KEARSNEY COLLEGE CHRONICLE A > t *• f PE 4 -V M. 3^ m mj- * *: • •:>«-i'iS2- ♦ V B--V« July, 1953 £ > % -v'^A Vk*- #%
Kearsney College Chronicle July, 1953
Kearsney College Chronicle Vol. 3, No. 7 July, 1953 EDITORIAL One of the few advantages of having to write an Editorial is that the Editor can say what he likes, and no-one but himself can stay him. Readers can pass comments, find fault, and challenge to a duel, but they cannot delete the written word. So for once the Editor is going to be personal and expose his breast by being critical. You have been warned ! Preparing the School Magazine is no easy task. To begin with, every school function stands to be ruined by the thought that it has to be"written up"for the Chronicle. Then, too, one has to be on one's guard lest any item be omitted,and unintentional offence be given through failure to record some individual contribution to the life of the School. Reports on varying aspects of the curriculum are collected from the always helpful staff and usually reluctant boys. Much time is spent in prayer and supplication begging the Sixth Form,and any Form,to hand in something worthy of printing. So does the threat of the next Chronicle hang like the sword of Damocles over one's head for half the year. Come the holidays, books are discarded, staff and boys go their varied ways, cheerfully forgetting their scholastic tribulations. But not so the Editor! Oh dear, no! He spends the first week collecting, collating, blue-pencilling, re-typing all the Magazine copy. This is sent to the printer. When he has done his bit, back come the proofs, to be read to the last word. So to the printer again, for the page proofs. These in turn are examined closely and returned. Finally the completed article arrives, just as the holiday ends. Nor is this the end. There is the task of addressing, stamping, despatching many hundreds of copies, increasing annually, to Old Boys and complimentary recipients. This done, we heave a sigh of relief, and begin thinking about the next one. Well—what is all this about ? A despairing cry for sympathy ? Good heavens, no! But the Editor would like to stick out his 287
neck a little and say that of the 600 copies of the last issue posted only three were even acknowledged. From occasional remarks heard, ofTicially and unofficially, we believe that the Chronicle is probably appreciated. It links up School and Old Boys and Outer World, and that in itself is sufficient reason for its existence. But now and then, you know, we would like to know that you have received it, want to go on receiving it, approve of it—or otherwise. It is published at heavy financial loss, you know. Now please don't, as a result of this, embarrass the Editor. We would prefer you not even to shoot him. We are glad to have news of everybody and everything, and will print all we can. If we fail to tell of important matters, it is that the memory is not infallible, or else we have not heard of them. But do, in writing, tell us whether you have received the Chronicle and want to go on receiving it. J. F. R. SCHOOL NOTES We congratulate Mr.and Mrs. Clegg on the arrival ofa daughter, Anne Elizabeth, on 1st May. We also offer our sympathy to Mrs. Clegg on the death of her mother,after serious illness, in April. We congratulate Mr. Burger on his engagement to Miss A. Zeeman, and wish them much happiness. Mr. Burger tooklong leave during the second term and spent much of his time in Nyasaland. He wrote to say that he was staying with his brother, a D.R.C. dominee on a mission station. He was planning a shoot (game—not Mau-Mau). The church services were in Cinyanya, the language of the natives of that area, and he was told to take a book to church to read ! We warmly welcome Mr. S. Glass, B.A., who joins us after some years of teaching at Malvern School, and comes mainly to take History and English; and Mr. Viljoen, B.Sc., who comes new from Stellenbosch to help with the Maths. Both are giving useful service to the life of the School and we wish them continued happiness in our midst. We thank: Mr. A. H. Smith for generous help towards the printing of the Chronicle, which is run at considerable loss; and Mr. A. Beatty, our printer, for ever-ready co-operation, not only in printing this Magazine, but in all School printing. Mr. R. Rutherford-Smith took the central part—that of Christ— in a series of MediaevFallaypsresented by Natal University in May. We congratulate him on a sincere and sensitive characterisation. Among helpers were Old Boys D. Cook (Matthew), L. Farquharson and W. Wilker (Bach Cantata Group), and T. E. Metcalf (Stage Manager). Minor structural alterations this half year have included: con version of part of the small music block (one-time tuckshop) into 288
a classroom,an alteration necessitated by sheer shortage ofclassroom space; light standards from dining hall to classrooms, to put an end, once and for all, to the nightly risk of life and limb down the main steps; the conversion of the far shed on the sportsfield into an observatory. This latter has been entirely the personal work o Mr. Quarmby, who can now properly house his 6-in. telescope, and run a small astronomy club. There Is no doubt that adequate musical facilities are sorely needed. With one piano each in the dining hall, minister's vestry, choir vestry, classroom, and small music room, and none in the Chapel for choir training, proper musical control and training has become difficult in the extreme. If somebody is waiting to do us a great good turn, here is the opportunity I Only give us the tools and we'll finish the job. The School was given a long week-end for the Coronation Celebrations, from mid-day, Friday, 29th May, till the evening of Wednesday, 3rd June. In addition to this, the whole School went to Durban on the last day of term, 25th June, to see the film "A Queen is Crowned." A Coronation Concert was held in the Dining Hall, on Thursday evening, 28th May, under the auspices of the Hill Crest Women's Institute, and arranged by Mrs. P. B. Stevenson. We took little part in the concert ourselves, but sat back and greatly enjoyed the antics of Applesammy and Naidoo,the accordion music of L. Lester, and Items of acting, ballet, and solo-singing presented by a wellvaried cast. On Friday, 19th June, we were entertained by the Pinetown Civic Choir who, together with musical items by Mr. Quarmby, presented an attractive programme of part-songs and solos. We are grateful to these and other friends who come along and offer us pleasing diversion from the too-frequent films. On 3rd March Rev. Colin Montgomery, brother of FieldMarshal "Monty," gave us one of the most interesting lectures we remember,on"Life in the Arctic Circle," illustrated by a very large number of coloured slides taken from his own photos. Rev. Montgomery wasfor three years Vicar ofthe Arctic, before returning to a diocese in South Africa. We were fascinated, and indeed surprised, by much that he had to tell us of life in the very far north. We did not know,for instance, that during the summer, when the sun never sets, there are more mosquitoes to the square yard than anywhere else on earth ! We congratulate Mrs.(now Dr.) A. Milner on acquiring her Ph.D. with a thesis on Oxygen Isotopes. She is now engaged on paint research work at Howard College, and a portion of a letter of hers is printed elsewhere. Practically the whole School went to Durban on 20th June to watch the Wallabies play their opening match, against Natal. 289
Over the same week-end we were delighted to act as hosts to Rondebosch Boys' High School 1st XV, who were touring Natal, even though they repaid our hospitality by defeating us by 12 points to nil. Older associates of the School will have learned with sorrow ofthe death,on 17th March,of Mrs. J. B. Hulett, widow of Mr.James Hulett. She and her husband were close neighbours of the old School, and were always kind and generous friends of ours. We offer our sympathies to the members of her family. H. N.Groom,Old Boy, visited the School on Saturday evening, 6th June, to address the seniors on Meteorological Work, in which he is engaged part-time. He gave a very interesting description of the different types of atmosphere andcurrents encountered at different flying heights, and of the methods by which weather forecasts are deduced. There was a pleasant surprise at the final assembly of term when Mr. C. A. Woods, Chairman, presented to Mr. Gram, on behalf of the Board of Governors, an inscribed gold pen and pencil, and an illuminated address, to mark their appreciation of the great work he has put in in connection with the specifications, building, and financing of the new Organ. A tribute well justified ! Our art mistresses, Mrs. Lutley and Mrs. Mills, were well represented at the Natal Society Exhibition, the former with three water colours and the latter with two oils. Congratulations! Appointments: School Prefects: D. H. Lowe (Head), F. E. Porrill, J. A. Sproson. House Prefects: Finnlngiey—F. E. Porrill, J. H. Newlands, P. Haley, C. G. Carelse. Gillingham—D. H. Lowe, J. C. L. Milne, N. M. F. Smit, R. F. Tolken. Milner—J. A. Sproson, E. J. Frick. Junior—^T. W. Downard, D. A. Hopewell. Captain of Cricket: D. H. Lowe. Captain of Rugger: J. A. Sproson. Captain of Athletics: J. A. Sproson. Captain ofSwimming: M. O. Hall. Captain of Tennis: D. H. Lowe. Drum Major: J. A. Sproson. Library: D. Spink. Chapel Committee: A. L. Doidge, D. C. Roberts, F. E. Porrill, G. Munnich, L. Slater, J. Barker. Gestetner: L. Z. Deenik. Beii: R. T. A. Gray. Projector: D.A. Hopewell, K. M. Eddy, A. C. Gage, J. C. Pettit. Stomps: A. L. Doidge, I. Mcllwraith, K. Erasmus, J. Barker, R. Rindel, N. Polkinghorne, J.Craven. 290
CHAPEL NOTES The Organ was ready for use at the beginning of the year. This fine instrument and its case and screen are a gift to the glory of God and to the present and future boys of Kearsney College from a number ofOld Boys and friends,and for this gift of love we thanked God with heart and voice at a great Service of Dedication held on Sunday afternoon, 22nd February. The total cost,including the necessary alterations to the building, is £6,415, and the Organ Fund has provided all but about £250 of this sum. We are most grateful to all who contributed to this splendid achievement. The Offertory at the Service of Dedication amounted to £162, and this was paid into the Fund. At the closing service on the last morning of the second term the Chairman of the Governors visited the School specially to make a presentation to Mr. Oram on behalf of theBoard to mark their appreciation of his work for the Organ and the Organ Fund. The presentation took the form of an illuminated Address and a pen and pencil. The Head Prefect, D. H. Lowe, also spoke on behalf of the School. We record with thanks the gift of a Feltex cover for the organ console from A. H. Doidge (40-41). A great improvement at the beginning of the year was the replacing of the green-painted chancel windows by others of lightlycoloured glass, the centre one showing a cross. The new windows are the generous gift of Mr. W. N. Cornelius, to whom we express our gratitude. During the January holiday the whole of the Chape! floor was re-sandpapered and treated with an anti-borer poison. We hope that this infection is now gone for good. ORGAN RECITALS The ordinary Chapel Services provide little opportunity for the hearing of real organ music, and it is a pity that the fine instru ment we now possess should not speak out on its own occasionally. For these reasons, and also in an effort to interest a wider public; in organ music, Mr. Oram has arranged a series of Organ Recitals for the fourth Sunday afternoon of each month. They are held at 4.15 p.m., and last until five o'clock. The attendance at each has averaged about sixty. 291
We are grateful to visiting players and vocalists who have given their services willingly and freely. The following is an outline of the programmes heard this Half: 22nd February: Mr. G. M. Oram: Fugue In G Minor (Bach); Sonata No. 6 (Mendelssohn): Vocalist: Mr. W. H. Gersback. 22nd March: Mr. C. Hamer (Organist of St. Paul's Church, Durban): Works by J. Stanley, Howells, Bairstowe, and Suite Gothlque (Boellmann); Vocalist: Miss Olive Tomkins. 26th April: Mr.G.Oram:First Movementfrom Sonata No. 11 (Rheinberger), Prelude and Fugue in C Minor (Bach): Largo from the New World Symphony (Dvorak): Vocalist: Mr. W. H. Gersback. 24th May: Mr. Errol Slatter (Organist of Aliwal Street Congregational Church, Durban): Triumphal March (Lemmens): Prelude and Fugue In E Minor (Bach): Concerto from Aylesford Pieces (Handel): Vocalist: Miss Mavis Jackson. THE ORGAN The Organ was built at Weikersheim, in Germany, by the firm of Aug. Laukhuff, but the pipes ofthe Swell Trumpet were supplied by Mander of London, and those of the Oboe by Moller of the U.S.A. The contract for the Organ was placed with Messrs. Cooper, Gill & Tomkins (Pty.) Ltd., of Johannesburg, who thus became responsible for all the preliminary details and also for the installation in the Chapel. The specification and lay-out of the stop-keys at the console was drawn up by Mr. G. M. Oram, Organist of the College. The instrument stands in the north transept of the Chapel. No pipes are visible as the whole of the arch is covered in by the organ-case and screen. The pipes of the Great Organ and those of the Pedal Organ stand on the floor of the transept, and the pipes of the Swell Organ are accommodated in a room that has been specially built above the Choir vestry. These are on 6 inch wind pressure as compared with 4 and 4i inches for the Great and Pedal Organs, in order to give a more effective crescendo effect and because of their greater distance from the congregation. The console is sunk in a well in front of the nave pews opposite the pulpit, so the player is well away from the pipes he is controlling and is thus able to hear properly the tonal effect of the stops he is using. The console has three manuals and 55 stop-keys arranged on the angle-jambs and not above the manuals. At present the third manual consists entirely of stops duplexed from the other two manuals, though two independent ranks are prepared for. The whole of the action from the console to the pipes is electric. A 4 h.p. motor in the Choir vestry drives a fan that provides wind for the Organ. The Organ is not yet complete for five of the stops at the console are only prepared for ": that is to say, the"tabs"are there but the pipes are not in the organ chambers. We are grateful to Mr. A. H.Smith for providing a further sum of money sufficient to instal two of the missing five sets of pipes. It Is our hope that other generous friends may assist us to finish the whole scheme before very long. The number of pipes now in the Organ is 1,202 and the full specification calls for another 378. Experienced organists who have tried the Organ have declared themselves delighted with it. G. M.O. 292
DEDICATION OF THE CHAPEL ORGAN The installation of the organ was completed a few days before Christmas iast year so the instrument was available for use when the School re-opened at the end of January. There was a natural desire that its dedication should not be unduly delayed, and we were fortunate that the President of Conference, the Rev. J. Wesley Hunt, could accept Sunday, 22nd February, as the day on which he would visit us to conduct a special Service for this purpose. It was arranged for three o'clock in the afternoon. The occasion aroused wide interest and we were happy to have with us a great crowd of visitors from far and near to share our joy and thanksgiving for this most noble gift. We had hoped for a full Chapel, of course, and had provided extra seating accordingly, but we had not expected that this would be totally inadequate and that even the porch would be packed with people standing and two or three hundred more would be in the grounds outside. It was unfortunate for the latter that mist and light rain set in during the afternoon, but most of them heard the Service through to the end in spite of the mildly unkind weather. It is considered that the number of our visitors was at least a thousand—a fine tribute of appreciation, surely, to those Old Boys and friends whose generous support of the Organ Fund has made possible this enrichment of our worship and praise. No music was played as the Congregation assembled, for the Organ was not to be heard until immediately after the Prayer of Dedication. A specially printed booklet setting out the Order of Service in full detail and also giving particulars ofthe Organ provided an opportunity of preparation for what was to come. The dominant note of the Service, of course, was praise and thanksgiving. The Scripture Sentences proclaimed it at once: "Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise." The first hymn, sung to the accompaniment of the piano, continued it,"O gratefully sing His power and His love," and it was carried on by the Lesson, Psaim 145,"I will extol Thee, my God,O king: and I will bless Thy name for ever and ever." After the Psalm came the Prayer of Dedication, spoken by the President:"O Holy, Blessed and Glorious Trinity, whom Angels 293
and Archangels and all the company of Heaven worship and adore, be pleased to receive at our hands this Organ which we dedicate to Thy holy service, that it may adorn Thy worship and assist the praises of Thy people; and grant us so to sing with the spirit and understanding that we may be numbered at the last among the blessed who shall sing the new song before Thy throne, through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen." Then, advancing to the organ console, and the Congregation standing the President declared: "IN THE FAITH OF JESUS CHRIST WE OFFER AND DEDICATE THIS ORGAN TO ALMIGHTY GOD, TO HIS PRAISE AND GLORY; IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER AND OF THE SON AND OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, AMEN." Two responses of praise followed, and immediately after the Organ gave full-throated voice to a Choral-Improvisation by the composer Karg-Elert on the Hymn"Now thank we all our God." It was fitting that the full power of the instrument should be dis played at once, for nothing less than a tumult of splendid harmony could adequately express the upward surge of our hearts and minds at the moment when this generous gift was offered and blessed for the worship of God Almighty. Two more organ items were then played, one of them a Fugue of Bach that worked up to an effective climax, and the other a Twilight Reverie (Clifford Roberts) that displayed the soft tones of the instrument to good advantage. These numbers were followed by a vocal solo from Mr. W. H. Gersback, a member of the Board of Governors and a keen supporter of the organ scheme, who delighted us all with his singing of"Open the Gates of the Temple." A succession of prayers brought us back to the note of thanks giving again, and the final petition expressed the heartfelt feelings of us all when it spoke of "the benefactors Thouhast raised up, known and unknown, remembered and forgotten, whose harvest we today are reaping, and all who through theilrove and labour have built us here a Godly heritage, and crowned our School with honour and length of days." Aftear sermon from the President we heard another Organ item, the Sixth Sonata of Mendelssohn. This consists of a Chorale and Variations and provides an opportunity for showing the various families of tones that go to make up an organ. The final hymn"Now thank we all our God"most fittingly brought to a close a Service that was full of inspiration and joy, one which will long be remembered by all who attended it. 294
MR. A. H. SMITH AND THE ORGAN Mr.Gram writes: it was indeed a pleasant surprise for me when, one day during the January holidays, I had a telephone message from Mr.Smith to say that he would like to come over to the Chapel and hear the organ played. It was a gallant venture for one so handicapped by failing eyesight and hearing, but I don't think any difficulties have ever really got"A.H.S."down. And for my part, ofcourse, I rejoiced at the opportunity of demonstrating the splendid instrument to the friend whose generous contributions have been largely the means of our getting it. Mr. Smith came and sat in a pew behind the console while the organ rumbled and shouted strains of joy and majesty. After some twenty minutes or so, and while I was looking for something else to play, I heard a high-pitched tooting behind me. At first I thought some pipe from the twelve hundred in the organ chamber had mysteriously got out of place and was equally mysteriously playing all on its own. But a glance round showed me that our friend had mischievously produced a bird-whistle from his pocket and was gleefully blowing it to fill the spacious silence! If we all keep as vivid a sense of humour amidst the afflictions of age as Mr. Smith does, things will not go too badly with us! The bird-call concluded the recital, but there was an epilogue. On the way out of the Chapel I was handed an envelope and told not to open it until I got home. Perhaps it burned a bit of a hole in my pocket on the short journey back, but it certainly did not warm me up sufficiently to expect what I did find in the envelope as soon as I entered the house—a cheque for 500 guineas for the Organ Fund! Those who read the description of the Organ elsewhere in this issue will know that there are five stops still to be completed. I am happy to say that two of these are now on order, thanks again to the never-ending generosity of Mr. Smith and his interest in seeing that the musical effectiveness of the instrument is as complete as possible. All contributions to the Fund have already been acknowledged in previous issues of the Chronicle, but, even though he may not wish it, I think the total of the various amounts given by Mr. Smith should be mentioned here,for the sake, shall we say, ofsome writer of the history of the Organ in the far-distant future. The figure is £4,655. Although I have tried to say thank you to him many times, is it any wonder that I feel I have failed to do so at all adequately ? 295
EXAMINATION RESULTS Matriculation. First Class: J. P. S. Botte (Biology), D. Hall (Biology, Physical Science), 1. D. MacGregor (Physical Science), A, M. C. Mackenzie (Physical Science, Maths), P. C. Marshall. Second Class: R. M. Dolton, F. L. Farquharson, R. C. J. Giles (Geography), C. H. Lee, A. Moon, P. R. Randall (English), C. Rindel, D. G. M. Scott, B. Stokoe, L. C. Tarr, J. F. Woods, R. S. Woolllams. Third Class: B. N. Dykes, S. M. Evennett. School Leaving: B. P. Dingley, D. Dykes, M. J. L. Hindson, N. Mark. Junior Certificate. First Class: J. S. Barker, D. Beatty (Bursary), J. R. M. Bull, P. K. Daniel, L. Z. Deenik (Bursary), P. du Jolt(Bursary), C. R. Ellison (Bursary), P. T. Francois, J. R. D. Goodrlcke, R. T. A. Gray, P. IH. Hewitt (Bursary), D. L. Kyle (Bursary), M. E. Mealln (Bursary), J. D. Mudle (Bursary), D. S. Murdoch, R. Rindel (Bursary), D. C. Roberts, P. G. Rodda, P. Simklns, J. W.Taylor (Bursary). Second Class: J. J. Alberts, R. F. Broom, C. C.Cullingworth, K. W.Erasmus, E. J. Frick, J. A. Hunt, P. W.Khaled, R. Moffitt, T. M.Odell, M.J. A. Plgg, F. C. R. Rowe, M. J. N. Simpson, D. H. A. Valintlne. Third Class: S. G. Brown, R. M. Cole, H. C. Fraser, P. D. Houston, R. B. Mcllwraith, B. S. Meumann, K. B. Shea, D. W.Theunlssen, M. G. Thomson. Higher Taalbond. Lower Grade: T. W. Downard, C. H. Lee, A. C. M. Mackenzie, P. C. Marshall, C. S. Meumann, P. R. Randall. Lower Taalbond. Higher Grade: J.J. Alberts, E. J. Frick, G. A. Munnlch. Lower Grade: 20 passes. Voorbereindende. Higher Grade: V. H. Dawes, C. C. Groenewald, V. C. Milne, A. B. Wessels. Lower Grade: 25 passes. 296
VALETE J. P. S. Botte (48), M. A. Brand (49), C. H. Bennett (50), J. F. A. Bland (50), F. C. Brorson (50), M. Ball (52), J. W. Coventry (48), D. F. Gumming(49), R. J. Cochrane (51), R. M.Cole(51), F. J. Carter (51), R. M. Dolton (47), B. P. Dingley (47), B. N. Dykes (48), D. J. Dukes(49), S. M. Evennett(47), F. L. Farquharson (49), R. C. J. Giles (47), P. J. W. Goldie (50), D. O. Hall (47), M. J. L. Hindson (49), N. H. L. Harcourt (49), O. W. K. Jackson (49), C. H. Lee (48), G. L. R. Launder (49), N. Mark (46), C. S. Neumann (46), 1. D. MacGregor (47), M. S. Mannion (47), A. M. C. Mackenzie (49), A. Moon (49), P. C. Marshall (49), A. E. Macaskill (51, left June 52), J. P. Newlands (47), S. J. R. Preece (48), B. M. Philips (50), P. R. Randall (47), C. Rindel (49), P. J. Silburn (46), D. G. M. Scott (48), B. Stokoe (49), K. B. Shea (50), P. H. Shekleton (51), A. J. Stewart (51), R. W.Smith (52), L. C. Tarr (47), M. G. Thomson (49), F. N. Witney (49), J. F. Woods (49), R. S. Woolliams (49), A. B. Wessels (51), B. G. Weatherburn (51), J. Andrews (53, left June 53). SALVETE J. Andrews(Bulawayo), H.Alexander(Impendhle),S. L. A. Allen (Gillitts), J. Bentley (Pietermaritzburg), G. Bruce (Mufulira), E. H. Besson (Morija, Basutoland), K. L. Brazier(Day, Kloof), M.J.T. Bryan (Day, Kloof), S. Cohen (Harrismith), J. M. Copeland (Pinetown), P. C. Coleman (Fynnlands), D. Deenik (Kroonstad), L. D. de Vaal (Pretoria), T. N. Dewis (Kitwe), N. M. de Jongh (Johannesburg), J;J. Dowdle (Margate), M. Etherton (Bulawayo), R. J. L. Edwards (Isiplngo), W.M.Giles(Beaufort West),W.P. Grey(Day, Fynnland), A. Hoad (Johannesburg), A. Henderson (Johannesburg), R. R. Hendry (Bulawayo), M. N. W. Hulett (Kearsney), S. Harwood (Durban), E. A. Hermanson (Johannesburg), A. Howarth (Durban), M. G. Harvey (Bulawayo), P. Immelman (Kokstad), H. R. Joubert (Day, Botha's Hill), C. P. Jewitt(Day, Gillitts), R. Lindsay (Durban), B. Lightening (Durban), A. N. D. Lamprecht(Durban),— Lawrence (Pietermaritzburg), B. G. P. Murray (Langkrans), M. E. Manning (Nkana), A. M. McKeown (Germiston), P. W. Mudie (Wynberg), F. R. M. Miles-Young (Hill Crest), C. S. Meyer (Hillary), M. S. Osier (Day, Botha's Hill), D. Perry (Stanger), D. H. Perry (Stanger), J. Pienaar (Colesberg), P. J. Ryan (Carletonville), R. Richardson (Westminster), R. J. Robbins (Umhlali), P. J. Reece (Day, Botha's Hill), M.Silburn,(Day, Botha's Hill), S.Schreuder(Pietermaritzburg), R. W. Simpson (Day, Kloof), A. P. Stlebal (Durban), A. J. Steyn (Johannesburg), J. G. Syminton (Salisbury), D. E. Thomas (Nkana), H. W. Thomas (Johannesburg), R. Timm (Durban), D. J. Taylor (Eston), J. R. Tedder (Day, Botha's Hill), R. W. Voysey (Durban), W. J. Wepener (Johannesburg), G. S. Wilson (Johannesburg), B.B. Whittle(New Amalfi). 297
FINNINGLEY HOUSE NOTES Finningley House has enjoyed better health than was our lot the first half of last year. A few Indulged In the luxury of chicken pox, but otherwise we have had a reasonably clean bill of health. Sister Anderson Is looking after our needs with her customary efficiency and kindliness. The care she takes of our clothing Is more than some of our more thoughtless and careless members deserve. We congratulate Gllllngham on their convincing victory In the Swimming Gala this year. Some promising juniors here encourage us In the hope that we may reverse the fortunes In swimming in the not too distant future. Our success In the Athletic Sports this year was almost embarrassing; practically all the trophies were won by members of this House. Gllllngham, however, led on the points awarded for standard performances, and whilst we congratulate them on this, we do not consider our all-round efficiency satisfactory as our success was almost wholly attributable to the excellence of our Individual performers. Them we congratulate, but we do expect each boy In the House, who Is fit enough,to play his part In trying to reach standard In as many events as possible. We are well represented In the School Xl's and XV's. The House Is well represented In the more cultural activities ofthe School. We are pleased with the part played by our members In the music, dramatic performances and academic life of the School. The House is full, but two of our number, Cunningham and Vaughton, are away on a trip to England. We hope they will share with us some of their enjoyment and Impressions on their return. Our prefects, Porrlll, Carelse, Haley (I), and Newlands (I), are carrying on the good traditions of Finningley. Their duties they carry out In such a way that the lives of all here are made pleasant, peaceful and happy. CHOIR As usual,the first halfofthe year sees little excitement. Nearly all our basses have left, and practically all the trebles and altos have either deserted or lost their voices. Bass replacements were easily found,and they have proved capable and enthusiastic. Tenors were still with us, but others have joined, and here we have sound, even If not always quality. The tenor part always presents difficulty to Immature voices. Trebles(and sometimes rebels) had to be forcibly enlisted from new boys; as usual they were shy and often unwilling, but the Ice Is breaking. If only we could keep the same trebles for two to three years we could begin to do things. For this reason we are grateful for the continued support of such as Swinton, Polklnghorne and Thompson. Most of the trebles are now First Form boys, and we hope they will keep their Interest and their voices. 298
Little has beenattempted except the grind of preparing odd items for unspecified "future occasions." Sometimes this seems dull to the singers, but the practices are a vital part of their experience. The public presentation is only incidental. One has to admit very great difficulty in keeping the atmosphere and control over the choir, now that the piano has been removed from the chapel. The writer feels that never before has he been so little at grips. Practices are conducted in the choir vestry, or oid music block, or to the organ, but at no stage has the choir blended with the life of the chapel, as completely as it should. LITERARY AND DEBATING SOCIETY Feb. 22nd. Mar. 8th. 22nd. April 26th. May lOth. 24th. June 7th. 21st. Secretary: D. Spink. Programme: Election of Officers. Debate: "That Capital Punishment should be abolished."—Lost. Debate: "That Specialisation should begin at School."—Lost. Debate:"That Television is a Menace."—Lost. Inter-House Quiz.—Won by Finningley. Six Men in a Boat. Debate: "That Women can take the place of Men in most walks of life."—Won. Lecture:"The Conquest of Everest," by Mr. R. Quarmby. We have had an interesting session, though almost deserted, as usual, by Form VI. We are hoping that next year will see an end to this rather fantastic situation, and that once again we shall see Form VI giving a rightful lead to some of the School's cultural activities. Debating has been keen, and most members have been ready to add their quota. Percentage attendance has been very high. The Executive produced a weil-varied programme and we are grateful to all who helped to make the session a success. The item "Six Men in a Boat"(of whom one was a woman) was a hilarious success, especiaiiy as members were able to ask questions before throwing five occupants overboard; even Mrs. Roberts' plea that her death would mean the death often children still to come was of no avail, and the Scientist, Daniels, was allowed to live to pursue his almost certain cure for cancer. Dr. Mudie's only vote came, naturally, from himself. Wethank Mr.Quarmby who,intending to speak on Astronomy, seized the opportunity instead to give a very interesting lecture on the history of the efforts to conquer Mount Everest. 299
At the invitation of the Society, Mr. Lewis, Old Boy and lawyer, brought a team of four to the School to debate among themselves on the problem of Apartheid. We are grateful to him,to Miss Magid (radiologist), Mr. Gevisser (forestry expert), and Mr. Morris (journalist and actor),for so interesting a debate, which was thrown open to the senior school, who were all present, and many of whom took part. A voting by show of hands indicated very even feeling on the matter. On Monday night,22nd June,a team offour Fifth Form debaters went to St. Mary's School, Kloof, to support the motion"That Women are able to take Men's place in most walks of life." The fact that we were asked to support this motion indicated to the unchivalrously minded that the girls were looking for flattery! Well, they got it. D. Roberts proposed, seconded by P. Hewitt, and supported by D. Kyle and P. Rodda. We are grateful to the Headmistress of St. Mary's for giving us this opportunity of meeting the girls on the debating platform, and do not begrudge them the one and a half point victory awarded them by a small panel ofjudges selected from visiting friends. ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY The Society met every Friday evening during the second term and the weather was usually favourable. There were some discussions and experiments of a general nature but when visits were made to the observatory it was for the purpose of observing and becoming acquainted with the surface features of either the Moon or the planet Saturn. The latter was at opposition in March and has been the only planet visible in the night sky, with the exception of Neptune, which is barely visible to the unaided eye and is so distant that only a small greenish disc is seeneven with very high magnification. Saturn's unique rings are now more open than they were last year and they are gradually getting wider. On favourable nights the dark divisions of the rings have been clearly seen together with the shadow they cast across the centre of the planet. Six of Saturn's nine moons have been seen from time to time, five of them on one evening. Members of the group have also become acquainted with many of the famous Constellations which trace the outlines of familiar animals or objects in the sky; among them Leo, the lion; Scorpio, the scorpion; Orion,the huntsman; Sagittarius, the archer; and the Southern Cross. They still trace the same figures to-dayas they did thousands of years ago when they were first named, but being in the southern hemisphere all the constellations north of our zenith appear upside-down. 300
PERCUSSION BAND AND RECORDER GROUPS The percussion band has continued its weekly rehearsals. Now the hieroglyphics of music are gradually being deciphered by the new members the band is"percussing"more as a unity, and silence—"the most beautiful thing in music"—is less frequently violated by the crash of cymbals or the clatter of castenets. This year's repertoire now consists of: "Minuet and Trumpet Tune."—Purcell. Selections from "H.M.S. Pinafore."—Gilbert & Sullivan. March from"Symphony Pathetique."—Tchaikovsky. The recorder group has not been as fortunate with its rehearsals and only on few occasions have all the members been able to be there at the same time. Rounds, folk-songs and operatic arias have made up the main of the programme but it is hoping for a better ensemble next term. THREE PLAYS "The Wandering Scholar," by Hans Sachs. "The Warming Pan," by W. W.Jacobs. "The Monkey's Paw," by W. W.Jacobs. Years ago—more years than we now care to remember—the Annual School Play was the climax of the School year, as indeed it is today in so many schools. Months of unsparing effort on the part of producers and cast resulted in performances of which we were justifiably very proud. Visitors flocked from far and near for the occasion and there was an air of mounting tension as Play Day drew near. We think of "Julius Caesar," "Charley's Aunt," "She Stoops to Conquer," and we remember that with limited numbers to choose from we used to present performances that could hardly have been bettered by professionals. Those were the days. Came the War,and the move to Botha's Hill, and what with one thing and another—lack oftime, lack of material, perhaps lack of enthusiasm—Play Night simply died, and with it there disappeared a most important feature of Kearsney's cultural iife. All these years we have been sorry about this. Junior playlets have been produced, of insignificant importance, andone has always hoped, in vain, that the big occasions would recommence. This term perhaps we have made a start again. It was just a beginning—unpretentious,though well put over—and we dare to hope that, the ice having been broken, we may now once again turn to the big stuff. 301
These plays were more or less for private consumption, but we welcomed quite a number of visitors, who enjoyed the presenta tion. We do not intend to embark on a detailed critique. What with a late start, the Coronation interruption, and exam week, it seemed unlikely that the plays would be ready, so that we were all the more pleased at their success. Inexperience and the rehearsal-rush made most actorrsather stage conscious. They must learn to wait for laughter to subside, they must certainly not join in it themselves, and always there is the amateur's bugbear,"What,oh what shall I do with my hands ?" The most composed and naturalctors were Erasmus (in the first play only; he was ill-at-ease in the third): Spink in the second, in the cheery role of Mr. Boom; Slater (as Mr. White) and Munnich (as Sergeant-Major Morris) in "The Monkey's Paw"—both spoke clearly and convincingly. Taylor, as Mrs. White, spoke too quickly and was almost inaudible. "The Monkey's Paw" works up to quite a breath-taking climax if well presented: it was unfortunate therefore that someone thought fit to flood the stage in full light while Mr. White groped desperately to find the paw and Mrs. White struggled to open the door. An otherwise very good presentation, with mounting sense of horror, collapsed rather badly, while the audience tittered. Minor criticisms lie buried beneath the major approbation. We congratulate the producers (Mr. Glass for the first two, Mr. Rutherford-Smith for the last) and actors on a good performance, presented with a minimum of time for rehearsals. J. F. R. PAINT RESEARCH Dr. Alison Milner, for many years on our Staff, writes: "As for the paint research that I am working on now, i am stiii in a state of fairiy profound ignorance. The work is pieasantiy varied. I find myseif at one moment testing out a number of photographic developers to find which best suits our conditions; at another I may be delving into the insides of a recalcitrant electronic gadget; at another I carry out a straight routine analysis; and always there are different sorts of paint to be applied to panels of various materiais for testing under aii sorts of conditions. As a physical chemist it is not my job to make paints, but to try to discover the underlying reasons for their behaviour. There is a vast amount of accumulated knowledge, both technical and scientific, to be absorbed before i can begin either to consider myseif a paint chemist or to start on any really fundamental research. Anyway, I am learning as much as I can, and am finding the job extremely pleasant." 302
THE CORONATION R. COVENTRY writes from England:— "Coronation Day is over, and what a day I Yesterday I staggered out of bed at I a.ma.nd entrained for London, arriving at 4 a.m. My heavens I What a terrific crowd and jam even at that hour. Millions of people I I managed to get to Trafalgar Square at last, where I stood packed in a huge multitude, unable to see anything except the tops of coaches, soldiers' hats and a sea of heads. "However,the rain drove a lot away in the afternoon, so I made the most of my opportunity and pushed forward. I got almost into the front and had a grand view of the Procession as it passed back to the Palace through Admiralty Arch. ^ What a spectacular sight! The brilliant scarlet of the Guards, the Queen's golden carriage, the Canadian Mounties, and thousands of troops from all parts—just too marvellous. "The Queen looked beautiful and I feel we are indeed fortunate to have such a young and good Lady. The service in the Abbey was lovely, and we could hear every word. It was worth the sore feet and getting drenched to be able to watch such a pageant of colour and splendour." JOURNEY TO INDIA "The trip to India was most enjoyable and we were blessed with excellent weather. We called first at Lourenco Marques, where J. S. Botte visited me on the ship and I managed to spend a few pleasant hours ashore with him,touring round the town and seeing the sights. "The port of greatest interest was Zanzibar. The ship only stopped there for a few hours, but we went ashore and had a most entertaining time touring the town and island by taxi. We drove through many miles of coconut and clove plantations. The town Itself is typically eastern. Its streets are narrow and twisty, with flat-roofed, whitewashed buildings rising steeply on each side. "My first taste of the Indian continent was on my arrival at Karachi, where I was able to have a good look round before the boat left. Since the breaking away of Pakistan from India, Karachi has trebled its population in the past three years, as thousands of refugees have flocked there for work and protection. Buildings were going up everywhere. As the rainfall is very small, there is little greenery, except cactus. "Driving from the station to our house at Calcutta I was treated to a real traffic chaos. There seem to be no traffic laws whatever. Drivers all have the same idea, to push everyone out of the way and get to the front of the stream. This and the fact that the civilians walk more in the centre of the road than on the pavement makes driving more than difficult. The poverty in which most of the Indians here live is astounding,far worse than thepoorest native in South Africa, The Indian Government seem to be very concerned about the conditions of Indians living in South Africa, but I think it would be a good idea if they took the beam out of their own eye before criticising other nations." I. D. MacGregor. MacGregor writes later from Aberdeen, Scotland, where he Is studying at the University, and says: "I came across on the Strathmore. On the ship were many Australians, including such famous cricketers as McCool and Oldfield, whom I managed to bowl in a game of deck cricket... I spent three most interesting days in London, vvalking the streets,gazing in at the shop windows,and marvelling at the evidences of history all around. Then to the Granite City of the north. Slowly friends are gathering round and I am already beginning to feel an old Aberdonian." 303
CAESAR EXHORTS HIS MEN TO RUGGER (In traditional Fifth Form style). Which having been done and the field having been arrived at, Caesar, having exhorted his team not to place down their valour but to retain in the memory their former virtue, said the enemy not to be supermen; them to be large in magnitude, but small with respect to skill, and easily to be able to be conquered if all might be of the same opinion and attack vehemently. "I am not the man," he said,"to be terrified by danger of defeat. In truth nothing can prevent us by which the less we may conquer. Fortune plays an insolent game." These things having been said, he urged them that they might harass the scrum-half, by which the more easily they might prevent the ball lest it might reach the fly half. Which done, it was necessary to be kicked on to the full back who,lest he might miss it, the sun being in his eyes and a wind having arisen, being in difficulties, might be compelled to fall into an inferior position, and, the ball having been held on the ground, and a free kick having been given, it might come about that three points would result. Since which things were so...(Thank you,that will do. We hope Caesar to have been successful.—Ed.). SEVENTY YEARS AGO We print, with acknowledgment, the following letter from the School Magazine of Berkhamstead School, Hertfordshire, dated May 1880, thinking that its contents will be of interest to our readers! Bishop s College, Maritzburg, Natal. "Dear Mr. B., "Now that I am settled down here in my new home, possibly you will like to hear some account of one who remembers your kindnesses. "After a wearisome voyage of five weeks ... I landed at D Urban, quite delighted to find myself once more on terra firma. Here, of course, was a scene almost enchanting presented to me, startling in its novelty and dazzling in its clearness and brightness. The glorious sun seemed to make all things, flowers, fruit, buildings, people and dresses, glitter with its radiance. "The journey from D'Urban to Maritzburg, though only fifty-two miles, is an episode in a man's life, fraught with danger, dirt, and discomfort. The railway is only open for a short distance, and the rest of the way has to be done either by postcart or omnibus. Both of these are awful things to travel in; for in the former, one has to hang on like grim death to a rail of a cart, like an enlarged dog-cart, with no springs, while carried along over fearful precipices by eight horses, dashing up hill and down dale in a most frantic manner, while at times the wheels almost graze the edge of a steep abyss, down which the fall would be 2,000 feet; while in the latter, the journey takes two hours longer, and one sits jammed in tight for five hours, smothered with dust, bumped and knocked about till our destination is reached. "In fact. Natal seems to have nothing to recommend it except its glori^ous climate and scenery. Summer consists of broiling mornings and drenching afternoons and evenings; for as a rule we get a thunderstorm a day. "My life is very pleasant,for I have been introduced to all the best people; moreover, there is a freedom about everything which is very pleasant. The curse of Ham,though, seems to be on the place; for we have not only all the olacues of Egypt, but many more, combinewdith the fact that ail eatables are at three times the cost they are in England. A bottle of beer, for instance, costs half a crown, and I have not seen an honest penny since I have been out here. People will take nothing but silver. "I am, yours sincerely, "W.H.N. 304
COURTESY AND ROAD SAFETY Durban Rotary offered a prize for the best Limerick on the above topic. The following were submitted from Kearsney, and number 9 annexed the prize! A motorist born, and not made, is Consid'rate to men and to ladies; A well-restrained gent Not on homicide bent Nor seeking a short cut to Hades. A motorist, out on the spree. Said,"Speed limits don't trouble me." So, during a trip. He let the car RIP— Then a full stop; result R.I.P. There once was an arrogant male Whose road manners did not entail Regard for the rights Of natives or whites. He's repenting at leisure in gaol. A motoring fiend named Kiipatrick Once boasted he'd managed a hat-trick— He'd killed an old sow, A sheep and a cow. And now he is off to Kiipatrick. There was a young man of Melita Always offered to ladies his seat, a More courteous gent Never on his way went. And now he's a friend of St. Peter. There was a young lady who never Forgot to say"Thank you," and ever Would help old and young— To bring pleasure among All people her honest endeavour. A jay-walker, head in the air. Attempted to cross Leicester Square. He thought that he owned All the road, but he found A home in the sky—so beware. A silly young flapper of Brighton Could not understand why the light on The robot went red And then green. Now she's dead. A pity she always kept right on. Let us hope that the good folk of Durban And district, both rural and urban, Will be always polite To black and to white. In flannels, frock, moochi,or turban. If you long for old age ripe and mellow. Be a careful considerate fellow: Never drink till you're tight. Always look left and right. Watch the robot and don't beat the yellow. 305
I'i". • JIM There was a boy whose name was Jim— You surely must have heard of him. A boy,from early morn till night. Who never failed to do the right. In cot or on his mother's lap Was never known to wet his nap. He slept all nightfrom six to six— Was never up to monkey tricks. He always did what he was told; He was, in fact, as good as gold; His mother's lamb, his father's pet. The nicest boy you ever met. In course of time, as was the rule. Young Jim was sent to boarding school. Where, mixed with boys of every kind. He showed a model state of mind. He learned his work,obeyed the rules. He had no time for knaves or fools. Jim was, I fear, no good at all With cricket bat or rugby ball. But on the touchline would he cheer His team, in accents bold and clear. In classwork Jim was always first. He loved the best, abhorred the worst. He followed lovingly the paths Of Latin, History and Maths. He hated boys who stole and fibbed. And never never never cribbed. Jim joined the K.C.L.D.S., Sang in the Choir, and laid great stress On teamwork,culture, music,art— In everything he played his part. No better boy, I do declare. Was found in school-life anywhere. But this is not the end at all; How great the height,so great the fall. There came a day for luckless Jim When things went all awry for him. A minor sin—O horrid morn— Jim walked upon forbidden lawn. From then, in proper course of time He launched upon a life of crime. Came late for prep one fateful day; Ate lunch with ink not washed away; He wore black shoes with khaki shirt; He called Tom Jones"a little squirt"; Put threepence in the Sunday plate; Forgot a vital Hist'ry date; He pulled up weeds"for giving cheek." Is this our Jim so mild and meek ? The day will come, I have no doubt. When Jim will end,an ugly lout. Imprisoned fast within a gaol— A sorry end to such a tale. The moral simply goes to show Just how you never know,you know. 306
ELECTION THOUGHTS Politicians Are sort of delayed action magicians: They wait untii they are eiected Before not doing what you expected. i don't want to appear superciiious, But propaganda makes me biiious. i much prefer it straight. Like,"Vote for me, mate." 'Lection is icumen in, Votynge tyme for yu: Nats, U.P., and Labour biow And all du syng Cuccu. Man wants but little here below, He's ready to admit it; However the Elections go, He's pretty sure to get it. Cynic. CRICKET The standard of cricket in the School Is improving rapidly, and the teams are showing a keen fighting spirit. Unfortunately a slight outbreak of chicken-pox caused the cancellation of most of the Under 14 and 13 games. The 1st XI, which must rank as one of the youngest teams ever to represent Kearsney, has put up creditable performances. Each player is keen, ready and quick to learn and to profit by mistakes, and they play as a team. The batting has been consistently sound, the bowling steady, but the fielding has been below standard. Good scores and good bowling performances have been offset by bad fielding, which did show considerable improvement during the term. Lowe, the captain, has held the side together and ied it very well. Because of the lack of one seam bowler he took on as an opener with fair success. Murdoch, vice-captain, shows great promise as a batsman and is a brilliant close-in fielder. Groom and Dukes are settling down as opening bats and Miller, as wicketkeeper, is learning quickly. Bradshaw's batting has been very consistent and solid, but owing to an injury his bowling in the last four matches lost thrust. He is normally the one attacking bowler. Smith Oval. We are very grateful to Mr. Murdoch for his generosity and very keen interest in the picket boundary fence which is to be built around the Oval. He has ironed out the difficulties and is producing all the uprights for the fence and has given a large quantity of the timber required. This fence and the new sight screens should be ready for the new cricket season. 307
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