KEARSNEY COLLEGE CHRONICLE m'. t July 1969
Kearsney College Chronicle Vol.6 No.8 July, 1969 Editor: E. R.JENKINS Old Boys' SectionP:. E. METCALF EDITORIAL Not all student protest overseas is irresponsible. English students and schoolchildren often agitate for much-needed reforms. Further more, students and senior pupils are often responsible for changes that come about undramatically, effected through 'normal chan nels'. For example, at several public schools seniorboys have on their own initiative renounced their ancient right to administer corporal punishment. But such a concern for basic human values is still regrettably rare amongst South African schoolchildren. We know that many schools still practise initiation; perhaps that is why we had the embarrassing situation in March of press reports of violence and brutality in some South African universities' initiation practices, while thinking students elsewhere were protesting against violence in Vietnam. The majority of our students and senior pupils still need to grow up. Perhaps the reason is that school rules based on strict moral precepts may be able to influence a pupil's behaviour while he is at school, but they are not so likely to be able to influence his attitudes, which he will take with him for life. This theory is discussed in a recent book, Toung Lives at Stake, by C.James (Collins). Briefly the argument goes as follows. The attitudes and values traditionally held by schoolchildren are 'moralistic' - children enforce among themthemselves a strict, narrow, moral code; they are 'punitive' - culprits are never shown mercy; and they are 'anti-outgroup' - unusual or exceptional people are not easily tolerated. Most teachers would want to modify these attitudes. But teachers must not go to the other extreme in trying to oppose these traditional attitudes with opposite attitudes, i.e. attitudes that are still 'moral istic', but based on a more enlightened ethic; anti-punitive; and pro-outgroup. Both these extreme attitudes are undesirable in a school, for they are not flexible and adaptive; they are based on generalizations and pay no attention to the uniqueness of each individual and situation. 507
Very often the official values of a school contradict the values actually expressed in the school's life. For example,virtue is extolled as its own reward, while self-realisation within the school depends on power; one hears of the rights of the individual, yet conformity is the norm;loving-kindness is taught, but competitiveness prevails. How often in schools one hears,"We must all be kind to Johnny today because..." Does this mean that unconcern is the norm,and that kindness must be brought out on special occasions? However,if there is in the school a climate ofrespect and care for the individual, the pupils will not be learning an artificial set of moral rules, but will be living out lessons in responsible behaviour and human relations. Sets of rules cannot create a conflict-free situation in a school-that is a fallacy; nor is it desirable that they should. What is needed is that members of a school community should be able to practise in the life ofthe school the kind oflife wherein each person learns to act responsibly in conflict. SCHOOL NOTES Our new Chaplain, Rev. D.J. Buwalda, took office at the begin ning ofthe year. We also welcomed to the Staff Messrs. L. Kassier, P.Tennant and B. G.Williams(an Old Boy,the sixth on the Staff). On the domestic side, Mr. and Mrs. Taylor joined the catering department and Mrs.J. W.Frandsen became matron ofFinningley. The Library now has a much-needed assistant, Mrs. Stokes. For the duration of the second term we enjoyed having with us two university students, Mr. A. Mayo and Mr. R. Fuggle, who threw themselves with enthusiasm into every aspect of the life of the School. Another student, Mr. C. Hildebrand, stood in for Mr. Blarney in the Geography Department in the first term while he was teaching at the Haberdasher's Aske's School in England. Two masters left us at the end of the first term, Mr. C. Esprey who has gone to Hilton College, and Mr. S. Vaughan who is now teaching at Ndaleni. We wish them well in their new posts. Mr. W.J. Lutley retired in June after many stalwart years as Bursar; we shall miss him very much. A tribute to him appears in this issue of the Chronicle. His place has been taken by Mr. J. A. Chick, an Old Boy, to whom we extend a cordial welcome. Mrs. Arbous resigned her post as Secretary in May to settle with her husband in Pietermaritzburg. Shortly afterwards we were distressed to hear that Mr.Arbous had passed away.We extend our sympathies to Mrs. Arbous in her bereavement. Her place as Secretary has been taken by Mrs. S. M. Bennett. 508
Mr. Tracey, who had been taking Woodwork at the School, also passed away in the second term,and we extend our sympathies to Mrs. Tracey, Matron ofJunior House. The School has been saddened to hear of the death of several Old Boys,and particularly of Mr. G. O. Medworth,for many years a master here. Mr. Medworth had been Guest of Honour at the Old Crocks Match shortly before his death, and we were happy to be able to remember him still taking such an interest in the School and sharing in its activities. Mr. Townsend was the lucky master to have long leave in the second term. He has been enjoying a wonderful holiday with his family, who have to put up with a strange growth that has appeared on his face over the last two months. Mr.Fish has retired from the Housemastership ofFinningley, to be replaced by Mr. Blarney. This year we have been privileged to have an A.F.S. student. Ores Eyerly from California, staying with us in Finningley. His contribution to the School is a strong justification of the benefits to be obtained from such an exchange. Gordon Schachat has made full use of his experience in the Kearsney Parliament, for he was selected to spend July on a vist to the U.S.A. as a guest of Lions International, an honour for which we congratulate him. Two of last year's Sixth Form,Barry Clarke and Robbie Lloyd, are A.F.S. students this year, leaving in July. We wish them an enjoyable and fruitful year in the States. Our Afrikaans debaters and speech pupils have done well this year - Kearsney continues to hold the trophy for the best poetry recital by a pupil from an English medium school at the Afrikaans Eisteddfod, and Grant Smith was adjudged the best speaker of the evening at the E. G.Jansen-Redenaarskompetisie. Grant Smith has also won honour by being selected on merit to participate in the National Youth Science Week in July. We congratulate all those boys who have represented Natal Schools in various sports. Ian Cole, playing hockey for Natal Schools for the second year running, was appointed Captain after the withdrawal of the original captain, thus leading the Natal Schools team at the inter-provincial tournament in Cape Town. Michael Watt and Liege Hopkins were both selected for the Natal Schools Rugby side. Liege Hopkins had the distinction of also representing Natal in the Under 17 Athletics team at the S.A. Junior Championships, along with Gary Pearson and Deryk Pilkington. David Jollands and Mike Bartlett swam for Natal in the S.A. Games, and Jollands, on the strength of his performance there in the Biathlon and Triathlon, was invited to the S.A.Junior Pentathlon trials in July. Gary Weddell and Nicky Bartlett repre sented Natal in the Under 16 LifesaviCnogmpetition at the S.A. Games. 509
APPOINTMENTS Head Prefect H. M.Pipkin School Prefects H. M. Pipkin (F), B. E. Jones (J), P. J. Roseveare (G), M. G. Shannon (P) House Prefects Finningley: I. S. Cole; B. Z. Harris; G. B. Pentecost. Gillingham: B. R. Hammond; M. W. King; P. L. Williamson Pembroke: F. E. J. Kramer; G. N. Smith; M. I.Van Niekerk* Junior:N.B.Carrington;J.M.Earl;D.T.Jollands;T.J. Mathews; G. K.Prentice. I. S. Cole D.T.Jollands Cricket Captain . . Swimming Captain . . Athletics Captain . . Rugby Captain . . . Hockey Captain . . . Tennis Captain . . Shooting Captain . . Cross-Country Captain Squash Captain . . . Drum Major . . . . Prime Minister . .. R. C. Theunissen C. Schachat I. S. Cole R.E. Booth C. N. Cager R.A. Crookes N.B. Carrington L. F. Buys C. N.Smith EXAMINATION RESULTS NATAL SENIOR CERTIFICATE, MATRIC EXEMPTION (Distinctions,80%,in parenthesis) Merit Pass: J. E.Barrow (Physical Science, Maths., Add. Maths.), H.C.A. C. Best (Music, English, Latin), N. B. de B. Blampied (Physical Science, Maths.), D. W. Bowden (Physical Science, Maths.), B. L. Clarke, M. D. Clements (Geography), J. V. Corbishley, I. Duncum (MaAs., Add. Maths.), T. R. Groom, A. R. Phelp (Maths.), B.J. Ritchie-Robinson (Physical Science, Maths.),T.M. Smith,J. R. Stamp (English, Afrikaans, Physical Science, Maths., Add. Maths.), B. J. Ter-Morshuizen, I. Wilkins (Afrikaans). Pass: D. A. Blackbeard, M. B. Booth, K. W. Clark, R. A. Copeland, K. E. Crookes, B.J. Dowley, D. A. N. Down, D.J. Edgecumbe, I. M.Endendyk,C.D.Ferguson, S. C. Gerrish, A.J. Grant,R.W. Hamann,R. H.Lloyd, T. L. Martin, P. V. Mason,J. M. Moore, D.Osborne, D.C.Payne, M.H.Payne,R.C.Perkins (Afrikaans), R.J. Phillips, R. B. Reece, A. E. Salm, G. M. Scheepers, G. P. Scott, G.B. C. Tweedy,D. van Rooyen,R. M.Wade. NATAL SENIOR CERTIFICATE ('A'Level) P. T. Cole, N. G. Forbes, E. M. Kruger, A. M. Morgan, M. C. Roach,J. F. K. Sievers, A. Zoutendijk. NATAL SENIOR CERTIFICATE ('O' Level) C. J. M. Alterskye, G. Atlas, R. R. L. Back, G. L. Campbell, P. M. Davidson, W. B. C. Gilson, E. R. Harris, B. T. Hellet, J. B. C. Keir (Maths.), A.H. Milbank, M.R.Oliver, R.G.Perks, D.G. Prince, N.C. Spratt, G. A. Walker, M.J. Yolland. 510
C. O. MEDWORTH C. O. Medworth came to Kearsney in 1928 to teach Afrikaans and to coach rugger largely on the recommendation ofthe late Rev. W. H. Irving, the first College Chaplain, who had known him when they were together in the Eastern Province. Mr. Matterson, the then Headmaster, once told me that Mr. Irving had said to him,"If you appoint Medworth you will never regret it,"-and we certainly never did. Ofcourse it is as a rugger man, player and coach, that I must first write of him, for it is in that capacity that he will continue to live most vividly in the minds ofOld Boys who knew him. He came to us with a considerable rugger reputation since his boyhood and his undergraduate days had been spent in the Western Province which he was always declaring was the nursery of all that is best in South Afriean rugby. He had represented Stellenbosch University and it was there that he came under the tutelage of Mr. Mark Markotter whose methods and style he never tired of praising and ofseeking to pass on to Kearsney boys. The famous pass, arms going one way and body-trunk the other, the accurate kicking, the tremendously confident gathering ofa high ball, the tackling with one shoulder pressed hard against the opponent's thigh, all these and mueh more were the produet of the Markotter schooling. It was a delight to see them reproduced by such Kearsney boys as had the wit and the skill to eopy his pattern. You could always tell if a responsive boy had been trained bv Meddy. ^ A year or two after his arrival at Kearsney Meddy represented Natal against the All Blacks in the full-back position. He could have had many more Provincial games and no doubt a Springbok cap also if he had set his mind to it, but he deliberately chose to forgo these glories and give his whole-hearted service to Kearsney boys instead. As a rugger coach Meddy was quite unique. He had the supreme gift ofspotting at once what mistake any particular player was making and also of realising within a very few minutes of seeing a boy on the field -or off it-for the first time, whatposition he was most fitted for. This ofcourse saved a lot ofexperimentation and it enabled him to get a good performing team together very very quickly. Even on his infrequent visits to Kearsnetyo watch a game after he had left us he would say, "But So-and-so isn't really a wing, why don't you play him centre?" Or,"So-and-so shouldn't be in the scrum, he has the makings of a fly-half." His advice was always sound and knowledgeable. Meddy did not spare himself in training a side. He was on the field every afternoon from after lunch until five o'clock prep, time, in rugger kit himself, demonstrating passing, kicking, tackling, 511
mm m imi m mmm m mm n ikli «« p? Ur m51 m 4 I 5S«* I" w :^r imen K H IB ■■ M % ms nr wm m r^ life ■ ■■I ■ ■ I M I m mm ma I ■ ■ BH •*1 ■ m The late Mr. C. 0. Medworth's lastfunction at Kearsney: Meeting the teams at the OldCrocks match. Left to right: Mr. R. Blarney, Mr. P. Mungavin (Ref), G. Schachat {Capt.), Mr. Alf Walker^ Mr. Wally Clarkson^ Mr. C. 0. Medworth, I. S. Cole. Photo: P. Hir?ch
taking the backs and the forwards separately so that each would get the full benefit ofhis tuition and style. He allowed himselfno sparetime or leisure, and this, as it was bound to do, undermined his health and set up the physical stress which ultimately brought about his death last May. They say that you can't make silk purses out ofsows' ears, but Meddy often did on the rugger field. In his day Kearsney was a much smaller school than it is now and there was naturally a dearth ofgood material, but the Kearsney teams ofthe early 1940's played delightful rugby that it was a real pleasure to watch. No doubt many Old Boys will recall some ofthese games with consider able nostalgia. Meddy had played cricket for Stellenbosch, and after a time at Botha's Hill he took over the coaching of the Kearsney XI. He also coached and organised Athletics. And what a perfect organisation it was-one that set the pattern for many future years. He spent hours off the field with his notebooks and schedules and hours on it training and encouraging individual performers. Nothing was too much trouble. It is good to know that on the base he established much more has been done and achieved in recent years. Throughout his period ofservice at Kearsney Meddyfound time to train the Cadet Detachment, and as OfficeCrommanding, he was most meticulous in this work. During the War years he refused the offer ofan appointment as Recreation Officer at the Ladysmith Camp,putting Kearsney first again, although it was a position that would have given him great satisfaction. Amid all this energetic games and sporting activity Meddy was still the professional schoolmaster in the sense that he never neg lected his teaching. Afrikaans essays and exercises were marked and returned promptly to his classes. Nothing was postponed or delayed. And that was completely in character, for if he had a duty to do he could be relied on to do it and to do it thoroughly and at the right time. I think he can have had very few regrets in his life. When Junior House was opened at Botha's Hill Meddy became its first Housemaster and this gave him an opportunity to indulge his favourite recreation of gardening. Many Old Boys who were youngsters at Junior House will remember how he transformed the grounds into an area ofgreat beauty. His planning and loving care brought him the happy reward of blooms of all colours that so delighted him. It was at this period toothat he was the moving spirit in getting the nearby swimming bath built thus again proving his enormous interest in healthy outdoor activities for Kearsney boys. What I have written will touch chords in the memories of all his former pupils, and it is they and his colleagues who will best know the loss that sportsmen in Natal have suffered by his untimely 513
passing. We salute his memory and we mourn a great and sincere friend. This tribute would be incomplete without my adding that our deepest sympathy goes out to his beloved wife, Daphne,with whom he had been supremely happy for seventeen years. G. M.Oram AN AMERICAN AT KEARSNEY COLLEGE GRES EYERLY,A.F.S. STUDENT The great city-port of Durban was virtually unknown to me until one day last December;"...Kearsney College, Botha's Hill, Natal, Republic of South Africa"... Africa? I could hardly believe it! Six months had slipped by almost unnoticed since I had first applied for an American Field Service Scholarship; I'd nearly forgotten about it. Within three weeks I was to embark upon a year in South Africa living with the R. H. Theunissen family of Durban. Amid such farewells as "Don't get too friendly with your family's pet tigers and lions," and "I hope you make it back ... sometime," I departed from San Francisco International Airport for Durban via New York, Lisbon, and Johannesburg. It was not easy to leave everything - family, home, friends, school - and plunge into something completely unfamiliar. I realized that a year abroad would be twelve long months,and noth ing less. That is a considerable period of time when there are not yet seventeen comprising your entire life. A pleasant first two weeks were spent adjusting to my new family (and I'm sure they tome) and to Durban. Thanks to the infinite kindness extended to me by Mum and Dad, brother Mark, Tor and Richard, becoming a member of the Theunissen family went comparatively smoothly; adjusting to Durban was a different story. At first I could ill afford to feel at home on the'contrary'and often baffling streets ofDurban - more than once my heart skipped a beat due to the sound ofscreeching tyres behind me...I learnt the hard way to get used to cars coming from 'the wrong direction'; and at times came close to never getting used to it at all. Similarly, I will never forget the 'gigantic mechanical creature marching down Berea Road'- the first impression striking my mind in conse quence to, 'He ran through a red robot', Mark's account of a motor car accident. A fantastic family fishing excursion to Charter's Creek led me to believe that some of the 'Dark Continent', against which my farewell wishers had warned me, does exist in South Africa. It also led me to believe that although technique may vary across the 5'4
Atlantic; the fish story remains much the same,"D ...n it! The hundred pounder got away!" I remember awakening anxiously, early on the morning of January 22 - today I would visit my new school!... O,glorious day !?..... Perhaps I'd never paused long enough to think that a year void oftribulation wouldn't mature me-only obstacles would ...South African school would be more than an obstacle. Not until after school commenced did I fully understand; I had come to Kearsney - Kearsney didn't come to me. The Western United States generally regard boarding as an anachronism. Thus, coming from a typical co-educational, public day-school made my adjustment to Kearsney particularly arduous. How strange it was when for the first time in my life I needed extra understanding, sympathy, help and patience, and then realized what the same must mean to others when it came from me. The most difficult adjustments were the small personal ones and were adjustments that for the most part I felt only I could make. I wasn't used to the constant attention nor the vast differences in the two schools; at times it was frustrating and discouraging. Yet no matter how baffled I was by my new situation, after two weeks with niy new brothers (Tor, Mark and Richard are all over six feet, one inch tall and 170 pounds in weight) I could not help but feeling more than relieved to learn there were at least some chaps my size at Kearsney! Although bewildered, I found I had not lost that universal desire to feed my stomach three times a day.ButI nearly lost that too when I could find nothing but more bewilderment in the food at Kearsney. Mum and Dad, both avid horticulturalists, had most ably introduced me to several novel delicacies such as the guava,the granadilla, fried tomatoes, fried bread, etc. . .. ; but after a few rneals at Kearsney I had reason to wonder who had ever introduced pilchards, mashed potatoes or even scrambled eggs to South Africa. But food could not have been too bad, Auntie (Mrs. Ireland) - honestly, it was quite good and I take ten extra pounds (offat; not of the food) back to America to prove it! Yet another alteration I had to make was in my daily school clothing. As much as I abhorred conforming to a school uniform, especially after my American mother's efforts of putting me through that wardrobe rigmarole routine, "Now try on this shirt, those pants, these socks, and oops! We almost forgot your tooth brush!" ... the list was endless; I finally submitted, at least with the con solation that decisions regarding my daily school attire at Kearsney would not be difficult ones. Perhaps the most difficult thing I've tried to learn is how to play the game of Cricket - my cricket career ended before it had hardly began. Hurnorous though it may appear in reminiscence, it was not the least bit humorous for the master on duty to hear the loud bang of a cricket ball striking his door...the last time the 5"5
Finningley Senior Wing was used as a cricket pitch. Consequently I delayed learning rugby fundamentals until I could do so out on the field. And grateful I am that I did. For if my rugby career had facsimiled the course of my cricket career, never would have I experienced the confidence of athletic com panionship nor the thrill of victory, nor the agony of defeat, all part of the brilliant spirit that is rugby. I am grateful to many people who have helped to instil in me a great love for the game and who have endeavoured to teach me to play in its true style and spirit. {Cres has shown marked success in the game as a debonair member of the Second XV-Editor) However, most of my efforts have been spent in pursuit of an education. My experiences this year have led me to believe that the education Kearsney offers compares most favourably with that of my American high school and perhaps with any other for that matter. But this year has meant more to me than a mere enrichment of my academic education. I now look back and think being an American Abroad Student has really been an invaluable experience. I left thinking I was so mature,but what I saw was how immature I really was. This whole experience in South Africa and Kearsney has often set me thinking about life, values and a person's place in the world.This world is not all America. I've learnt to see itthrough different eyes and perhaps to see myself a little better. This has been the entire year, a time of new thoughts and insights, perhaps that has been the mostimportant thing I've gained from all this I've met. I've found new meanings in old concepts; such things as friendship, understanding and love mean so much more to me now. I feel as though I've learnt so much more of what people are and why. It humbles me to reflect upon the innumerable experience pro vided me this year at Kearsney. I am indebted to many: the officers ofmany ofthe school's societies, the masters, especially those who have taught me and some of their families, Mr. Fish and Mr. Blamey, Finningley Housemasters, and Mr. Hopkins and his family. But my greatest debt is to the boys themselves. Whether it was breaking bread together at a meal, singing together a chapel hymn, or exchanging ideas through personaclonversation, such moments as these I treasure most. During these moments I've felt most like "just another South African schoolboy". During these moments I've felt most assured I am no longer just an American, nor just a South African, but rather ... a world citizen. During these moments I have felt most confident that the personal friend ships which have developed between the boys and me are the seeds which may someday blossom into world understanding. Although I must leave Kearsney in person, never will I leave in mind; of the many memories with which I return, some will fade 516
rapidly, most will remain impregnated in my^'mind indefinitely, and never will any dissolve. Words good enough for Kearsney are not easy to find. Perhaps it is enough to say that when it comes time to leave I believe I will find it as difficult to say a final good-bye to my 'home' again as I did only one year ago. TRIBUTE TO Mr. & Mrs. W. J. LUTLEY Mr. W. J. Lutley,affectionately known to all as'Bill Lutley', came to Kearsney at a most fortunate time in 1950. He had just retired from holding a very senior post in Barclays Bank D.G.O. in India, where he served for most of his banking career. Often he was seconded to assist the Indian Reserve Bank, especially so in the difficult war years on critical financial matters. ^3 r ¥ ■ m »r Mr. W.J. Lutley. Photo; R.Theunissen Having landed in South Africa, he took a fancy to Botha's Hill, where he bought a property, and looked round for something to occupy his time. He had a longing to be involved in the working life ofa school, and, by a lucky chance, he mentioned this casually to me. A vacancy ofa Secretary/Bursar occurred shortly afterwards,and 517
I have never done a better business deal than when the Board of Governors,on my recommendation, appointed him to this post. He has heltdhe post until his retirement on 30th June this year. He had a fund ofexperience to draw on, and the two of us thus formed an ideal combination: He supplying all the knowledge of practical affairs and organization, and myself a zest for the edu cational side of the life of the school. And so the 'team', in a one-roomed converted storeroom at the back of the kitchen, managed in a very close and personal way - without a typist, or any other assistance to run and plan the life and development ofKearsney!He put up with all the inconvenience -for we were at that time very short offunds - with the geniality and good humour which have always characterized him. He was guide, philosopher, friend to me and all the staff, as well as a pillar ofstrength on the administrative and financial side to the Board of Governors. This pattern grew with the years as the development of the College grew apace, especially in the late '50's and 'Go's when the office became a much more luxurious place in the Henderson Memorial Block. His interests were intensely human and he - a fine forward in his day, and a good all-rounder in cricket and tennis-took a great interest and delight in all the sporting activities of the boys. In fact, like most of us, he kept himselfeternally young by his vicarious enjoyment of the boys in their various games.That did much to enable him to carry the growing load ofwork beyond the normal age ofretirement. Kearsney is grateful to him for his long and uninterrupted years of happy, efficient and useful service to her. That things ran smoothly was in very large measure due to him. Perhaps one of his greatest gifts to us was his talented and grac ious wife, Stella, who has held the post of Head of the Art Depart ment for almost as long as he has been Bursar. She has endeared herself to hundreds and hundreds of boys whom she has inspired to love and to work at modelling and painting. The two Lutleys have givenmuch of their lives and selves to Kearsney, and we salute them with a Royal Zulu 'Bayete', and wish them muchjoy and happiness in their retirement. S. G. Osier CHAPEL NOTES The Guild continues to be very popular and many interesting programmes have been arranged. Special attention has been given to pressing social problems and talks, with lively discussions follow ing, have been given on drug addiction, the problems of African 518
miners, and alcohol as a drug. A very challenging and moving film was shown on rehabilitation work being done in post-war Korea. Our A.F.S. scholar, Cres Eyerley, is a keen Guilder and addressed the Guild on life in his homeland and especially in his home state of California. The Guild is keen to participate in creative social projects in an effort to express its faith in a practical way and is looking for a suitable project to tackle in the near future. Voluntary prayers after evening 'prep' continue to play an important part in the lives of some of the boys. These prayers are now led entirely by the boys themselves and an interesting feature has been the keenness ofsome of the younger boys to conduct these devotions. Some forty boys are being prepared by the Chaplain and the Rev. Dr. Murray Dell for confirmation in the Methodist and Anglican Churches respectively, and much emphasis in discussion has been on the dilemmas of a Christian in the modern world. Honest answers are being sought for genuinely perplexing questions. Many visiting preachers have conducted services and although the boys have not been able to conduct their own service thus far this year they have expressed a desire to take a more active part in the worship services of the school before the end of the year. D.J.B. MUSIC NOTES CHAPEL CHOIR On March 23rd Faure's 'Requiem' was performed in the School Chapel. Despite some imperfections it was creditably performed during Evening Service - especially bearing in mind that the choir was virtually a new one at the beginning of the school year. We are grateful to the Staff Choir for reinforcing the Chapel Choir, and to soloists Irene Harper (soprano) and John Hawkins (baritone) and to Evelyn Whiteford for the piano accompaniment. During the second term the choir has been learning a number ofanthems for the remainder ofthe year-as time in the third term will be devoted largely to learning carols. The choir this year is rather smaller, and, as usual, is short of tenors and basses -a great pity as there is no shortage of talent in the school. Anthems already performed include; Sanctus, by Franz Schubert, Sing a New Song to the Lord, by Dr. Arthur Wills, and Comeye Faithful, by Sir Reginald Thatcher. MUSICAL ACTIVITIES Talks on the history of music have been given by Mr. Harper and 519
will continue during the coming terms. Each term also Includes recitals of some kind. In the first term a recital was given on February 23rd in the School Hall by Mrs. Pam Scott (piano), Mr. Peter Tennant (Spanish guitar) and Mr. John Harper (clarinet) accompanied by Mrs.Evelyn Whiteford.The considerable audience enjoyed a programme of varied musical Items and we are grateful to all taking part, especially the visitor to our school - Mrs. Scott. ORGAN RECITALS One organ recital Is given each term byJohn Harper. The Recitals ofthe first and second terms consisted of the programmes as shown below. Sunday,March 9th J.S.Bach 'Little' Preludes and fugues nos. i and 2. jV. Clerambault . . . . 'Dialogue'sur Ic premier ton. G.F. Handel Organ concerto no. 10 in'D'minor. J.Stanley A tune for the flutes. IV.F. Mozart . . . . Fantasia in 'F' minor and'f major. E.Elgar Chanson de nuit. Pomp and Circumstance March no. i in 'D'. Healey Willan . .. . 'Festival'. Sunday,June 22nd J.S. Bach 'Little' Preludes and fugues nos.3and 4. John Stanley Trumpet tune. C,Daquin The cuckoo. G.F. Handel Organ concerto no.6in 'B'flat. A. Dvorak 'Largo'(from the New World Symphony). T.Dubois 'In Paradisum'. Seth Bingham . . . . Sarabande and Rhythmic Trumpet. (Baroques Suite). E.Elgar Pomp and Circumstance March no.4in'G'. FUTURE EVENTS Similar talks on musical history and recitals are planned. The recital for the 3rd term Is on Folk Music,an evening of'VIctorlana' takes place on August 23rd and the usual Carol Services in early December. LIBRARY Negotiations are being conducted with the authorities of the Natal Provincial Library to enable the school to draw a substantial number of books on loan from the Pinetown depot. The effects of this arrangement will be far-reaching. At present with our limited financial resources, the book stock Increases by about 500 volumes per year, but as a result of our link with the Provincial Library, considerably more books will be available to our readers. This will act as a decided fillip and, no doubt, further stimulate the use of library facilities. Our forthcoming association with the Provincial Library will lead to additional work and it is with much pleasure that we wel come Mrs. Stokes to the Library staff to lighten the burden that 520
has been borne competently and energetically by Mr.K.Balcomb. Mrs. Stokes will fulfil the duties ofa part-time assistant,and her past experience with the local Provincial Library will be most useful. During the first term i,444 books were issued and in the second the number of issues had grown to 1,982. These figures confirm that the readership is rising steadily if not spectacularly. The Library houses just over 8,000 volumes and there is shelving adequate for at least another 5,000 books. Thus we would not be embarrassed if any parents presented to us books for which they had no further use. R.J.G. ART AND CRAFTS DEPARTMENT This has been an interesting half-year which has gone too quickly for all that one wished to get through, i.e. Second Year Students to carry on from last year's work, new boys to be grounded in the essentials, new talent to be discovered and developed. The'Mud-Pie Brigade' has to be shown that Pottery is notjust messing about good clay, but is the use ofa medium which we are lucky to be given so generously from the Zululand farm ofour good friends the Nightingales, and which has infinite possibilities for creative work. Mrs. Kode gives the boys every encouragement to learn about processing the clay, the different methods of making pots, firing and glazing and so on. We have a number of competent potters who will surely try to do something about Ceramics when they leave Kearsney. The Art Department makes lampshades (batik, crinothene) to fit the lamp bases,and the carpentry section also haslamp standards on the stocks. Once over the first lessons in painting, drawing, colour mixing etc., we have set up large boards in the Art Department, and from teams of two or three boys have emerged some interesting scenes called for example 'Darkest Africa', 'The Garden Gate','Under water', battle scenes, moon flight and many others. Sailing is a popular decorative subject, as also are quiet South African veld scenes. Next term First Year students will learn lino printing, and I was much encouraged to see how well our Second Years handled this medium, which again has infinite possibilities for creative work and may be done with the minimum of equipment, using several colours. Next term will be my last at Kearsney so, as I shall not be writing the December notes, but will be handingon to my successor, Mrs.Jean Powell, I take the opportunity to send a greeting to Old Boys of the Art and Pottery Department and hope that some of them are finding time in their busy adult lives to do some creative work. Stella Lutley 521
FIFTH FORM ENTERTAINMENT, 1969 On the 24th May the usual Saturday evening film show made way for a programme of entertainment presented by the Fifth Form. This programme comprised two one-act plays, a magic show, and a comedian act. The most praiseworthy feature of both plays was the simplicity at which their respective producers wisely aimed throughout. This was particularly evident in the first play entitled 'Birds ofa Feather', which was produced by James Lind Holmes. With the aid of very few 'props', which included a cleverly devised brazier, the scene and atmosphere were quite adequately depicted. As it was, the simplicity of the plot did not warrant any more lavish or compli cated scenery. While the actors at times failed to capture the correct tone of their lines, and to introduce sufficient contrast and stress into the dialogue, they did endeavour to move about the stage and so avoid a tedious and static presentation. All four actors are to be com mended for successfully effecting the continuity of the plot and for their generally good diction. The second play, entitled 'Headlines', was a more ambitious production. The producer, Howard Garter, chose a play which demanded a good deal ofdramatic talent. A commendable attempt was made on the part of all to create and maintain the atmosphere oftension which pervades the play. This aim, which was a difficult one to achieve convincingly, was not entirely successful, owing to the rather frequent 'rushing' oflines and insufficient attention paid to emphasis and tone. The slight hesitation to 'let go' in the more impassioned sections of the dialogue was perhaps excusable con sidering the actors' inexperience and apprehension at having to please their formidable audience! As in the first play, a notable feature was the movements and positioning ofthe actors. Full use was made ofthe stage, and a well planned set facilitated a balanced use of stage space. The actor's entries and cues were well timed,and this factor helped to counter act the occasional lagging of the more lengthy speeches. All in all the continuity ofthe acting was good,and the producer is to be congratulated for his handling ofa sizeable cast in this rather challenging production. Special praise is due to all those who played a part in these two plays-producers,actors, and backstage workers -for the initiative and enthusiasm with which they undertook their task. All the credit is theirs as they worked with a minimal amount of staff guidance. In the interlude between the two plays the audience was enter tained by Denis Laws with a skilful display ofconjuring,and with a partially successful programme of humour and mime by Eddie Coltart. 522
PROGRAMME I Birds of a Feather Cast TWM TINKER,a poacher Christopher Kingston DICKY BACH DWL,his friend Barry Smith JONES,a gamekeeper William Blanklcy THE BISHOP OF MID-WALES Nicholas Bartlctt Producer James Lind Holmes 3 Coltart's Capers Eddie entertains you withjokes and mime. 3 The Laws of Magic Dennis Laws conjures for your delight. 4 Headlines Cast TONI CASTANI Derek Levy RUSSEL BECKER Andrew Trytsman JIMMY MALONE Charles Foster LILIAN Jane Metcalf DENNIS WESTLAKE Lauron Buys JOCK Barry Leitch CAROL WEYMAN Marjorie Fish LEONARD SPENDER Alan Rycroft Producer Howard Carter Stage Manager Paul Pipkin Make-Up done by H. Carter,J. Martin,B. Whittingham, A. Wilson and C. Kingston. Hair Stylist by L. Fish. Stage Hands and Lighting Assistant by G. Grant, D. Venter and I. Fogel. Sound Effects by D.Laws and J. Lind Holmes P. M.W.T. KEARSNEY PARLIAMENT Speakers Lewis-Williams,D Laagwater Jenkins, E.R Jammerdrif Clerk Botts,J BergvUle Prime Minister Smith, G. Stellenbosch Leader ofthe Opposition Schachat,G Sterkfontein Publicity Officer Goldman,P Gobabis Government Forestry, Tourism, Sport and Recreation Booth,R Beaufort West Agriculture and Water Affairs Carrington, N Camperdown Transport, Labour, Coloured Affairs Carter,H Carltonville Interior, South-West Africa Colledge,L Colesberg Foreign Affairs, Immigration Coltart, E Cliffside 523
Justice, Prisons, Police Hirsch,P Hillside Bantu Administration and Education, Indian Affairs and Development Leitch,B Lusikisiki Defence McAllister, G Mooi River National Education,Information, Posts and Telegraphs Prosser,B Pretoria Mines and Plarming, Public Works, Social Welfare and Pensions Scully,P Sezela Finance and Economic Affairs Smith,A Standerton Opposition Deputy Leader Harris,B Harrismith Prentice, G Phalaborwa Press,P Patys Shum,M Southport Theunissen,R Theunissen Wood,J Woodlands Wessels,G Wesselsbron Mathews,T Modderfontein Jones,B Jansenville Eyerly,C Ermelo Watt,L Watervalboven Brookbanks,A. . . . Bethlehem This year got off to a good start with a lively 'no confidence' debate, but a number ofsubsequent meetings were disappointing. More recently, however,the standard has risen and a well-informed and interesting debate on the conscription ofwomen for the Citizen Force brought the half-year to a good close. D. L-W. JUNIOR DEBATING SOCIETY Participation in the fortnightly debates has been most enthus iastic, and no difficulty has been experienced in obtaining sufficient volunteers to do verbal battle. The motions put forward for debate ranged from 'Are the vast amounts spent on space research justified while millions are starving?', to 'Is Kearsney too much of a closed community?' Speeches were generally well prepared, although nearly all speakers tended to quibble over less important issues and to stray from the main theme in question. Nevertheless, the heated alter cations which ensued had the effect of stimulating participation from a large cross-section of the audience. It is hoped that next term a number ofdebates can be arranged with schools in the near vicinity. P. M.W.T. 524
DIE PINETOWN AFRIKAANSE KUNSWEDSTRYDE ONDER BESKERMING VAN DIE DURBANSE SKAKELKOMITEE Soos in die verlede het leerlinge van die skool besonder goed presteer in die Afrikaanse kunswedstryde. In die afdeling, Voordrag - Poesie, het 35 leerlinge deelgeneem. Hiervan het die volgende nege gone diplomas — 85+%- verower: J. R. Hitchcock; H. Carter; J. de la Rey Nel; R. P. Kraus; C.J. Kirkpatrick; D. A. Campbell; T.J. Fargher; M.B. Hudson;H.R.Creen. Van die orige 26 het 25 silwer diplomas-8o%-84%-verower. Vir die derde agtereenvolgende maal het Kearsney die S. H. Pellisier-Volksspelelaer-Wisselbeker, wat toegeken word aan die Engelsmediumskool wat die beste Engelssprekende voordragmededinger lewer, gewen. Vanjaar deel ons hierdie eer met die Pinetownse Kloosterskool. In die afdeling, Bladlees, het ons ag mededingers gehad. Van hulle het A. Trytsman 'n gone diploma verower en die ander sewe almal silwer diplomas. Ons spreek ons hartlike dank uit teenoor Mew.Blarney, Burger en Storm wat verantwoordelik was vir die afrigting van die leerlinge. C.E.B. E. C.JANSEN-REDENAARSKOMPETISIE Kearsney is vanjaar in hierdie kompetisie verteenwoordig deur Grant Smith en Albert Storm. Alhoewelonsin die eerste rondedeur die Hoerskool Dirkie Uys, verlede jaar se provinsiale wenners, uitgeskakel is, het beide sprekers huUe goed van hul taak gekwyt. Grant Smith is eenparig deur die beoordelaars aangewys as die beste spreker van die aand,'n eer wat by ten voile verdien het. Ons se aan hom en aan Dirkie Uys se twee deelnemers, wat'n besonder hoe standaard gehandhaaf het, hartlik geluk. G.E.E. ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY A number of interesting meetings have been held. Mr. R. Evans spoke on the computer programming of Bushman paintings and a film showed the excavation of a site in America. Mr. Evans's talk was particularly interesting as it concerned work members of the society have been doing in the Drakensberg. At other meetings members spoke on various topics. 525
During the Easter holiday two expeditions were undertaken to Giant's Castle. The paintings in eight shelters were studied. Much time was spent tracing some of the paintings. The finished copies are accurate in every detail and give a good idea of the actual paintings. A visit was also paid to sites at Umhlanga and Tongaat where various types of early Iron Age pottery were studied. D. L-W. PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY The Society has been very active this year, a number of meetings and outings being held. During the first term, the six committee members and six members with Messrs. Jenkins and Kassier in charge went on an outing to Maydon Wharf. The outing ended with a refreshing swim on South Beach. Results of this expedition were displayed at the next meeting, and some excellent prints were turned out. At the first two meetings of the year, developing and enlarging demonstrations were held - the fruits of which have been shown in the rapid increase ofmembers using the darkroom!The number of members has varied between fifty and seventy. The subject ofthe first meeting's slide show (in the second term) was'Holiday Pictures'. One hundred and thirty slides were screened on the panoramic screen in the Henderson Hall, some of which were very good. The next outing was to Maritzburg, the main purpose being to photograph the old houses and buildings of architectural interest. The twelve members first visited the Botanic Gardens where the huge avenue of trees and the various children both provided good subjects. The party lunched in the picturesque Wyllie Park on the out skirts ofthe town and then proceeded to look atthe old,photogenic houses in the centre of Maritzburg, Mr. Jenkins being the able guide!(On our return to the bus Theunissen wasseen sitting on the side of a pavement, photographing various people as they passed, no doubt he had some interesting results!) Mr. Peter Goodman from Whysalls in Durban, very kindly came up to Kearsney for the last meeting ofthe term to talk to us on 'Photo-Journalism' and 'Photography as a Career'. His talk proved very interesting and entertaining, and I'm sure many of us have been considering that aspect of photography. Our thanks go to Mr. Metcalf, for allowing us to use the Biology Lecture Theatre for our meetings. B. Clemence 526
MOTOR CLUB The year's activities to date have included a film show; acting as hosts during the annual Veteran Car Club of South Africa Concours d'Elegance; an outing to view a particularly fine private stable of motor cars and their attendant lavish workshop facilities; and routine meetings in the Club workshop, a number of which have been held on closed Sundays, thus providing interested boys with an opportunity to pursue a hobby over the week-ends. Work on the re-building of Mr. Mossom's MG is proceeding well. The completion ofthis project is to be followed by the restora tion of the writer's extremely rare 1934 SS coupe. Responsible leadership has been provided by Grant, Wessels and Asherson. R.W. LANGUAGE SURVEY A Report by B. H.Prosser, M.J.Simon, and A.D.Smith IN May of this year Form IVa carried out a survey in an attempt to categorize some of the words, phrases and expressions used by the average pupil at Kearsney. As the pupils come from all over the country, we also tried to find out which words were U and non-U in South Africa. We hope that this survey will be of interest not only to casual readers but to Kearsney Old Boys who might find it interesting to compare the language they used at school with that used today. A hundred pupils from the second form upwards were tested to ensure that language from all levels might be taken into con sideration. The exact figures are: Form II . . . 7 Form III . . . 8 Form IV . . . 67 Form V . . . 13 Form VI . . . 5 What we have really tried to do is collect and record the unwritten, for all of these words are just learnt through hearing. Let us first examine the U-woids in South Africa, as represented by Kearsney usage, and compare them with the U-words in Britain which, after all, is the land from where our language originally comes. Take for example the two words 'perfume' and 'scent'. In South Africa 'perfume' is more commonly used (80%),and 'scent' by only a small part of the people (20%). In Britain however 'scent' is the very U-word and 'perfume' most non-U. 527
We South Africans insist on wearing 'raincoats'(91%) but the smart Englishman has his 'mac' or 'macintosh'. Perhaps this difference has got something to do with the climate, we're not sure. When we've taken off our 'raincoats' and have come inside, we sit in the very non-U 'lounge'(that is 87% of us do) but to the Englishman his 'sitting-room' or 'living-room' is far preferable. We do, however, agree with the Englishman about our phsycial anatomy. 84% of us have a 'forrid' and not a 'forehead'. What a relief it is to find out that we do look like the English - or is it? The Americans gave us the telephone and politely stepped out ofthe way to let us argue over what to do with it. The U-Englishman asks someone to'ring him up'whereas we prefer tojust'phone him' (75%)• There are a number ofways ofusing the instrument ranging from 'ringing him' and 'giving him a tinkle', to 'belling him'. Perhaps that is why the South African telephone systems are in such turmoil. An Englishman and a South African both feel hungry and eat a very U 'pudding' (80%). There are some however, who eat 'sweets' (10%) and a 'dessert' (10%). We do insist however on wiping our mouths with the very non-U 'serviette'(97%) and dis regard the U 'table napkin'(3%). We even sit on different things. South Africans prefer a 'couch' (72%) but the U-Englishman has a 'sofa'(12% here). Then we come to true Kearsney slang which is as much a tradition of the school as its rugby. In trying to find out standard Kearsney slang we came upon some very interesting examples. Let us take one section in which those questioned were asked to state the word they use for a tough, gangster type-the character that throws his weight around and can be very offensive. We find words like a'main tackie',a'main cuttie'orjust a'cuttie'. An'arab', a 'coolcat', a 'toughie', a 'main ou' and then the old fashioned 'bully' can be found as well. How and from where these words come is often impossible to determine. We found that many of the words were Afrikaans in origin and it often depends on whether a person comes from an English-speaking area or not as to the word he uses. Take for example 'doos', 'sis', 'pikkie', or 'stoep' (30%) as compared with 'verandah'. The word 'lank' from 'lekker', and the epithet'ou' are other examples. We can notice that the adjective'main' is used in a few of the expressions but its significance can only be guessed at. And then there is the section dedicated to those who lack athletic prowess and a strong character. They are laughed at, ridiculed and mocked.They are the'nafhes' of our world,the 'drips', the 'weeds'. To these 'runts' and 'wets' a special part of heaven has been dedicated. The 'pipsqueaks', 'lighties' and 'punks', not to mention the 'chickens' and 'spastics' are all recognised by their special epithets. The stupid, foolish and forgetful ones are also honoured. To 528
them we assign the mysteries of being a'runt', a 'durr',a 'thickie', a 'docs', a 'freak' and a 'nut' or even a 'nutcase'. It is essential for the development and advancement of our society that boy should meet girl. Those boys who are a success in this are the'killers', the'hackers',the'kraakers',the'Cassanovas'the 'charmers' and the'main ous'. To them we owe our very existence. And what do they call their beloved ones? Take your pick from a 'hang', a 'bird', a 'broad', a 'cheesecrack', a 'babe' or a 'doll'. The population ofKearsney represents a wide cross-section ofthe White, mainly English speaking section of the population of South Africa,and various differences in language according to the different regions from which boys come are shown to creep into their vocab ulary. On the whole,it seems thaitn cases ofoutstanding difference in pronunciation or word used in different areas,it is the vocabulary used by boysfrom a predominantly represented area-in the case of Kearsney, Durban and associated areas - which is used, as these boys influence the language of others. It was discovered, through the results of the survey, that only one word is generally used in most cases, for example, 92% say 'zebra' and not 'zeebra', 96% use 'salt' and not 'sault' and 94% use 'soup' and not 'soep'. How ever, a number of co-existing words were noticed. These words have co-existed for a number ofreasons. They may be words which are not used frequently at school, so that each boy will persistently use the word which he has learned at home without being influenced by a predominant group. This may be seen in the case of'garage', which is pronounced'garage'by 58% of the boys and 'garage' by 42%.50% use 'radiogram' or a modification of this word, while the remaining 50% used 'record player'. Words may also have co-existed because they are used very frequently, so that there are a large number of variations ofa given slang word. Furthermore,the slang used is constantly changing,and there is one word used by most while the older and more modern forms are used by different people. Two Kearsney masters who were at Kearsney as boys during the 1950's were interviewed in order that the slang vocabulary they used at school might be compared with the slang used by Kearsney boys today. 'Broad','babe' or 'moll' was used to describe a girl. Today it is 'hang' (57%), 'doll' (3%), 'bird' (15%), 'nellie' (1%), 'beechie' (27%); hut'broad'(9%)and 'babe'(1%)are still used. 'Dough' was used to describe money. Today it is 'start'(56%), 'brass' (16%), 'cash' (16%), 'boodle' (2%), 'dosh' (7%), 'tom' (1%).'Dough' is still used by 7%. 'Nit' was used to describe a stupid person. Today 'nit' is used by 3%- 529
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