Chronicle-1978

by I. Smith and D. Brown that"Rugby is an unsuitable game for schoolboys". In October an entertaining hat debate was won by A.van Wyk. The highlight of the year was the Best Speaker Contest, held in November. Ten entries were received and the general standard of both prepared and impromptu speeches was high. B.C. Webber won the Jakubowicz Cup for the best speaker of the year. The runnerup was I.T. Smith. It is hoped that next year's programme will include not only the practical experience provided this year but also some opportunity to study the theory of public speaking as well as some coaching in the finer points of the art. R.L. JAN HOFMEYR COMPETITION FOR PUBLIC SPEAKING The finals of the Jan Hofmeyr Competition were held at Kearsney this year. Representing the College was Jonathan Varker, who had proceeded fairly comfortably through the various elimination rounds. The competition involves all Natal Schools,and the finalists represent the various areas of Natal into which the schools are divided. Thus, Varker could rightfully expect competi tion of the highest calibre. As the competition is in memory of the South African statesman, Jan Hofmeyr, it was fitting that Dr Alan Paton, who donated the very fine Pierneef Oil Painting as a floating trophy for the competition,should deliver a brief address on Jan Hofmeyr. Varker chose to speak on 'an all-woman parliament'. His apparently chauvinistic view point was acerbic and witty, as he finally questioned the braaivleis and sunny skies mentality. Despite the fact that his impromptu speech was a little more hesitant, he succeeded in coming second in the competition. For this particularly, he was later awarded his Cultural Colours. LIBRARY REPORT Full use is being made of all facilities offered and it is pleasing to see this venue becoming the educational centre of the school. In an article published in 'Mentor'and 'Libri Natales', thejournals of the Natal Teachers' Society and the Natal Provincial Library Services respectively, the advantages of-the library were mentioned. Amongst the more obvious advantages, the pleasing development in the use of the library after school hours was noted. It has been the meeting place of various clubs, and has been the venue for displays by the art department. Issues this year have settled down to a steady level — since August 1976,the cumulative total of books issued is fractionally under 50000. The librarian gratefully acknowledges the assistance of the Natal Provincial Library Services in their supply of books, as well as the invaluable help from the Fifth Form library monitors — D.Cameron,J. Gower,F.Goosen and G.Hall. A.M.ARTHUR — Librarian 73

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