KEARSNEY COLLEGE CHRONICLE O I July 1967
Kearsney College Ch ronicle JULY 1967
Kearsney College Ch ronicle Vol.6 No.4 July 1967 EDITORIAL With this issue your Editor lays down the official pen, haltingly wielded for some 35 years. It has been interesting work. Not particularly easy. One has to be"on the ball" all the time,trying not to overlook items,and often overlooking them; preparing reports on school functions or getting them from others (ever tried getting blood out of a stone?); cata loguing sports results, exam results, appointments; always to Enry Iggins' theme-song, — Get me to the Printers in time. As regards contents: we getfew Contributed Items(more blood, more stones), but the fact is that there is little room for these, as the Magazine is big enough already, and there are other less formal publications within the school which give scope for literary talent. For what it is worth, the percentage space allotted to different acti vities over the past 15 years is compared with the average from 15 English Public Schools (we haven't worked this out for South African ones): K.C. Others News,societies, functions 39 38 Contributions 9 24 Sport 29 24 Old Boys 23 14 The biggest work lies in the Old Boys Section, but we know that this is worth while. This is a continuous process, noting almost daily the bits ofnews which come along,making precis ofthe letters received, watching the Domestic Columns of the newspapers. Probably the Magazine justified its existence best during the War years, when Old Boys were scattered about the globe, and many in P.O.W. camps. By diligent correspondence we were able to garner in news and report it, together with excerpts from letters, and so maintain the esprit de corps at a time when men were seeking just this fellowship. In fact, although the Old Boys Club was founded in 1928, it really only came to maturity during the War. Life Membership at the beginning of the War was only 40. It is now over 1,000. 262
Then there is the distribution of the Magazine. Keeping addresses up to date is a man-sized job in itself,and your Editor has rewritten his complete personal register of Old Boys, for whoever is going to need it. The Magazine is produced at considerable loss, as is inevitable with a publication with a limited and internal turnover, and we are indebted to the Board who have been willing to subsidise it, in the belief that it is good advertisement, and keeps Old Boys and School linked together. Two final words. My thanks to those recipients who acknow ledge the arrival and interest ofthe"Chronicle". It is an encourage ment. Secondly, I can hardly imagine my holidays not tied up with proof-reading, page-proof reading, envelope-addressing, stamp-ordering and printer-chivvying. I shall hardly know what to do with myself. Anyway,good luck to my successor. J. F. Reece 263
L. C. TEDDER He was a good man. He was a gentleman and a gentle man. He was straight as a ramrod, in his build and in his thinking. There was nothing complicated about L. C. He hated deviousness, insin cerity, poses and pomposity. He never altered and never compro mised, no matter what the company or what the circumstances. He refused to fawn, he refused to condescend. We took him as we found him,and we always found him the same — straight as a die. We enjoyed your friendship for 21 years, L. C., and shall live with the memories. It has been good to know you. Those you left behind are proud of you, and we share their pride. J. F. R. 264
I ■ L. C. Tedder
?*■ ■ 1 ■ m m H. W. Haley
H. W. HALEY On TUESDAY 27th June, Kearsney suffered a severe loss with the sudden passing of Mr. H. W. Haley, Chairman of the Epworth/ Kearsney Board of Governors. Although Mr. Haley had been ill for some months, he appeared to be making a good recovery and had begun to resume some of his interests and activities. It was thus with profound shock that we heard the news of his death. Mr. Haley was born on the North Coast where his father, Mr. P. Haley, a prominent local preacher, used on occasion to conduct Sunday morning services in the old Kearsney Chapel.It wasin those days when he accompanied his father that Mr.Haley's first associa tion with Kearsney College began. He himself was educated at Durban High School where he had a distinguished scholastic career. On leaving school he qualified as a Chartered Accountant and went into partnership with Mr. W. B. Roberts who was then Secretary ofthe Kearsney College Council. On the death of Mr. Roberts, Mr. Haley became senior partner of the firm and took over the secretaryship of Kearsney College. When the Board of the new Kearsney College was constituted in 1938 under the Chairmanship of the late Mr. W.J. Williams, Mr.Haley wasthe obvious choice as Secretary.Together they served Kearsney for a period of nearly 30 years. Latterly when Mr. Wil liams withdrew from the active participation on the Board, Mr. Haley began to take a more prominent part, becoming Chairman in 1963 — well-merited recognition of almost three decades of devoted service. Both Mr. Haley and Mr. Williams shared the same skill in budgeting and planning the financial development of Kearsney and Epworth and both schools owe their very existence to the business acumen ofthese men.The entire finances ofthe Connexional Office ofthe Methodist Church ofSouth Africa were also their joint responsibility — a monumental undertaking in itself. Epworth and Kearsney were only two of Mr. Haley's manifold interests. He was a prominent Lay-preacher for most ofhis life-time; for many years he played a leading role in the Methodist Youth Department and was largely responsible for the establishment ofthe Youth Centre at Botha's Hill. He was prominent in the Seamen's Institute and was one of the group of men who established the Sailors' Society on a national basis. At the time ofhis death, he was still actively interested in Sunday School work as Superintendent of the Musgrave Road Methodist Sunday School. He also worked tire lessly on behalf of the Missions and Hospitals in Zululand. 365
Mr.Haley's whole life was a saga ofservice to his fellow men.His was a very real and practical Christianity. To the complete disreregard of his health he devoted himself unceasingly to the welfare of those who needed his help. People knew to whom to turn for advice and practical assistance and no one in need was ever refused. He gave generously of his resources, spiritual, physical and material. Throughout his life-time he was magnificently supported by Mrs. Haley, who shared fully his interests and activities. They were our most loyal and regular supporters at school functions until we at Kearsney came to regard them not as the Chairman and his wife but very real friends of the staff and boys. We remember Mr. Haley for his very human qualities — and scores of men and women ofall ages have cause to bless him for his sympathetic understanding. He possessed a quiet, but keen, sense ofhumour which immediately put people at their ease. I can recall that, when problems have arisen, it has been this very sense of humour that has been the means offinding a solution acceptable to all parties. We respect him for his humility — he shunned the lime light except when it was his duty to be in a position of prominence. We honour him for the indelible mark he has left on his schools, of which he was so sincerely proud. There are few men to whom the following words more aptly apply Exegi monumentum,perennius acre — I have raised a memorial, more lasting than bronze. To our dear friend Mrs.Haley, we offer our sincerest sympathy, and to her three sons, Peter,Barry and Anthony,all ofwhom we are proud to number as Old Boys ofKearsney. We share not only their sad loss, but theirjoyand pride in the memories ofa life so wellspent. For us it is both a privilege and honour to have known Mr. Haley as a friend and counsellor. And so we bid farewell to a fine Chrisdan gentleman whose example is a challenge to us all. J. H. Hopkins Headmaster 366
SCHOOL NOTES The school total is 465, made up of 430 boarders and 35 day boys, and included 103 new boys. For the first time on record, the Sixth Form exceeds 100 boys. The School has suffered grievously over the past two years in the deaths of Messrs. P.H.Hind,W.J. Williams (past Chairman of the Board), H. W. Haley (present Chairman of the Board) and L.C.Tedder.The loss ofthese distinguished and highly experienced men has put a great strain on those who remain. We remember them all with deepest gratitude and affection. We offer our sympathy to Mrs. V. Sambrook, whose aged mother died during the July holidays. We welcome the following new staff: Messrs. D. Alletson (Head of the Mathematics Department), M. Markey (Biology), R.Lamplough (History), V. Bohlmann (Afrikaans) and V. Calder (Physical Science) and trust that their years with us will be long and happy ones. We are losing two ofthe staff at mid-year. Mr. S. G. M.Ridge is leaving for York University (B.Phil, in English) and then Har vard (M.A. English) to be followed possibly by a Ph.D. at Rhodes. At the end of that time, if he can get down to our level again, he may return to Kearsney, and will be warmly welcomed. We have enjoyed his stimulating company over recent years, during which time he has taught English, keptan eye on Finningley and helped with Cadets and Sport. His wide range ofinterests includes Biblical Studies, politics, botany, a good knowledge of the Zulu language and some Latin and Greek and a readiness to conduct services in the School Chapel. We wish him every success in the coming years, and shall be glad to hear from him. Mr. G. Currin is also leaving but will be nearer home. He has been appointed Headmaster of the Jockey School at Pinetown. This appointment came rather out of the blue and was, to say the least, an interesting surprise! The School is small in number (and the pupils small in size) and Mr. Currin will be responsible for much of the teaching himself. At least we now feel assured that, when the July Handicap comes round, we shall be in possession ofsome red-hot tips! Mr. Currin's interests have been mainly Mathematical and he has taken his share in all forms of sport. We wish him and Mrs. Currin every happiness in their new sphere. Messrs.J. Hall and P.J. Reece are on study leave, taking Hons. Courses at Natal and Cape Town Universities respectively. We look forward to having them back next year and in the meantime 267
wish them academic success. Mr. C.Jeannot has taken long-leave since Easter, spending the time mainly in Switzerland. Sister J.Bissett is takinga year'sleave in Ireland,and her place in Finningley has been taken by an old friend, Sister V. Sambrook. During our Chaplain's continued absence in U.S.A., Dr. S. B. Sudbury has very kindly spared of his busy time to conduct our Sunday services, do a little teaching, and prepare the Confirmation class. We are very grateful to him for his ready assistance. In the forthcoming term we expect the return ofMr.E.R.Jen kins, who has been taking his Hons. English at Leeds and who will replace Mr.S. Ridge. We are sorry to have to record the illness of Mr. W. H. Gersback,for many years a member ofthe Board,who was very seriously ill with endo-carditis; and ofthe Headmaster, who had to undergo an operation towards the end of the half year. We are glad to record that in each case recovery has been sure, even ifslow. We oflTer our warmest congratulations to the following: Mr. and Mrs.J. Hall, on the birth ofPenelope Ann. Mr. and Mrs. L.Zaayman,on the birth of Mark Lynton. Mr.and Mrs. M.Smout,on their marriage at Easter. Rev. A. R.Jennings, on gaining his M.Theol. at Chicago, doing two year's work in 9 months, and being the only candidate to gain a cum laude. Mr. M. Smout on gaining his Masters Degree with his thesis on "Towns of Natal". Mr. S. G.M.Ridge, on being awarded the sole Rotary Fellowship for South Africa, which will give him a year's study at Harvard, with all expenses paid. Mr. D. Lewis-Williams, on being awarded a British Council Scholarship, which will enable him to teach in England for one term next year. Also on being elected President ofthe South African Magical Society. N. Leitch, on winning the Lions' International Peace Essay, local area. His entry now goes forward to the Zonal competition. G.J. Adendorffin coming second in the South African 100 yds.and 220 yds. sprint championships. C. R. Foster, on winning the Stanley Murphy Memorial Scholar ship for R200 p.a. for four years, based upon the School Entrance Examinations. T.R.Groom,on winning the under 16 100 yds.,220 yds.,440 yds., 880 yds., mile and open two miles, three of them in record time, and on being selected for the Natal Schools Cross-Country. Any others whose claims to congratulations we have accidentally omitted. 268
Mr.S. G. Osier has, we understand,resigned from the National Education Advisory Council, and has bought a house at Somerset West, where we sincerely hope that he and Mrs. Osier and family will enjoy a peaceful and well-deserved retirement. Mr.J. F. Reece has resigned from his post as Provincial Minute Secretary for the Sons ofEngland Society,an office to which he was appointed in 1939. He continues, however, as Secretary to the Zululand Mission Committee. The area about the Old Boys' Pavilion has had its appearance enhanced by the widening of the approach and the building of retaining walls below the nets and the Matterson field. A scheme for irrigating the playing fields in winter with waste water is gradually taking shape. LONG TERM PROJECTS The headmaster reports the following Long Term Projects: 1. A kitchen and dining-cum-recreation room for the African staff. 2. Careers and Hobbies block. 3. Extensions to the swimming bath and changing rooms. 4. Squash Courts. 5. Rugby stand and more change-rooms. 6. Additional tennis courts. 7. Entrance gates and drive-way on Main Road. 8. A Sixth Form House. 9. Resurfacing of the College road. 10. Additional Chapel accommodation. 11. More staff garages. To which we should like to add: 12. A music block, with choir-training facilities and concentrated music room. So — if any of our philanthropically minded readers would like to gain our gratitude and perpetuate their names, they know our needs! CHAPEL Thanks to the real and vital influence of Dr. Sudbury as Act ing Chaplain, the Chapel continues to play a significant part in the life of the school. So far this year Morning Services have been conducted by Dr. Sudbury, Mr. Haley, the Rev. Moore, Arch deacon T. Harris and Messrs.J. F. Reece, K.G. Fish and J. Reardon. Evening Services have been taken by the Headmaster, Mr. J. F. Reece, Mr. K. G. Fish, Mr. Ridge, Mr. D. Lewis-Williams, Mr. R. Hofmeyr and on one occasion by senior boys, namely Noel Leitch and Eric Hughes. 269
Prefects and senior boys take their turn in reading the lesson at Morning Chapel. Although this is purely voluntary, the boys are keen to participate. Members of Staff take the prayers in English and Afrikaans week by week. Evening prayers are conducted in the Chapel by Staffor senior boys two evenings in the week and the Guild,which is well support ed, normally meets on Thursday evenings. This year we have 30 candidates for Church Membership — almost as many as our record number last year. Classes are conduct ed in the Chapel by Dr. Sudbury on Friday afternoons. On Thursday 27th April the school was visited by the Youtharama American Teen Team who presented a programme which was greatly appreciated by the boys. After the programme the team metsenior boys and Guild members at morning tea which was specially arranged for them. We are most grateful to the Rev. Fridolv, a retired Swedish Missionary in the Botha's Hill area, for conducting weekly services in our barracks for African servants. These services are becoming more and more popular and are attracting other Africans from the Hill Crest area. ST. LUKE'S Our old School, since known as the Kearsney Healing Home, has been taken over by a new organisation, the "St. Luke's Homes ofHealing". We quote from a current periodical: The "St. Luke's Homes of Healing" is a new Association formed on the ist July 1966 to take over the work of the Kearsney Healing Home, which had been in operation for nearly 22 years. The Kearsney Healing Home was founded when the Rev. Edward Winckley in 1943 approached the then Rector of Stanger, the Rev. D. Martyn, who per suaded the Hulett family to lease the original home of Sir J. L. Hulett, Kearsney House,for this purpose.The house was a large two-storied mansion,set in 30 acres of grounds, which had been one of the show places of Natal. Sir J. L.Hulett was a great tree lover and planted many rare specimens,some ofwhich have survived the passage ofthree quarters of a century. The terms of the lease were of99 years' duration renewable every ten years, the Association to pay a"peppercorn" rental and be responsible for the upkeep of the grounds and the maintenance of all buildings on the estate. The work of the Kearsney Healing Home was carried out by an Association known as "Healing Homes of Africa" — a registered welfare organisation. The original signatories to the Constitution comprised members ofthe clergy,and professional men,including a distinguished member of the medical profession. In 1957 a further Home was established in Stutterheim, Cape Province, known as "Forest Sanctuary". After a number of years it was proved impractical to administer two Homes which were over 400 miles apart, and thus it was that in July 1966 a new Association was formed known as "The St. Luke's Homes of Healing" to take over the Natal work. 270
APPOINTMENTS Head Prefect: N.F. E. Leitch School Prefects: N. F. E. Leitch (F), H. M. FitzWilliam (G), J. G. Bester fP) J. M.Nightingale (J). House Prefects: Finningley: E. I. Hughes, E. Loubser, R. T. Tindall, S. A. Campbell. Gillingham:J. G. Baikie, R. L. Hemphill,D. W.Paterson. Pembroke: N. C. Gray-Maitland, C. L. Liebbrandt, D. A. Peddle. Junior: S. M. Atlas, C. G. Holding, P. G. B. Irons, M. G. W.McAlister, M.H. McGibbon. Cricket Captain: S. A. Campbell. Swimming Captain:J. M.Nightingale. Athletics Captain: H. M.FitzWilliam. Rugby Captain: M. Nightingale. Hockey Captain: R.F. Whitfeld. Drum Major:}. M. Nightingale. Prime Minister: E. Loubser. Debating Captain: N. F. A. Leitch. EXAMINATION RESULTS, 1966 SENIOR CERTIFICATE, MATRIC EXEMPTION First Class(Afent) Pass: P.R.L. Allen (English, Afrikaans,P.Science, Maths, Latin), A. L. Batchelor, R. B. Dyer (Latin), I. T. Gilbertson (P. Science),J. D.Jackson, R. L. Kluge, D.R.Levin, R.L. Paul(P. Science, Biology, Maths, Latin), D.F. Reece,J. Salm,J. Tindall(P. Science), M. H. W. Venables (English), R. T. Williams (P. Science, Biology). Pass: R. G. Allen, T. G. Allen, I. D. Andrew, A. O. Balcomb, P. B. Burnstein, T. L. Clarence, D. F. Clark, D. B. Coleman, G. C. Comins, J. G. Edwardes, C. R. Evans, E. P. Frank, N. B. Hagemann, M. C. Hittler, FI. C. Hugo,R.W.Johnston,B.G.Kingwill, D. R. Kinloch, R. R. Knowles, J. D. Martindale, A.R. Mason,R.S. Morgan,J.Pampallis,G.F.Rice, 1. G. Robertson, M.J. Sanger, H. T. B. Schmidt, P. M. Smillie, B. C. Smith, W. D. Sommerville, D. C. Tomlinson, A. P. Walker, B. E. B. Walsh, P.J. W.Wood. 271
SENIOR CERTIFICATE T.W.Bath,J.H.Bloch,M.W.Bratt,S. A.Campbell, D.C.Cole,R.E.Darby,R.G.Dargie,I. M.Hesketh, D.Hind,J.M.Leveson,M.S. McColl,J.D.Milbank, D.J. Morgan, R. A. Nilsen, R. I. Persson, G. Polychronopolous,J. D. Silberraann, D. N. Smith,J. A. T. S. Theil, J. F. Viljoen, R. T. H. Welch, J. H. Woodhouse. There were two failtires. SENIOR CERTIFICATE ("O" Level) R.J.Benney,R.C.Brokensha,A.C.F.Daniel(Geog) A. S. Hadjipetrou, C. S. Labuschagne (Afrikaans), A. A.Lloys-Ellis, R.I. McLaren,R. Nilsen, E. Nutt ing, C. N. Ponting, B. G. Sawyer, C. G. Sawyer, E. C. van den Berg. There was one failure, who nevertheless obtained Distinction in Afrikaans. There was a total of26 subject failures out ofa total of522 taken, and there were t8 distinctions(80%). SOMEONE AT THE DOOR by Dorothy and Campbell Christie This year we transferred ourselves (I did not say "descended") from Sophocles, Mediaeval Miracle Plays, and Shakespeare, to a jolly comedy-thriller, with plenty oflaughs, a sliding door,a baleful lake,secret passage,some heroes and a heroine, the police, and two obvious thugs, who end up by getting "bumped-off"in mid-stage, with no-one quite knowing who did them in. In fact it seemed at one point that the authors had introduced, rather unfairly, some unseen character whose identity we were not to know. The denoue ment was rathersudden, when it wasfound that the ChiefInspector, meticulously investigating the case, was in league with the 'bad boys' and shot them when they seemed likely to give him away! As Ronnie Martin (Ted Sommerville) could not make an honest living, even by breeding rabbits or backing horses,and could earn a mere pittance as an ordinary news-reporter, it was decided that he should follow precedent by first gaining notoriety. It was therefore arranged that he should 'murder' his sister Sally (Irene Harper), keep her well concealed (and well fed) and then via anonymous letters to the police draw suspicions upon himself. After a sensational trial and with the rope virtually round his neck, he would restore his sister to life and write his memoirs,for a large sum of money,for the sensation-seeking press. It didn't pan out as predicted, but there is no space here to go into the rather hilarious sequence of events. The play was good fun and enjoyed by all present, not least by the actors. 272
Irene Harper made a good Sally(and some good sallies), though naturally she ratheorbjected to being murdered. However, her loneliness down a secret passage was compensated for by her finding a hoard ofstolen jewels which played no little part in altering the course ofthe story. She bravely suffered some man-handling by the bad men, Harry Kapel (David Richards) and Price, the Butler (Michael Booth). The former had some difficulty in shaking off his earlier G. & S. role as Sir Ruthven Murgatroyd, but he made a nasty piece of work. Price was quite terrifying — almost a Frankenstinian creation. It was good to know that they both ended dead. Clarke was a breezy Bill Reid,friend and co-conspirator of Ronnie and Roy Kirkpatrick (whose accent we couldn't'place') and Joseph Stamp made strongly contrasting police officials. The latter, after conscientiously investigating the disappearance of Sally and the deaths of Kapel and Price, turned out to be the murderer himself. For all the effectiveness of the above cast, the play stood or fell on the acting of Ted Sommerville, who gave a most convincing display ofdead-pan humour and wide-eyed innocence (and got his man in the end). His timing was excellent, and his 'asides' put across extremely well — "How do you think I'm doing?", "It is a bit much, isn't it?", "Price has been a naughty boy again", "Shall I give him the works?", "I always wondered how he made the gravy","Bitten, old boy, bitten", and "He never believes a word I say, not even when I'm lying". His was a long part and he never missed a cue. We offer our congratulations. Naturally, and as usual, first credit must go to the Producer, Mr. D. Lewis-Williams, who experienced much frustrataiosn he attempted in vain to get his small team together simultaneously. Why is this so difficult these days? Has our routine lost its elasticity? Play-rehearsing used to be relatively easy. However,the endjustified the anxiety and all three performances went well. Helperasre enumerated below and are to be individually and corporately thanked. J. F.R. CAST Ronnie Martin Ted Sommerville Sally Martin, his sister Irene Harper Bill Reid Barry Clarke PmcE Michael Booth Harry Kapel,J.P David Richards Police-Constable O'Brien Roy Kirkpatrick Police-Sergeant Speddino Joe Stamp SoAMES Michael Bartlett oOo The action of the play takes place in the Lounge Hall of Narracott Manor, in Buckinghamshire. 273
ACT I: An afternoon; late October ACT a: A month later ACT 3; The same night oOo Producer: Mr.David Lewis-Williams Stage Manager and Properties: Mr.R. C.Best Stage Assistants: Lynn Colledge and Brian Jones Lighting: Mr.R. Whiteford, Mr.G. Currin and Ian Endendyk Sound Effects: Hubert Best, Graham Prentice and Mr.R.Hofmeyr Prompt: David Jollands Make-up: Kevin Clark and Andrew Salm Set Construction: Messrs. Best and Metcalf, assisted by Ian Fogel Window painted by: Mrs. E. Whiteford Front-of-House: Mesdames Metcalfand Milbank Technical Co-ordination and General Administration: Mr.P. Metcalf oOo The Dramatic Society wishes to record its thanks to the many people who helped in various ways with this production — including Clement andJames ofthe College Maintenance Staff, who did most ofthe painting. Thanks are also due to the NatalSchools Theatre Organisation which provided some ofthe costumes. LATIN CONFERENCE The first-ever Latin Conference was held at Kearsney on Saturday, March i8th, under the direction ofInspector E.C.Smith (Old Boy). University and school staffs from all over the Province were present for what proved to be a very enjoyable and useful session. The weather was at its best (next day it poured), so that visitors were able to enjoy tea on the lawns and could wander about unhampered by inclement conditions. The gathering was officially welcomed by the Headmaster,and the session was opened by the Director of Education, Mr. L. Biebuyck,who spoke ofthe value ofthe classics in an age ofincreasing barbarism. In the course of the day lectures were given by Mr. T. Norwood, Rector of Michaelhouse, on "Teaching Methods"; by Mr. W. J. Henderson, of the University Staff, on "An Ode of Horace"; and by Mr.J. F. Reece on "The Approach to Syntax at the Standard IX stage". Mr. Smith took the chair throughout and graciously introduced the speakers, referring specially kindly to his own one-time Latin master! Discussions followed, and questions asked and answered. At the conclusion a Natal Branch ofthe South African Cleissical Association was formed, under the Chairmanship of Professor de Kock; Mr. W.J. Henderson was appointed Secretary, and a com mittee offour formed,including Mr. Reece. 374
INTER.SCHOOL DEBATES Last year the Kearsney Trio won the Final ofthe Junior Cham ber of Commerce Inter-School Debating Competition and were awarded a very fine Trophy. Two of the trio (N. Leitch and J. Stamp) are still with us and have been joined by G.Schachat, thus representing Standards X,IX and VIII. Once again they have reached the Final, which will be held early in August. Their success has lain partly in proficiency in speaking and partly in their willingness to do research work to bolster up their arguments — the only sure way to wake up a con vincing speech. Leitch, as summer-up,and destroyer-of-the-opposition, has an easy and relaxed platform manner and quickly pin points any false reasoning from his opponents. Five times in succes sion he has been awarded the prize as the best speaker of the evening. Stamp and Schachat prepare their material well and are fluent speakers, but always give that slight impression that it has been memorised — a fault which has characterised the speeches of most of our opponents. Memorisation is the half-way stage; dememorisation then leads to the natural flow of language which is the hall-work ofa top-class speaker. It is all a matter ofpractice and experience. I have had much personal enjoyment in discussing the team's tactics. J. F. R. MUSIC NOTES CHAPEL CHOIR The most important event of the first half of this year was the performance of Handel's 'Passion of Christ' in the School Chapel on Palm Sunday and Good Friday. For these performances the Chapel Choir and the Staff Choir joined forces. Soloists were; Evangelist: Mr. G-E Jeannot Christus: David Richards Daughter ofZ^on: Mrs. I. Harper Pilate: Mr.P. Metcalf Other solo parts were taken by Mr. G. Burger and Mrs. A. Burger. Large scale musical works in the first term always pose problems since the Chapel Choir is virtually a new choir each year, but never theless all taking part worked well to achieve a good standard of performance within a very limited time. 275
The performances were conducted by Mr.J. Harper, and we were glad to welcome back Mr. Oram, who played the organ accompaniments, and thanks are also due to Mrs. Whiteford who played the continuo parts. During thesecond term the choir has performed several anthems, and will be starting to learn the Carolsfor our annual Carol Services, as well as continuing anthems for forthcoming occasions in the second halfof the year. J. M.H. MUSIC SOCIETY This society is holding one major meeting in each term. In the first term, on March 12th the programme consisted of music for viola, clarinet and piano. We were pleased to welcome Mr. Peter Gill, who played the viola solos, and our thanks are also due to Mrs. Reece and Mrs Whiteford who played the piano accompaniments. The programme, which was enjoyed by a fairly large audience in the school hall, was as follows: Clarinet Concerto: N. Rimsky-Korsakov Viloa solos: i. Sinfonia —J.S. Bach 2. Scherzetto — Bernard Shore Triofor Clarinet, Viola and Piano: Mozart In the second term a lecture/recital on 'Beethoven's Piano Sonatas' was given in the school hall by Mr.J. Harper. For the third term the recital will be a Song Recital — 'Songs through the ages' when the soloist will be Mrs. Irene Harper. The programme for the fourth terms is yet to be fixed, but it is hoped to have French Horn solos played by Mr.H.E.Jones,and piano duets. It is not generally known that these recitals are open to any member of the school and the general public who care to come along, and fuller details ofprogrammes and times are sent out each term. ORGAN RECITALS Four organ recitals have been given during the first halfofthe year in the School Chapel by Mr.J. Harper. Details ofthe programmes are given below. February iSth Trumpet Tune and Air Purcell Toccata and fugue in D minor J. S. Bach Tune in E George Thalben-Ball Humoresque Pietro Yon Fantasia in F major and F minor Mozart Prelude on 'Leoni' C.S. Lang 276
■ ■ o ri ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ !»• li // ■ ■ m Hi*. Someone at the door Bill Reid, Ronnie Martin, Price, Sally Martin, Harry Kapel PHOTO:J. A. HEWSON
■ m H m u 1 il J J m f. ■ m m i Someone at the door Ronnie Martin, Sally Martin and Bill Reid photo: j. a. hewson
March iSth Festal Flourish Gordon Jacob Fugue a la gigue J. S. Bach Preludes on 'Valet will ich dir geben' Bach and Reger Fantaisie in E flat C.Saint-Saens Rondeau:'Les fifres' Dandrieu Fantasia and Fugue:'Ad nos, ad salutarem undam' . . . . Liszt May 13th French organ music Marche Triomphale Lemmens Toccata Dubois Rondo:'Le coucou'. . . . _ Daquin Allegro Alfred Ribollet Choral no. i Cesar Franck June 17th English organ music Sonata for organ (1st movement) Edward Elgar Wedding March Ernest Suttle A little tune William Felton Pageant Francis Jackson The West Wind Alec Rowley The North Wind Alec Rowley Tune for the Tuba Eric Thiman Alia Marcia Arthur Wills Forthcoming musical events Musical occasions for the second half of 1967 to which all are invited are as follows: August I2th Private Schools' Music Festival — a repeat of the programme to be presented in the City Hall, Pietermaritzburg, the main item ofthe programme being Hiawatha^s Wedding Feast. September 17th Music Society Song Recital. Organ Recitals in the Chapel on August 5th and September 9th. Concert in the school hall on October 14th.In the programme is the operetta The Blind Beggars by Offenbach, and the Toy Sym phony by Leopold Mozart with a distinguished team of soloists. Music Society piano. November 5th. Music for French Horn and Organ Recitals (4th term) in the School Chapel on Saturday October 2ist and November 25th. Carol Services in the School Chapel on Dec. ist at 7.30 p.m. and Dec.3rd at 7.00 p.m. J. M.H. 277
Vlth FORM LITERARY SOCIETY With 24 regular members, most of whom take an active part in meetings, we are fairly soundly established. Nine meetings have been held this year, addressed by a variety of distinguished speakers from the University of Natal and elsewhere. Our pro gramme has been: Mr. Alan Paton The Craft ofthe Writer Prof. E. Sneddon Producing a Play Mr. D. Lewis-Williams Attitudes to War in Poetry and Music Mr.J. V. Crewe Analysing Poem Mr. A. Verster Pop Art Prof. P. Grobler Die Sestigers Mr.R. Donellan U.N.O. Mr. G. O. Medworth Reporting Sport Mrs.J. V. Crewe Vanity Fair Ajournal is being prepared for publication in the third term. It will contain literary essays, notes on some of the literary addresses we have had this year, and some original creative writing. The morejunior forms will have an opportunity to contribute poetry and prose compositions for publication. We hope they will do so. S. G. M.R. ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY The society has been fortunate in being able to hear a num ber of well-known speakers. Prof. O.Davies spoke on the evidence for changing sea-levels on the South African coast. Stone implements found in many of the raised beaches help to date the levels. Prof. Davies is at present chairman of an international committee which is studying the western and southern coasts of Africa. The wonderful palaeolithic art ofthe French and Spanish caves was shown to the Society in slides taken by Mr. D. N. Lee on his recent tour. They made an interesting comparison with our South African rock art. The Rhodesian art, which is soemwhat different from the South African, was the subject of a talk by Mr. E. Bran don. He showed slides ofsome remarkable paintings. The archaeology of the Natal coast was the subject ofa talk by Mr. R. C. Walsh. He kindly presented to the Society Library a number ofhis publications on the subject. A further gift in the form ofa number of Archaeology Bulletins was made by Mrs. A. Dorey of Hillcrest. 278
Two major expeditions were undertaken by the Society. The first was inJanuary to the Pondoland Coast. This was made possible by the generosity of Dr. and Mrs. Sievers who kindly made their cottage available to us. We were able to visit the fossil beds, the Red Desert and other smaller sites. The second expedition was to Giant's Castle during the Easter holiday. After a rain-delayed departure we had very pleasant weather and were able to visit a number ofsites including some less well-known ones. D.L.-W. CONTEMPORARY THINKING Most ofthese extracts are takenfrom overseas school magazines, "There is a strange thing called Inspiration, without which a school is worth nothing. It is what makes a school great. In a Christian school like this, its truest expression will be found in the School Chapel. If you find there the sound of sincerity, if you find there everyone giving of his best, if you find the School glad to go there, then you may be right in thinking there is inspiration there. But a school which has none is as dead as a book or a poem that is uninspired.I mightin all honesty sum up my experience ofthis place by saying that as long as the Chapel remains a real source ofinspiration, so long will this remain a great school." oOo "There are two things which alarm me. Thefirst, the possibility that the art ofteaching may degenerate into the business of cramming boys through public examinations, with the real danger that soon no boy may be willing to work exceptfor an examination. The other cause for alarm is the risk ofthe loss ofindependence in a Public School such as ours. Thisfear is not a matter ofsnobbery, nor even ofthe education in such schools being the best in the world — it is a matter ofliberty to give a lead, to experiment and to progress. Education does not not lend itself to mass production; it is an intensely human and personal business. Men must havefreedom to grow great, and if schoolmasters are to be kept busy pushing boys through examinations, where will the great schoolmasters comefrom?" oOo "I have had wide experience in attending Prize Givings, and have come to the conclusion that there are really only two sorts ofspeech. One is usually delivered by a gentleman in a butterfly collar and with a large buttonhole, and this runs as follows:"Boys,I did no work at school and deceived the masters, and look where I am now — the head of a great company". This sort of approach very much annoys the masters and pleases the boys, because they see an easy life ahead of them. The other speech is delivered by a more prim type, such as for example a leading bishop, who says,"I was always top of the school and look where I am now, and how miserable the rest of you are". Well now, this sort ofspeech very much pleases the masters and annoys the boys, since most of them are unable to come top of the school and probably don't want to become bishops". oOo "We have abandoned the attitude of the old-type schoolmaster who said 'It doesn'mtatter what we teach the little devils, so long as they hate it'." oOo "The only parents who never give their children a slap are those who can't run fast enough". 279
"A boji's report says he excels in initiative, co-operation and leadership. All that remainsfor him is to learn to read and write. He may have all sorts of qualities and virtues, but if his exam results are not up to scratch, he is going to be at a serious disadvantage ifhe wishes to proceed to a University, or in the eyes ofa prospective employer^*. oOo "In a free country it is gratifying to realise that we can use the editorial pen to express critical views, without malice,and not be accused ofdisloyalty. Nor do we censor correspondence unless it be plain vulgar or blasphemous. When comment and criticism is stifled, then is the time to cease publication. This is, thank Heaven, not a police state nor a police school. One ofthe features ofa decent Public School is that it encourages its pupils to express personal opinion without fear ofany form of victimisation,from any source whatever". oOo {From an Editorial) "The apathy here is appalling. Doyoufeel strongly about anything? The wet public opinion which the Chaplain commented on threeyears ago is surely swamping us. The readiness with which the status is accepted, the willingness to drift, the unwillingness even to think: these are the illnesses which will provefatal to a school or to any organisation within a school. As apathy grows, society dies". oOo "It has often been claimed as one of the main advantages of the Public School system that most of the everyday organisation of the School is done by the boys. Moreover, it would be difficult to argue that such a training in leadership and management is anything by a very important part of every boy's education. It would be folly to burden the masters with the organisation ofhouse games,socie ties, etc., when the chance can be given to senior boys instead to have their first experience ofthis kind ofresponsibility. But it has become increasingly noticeable recently that the boys, while admiring the wealth of opportunities, which the school offers them,complain that there is so much which they can do and would like to do that it is difficult to choose which opportunities to forego. Very often, therefore, they take on more duties than they can fully and conscientiously carry out. This leads to one oftwo results. Either they work fanatically hard to fulfil all their obligations, and, in doing so, tire themselves out, or they simply throw in the sponge and spend less time on their duties than these duties require. Both these results lead to less efficient organisation ofthe School. oOo "There are three types of University students; those who protest; those who protest against those who protest; and those who protest against those who protest against those who protest". oOo "What more stifling form of beaurocracy than that little Tommie, wanting milk with his supper, must first ask his monitor, who asks his tutor, who asks his house master, who asks the headmaster? The answer then comes back all along the line. Surely the "beaks" have got something better to do than attend to matters like this? Can there, at no stage, be an independent decision?" oOo "Teachers too oftenfeel that once they have their degrees they are in a position to teachfor the rest of their lives without going anyfurther. They are quite wrong, ofcourse. Knowledge is now increasing at such a rats that we must keep abreast, and know what others are doing in ourfields. It is a crimefor a teacher to teach anything that has been discredited even only a 280
year previously...Books now tend to be soft-covered and cheap. For one thing, one is not required to read books right through, but only use themfor reference;for another thing know ledge is increasing so rapidly that books soon become out of date and must be thrown away. It is a crimefor any educational establishment not to have an expensive and up-to-date reference Library. This is the pivotal centre oflearning". oOo "One cannot have helped but notice the lack of success of sport in the last few terms. While acknowledging the fact that talent must be at a low ebb, I cannot accept this as the only cause offailure. At least part ofthe reason must be because of the attitude towards matches. No longer are games played to be enjoyed, but to be won:I believe this to be wrong. Emphasising too much the result ofmatches breeds resentment when they are lost, and therefore a breakdown in willingness to bother to try again. Also,to carry on the importance ofsuccess bysuper-human training is to make a farce ofthe game.Surely once you are fit your game will not be still improved by excessive training? It can only cause a feeling ofresentment at ever having become good at sport". oOo "Another significant difference between your (English) school and our (American) one is the way the student society operates. With us, the prefects are elected by the senior class and they sit, along with one member ofthe thirdform, twofrom theforth, and threefrom thefifth, on a Student Council, which has a great deal to say in the daily affairs of the school, including allforms of discipline, even to the point of deciding a case of expulsion. Anarchy does not reign,for the students are often stricter than the Headmaster". oOo "The chief advantage of the Public School system is normally recognised as its ability for producing character, character well-equipped to face the outside world and the turmoil of allegiances that beset the modern citizen. Yet how can we equate this concept with the life we lead here? The school, staff and boys, is proving more and more efficient at mass-producing examination successes, and less and less able to sdr those qualities of personality development of which we should be so proud. There is still much that can and must be done to render the gap between scholastic and personal development less acute." oOo "Tour school is differentfrom most boarding schools. It is a refutation ofthe typical boardingschool headmaster who spends his time saying 'Tou can't do this; you can't do that'. Here you arrive andyoufind these things being done quite happily infact without anyone noticing that they are going on. Tour school seems to be built round the boys. The boy has a prominence which makes him the centre ofattraction ofthe whole system. This is both beneficial, in that you don't get everything handed you on a plate; and it has its advantages, in that the boys come to think they're everything. Then afterwards they topplefrom their peak. Because you are so much in the public eye,you tend to conform to a type, you build a defence mechanism round yourselves, andyou become over-preoccupied with yourselves. Tou are fascinated with yourselves". oOo "Boys are not by nature tidy, clean, orderly, careful of property, considerate,just and merciful. Many of them are naturally untidy, disorderly, careless, lazy and even harsh — as men are. Their social education is a gradual business: it comes not by punishment and compulsion, but by positive and persistent persuasion. What then ofpunishment in school? The less there is the better. It must never be organized: "detention" rooms and fixed "detention" periods are mere stupidity. Punishment given must not merely fit the crime: it must fit the offender. Hence, 381
corporal punishment, if given at all, must be administered with the greatest care and,save in rare instances,only after serious consideration and repeated warnings. Most older teachers would perhaps agree that proneness to punish diminishes with age and experience. And if"impositions" must be given, let them be tasks that are intelligent and beneficial to the unfortunate offender or the commvmity." oOo "Everywhere in school, in form-room and staff-room, we must be the foes of gloom and weariness. Neverfor one moment must ourfaith inyouth,and inyouth'spotentialities,falter." OLD BOYS' DINNER, Durban, 1967 (Part of a speech by Mr. Trevor Warman, late deputy-mayor of Durban) Your former School is now a Healing Home. This reminds one of the con nection between things spiritual and things secular, and I believe that it was on this sort offoundation that Kearsney is built. Why do Old Boys gather together in this way? I believe that it is because the grounding received at School makes them wish to come together to enjoy once more their old camaraderie, free from the worries and tensions of business life. Perhaps tonight you have dined with, and even spoken to Captains of Teams, Prefects, Masters, whom once you hardly dared look at. An Old Boys Association is a great leveller. Vet,altered, disfigured and degenerate as you all no doubt are, I know there still burns in you something of the old wonderful School Spirit. You may not have learned much at School, but you had first-rate masters and mentors, who taught you much that was worth knowing and showed you how to live. You were taught, not merely to win, but to play fairly; you were taught how to control tempers, how to obey, so that later you might command. You learned not only the Classics, but the desire to go forth into the world to be useful citizens. In course of time, you become scattered all over the country and the world. Your interests diverge. Some become wealthy, and of necessity some fall by the wayside. But you all have one thing in common: you went to the same School. You are proud of this. You rejoice in one another's success and you help one another when you are in need. I call upon you to stand and drink to yoitr Alma Mater, Kearsney. OLD BOYS' DINNER,Johannesburg, 1953 (Part of an address by Mr. R. P. Hacking, then Chairman of the Johannesburg Chamber of Commerce. His views are still valid.) When you raise your glasses in a toast of this description you drink with your thoughts on the present and past. You drink to the present wellbeing and prosperity ofyour school, to its futiure impact upon the community and,looking back through the years the majority of you here will drink to yoiu own schooldays and therefore to the scruffy inky indi vidual you undoubtedly were then. You were fed as raw material into the school's conveyor line and you emerged a product of that school. For however far and fast you may travel in after years the influence of your school is ofabiding importance. What is said and done there, its traditions and its moral tone become part and parcel of your make up, so that a schoolmaster's chance admonishment or word ofpraise can ring down the years and profoundlyinfluence an adult problem. The decisions of A.Jones Esq., the city father at the peak of his profession, are inevitably linked with the reactions ofJones minor to his schoolboy problems. 382
Schooldays are not altogether a bed of roses. In fact one of their chief values is that they train the individual to take the rough with the smooth,foster in him a sense of humour and proportion, and teach him to sum up the character of his associates. Looking back, despite the snags, one is left with a feeling of gratitude and affection for one's school. By your Old Boys gathering tonight and by the good will you show and the support you give when the need arises, you demonstrate your gratitude for the type ofeducation you received and yotm wish to extend its influence. You have had the benefit of a private school education. If you consider it to be a benefit, and want your children and your childrens' children to enjoy a similar privilege, now is the time to come out in full support of an institution which is threatened with extinction. Let me tell you why I think it is worth accepting the financial burden of private school fees when an adequate education need cost you nothing. In the first place, while forced to maintain a high standard of education to prepare its pupils for examinations, it does not make the passing ofthat examina tion the whole purpose and crown of a child's schooldays. The private school, because of its smaller classes and more personal approach, has a better chance of awakening an interest in the humanities and cultural subjects, and so counteract the deplorable tendency to educate purely for end results, and to produce the the specialist at the expense of the civilised citizen. The trend of our present civilisation is for our "know-how" to run away with our understanding.I believe that there exists, within a private school such as Kearsney, the best opportunity of reversing that trend and restoring a saner and more balanced outlook. Perhaps in my talk I have been guilty ofa more serious tone than is perrnitted immediately after dinner,butI make no apologyfor that because the subject is one close to my heart. When James Charter asked me to speak to you I am sure he did not know he was giving me an opportimity of airing vietvs I feel should be aired, but I do hope he has not, as a result, got more than he bargained for. LETTER TO EDITOR Your Editor has yielded to public pressure and here reprints the first letter he received, transcribed with the kind help of Miss Rosetta Stone. Dear Sir, jp" Cassandra has a hunch — and I agree with her — that cunning Odysseus is now on his last lap back to Ithaca and Penelope. Cynics are wondering how many other laps he has been on. By Trans-Aegean Daedelo-jet, the trip from Troy to Ithaca can be done in a few hours, and he has taken ten years. Ten years. No doubt the Delphi B.C. will grab him for a "Talk yourselfout of this" broadcast. Meanwhile Penny has tried to maintain a bold front, but so many princes are pressing their suits on her that she is getting quite flattened. She puts them off by knitting polo-neckedjerseys in royal blue,and hands them outon Friday nights. Her wool stock is now exhausted, and knitters cramp forces one to feel that a show-down is near. Yours etc., Phoenix 283
Dear Phoenix, Thank you for your letter, and I must commend you on the neatness ofyour cuneiform. You will be sorry to hear that Cassandra has passed away — a coro nary through meeting someone who agreed with her: she has gone to see Paris mong with Hector s ghost. (It was a bad show — that Achilles-Hector business. Ihe former was a bit of heel.) You will probably know by now the outcome ofthe Odysseus affair. Actually hewas champing to get back, after those frustrating years at Troy, but after that horse business he should never have travelled by sea. It was quite a night-mare There was a tricky bit ofnavigating between Charybdis and the Scilly Isles; then some one-eyed giants, the Cyclades, one of whom,Polyfoto, was quite blinded by the occasion, then the Sirens, Circe and Calypso, the former managing a mena gerie and the latter a dancing school. I think the eight years he spent with them ® too long. There was also quite a business getting past the Luton (jirls Choir they had to tie Odysseus to the mast and stop up their ears with wax. But the real fun began back at Ithaca. Venus disguised him as an old beggarman and ordered him not to reveal his identikit. You can imagine his feelings as he saw Penny loping along. His palace wasfull ofsuitors in royal bluejumpers,eating his Jerseys, and quaffiing his choiceKsntossos-bottled Minoan sherries. One of thern threw a hambone at him, and this made him Very Cross, but he calmly awaited the Sign from Venus who had turned herself into a turtle-dove up in the rafters. Actually Penny had by now given up hope.Twenty years is a long time,even in thrae good old days. So she organised a bit of a party — something about shooting arrows through twelve rings in a row,with Odysseus' bow. Bless me,do you know,they couldn't even bend it! Too much Minoan,if you ask me.Then it wa^ that Venus gave the Sign. This was the Moment. Stripping off his rags, Odysseus uttered words of ill-omen, beginning with a pianissimo "Curs", and mounting to a fortissimo — well, I mean, hewas magnifique. Charles Heston at his best. He positivmeloywed them down. Mowed them. Not a survivor. But whata mess.It took hoursfor the dry-cleaners to get thosejerseys back to normal. It was also effectively proved that those suitors had no blue blood in them. Then there was the Reunion, too tender to describe in cuneiform. Some day, when the printing-press is invented, all the world will know. They're off now on their second honeymoon, with a couple of oars for company. Should they come your way, tell Penny that there's a new line in knitting-machines on the market. Somehow I feel that Oddy has the wanderlust. Yours etc.. Editor TOWARDS BETTER ENGLISH From Japan Instructions to motorists: At the rise ofthe hand of the policeman,stop rapidly. Do not pass him or otherwise disrespect him. When a passenger of the foot hobe m sight tootle the horn trumpet melodiously at first. If he still obsticle your pro gress, tootle him with vigour and express the warning"Hi! Hi!". From Calcutta Dear Sirs: By this mail we have nothing specially profound to say. With deep regret, however, which rends our aggrieved hearts, we beg to announce that a deep misty cloud recently hovered over us for eight days. It did not clear away imtil it successfully washed off our hands our most steady, energetic and pious junior manager. Breathing his last on the night of the aSth ultimo, and leaving us to look after his path with wistful and fearful eyes, he leapt up to his everlasting green celestial palace in heaven's abode. Awaiting your further instructions. . . 284
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