighting combined to create an evening o drama at its best — and undoubtedly persuaded many a youthful.ceptic that Shakespeare was not a dull old man who wrote plays to be pre scribed for English examinations I Whatofthe future? We shall continue to invite other companies to use our stage —in fact, we have another Shakespearean play tentatively booked for 18th August. Plans are in hand for an ambitious main production by our own Dramatic Society in 1964, and we hope to stage a series of form plays later this year. We 304
Me also working on preliminary plans for a holiday School of Drama which we hope to arrange during 1964 to give promising actors from schools throughout Natal an opportunity of working together under first-rate producers. In closing, may we invite any who have read this article and who would like to receive notices of our future activities to send a note to the Dramatic Society? We should be delighted to add their names to the growing list of those who encourage drama at the College. P.E. M. MORNING DEPARTURE by KENNETH WOOLLARD MEMBERS OF THE CREW OF Lt. Cdr. Stanford {Captain ofiS.H) Lt. Manson (First Officer) Lt. Oakley(Navigation Officer) Lt. McFee(Engineer Officer) Petty Officer Barlow Leading Seaman Hillbrook .. Stoker Marks Stoker Snipe A/B Higgins (Mess Orderly) SUBMARINE S.14 ALAN BROOM RODNEY HANSEN ALEX MURRAY .. DAVID LANG .. BRIAN HART .. JOHN BERRY HUGH LINDSAY ROBIN TAPPER TYRONE TOOMBS MEMBERS OTFHE SHORE STAFF Cdr. Gates("N"Submarine Flotilla) .. .. PETER BRYAN Cdr. Whatley(Salvage Depot Devonport); .. FRANK COURIE Capt.Fenton(Salvage Officer, S.&S.E. Areas) DENIS BROTHERS Capt. Marshall (D.N.S., Admiralty) n 11 ;■ BLAND VAN DEN BERG Brackley (Civilian Clerk in D.N.S. Office) JOHN DICKENS Telephone Operators (Day) . . .. MERRILL BROKENSHA (.Night) JOHN WOOD THE DRAMATIC SOCIETY WISHES TO THANK . . . Staff Wives, Matrons, Housekeepers and Masters who have devoted many T behind the scenes in many departments' Judy Reece, who has been in charge of painting the set' Royce Kmcaid (Pty.) Ltd., for the use of scaffolding; effects°et(r''"® ''°ys who have worked on set construction, lighting, sound Clive Biggs, Simon Webb, Garth Milne, Robin Crewe, Robin Tapper Andre Schikkmger, Patrick Moore, David and John Berry, Hugh Lindsay' Gordon Sink, Tony Stapelberg, Robert Piper, David Westgage. ^T^CF^nwFrTni^ • ' • ^R. DAVID LEWIS-WILLIAMS S AGE DIREC OR MR. P TER METC LF 305
This is a suspense play, in places reminiscent of "Journey's End", with the scenes set alternately in a submarine on the sea-bed, and in the offices ofthe Admiralty above. As the scene adjustments would have been impossible without a revolving stage, the produeer, Mr. Lewis-Williams, and the stage manager, Mr. P. Metcalf, most ingeniously convertedthe large school stage into a doubledecker. This was quite a masterpiece. Scene-changing was ac complished by blacking out and lighting up the appropriate de partments,so that there was no break in continuity. The Admiralty officials, each in his own alcove, conversed with one another by phone,and only the speakers were lighted up. It was all very clever, and tribute must be paid to the lighting operators for their splitsecond timing. The play was very well presented, and was ample reward for the long weeks of hard work put in by producer and players. Actors sometimes find it easier to declaim Shakespeare's lines than to be completely natural in a modern play, but little fault could be found in this regard. The tension was admirably developed as hopes rose and fell, and one did not feel certain one way or the other as to whether the doomed crew would be saved — until the final scene brought the realisation that, partly owing to Admiralty red-tape, the surviving crew had to be abandoned. The end came quietly and without panic. The play was to a considerable extent held together by a sustained piece of high-class acting by Alan Broom, as captain of the sub marine. His moods ranged from violent anger to calmness and reassurance, even tenderness, and every word was audible. He never succumbed to the temptation to hurry on, where restraint and dramatic pause was required. Tyrone Toombs,as A/B Higgins, possessed of a most convineing Cockney accent, was a lovable and devoted character, cheerful and irrepressible to the end. He was an admirable foil to the greater sophistication ofthe officers. David Lang, as the engineer, acquired a Scots accent which would have deceived an Aberdonian, and a melancholy well suited to that dour race. The other long submarine part was played by Rodney Hansen, first officer, who revealed interesting shades oftemper and tempera ment. The Admiralty officials up above had a less glamorous--but very important — part to play. Their role was static for they were glued to seat and telephone. Their effectiveness had to rely solely on the clarity with which they got their words across. It was their responsibility to show first the inexorability of Admiralty red-tape, and then the energy with which operations could be conducted once the tape was cut. Their tragedy lay in the fact thatin the end, after their best endeavours, the submarine had to be abandoned. 306
The play was publicly presented three times, to full halls. Tragedy nearly struck! On the second day two characters went down with German measles and Paul Bland had to double up on the part of Lt. Oakley. On the third day he himself and two others succumbed,but played through their parts with the rashes on them! How thankful we were that it was nothing more serious. The producer had gnawed his fingers down to the knuckles. J. F.R. CHOIR NOTES AS IN 1962 the choir is somewhat unbalanced owing to a lack of tenors and basses, but despite this they have settled down and the tone and blend improve with each anthem performed. They are at present rehearsing other anthems, and for the Choir Concert in August. It was a pleasure to hear that the recording made in November 1962 of Carols was to be broadcast by the S.A.B.C. even though April seemed hardly the time of the year to broadcast Christmas Carols. Many people commented very favourably on the Choir's performance, some of whom were in no way connected with the school. The choir, and a number of instrumentalists, performed at a Concert in Pinetown on May 18th. This Concert was a new venture, designed to alternate with the Afrikaans Eisteddfod held every two years, and many local schools took part. Items performed by the school were:— 1. Choir: As die winter nader kruip. 2. Clarinet quartet: Sweet and Low. Clarinettists: Clarence, Walker,Clegg and Lee. 3. Choir: Waltzing Matilda. 4. Trumpet Solo: Trumpet Tune and Air—Purcell. Solo trumpet: D. Guyer. 5. Choir: Swing Low Sweet Chariot. 6. Instrumental Group: St. Anthony Chorale. Clarinettists: Clarence, Walker,Clegg, Lee, Trumpets: Guyer and Lindsay. Flute: C. Balfe. 7. Choir: Anthem—^Allfrom the Sun's Uprise. The Choir and instrumentalists performed very creditably, in spite of having a long wait before performing at the end of a rather lengthy programme. J. M.H. 307
CONCERT A CONCERT was held in the Margaret Mary Henderson Memorial Hall on March 23rd before a large audience despite all attempts on the part of the weather to keep visitors away. The programme was made up of music for two pianos, played by Mrs. Whiteford and Mr. Harper, and quartets from various Gilbert and Sullivan operas sung by Mrs. Harper, Mrs. MacGilvray, Mr. Jeannot and Mr. Walker. The details of the programme were as follows:— Pianos: March: Elizabeth of England — Haydn Wood. Waltz; A. Arensky. Polonaise in A major — F. Chopin. Vocal Quartet: Strange Adventure. When a wooer goes a-wooing from"The Yeomen ofthe Guard". Pianos: Perpetuum Mobile — J. Strauss. Invitation to the Dance — C. M.von Weber. Vocal Quartet: Madrigal from The Mikado. In a contempative fashion from "The Gondoliers". Pianos: Introduction: alia marcia. Tarantella from Suite for two pianos by S.Rachmaninov. I am grateful to all who took part in this concert including Mrs. Reece who helped greatly in rehearsals, and in the accompaniments to the vocal numbers. J. M.H. ORGAN RECITALS ONE RECITAL Only was been given so far this year, performed by Mr. J. M. Harper on May 26th. The details of the programme are as follows:— 1. Fanfare by J. Lemmens. 2. Three pieces for Musical Clocks by J. Haydn. 3. Folk Song and Paean by Percy Whitlock. 4. Carillon by Herbert Murrill. J. M.H. LIBRARY LARGE NUMBERS of ncw books havc been bought, and very generous gifts have been made by Dr. O. J. Wilkinson (Old Boy), Mrs. Crewe, of Creighton, Mrs. A. Bell, of Bellair, and by an 308
anonymous donor from Johannesburg. With the withdrawal of dilapidabtoeodks, the usefulness of the library steadily increases. R. M. Crewe and D. M. Barnard, aided by assistants M. V. Cardiga and P. S. Maxwell, have done diligent work in the control of books and of the library generally. Nevertheless it has not been possible for them to be always on duty and it is to be regretted that the library material has not always been treated with full care,nor the library itself remained a quiet centre for study. Disciplinary action has occasionally had to be taken. Withdrawals have been fewer than usual. In fact a study of names indicates that the senior school is almost illiterate. It was hoped that the after-lunch rest period would lead to wider reading, not less. THE GUILD HAVING our own resident chaplain has facilitated the running of the Guild and we have enjoyed a successful half-year under his guidance. At the commencement of the second quarter, the Guild was divided into the Senior and Intermediate departments. The number ofguilders was considered to be too great to be managed at the one time. The Guild Committee organised a variety concert in the new school hall for some old folk from the Hill Crest Old Peoples'Home as an act of Christian service. We were once again privileged to have a representative of the South African Bible Society with us one evening. Ds. Gert v. d. Merwe gave a very inspiring address which was followed by a film on mission work among the natives of New Guinea. The Senior Guild visited Epworth during the second quarter, and we enjoyed an evening of square dancing together, finishing off with devotions in the true Guild fashion. Our most interesting literary evening was undoubtedly the talk given by the ex-South African motor racing champion, Syd v. d. Vyver. Taking advantage of the fact that we had a genuine American in our midst, we had Selby Smith speak to us on Youth Work in his home state ofCalifornia and teenage life in general in the United States. For our last meeting we were privileged to listen to Rev. H.W. Rist, Methodist Missionary Secretary who told us of the work 309
being done to keep the Africans spiritually and physically. His message was a challenge to us all to go forth and help. Our thanks are extended to the Guild office-bearers for duties ably carried out. Mervyn Griffiths Mervyn has been a first-class and most conscientious secretary. Well done and thank you.—A.R.J. THE CHESS CLUB THANKS TO energetic organisation by Mr. Hicks we have managed to re-establish this long dormant club. Considerable support has been forthcoming especially from the juniors and the club is well on its feet again. We have, owing to exams, been badly hampered in arranging matches against other schools and have played only D.H.S. who swept us off the board. A junior team is to be sent to play Maritzburg College in the near future and a match against Estcourt has been arranged. We look forward to next term, when we hope to arrange a school championship and play many more external matches. We would also like to thank Messrs. Thorpe and Jeannot who so kindly provided transport to D.H.S. D.M.Barnard, Secretary. ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY DURING the second term, the Astronomical Society restarted after nearly a 4-year lapse. We have had a number ofsuccessful meetings including a film show. The old observatory has been repaired and refurnished to a usable state and we hope in the last halfofthe year to get a reflecting telescope. The society has already in its possession a small telescope which is ideal for photographing and observing the moon. Films, such as "Project Mercury" and star charts have been ordered from U.S.A. The support of the school has been very good. They have shown a great deal of enthusiasm and interest and we are very grateful to them. G. Polly 310
THINKING BACK I HAVE never met an Old Boy of the "Old" Kearsney who has not spoken of the place with the greatest affection. Small though it was, there was something about its atmosphere, its setting, its fellowship, which left a life-long impact upon those who went there. I have met Old Boys who were there for only one year, yet speak with genuine sincerity of the influence the school had over them. Delighted reminiscences beginning with "Do you remember?" still pour from the lips ofnow ageing Old Boys —for there were moreincidents and excite ments in a week then than in a term today. The school was full of character, and the rather free-and-easy existence possible in a small school set romantically and inthe country, in such unspoilt surroundings, led to the development of character and initiative in a manner not possible in the larger and inevitably harder disciplined school of today. "Pranks" were the order ofthe day — never ill-bred and out of hand; independence of thought and action was encouraged, and a free hand readily given. The lovely scenery,the country walks and bathes, the orange and mango orchards, tea-fields, and the generally old-world setting, the rusticity — all this bred a boy with personality and great love for his school and fellows. And there were personalities, great ones. Character interacted upon character, and a few boys of sterling Christian beliefs could so influence the rest of the school that a tone was created on which later generations could solidly build. Itwas, however, not all easy going. Without the boys themselves being particularly aware of it, the school passed through a critical period during the mid-1930's. In fact the School Council decided to close down and Intimated this to the headmaster and staff. It needed some pretty fierce resistance to get them to change their minds,and even then the school survived only through the staff's willingness to have their salaries drastically reduced and to hand back part of their savings. But we saw a future for Kearsney,and although it meant at the time financial hardships,we faced them — the faith wasjustified. Without sacrifice 30 years ago there would be no Kearsney today and the school would be no more than a pleasant memory in the minds of a handful of Old Boys. These things should not be forgotten, for it is upon the past that the present is built, and from small seeds do large plants grow. J. F.R. AN AMERICAN BOY LOOKS AT SOUTH AFRICA (Written for the Daily News, Durban, in April.) Mv STAY in South Africa has so far been too wonderful to imagine. I have not found the weather excessively hot, and all this sun after the 10 days I spent in New York's winterjust before I left the United States is very enjoyable. I must say that Natal is not exactly what I expected it to be, and I am,if anything,agreeably surprised. Ofcourse,I had a preconceived image of rolling savanna with lions and zebras, and other animals roaming about the outskirts of towns. But I was also aware of the fact that South Africa is a progressive nation with sky-scrapers, men in business suits, and allthe conveniences of modern living. so GREEN I was thrilled to find Natal a land ofsuch beautiful contrasts. The scenery here equals any I have ever come across, and never have I seen so much green! Living in an area where 20 in. ofrain a year is above average, and coming from a family dependent on the grass for its livelihood, the vegetation especially impressed me. 311
Your climate, with its sudden and quick-passing storms, is quite different from the long winter storms of my home in California. I find your beaches warm, relaxing and, comparatively, not too crowded. And the surf is pheno menal! All in all 1 am very much in love with your beautiful environment. SIMILAR I am attending Kearsney College, at Botha's Hill, for two terms. I am in VIA Form,and Iam enjoying,and deriving great benefit from,the outstanding school I find it to be. The subjects I am taking are somewhat parallel to courses in California. In America I attended a public school in Ojai, my home town, where I was studying United States history, algebra II, French, English and chemistry. The amount of learning and study required there is very similar to here. At my home town school we do not wear uniforms, and may come to school in anything that is neat and appropriate. I do not find the uniforms at Kearsney a hindrance or a nuisance, though. On the other hand they are very practical and comfortable. FINE SETTING The setting of the school is one that would be envied by many United States schools. The playing fields and other athletic facilities are also very much to be admired. I am playing tennis at Kearsney, and find the other players ex cellent in ability and sportsmanship. I have watched several cricket games, but I'm afraid that I still do not fully understand everything that is going on. Like our baseball or basketball, it appears to be a game that one must be brought up with to be fully appreciated. I am waiting for the rugby season so that I can try my hand at that. The student-teacher relationship here is slightly more formal than in the United States,butthe teachers I have come in contact with have been exceedingly understanding and helpful. My school life is challenging, interesting, and one that offers many opportunities to become acquainted with the true South African feeling and friendship, and to exchange ideas openly and constructively. My future could go one of many ways. I can only wait and hope that I will be guided to the right choice. At present I am learning as much about all the different components of life and its opportunities as I possibly can. This unique opportunity to visit you and to see another part of this evershrinking but ever so marvellous world has given me a deeper understanding of the world and my position in it. The friendship and kind understanding of the people I have met I greatly appreciate and respect, and I hope I can convey to you an interesting and true American spirit that will strengthen our friendship and understanding of each other and his country. J. Selby Smith HARD TIMES WE HAVE recently received a facsimile of the rules of Kingswood School, as founded by John Wesley on the outskirts ofBristol,and later moved to Bath. Some of the information is given below. It will comfort those of us who believe that life today is hard — especially when one considers the rigours of the English winter! Our Design is, with God's Assistance, to train up children, in every Branch of useful Learning. We teach none but Boarders. These are taken in, between the Years of Six and Twelve,in order to be taughtREADING,WRITING,ARITHMETICK, 312
ENGLISH, FRENCH, LATIN, GREEK, HEBREW, HISTORY, GEO GRAPHY, CHRONOLOGY, RHETORICK, LOGICK, ETHICKS GEO METRY, ALGEBRA, PHYSICKS, MUSICK. It is our particular Desire,That aU who are Educated here, may be brought up in the Fear of GOD: And at the utmost Distance from Vice in general, so in particular from Idleness and Effeminacy. The Children therefore of tender Parents, so call'd,(who are indeed offering up their Sons and their Daughters unto Devils)have no Business here; for the Rules will not be broken,in favour of any Person whatsoever. Nor is any Child received unless his Parents agree, 1. That he shall observe all the Rules of the House,and Z That they will not take him from School, no,not a Day, till they take him for good and all. The General Rules of the House are these;— First, the Children Rise at Four, Winter and Summer,and spend the Time till Five in private: Partly in Reading, partly in Singing, partly in Self-examina tion or Meditation (if capable of it) and partly in Prayer. Seeondly, At Five they attend the Publick Service. From Six they work till Breakfast. For as we have no Play-days (the School being taught every Day in the Year but Sunday)so neither do we allow any Time for Play on any Day. He that plays when he is a Child, will play when he is a Man. On Fair Days they work, according to their Strength, in the Garden; on Rainy Days in the House. Some ofthem also learn Musick: And some of the larger wiU be employed on Philosophical Experiments. But particular Care is taken that they never work alone, but always in the Presence of a Master. The School begins at Seven, in which Languages are taught till Nine, and then Writing etc. till Eleven. At Eleven the Children walk or work. At Twelve they dine,and then work or sing till One. They diet thus:— Breakfast: Milk-porridge and Water-gruel, by Turns. Supper: Bread and Butter and Milk by Turns. Dinner: Sunday, Cold Roast Beef; Monday, Hash'd Meat and Appledumplins; Tuesday, Boil'd Mutton; Wednesday, Vegetables and Dumplins; Thursday, Boil'd Mutton or Beef; Friday, Vegetables and Dumplins; Saturday, Bacon and Greens, Apple-dumplins. They drink Water at Meals, nothing between Meals,On Friday,if healthy, they wait till Three in the Afternoon. Experience shews, this is so far from impairing Health, that it greatly conduces it. Fourthly, From One to Four Languages are taught. And then Writing etc. till Five. At Five begins the Hour of Private Prayer. From Six they walk and work till Supper. A little before Seven the Publick Service begins. At Eight they go to Bed, the Youngest first. Fifthly, They lodge all in one Room, in which a Lamp burns all Night Every Child lies by himself. A Master lies at each end of the Room. All their Beds have Mattresses on them, not Feather-beds. Sixthly,on Sunday, At Six they dress and breakfast: atSeven, learn Hymns or Poems: At Eight attend the Publick Service: At Nine go to the Parish Church: At One dine and sing: At Two attend the Publick Service, and at Four are privately instructed. {Many other details are given. The remarkable thing is that the school was never empty.—Ed.) 313
THE BENDS Down into the black vibrating depths —^mysterious unknown,goes the diver. Deeper and deeper, by crank and rattle; The strain increases, but no-one worries — Not the captain, not the scientist, no-one. Except the diver. Is it safe? On deck tension mounts,as lower and lower the diver descends, unconscious of all except himself. Within I smile, without, serious. I do not worry: success, failure, all the same to me. And the diver, new and frightened. What of him? What terrors plague him now? Many,I hope; for I am more than plain disinterested; My mind is set — I hope he dies. Oh how I pray to the devil of yore who used to grant evil wishes — kill him,kill him,I pray. Yet all is quiet and nothing stirs. Silent at death,silent and still. One,two, three pulls; the devil be praised: the danger signal. "Faster,faster", I scream; "make haste; he is in trouble." Was my brain possessed by evd, gloating evil? The crank goes faster. The tempo increases; my heart is beating,throbbing shouting; Faster,faster, it screams. Climactic crescendo,then jazzlike halt. He's up; hurry hurry, hurry quickly; He lives, but how he screams; Music to my ears. His blood boils, his skin splits. Oh leperlike beast. All shrink in horror, but not I; No not I; tis beauty to my eyes. His eyes are bulging, straining ... The screams have stopped: all is quiet: he is dead. Too soon. M.S.Awerbuch As a general rule. Boys do not work very hard at school; But there's a most conspicuous thirst for knowledge At Kearsney College. Cricket Is a game for gentlemen around a wicket; But at rugby The general idea is to kill the blighter. No more wining, wimming,funning. If you want to be a star at cross-country running. C B, 314
THE SUMMER GAME I HAVE frequently read acounts by leading sportsmen of the most interesting games they have watched or played in, and so, with the nearing of the cricket season, it occurs to me that a few reminiscences of my own would not be out ot place. For instance, can any of those present ever forget the memorable match between Pudlington and Slocomb-in-the-Slush? Surely not! The rival captains took the field, where the Pudlington captain spun the coin and won the toss. He kept a special coin for this purpose. Slocomb captain (born in Scotland) claimed the coin as compensation, but ms "val (bom in Jerusalem)pointed out that it was very dear to him. Interviewed before the game,the Slocomb players would say nothing, except that they would win; the Pudlingtonians preferred not to express their views, except to say that they would not be the losers. Samuel Isaacstein, the Pudlington captain, opened the innings with his son his grandfather being umpire, and his father scorer. The Pudlingtonians had great faith in the latter as scorer, maintaining that the game was as good as won before it had begun. Sensations began at once. The Slocomb fast bowler's first ball hit a daisy root and bounced over the bowling screen, ^raere it was caught by the Vicar; he caught it on the head. The next ball was off the wicket, but the square-leg umpire, being an ex-rugby fly-half escaped unhurt by means of a quick side-step, and the ball continued on its journey into the market square. Eight runs having accrued from the first two balls, the batsmen were naturally feeling confident, and from the third ball Mr. Isaacstein made a sweeping hit to leg, but unfortunately he missed the ball. The wicket-kee^r is still in hospital, but it is understood that he is now out of his coma. By this time the spectators were almost delirious with excitement, and several ladies fainted when the fourth ball broke the bat, smashed the leg stump,and made a hole through the bowling screen. Mr.Isaacstein was followed by the constable, who followed him from force of habit, and who,on arrival at the wicket, was surprised and upset to find that he had left his bat behind. However, he played out the rest of the over by avoiding the balls. The other bowler was a left-hand googly, whose stock ball spun in a dif ferent direction each time it bounced. Mr. Isaacstein junior was determined not to let the ball bounce,and leapt nimbly from his crease to hit it for six. By a slight error ofjudgment he missed the ball and was stumped. The umpire, being unsighted by a dragonfly which flew into his eye at this moment, gave him not out. In no way disconcerted, Mr.Isaacstein kept his eye upon the next ball during the whole ofits progress, but found this so painful an eyedea that he resolutely closed his remaining eye for the next ball and thought of his Sunday School days. The ball rose very sharply. Fortunately the stretcher-bearers were awake to the occasion. The blacksmith, who batted next, was a strong man,and his fifst ball was found later intwo pieces,one in Upper Cholmondeley and the other in Mutchley Littlecock With the second delivery the batsman was not so successful, and the ball removed his off bail. The blade of his bat was found on the roof of the Parish Church, a lovely building of the early Perpendicular period, with a Saxon crypt and Gothic north porch. Its Norman Apse is said to be without a peer. After this the game formed itself into rather a procession, and in spite of some stylish snicks and discreet turnings of the other cheek, the whole side was dismissed for 36 runs,"Extras" heading the score with 30. Two players were bowled, three run out, five laid out, and one not out. Slocomb batted with ten men, in the unavoidable absence of the wicketkeeper, and eight were out before the scoring began. The last pair showed great 315
grit and determination in withstanding the bowling for three consecutive balls and from the fourth a beautifully blind snick steered the ball into the long grass' They ran 37 runs before the ball wasfound in the pocket ofone umpire,who had a bet on that Slocomb would win. Pudlington attributed its defeat to the "glorious uncertainties of cricket". R. THOUGHTS ON CRUSHING A MOSQUITO BENEATH MY THUMB What so valueless a maim, Crmhed beneath the oppression of my thumb? This mangled pulp will never rise again To disturb, with tremulous hum or Transfixing knife, malaria germ, The tranquility of my sleep. Is it dead or just departed? Can it return to the larva whence it started? It sleeps, a dripping blotch. Marring the sanctity of my walls. Have I been merciful and done right? Am I branded murderer? I shall forget. D. M. Barnard SUNSET AT BAR XXX OLD LUKE kicked aside the yelping black-and-yellow tenth-strain mongrel lying in front, as it had for the past ten years,ofthe slug-pocked green swinging doors of Bar XXX's hottest nightspot, the "Hanging Horse". "Say, Sally!" yelled the anti-canine: "Where do ye git that dawg?" The same question that he had asked for 3,649 days of the past ten years; the other three he had been either too drunk or too shot up. Just then, the sun went down, dragging with it its usual crowd of guys who poured into the"Hanging Horse".' The nightly routine was about to begin. Whisky glugged down parched throats, burning warmly into dulled hearts raising dormant spirits, dragging fingers to the snub colt .45 again. Luke lay sozzled under the table, looking for a fight; his six gun barked like a yelping puppy, and a neat hole appeared in the table and Jack Joherty's forehead. The dead man slumped, his neat Canadian Rye pouring like some dirty stream across the table, mingled with his life blood. Hell broke loose in the "Hanging Horse". Sally, behind the bullet-proof, plexiglass, precision-ground visa-screen laughed her usual laugh as shot after shot resounded through the smoky room. Poor Luke, now victimised, was dancing what must have been the first Twist as bullet after bullet added pock after pock to the green doors. Suddenly all was quiet. The hot-spot was cool, and the commanding voice of the sheriff, two bullets through his hat and one through the left lens of his sunglass, rang out: "Youse guys, how often must I tell you to drop this non sense? Put down your hardware, and beat it." B. 316
■ - M WEiP m f* -Sj' r / M . J § \ m Sandy Marr receiving the Association Cup from Mrs. Biebuyck, wife of the Director of Education in Natal, at the Durban and District Interschools' Swimming Gala. This trophy, for the Senior Freestyle Relay event in which the Kearsney team established a new record, is the most coveted cup in schools swimming, altnough it is the smallest and most dented. Photo: Courtesy of "Natal Mercury"
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