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No. 19. JULY, 1915. VOL. VI.
FIAT LUX.
All boys, and especially those who come ir. by train, are asked to take particular notice that the Autumn Term will begin on Thursday, September 16th, and will end on Wednesday, December 22ml. Railway Passes must, therefore, be taken up to cover these dates.
The present, Session has illustrated the truth of the statement that it is not always the expected that happens. We began the Session with vague fears that before the close our town might be subjected to bombardment and it was considered reasonably possible that our buildings might have to be vacated for one cause or another. However, these expectations have, fortunately, not been realised and the Session has pursued a fairly tranquil course.
It has not been without its sad incidents. The war has brought bereavements to the families of several of our boys, and, as a school, we have been even more closely affected by the sad death of our Sports' Master, Mr. Standring. We have learned anew that, cloistered though school life is, it is not altogether immune from the troubles of the great world.
Through the departure of Mr. Tomlinson and Mr. Schofield and the coming of new masters, we shall begin the new Session with several fresh faces in our class rooms.
Our consolation at the thought of these changes is that all members of the school, both staff and pupils, are contributing to form one of the most permanent of human institutionsthe traditions of a corporate society.
In memoriam.
R. S. STANDRING.
Past and present members of the School will see with regret the mention of the death of our Sports Master, Mr. R. S. Standring.
Coming to Dover from Carnarvon County School in September, 1905, he saw the beginnings of the School and watched its growthever cheerful and ever loyal even in the darkest days. He took part in all sides of School life, taught various subjects to various Forms in the Senior School, and then settled down among the Juniors to establish the School Sports Club. At the same time he was one of the successful teachers in the Evening Classes of the Technical Institute.
Outside the School his interests chiefly lay with the Cricket Clubs of the town, where he made many friends as a keen batsman.
For two years he had been fighting the dread disease which was at length to prove fatal. What he did at the end was characteristic and according to the firm purpose which ruled his whole School life. His last conversation with me showed how glad he was to hear about the School Sports. Then came the brave resolve to go to St. Thomas' Hospital, London, where three weeks later he died.
The Governors, the School, the Staff, and his own particular Form sent floral tokens of affection and regard and, as he would have wished, attended the funeral at Charlton Cemetery on Thursday, June 24th.
A loyal colleague, just and firm with the boys, always courageous in dealing with the difficulties which beset the path of Sports Master, we can ill spare him and shall not soon forget him.
H.M.
The Inter-County Schools' Sports, in which, to our great regret, Dover was unable to participate was held at Gravesend on Saturday, March 28th, and was a most successful function. Four schools competed, Ramsgate, Beckenham, Erith, and Gravesend, and the points were won as follows:Ramsgate, 33½; Erith, 15; Gravesend, 14; and Beckenham 9½. Ramsgate thus won the Challenge Shield for [he third time. Our own school will look forward to entering the lists next year, when they hope to give a good account of themselves.
0
A week ago the school bade farewell to Mr. Tomlinson on his leaving us temporarily in order to join the R.A.M.C. for the period of the War. Mr. Tomlinson will find himself specially qualified by his technical knowledge for certain departments of work in the R.A.M.C., in which he hopes to act as an X-ray operator. He left Dover for Aldershot, though he anticipated that he would be sent to some other training centre almost immediately. The Boys of the Senior School presented Mr. Tomlinson with a smoker's outfit, including pipes, cigarettes, and tobacco-pouch, as a token of appreciation of his work for the School and his self-sacrifice in enlisting in H.M. Forces. In addition, they gave him a rousing send-off, which will assure him that he went with the good wishes of them all for a happy period of service and a safe return.
0
A number of changes have taken place or are pending in connection with the School Staff. We very much regret that at the end of the term Miss E. McNeille, whom we are doing our best to call Mrs. Clout, is severing her connection with the School. Her period or energetic service has won for her a place in the School life, which it will not be easy to fill, and the School will always have grateful memories of her special interest in its social activities.
0
We are fortunate in having as Miss McNeille's successor our talented Borough Organist, Mr. H. J. Taylor, F.R.C.O. The musical side of the School is to be considerably developed. Every Form in the School will come under Mr. Taylor's tuition, and we look forward to the formation of an excellent School Choir. We are glad to give Mr. Taylor a very cordial welcome to our Staff, and we hope that his association with the School will be a very happy one.
0
We announced in our March issue that Mr. Clapham expected to return to us for the summer term. The fates disposed otherwise, for he was appointed to a post at the Brighton Municipal Secondary School. This unexpected vacancy was filled by the appointment of Mr. H. L. Little, who has been with us during the term. Mr. Little is a graduate of Cambridge, and was a member of Sidney Sussex College. He will leave at the end of the term with the good wishes of the whole School.
0
Mr. Standring's death creates a vacancy on the Staff which the Headmaster has had the sad duty of fining by a new appointment. The new member of the School Staffwho joins us at the beginning of next termis Mr. W. Wilton Baxter, D A., of the Ashford Grammar School. Mr. Baxter is a graduate of the University of London with honours in English and French. He studied for a year at the Sorbonne, the University of Paris, and gained the Diplτme Supιrieure.
During the period of the War he has been putting his knowledge of French to good use by acting as interpreter to the Belgian refugees at Ashford.
Mr. Baxter is keenly interested in sports, and his help on this side of the School life will be much appreciated. He has offered himself for military service, but the authorities could not see their way to gratify his wishes in this matter.
We offer Mr. Baxter a hearty welcome to Dover.
0
At the kind invitation of the Headmaster and Mrs. Whitehouse, a good number of parents gathered on Wednesday, July 14th, in the Council Chamber of the Town Hall for the second meeting of the Parents' Association. The refreshment interval helped to make all the guests feel at home with one another, and they then adjourned to the Maison Dieu Hall to witness an exhibition of physical drill by the Senior Boys, supplemented by a few from the Junior School. The parents showed great interest in the exercises performed by the boys, whose work was a revelation to them. They expressed their appreciation of the boys' efforts and the careful training of Mr. Pascall, their instructor, by enthusiastic applause at the close of the performance. The singing of the Junior Boys was an equal delight to the parents.
The formal meeting of the Association, under the chairmanship of Mr. C. P. Tomlin, discussed matters of considerable import to the School life. The meeting proved itself to be warmly in support of the proposal to form a School Cadet Corps, and this should lead to the scheme being taken up enthusiastically by the general body of parents.
0
We bid farewell at the end of this term to a number of boys who are entering the great world:Cahill, Lyons ii., Morgan, Carlton, Armstrong and Baynton. We wish them the best of good luck.
0
The Scholarship holders are always an interesting section of the newcomers. Junior Entrance Scholarships have been awarded to Brand, St. Bartholomew's (Mr. Souden); Burbridge, Davis, Lawes, St. Martin's (Mr. E. J. Smith); Motley, Deal Parochial School (Mr. Waller); Pelham, Barton Road (Mr. Horrex); Phillips, St. Martin's; Romney, St. Mary's (Mr. Wicks); Twyman, St. James' (Mr. Plowright); and Young, Wesleyan School, Deal (Mr. Bourchier).
0
The Old Boys have shown that they have not forgotten us during the term, both by their letters and personal visits.
Grimer wrote from Avonmouth in June, and gave some interesting details about the submarine blockade. His boat was then on Government service, running war stores to France.
B. Trim, who is serving in the R.A.M.C. at Codford, has been in the Army since October. He is now a sergeant, and is expecting soon to go to France.
A. C. Bond writes congratulating the School on the splendid list of Old Boys serving with the Forces. He himself has been in France since the first week of the War, on work connected with the communications.
Lyons, senior, who left School at the end of last term on passing the Army Entrance Examination into the Woolwich Military Academy, has been on week-end leave in the course of the term. He is undergoing a course of instruction for the Royal Garrison Artillery, and expects to be appointed Second Lieutenant in October or November.
Stanley, who left when in Form Vb., has been away from Dover for some fifteen months in connection with his first voyages. He had some interesting experiences to relate, which might have been printed in an article but for the sudden call back to duty which Stanley received.
0
The award of prizes for the best articles to the magazine, has proved more difficult this year. The contributions from the Junior Boys have been disappointing in quality and no contribution has merited the full Junior School prize. The amounts of the prizes for the Senior and Junior Schools respectively have therefore been added and redistributed. Prizes, each of the value of 5s., go to W. T. Atkins, Form Va., and E. W. Brown, Vb., and a Junior School prize of 3s. to L. Tomlin, III.
0
Almost as our issue leaves the printer's hands news comes of still a further change in the School Staff. We are all sorry to hear of the impending departure of Mr. Schofield, who has spent a very crowded three years in Dover as Senior Science Master in the County School, Principal of the School of Science and Technology, and Assistant Director for Further Education. He is leaving us to take up an important appointment under the Leicestershire County Council as Principal of a large Technical School at Loughborough and Inspector of the Technical and Evening Schools in the County. Mr. Schofield's departure will be much regretted, though we shall all congratulate him heartily upon his well-deserved promotion to a larger sphere of work. He has given un-stinted service to the School; not the least of the many happy recollections which the School will have of him will be the readiness with which he identified himself with its corporate life. In bidding him good-bye, the boys will wish him a very happy time in his new sphere.
Favoured by fine weather, in which respect we have been fortunate for some years, the Sports Day on June 2nd was a very successful function. There were not, perhaps, quite so many visitors as were present last year, but under War conditions this is not surprising, and on the other hand, a highly important feature, the subscription list, showed a very considerable increase in amount and also in the number of subscriptions. The band of the 5th Battalion Royal Fusiliers, though outwardly dull ill appearance, as became the times, gave a capital selection of bright music throughout the afternoon, and added much to the visitors' pleasure though it is probable that the Staff was too fully occupied to have more than a general appreciation of the items, and no doubt this is even more applicable to the enthusiastic competitors in the various events.
A new feature this year was the division of the School into four" houses, " and this added considerably to the keen competition, as points were awarded to most of the events to count towards a "house" Championship. This was carried off by the Dark Blues (Mr Darby's and Mr. Tunnell's house), who had quite a "walk over" scoring 96 points, while the Reds and the Light Blues followed afar off with 42 and 41 points respectively, like good comrade;; in misfortune. Mr. Tomlinson's house, the Greens, scored eleven points, but in another year, with the withdrawal of some boys, and the development of others, these positions may be reversed.
The Tug-of-war afforded some very exciting pul1s, the victors again being the Dark Blues, who owed l11uch to the unsuspected talents of Armstrong i. as a "coach." The sack-race, as is usually the case, was won by a small boy, Chapman (Form I.), who had ample room to develop speed inside his sack! Of the more important events, the heats for the "100 yards over fourteen" were hotly contested, Costelloe i., Hadlow and Perry coming in in the order named in the Final, while Hadlow won the "220 yards open" in excellent style, coming also second in the hurdles, Armstrong ii. taking first place. Durban did well in winning the Half-mile, Isaac and Graves being second and third: Isaac is a promising runner, taking third place also in the Mile, which was won by Worster, with Morford second. The Obstacle race attracted a large number of competitors, and made an amusing change from the more serious events; the obstacles were well arranged, very varied and not at all easily negotiated; this was so more particularly in the case of the barrels, one of which to the writer's knowledge did not survive the hurried passage through it of one of the bigger boys, but became resolved into its component parts!
It remains to add that the Senior Championship Cup went to Costelloe i., and the Junior Cup to Graves, the "Bromley" Cup, for swimming, not being competed for this year, owing to a difficulty in obtaining the use of the Swimming Baths.
A list of the winners in the various events is given below:
Long
Jump (Senior).1, Costelloe i.; 2, Street; 3, Perry.
Long Jump (Junior.)1, A. C. Tomlin; 2, Graves;
3, Durban.
High Jump (Senior).1, Street; 2, Costelloe i.
High Jump (Junior).1, H. D. Palmer; 2, Costelloe ii.
440 yards (over 14).1, Costelloe i.; 2, Dewell; 3, Cahill.
440 yards (under 14).1, Bourn; 2, Graves; 3, Malley.
Sack Race.1, Chapman; 2, Mackenzie; 3, Webb.
100 yards (over 14).1, Costelloe i.; 2, Hadlow; 3, Perry.
220 yards (open).1, Hadlow; 2, Costelloe i.; 3, Carlton; 4, Perry.
Throwing Cricket Ball.1, Street; 2, Morford.
880 yards.1, Durban; 2, Isaac; 3, Graves.
Slow Bicycle.1, R. Day; 2, Olby.
100 yards (under 12).1, R. Tomlin; 2, Ousley; 3, Clarke.
120 yards Hurdles.1, Armstrong ii.; 2, Hadlow; 3, Morford.
Obstacle Race.1, Dearling; 2, Bond; 3, Armstrong i.
100 yards (12-14).1, Bourn; 2, Mills; 3, J. Licence.
Tug-of-War.Costelloe i., Watts, Cahill, Knight, Perry, Carlton, 'Worster and Baynton.
Three-Legged Race.1, Perry and Morrison; 2, Cuff and Lewis; 3, Knivett and Lloyd.
Mile.1, Worster; 2, Morford; 3, Isaac.
CHAMPIONSHIPS.
Senior.
Costelloe i. ... ... ... ... ... ... 42 points
Street.. . ... .. . ... . .. ... ... 30 points
Junior.
Graves... ... ... ... ... ... ... 31 points
Durban. .. ... ... ... ... .. . ... 24 points
Palmer, H. D. ... ... ... ... 19 points
Costelloe ii. ... ... ... .... ... I7 points
Tomlin, A. C.... ... ... ...
.... 13 points
HOUSE CHAMPIONSHIPS.
1.Mr. Darby's and Mr. Tunnell's... ... 96 points
2.Mr. Thomas' and Mr. Schofield's... 42 points
3.Mr. Wheeler's and Mr. James' ... ... 41 points
4.Mr. Tomlinson's... ... ... ...
.... .... 11 points
THE PHAROS PHYSICAL INSTRUCTOR'S NOTE.
In the short flat races (100, 220, 440 yards) the stride and carriage and running generally showed a marked improvement. This general improvement also applies to both long and high jumps, Senior and Junior. Costelloe i. in the long jump, Street in the high jump, and, for his height and age, Lewis, all did well, the two former creating records in their respective events. Had it been possible to have a few weeks' full training, no doubt the results would have been even better.
J. F. PASCALL.
At the time of writing five matches have been played, two being Won and three lost. We were sorry to "scratch" the fixtures with Simon Langton School, who were unable to face the high fares charged by the Railway' Company.
The first match of the season was played at Ramsgate on the 19th May, against Ramsgate County School 1st XI. Thanks to some brilliant bowling by Street, who worked havoc with his fast swerves, our opponents were dismissed for 62. The School team collapsed in a marvellous fashion being out for 16. At our second venture Costelloe i. and Lovely played steadily and we scored 32 for 3, when time was called.
The second match was played at Crabble on May 26th, against Harvey Grammar School. The School, batting first, scored 126, for which they were indebted to some vigorous hitting by Street, who scored 43. Dewell, who played very lively, scored 22, while Lawes, with his usual persistency, contributed a steady 2 I. Our opponents were dismissed for 98. Costelloe captured six wickets; Street, unfortunately, strained his arm, and was unable to bowl after capturing three for nine in six overs.
On the 16th June our opponents were the writers and marines of the 6th Destroyer Flotilla, and a very enjoyable game was played at Crabble. The School team opened the contest with a score of 9° runs, a collapse being averted by some sparkling batting by Street and Lovely, who scored 17 and 41 respectively in a very free style.
Our opponents fell short of our total by 28 runs, thanks to the bowling of Street and Costelloe, who took six and four wickets respectively.
The return match between the School and the Harvey Grammar School was played in the rain at Folkestone, and resulted in a win for our opponents by 27 runs. The School team compiled 51 runs to our opponents' 78.
Ramsgate County School visited Dover an Wednesday, July 14th, and there was an interesting match. After compiling 71 runs, of which Chase scored a very neat 24, our opponents hit up the required total for the loss of only five wickets, the latter part of the match being completed in a torrential downpour.
FINAL SCOUT NOTES AND BALANCE SHEET.
|
BALANCE SHEET. |
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30th August, 1914, to July 8th, 1915. |
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| Dr. | £ | s. | d. | Cr. | £ | s. | d. | |
| Balance in hand | 0 | 11 | 0 | Report Forms | 0 | 0 | 5 | |
| Sale of Kit to members of Troop | 0 | 7 | 4½ | Balance paid to Sports Fund | 4 | 5 | 0 | |
| Sale of Kit to Charlton Troop | 1 | 7 | 8 | |||||
| Sale of Unused Badges to Local Secretary | 0 | 5 | 0 | |||||
| Deposits on Badges | 1 | 14 | 4½ | |||||
| £4 | 5 | 5 | £4 | 5 | 5 | |||
| Audited and found correct, |
G. DEVENISH THOMAS, |
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O. TUNNELL. |
Scoutmaster |
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Certain articles of equipment, such as the trek cart, bugle, flag, etc., have been reserved for use as the Headmaster may direct.
The following figures relative to the membership of the Troop may be of interest to the Scouts and their friends:Seventy-six boys in all have been members of the Troop at one time or another, of whom 33 are still at school (either the D.C.S. or some other).
Of those who have finished their School careers, seven are under military age, two are dead, two have emigrated, and two have been lost sight of. Of the remaining 30, who are of military age, 21 are serving with the Army or Navy, three are in Government Civil Service, four are in the mercantile marine, and two (one of whom has been rejected on medical grounds from serving with the Army or Navy) are in private business firms.
Every member of the Troop at the present time has qualified for and received the War Service Badge given for the voluntary performance of public service in connection with the War.
In presenting this final Balance Sheet and Scouting Notes, the Scoutmaster desires to thank most sincerely the Officers and Scouts for their loyalty and willing co-operation during the past six years.
He hopes that any public activity with which they may become connected in the future may bring them as much happiness and pleasure as the connection with the Scouts has brought him.
G. DEVENISH THOMAS.
D.C.S. AND THE WAR.
OLD BOYS ON ACTIVE SERVICE.
ADDITIONS TO FORMER LISTS.
Keightley, G. (07/09)Lieutenant and Adjutant, R.N. Division.
Hall, A. (05/10)Second Lieutenant, Hampshire Regiment.
Abbott, J. (03/04)Sergeant, 16th Lancers; wounded, but again at the
front.
Allen, L. H. (08/10)East Kent Cyclists' Battalion.
Binfield, C. E. (07/09)Army Pay Corps.
Brown, V. A. E. (08/11)R.N.V.R., Anti-Aircraft Corps,
Bond, R. (06/10)R.A.M.C. (T.).
Bristow, F. P. (07/08)The Buffs.
Buss, E. (01/04)H.M.S. "Bonadventure."
Cooney, G. J.(10/11)5th Buffs.
Glinn, T. (12/13)Armed Liner "Digby."
Fisher,
H. (05/12)3rd Queen Victoria's Rifles.
Hampden, J. A. C. (09/14)R.A.M.C.
Igglesden, H. (01/03)Corporal, 50th Battalion Canadian Overseas Expeditionary Force.
Keightiey, S. (08/09)Royal Naval Division.
Morford, H. (07/09)Royal East Kent Mounted Rifles.
Morris, W. G. S. (10/12)1st/20th County of London Battalion.
Laslett, L. (01/02)Dragoons.
Pryer, J. I. (12/14)Boy Artificer.
Rigden, S. (1900/01)Hon. Artillery Company severely wounded.
Rogers, H. (06/07)2nd Light Horse Brigade, Australian Imperil Forces.
Smith S. (04/O5)Imperial Light Horse (South Africa).
Steward, A, (01/O3)Corporal, 4th Buffs.
Trim, G. B. (07/09)Sergeant, R.A.M.C.
Lyons, J. M. (10/15)Cadet in Royal Military Academy, Woolwich.
Belchamber, A.3rd Engineer, "Princess Victoria" (on War Service).
Belchamber, S.2nd Engineer, s.s. "Canterbury" (on War Service).
Iggksden, R. A. (01/07)50th Batt. Canadian Overseas Expeditionary Force.
TRANSFERS.
Pritchard, T. (07/12)From repairing Mine-Sweepers to R.N.A.S.
McPherson, D, (09/12)From A.P.C. to R.E.K.M.R.
PROMOTIONS.
Morgan D. (05/09)To
Lance-Corporal, Royal Marines.
Banks, A. S. (08/10)To Lance-Corporal, 4th Buffs.
Day, F. B. (03/07)To Lance-Corporal.
Reeder, C. E. (07/12)From Army Schoolmaster to Sergeant in Royal Welsh Fusiliers.
McWalter, C. E. (/07)Has received the D.S.M.
Hosking, H. J. R. (08/13)Has been promoted
from the ranks to a Second Lieutenancy in the 11th Loyal North Lanes. Regiment.
Clout, S. E, (05/11)To Lance-Corporal, R.E. (T.).
W. Morrison is apprenticed to Vickers-Maxim.
The following have gone on Foreign Service:
H. J. Penn (04/05),
D. Morgan (05/08), and
H. Rogers (06/07).
The publication of the "Pharos" coincides approximately with the end of the school year and also of the first year of the War, and is accordingly a suitable time for a review of the share the school has taken.
As far as can be ascertained, since 1900 350 boys have passed through the County School, the Dover Municipal Secondary School, and Dover Pupil Teachers' Centre, by the amalgamation of which last the County School was formed.
Of these 350, seventy-five are still under eighteen, and two died before the War. Of the remaining 273, no less than 12O, or 43.9 per cent, are serving, or have served, with H.M. Forces.
Of these 120, nine hold, or are training for Commissioned rank, thirty are serving with the Navy and ninety-eight with the army, twenty-five are known to have already served at the Front. One, C. E. McWalter, has won the D.S.M., two have lost their lives in action, viz., Evans on H.M.S. "Recruit," and Burnard on H.M.S. "Pegasus," and one, Belson, by accident, whilst four are known to have been wounded. Two others have been invalided out of the service.
We have one representative with the Australian Imperial Forces in the Dardanelles, one with the South African Forces in German South-West Africa, whilst two are in training with the Canadian Overseas Expeditionary Force.
Twenty-four Old Boys, or 10 per cent., are serving in the Mercantile Marine.
G.D.T.
The Editor or Mr. G. D. Thomas will be glad to receive any news of the following Old Boys, who, from one cause or another, have been lost sight of:
Buxton, H. F. (05/07);
Bath, A. J. (06);
Baker, R. (01/03);
Barnes, V. (01/03);
Bent, G. (01/03);
Bonnaud, F. (02/05);
Best, C. (04/05);
Barron, S. (1900/04);
Broadbridge, L. A. (07/10);
Broadbridge, L. J. (07/10);
Bath, H. R. (07/10);
Billinge, F. A. (07/09);
Barwood, E. H. (11/12);
Bolton, H. C. (12/13);
Crawshaw, P. (06/08);
Cohen, M. and G. (07/08);
Coley, W. (03/04);
Clark, S. (04/05;)
Chambers, R. E. (06/09);
Chamberlain, C. T. (07/09);
Connell, E. G. (09);
Dennis, J. (02);
Dennis, F. (01/03);
Davey, T. H. (11/13);
Egan, W. (03);
Eaves, H. (04/05);
Egan, C. (09/10);
Egan, D. R. (09/10);
Faircloth, W. J. (07/09);
Francis, C. L. (09/12);
Frecknall, H. J. (10/12);
Graves, W. R. (05/06);
Goldfinch, E. T. (04/05);
Green, H. W. (05/07);
Green, G. (04/05);
Gregory, A. (08);
Graves, F. G. (07/09);
Hancock, F. (02/06);
Hall, E. W. (06/07);
Hall, S. F. (06/07);
Hymers, P. (06/07);
Horton, A. E. (07/08);
Hopper, E. (01);
Hancock, C. (02);
Hollands, W. B. (07/09);
Hardy, H. F. (11/12);
Jones, E. H. (07/09);
Kay, R.
C. (05/09);
Keeler, D. E. (07/08);
Lougheed, J. T. (11/12);
Lougheed, F. (11/13);
Mason, B. (03/06);
Moor, S F. (06/08);
Munro, J. C. (07);
Mackenzie,
L. J. (07/08);
Newing, W. (03/08);
Norris, H. B. (03/07);
Norris, R. G. (06/09);
Parker, D. (06/07);
Pilcher, C. R. (08/09);
Rider, F. (1900/03);
Rouse, M. (03);
Redgement, G C. (10/11);
Sutton, G. (07/08);
Spinner, C. (05/07);
Smith, J. F. C. (11/12);
Walker, P. (02/06);
Walter, N. P. (05/06);
Walter, H. (04/06);
West, J. W. (06);
Whyatt, H. R. (04/07);
Wardle, G. B. (07);
Walker, R. C. (06/08);
Walter, W. W. (07/09);
Webb, H. B. (08/09);
Walker, C. N. (07/12);
Brenchley, . (04/05);
Hope, N T.
(09/11).
|
What is it, this voice of sorrow and woe, Borne on the wings of the labouring wind, Throbbing with agony, as of the blind Who weep for the light, once seen long ago? It rises and falls, now high and now low, Filled with foreboding of terror behind, Fearful and trembling, instilling the mind With dread of some sinister, unknown foe. 'Tis the voice of a heart-broken nation, Crushed, weary and faint, which comes o'er the sea, Beseeching the world for succour and aid, All hear this cry for help and salvation, All now must answer it; thus shall it be That, by the world's arms, world-peace may be made. A McORLAP. |
OXFORD LOCALS, A.D. 1980.
A MASK IN ONE ACT (COLOSSAL STYLE).
DRAMATIS PERSONΖ:
| Headmaster. | 2nd Student. | |
| 1st Student. | Shade of Old Boy. | |
|
Chorus of Nonentities. |
||
SCENE: New School (if completed in time).
Enter HEAD MASTER (to slow music) loquitur
Ah, well-a-day! This tiresome round
Of dusty books and masters gowned
Will soon be o'er'twill not be long
A trip upon the Continong!
And why not, eh? H'm, yes; but see
Here comes the lads whose history
Has just been set, and I must ask
With what success they've done their task.
Enter STUDENTS and CHORUS.
1st STUD.I say, wasn't that chronic question about old Von Hindenberg?
2nd STUD.Yes; I couldn't make out what was meant by the reference toOh! Here's the paper, sir.
H.M. (after perusing paper)When, I see no excuse for going wrong here, if you have done your revision properly.
CHORUSYes, sir!
1st STUD.This second question was a rather
difficult one, Sir.
H.M.Ah, yes; I see, quite. Well, I must be going, as I have some important business on my hands at present.
[Exit.]
1st STUD.YeS; I'll bet he couldn't have done it himself.
CHORUSOh, we are such a studious lot;
(Ff tutti) We do nothing but mug, cram and swot;
We know all the Greek particles,
Dote on French articles,
Hustle and scribble and blot!
[Orchestral Interlude.]
Enter SHADE OF OLD BOYL. (Tableau.)
S.O.B.Where'er I go the same sad tale,alas!
The glory of a former day eclipsed,
The once fair fame now tarnished or forgot;
Ah! would that I could change my wretched lot,
And re-assume my mortal body. Straight.
I'd show what splendours now have been let pass
That were the boast of that proud, honoured state
Which men did can "Ye Welle";
How that our worthy overlord, whose mien
Struck terror into every soul, would swear
By heaven and earth and Styx and all the stars
That on a winter's evening can be seen,
From Pollux, Saturn, Perseus and Mars
To the great Jove himself.
But they are now no more whose agile sprites
Were once so quick to bandy jest or pun,
Good fellows all, whose work was done o' nights,
Sometimes, and sometimes nothut what's the odd,
Those who die young are favoured by the gods,
Or so they say,
For so doth pass the glory of this world.
(Recit.): Ye are become a reproach to your neighbours, a scorn and derision to them that are round about you!
[deceptive cadence followed by modulation into tonic minor.]
CHORUS (p con expressione)Miserere Domine!
(dim e piu lento)Miserere Domine!
[Exeunt.]
EPILOGUE (spoken by the Author)This dastardly effusion was prompted by the rumoured intention of the Almighty Powers to abolish the Well, andwhere that particular place is concerned"What wonder if a poet now and then, among the many"
[That's quite enough, thank you.Ed.]
PRINCEPS.
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"Give to me the life I love, Let the lave go by me, With the jolly heaven above And the by-way nigh me!" * * * * "White as meal the frosty field, Warm the fireside haven, Not to autumn will I yield, Not to winter even!" R. J.. Stevenson. |
"But surely you will not camp at this time of the year!" was an encouraging remark made to one of them at the beginning of April. Nevertheless, the middle of the same month saw three hardened and determined campers leaving an early train at Ashford, and with all things needful on their shoulders faring forth to take what Fortune should send. As a matter of fact the fickle one sent various things, frost, east winds, sunshine and, wonder of wonders, 30 little rain that the featherweight oilskins tucked neatly into the straps of the "Rucksacs," were only put on once for a couple of hours in a walk of 150 miles! The first day is the critical one for equipment, and under this heading and in point of importance boots may well be spelt with a capital B!
One tramp, calling to mind the traditions of his class, put on a pair so old that they galled him badly, being overanxious to avoid the error of another of the party, who, on a previous expedition had to be treated with sticking-plaster as the result of pinning his faith to a pair too new. So it appears that in the matter of the age of boots as in many other departments of life, with a reservation in the case of real failings, the "middle course is the safest." However, these difficulties were overcome, and, after a rest over Sunday at Tenterden, where the tent was heavily coated with white frost, the next night was spent at Robertsbridge in Sussex, where a biting east wind took the place of the frost, necessitating frequent intervals of hard exercise between the packing of articles of equipment next morning j even then cold fingers refused to grapple effectually with the ferrules of refractory tent poles, and these had to be carried until a mile or two of walking enabled them to be easily dealt with. It is astonishing how cold metal articles can be at 6.30 a.m. under such conditions, but, here definitely parting company with real Tramp traditions, it may be stated that personal ablutions were faithfully performed on all occasions, or if in one case (not the writer's by the way!), human nature failed, it was on account of (comparatively) late rising rather than the state of the thermometer. Battle was passed through on the way to a third camp at Hurstmonceaux, the Abbey being visited en route, built on the field of Senlac soon after the Battle of Hastings, and next day after an interesting walk to Pevensey and through it to Berwick, the latter place became a home for "one night only." After tea one of the Tramps wandered away with designs on the Church Organ, and entirely disappeared, when the other two cal1ously went to bed, one being wakened out of his beauty sleep at 11 p.m. with tales of a musical evening and a hot supper at the Vicar's! So on to Brighton, where, gipsies being in great abundance on the Downs, camp was pitched, by invitation, in Stanmer Park with a house-dog conveniently near. On the way northward to Hayward's Heath and the ultimate goal of Ashdown Forest next morning, Ditchling Deacon gave a most magnificent view over a great distance, possibly two or three counties; the limits of Sussex to the East being reached next day at Groombridge. Camp was pitched about ten feet on the Sussex side of the county boundary, and tea taken, again by the kindness of the Vicar (but all had it this time), both on Saturday and Sunday across the line in West Kent. A twenty-one mile walk brought the Pilgrims to Goudhurst, by way of Penshurst, the former vil1age being on the "black list" as the first and only place where personal application failed at once to obtain permission to camp. Lunch on the fol1owing day at the "Bull Inn," at Sissinghurst recalled Farnall's "Broad Highway," the tale centring round that village, and after sleeping at Smarden the next night, three sun-burned and very fit campers passed through Charing to Ashford, with the shadows of an indoor life (one would not hint at "School"!) gathering around them! Twelve days of perfect health, but let no one who is afraid of a little cold, camp at Easter, when this falls on an early date.
PEDESTRIAN.
I had often seen the old man sitting in the sun near the barracks, watching the recruits drilling, and soon we came to know one another well At this time he was eighty-nine years old and distinctly remembered being taken to London to see Queen Victoria's coronation procession. While quite a lad he had joined a regiment of foot, with which he fought both in the Crimea and India, and in both of which places he had been wounded.
"Ah" he broke out one day; as someone mentioned the present War, "this ain't fightin'; it's bloomin' murder, that's wot it is. Why the boys over there are stuck into them trenches, with never a enemy they can see to fire at, while the Germans wipes 'em out with shells from positions pretty nigh a dozen miles away. It were dif'rent to that when I was a young man.
"Why, I mind once, when we was at war with they Rooshians we're all so fond of these days, fightin' 'and to 'and for hours in the dark with a foe as you couldn't hardly see.
"There were three of us, me, Bob Chandler and pore Dick Thomson as were told orf one night for outpost dooty. We 'ad the first mornin' watch an' it wern't long afore we 'eard the sound of a lot o' men trampin', yet as you might say, tryin not to make no row. It was pitch dark at the time, with a fog thick enough to choke you, an' before we knew wot was 'appening the Rooshians was ormost a top of us. Well, we loosed orf our rifles an' retreated pretty quick, you bet. But, Lord, we 'adn't no charnse. Our fellers came boltin' out o' their tents, 'oldin' 'their rifles in one 'and an' rubbin' the sleep out of their eyes with the other, only to find as 'ow the' grey-coats' was among 'em already. There was no fancy shootin' from 'oles in the ground a mile apart that night, it were a case o' usin' baynit, butt, an' yer fists too, at times. Not a dozen yards round us could we see, an' as for wot the others were doin', well, they might 'ave known, we didn't.
"As I sez, there was the three of us 'oo retreated all in a bunch, but Thomson, 'ee 'ad 'is head smashed with a bullet an' so Bob an' I went on by ourselves. We adn't only gorn a few paces, when we met a young Officer 'oo called us sich names as I won't trouble to repeat to you now. 'Ee'd only got a few men with 'im, but we joined up, 'an then, some more comin' along, we made shift to get into some kind of formation, but we 'adn't only time to get into a sort o' circle shape when they was on us. Orl round we could 'ear the firin', the shautin' and the oaths, as the battle burst out, an' then, as I sez, we were in the thick of it. There was no time to re-load, it were just a hell of faces comin' an' goin', of grindin' thuds as yer baynit got 'ome, and the groan or curse of yer comrade as 'ee fell beside you. That young orficer, 'ee was only a lad, but he was the life an' spirit of our bunch, with a word of advice' ere, an' a cheery remark there, an' when one of they grey-coated devils shot 'im point blank, the roar that went up would 'ave froze the blood in the veins of any man alive. 'Ee 'adn't long to live, the Rooshian that did it, but then the damage 'ad bin done, an' for the rest of the fight we 'adn't even a sergeant with us.
"Well 'ow long this went on for I couldn't tell you to this day. To we 'oo was fighting' it seemed a whole livin' eternity, but I've 'eard tell as 'ow it only larsted an hour or two. Time after time those Rooshians 'ud come porin' up the slope of the hill we was oldin' and then there'd be another turn of firin', an' thrustin', and cursin', until at larst we'd shove 'em back where they came from an' get a bit of a breather. But we knew we was gettin' weaker an' that if 'elp didn't come quick we'd be driven hack just by weight of numbers. Man after man went down, an' still we hung on in the fog an' the dark, an' still no 'elp came. Ev'ry time we was attacked we thort as 'ow the end 'ad come, and yet the orficers kep' on a-saying, 'Steady there, lads, steady! Just a little longer!", and not one of 'em but didn't know as that he mightn't he the larst one left.
" 'Owever, just as things seemed about at their worst, someone set up the cry that the Frenchies 'ad come, but of wot 'appened after that I ain't got no reckilection as just at that moment I got a crack over the 'ead, an' when I woke up again I was in 'orspital."
POLMARC.
DESCRIPTION OF A MODERN DESTROYER.
The hailer room of H.M.S. "Tartar" when in dock is as hot as 120° F. There are numerous gauges for steam pressure right down below the engine room level. This "room" is situated "aft" of the bridge. Now the engine room is six times as large as the boiler room and is situated from the second funnel to the smallest mast. In the engine room are seven turbines capable of the 37-39 knot speed. All the oil and water that the engines do not consume is driven back into tanks that prevent wastage. These boats have a capacity of 120 tons of oil fuel. H.M.S. "Tartar" has four equal funnels, five 12-pounder guns, and two torpedo-tubes. The forecastle is much higher than the deck level for the purpose of easily throwing off the sea while running. This boat does 50 "land" miles an hour. Most of the sailors live underneath the forecastle while the engine room artificers live in front of the back mast, and the commander lives right at the very back of the ship. This boat has three propellers. This boat has wireless, and the cabin is situated near the bridge. The torpedo tubes are eighteen inches in diameter, and one torpedo has two propellers, and a torpedo costs £500.
L.N.T.
A WALKING TOUR.
A TRUE STORY.
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Look not for poetry in these lines, Which now I sit me down to write, For I intend them but to be A verse or two of nonsense light. Bad rhymes in superfluity, And pardon (if you follow not) The lack of perspicuity, And on the feet you stumble, Please don't heap execrations on The poor head of"your humble." About the year '15, Three figures quaint, in curious garb,
Were in Ashford to be seen. Of goodly size and weight, And westward were their faces set, Their journey I'll relate, All telling many a tale; "Thou mind'st me of a snail." Thy house upon thy back." At Tenterden in Kent, Where they beforehand had resolved Their first night should be spent. And there arranged to camp, They pitched their tent upon a slope, Secure against the damp. And slept for hours three; And in dismay cried he; My legs they are no more "He looked again and saw his feet Full two feet out the door. Them in beneath the clothes, Then with deliberate care he shook The hoar-frost off his toes. From thence to Pevensey; And Brighton by the sea. By river, wood and road, And once a private garden served As their place of abode. T'wards Tonbridge were they, bent; And came again to Kent. From there they trained to Dover; Perhaps a little over. They didn't want to do It! They might have come to rue it. |
We learn some funny things now-a-days at school. Take a typical summer morning, when everything is not as it should be (these are not the views of a pessimist)I mean, with regard to the age limit which bars boys of 14 or 15 from military duties.
On this particular day. after studying for some time the glorious works of Tennyson with special reference to his poems on Freedom, and incidentally having fallen asleep during the reading of "The Lotus Eaters," we proceed to the study of Geometry. Here we learn with wonder the astonishing fact that, if two houses have two walls of the one equal to two walls of the other each to each and the included doors and windows equal, then the two houses are congruent. As the interesting theorem ends here, it is just possible that the great mathematician's type-writer broke down at this point.
We now proceed to learn Geography. During this interesting study we discover that the townspeople of Perth are occupied to a large extent in dying. We never knew before that some people made an industry of dying.
In a study of Japan we are able to cull a few idiomatic (idiotic?) sentences from a text book. "...........The Japanese censor is polite, wonderfully polite. He says, 'Deign honourably to cease publishing august paper. Honourable editor and honourable co-worker deign honourably to enter august jail.' (This has nothing to do with the eighth month)." This would not be a bad way of dealing with a certain Daily , Eh Readers? In another place we read; "No indeed! having risen hands wash act forthcomes not was. Washing basin's water altogether freeze sticking having finished how doing even doing way is not was." We leave our readers to guess the meaning.
Again in the study of higher things some child of wisdom states; "Scale-Two large squares = one mile, or x= the cows in the field." (Poor things).
K.C.
Dear,Many thanks for your welcome letter. I know from my mother that you had asked news of me, and for a week or two I have been intending to write to you, but the attacks delivered at the farm of M kept us very busy and I have had hardly any time to write. Our artillery has been doing good work every time we prepared an attack on that place. We have guns of all sizes. Since the 6th the artillery has been going on all the time. It makes a tremendous noise, rolling from right to left, shaking all the earth, and deafening and maddening everyone in the trenches. It seems to cover everything, and by now the Germans have experienced the same thing they did to the Russians at Przemysl. Our heavy artillery is also doing good work, and when at night, at about eight p.m., the artillery makes its last effort, one can feel the earth shaking under that storm of iron. The numberless explosions of the big shells dig tremendous holes in the German trenches, and one can see in the darkness the flashes of concealed guns. Then the attack begins with hand bombs and bayonets, and while we are taking one trench, the artillery pounds away at the next until we are ready to rush in and take it. We took in this way three lines of trenches without meeting with much resistance. The Germans were dazed, and many were killed in their "dug-outs" by our hand bombs. We had few casualties, but the Germans had many, and on these hot days the smell of putrefaction over here is terrible; we are even obliged to put our respirators on, as if for intoxicating or poisonous gases. As you see, we have been very busy although in reserve for a time.
We are always moving about on foot or in motor lorries to wherever there is work to do. I did five patrols one night between the German and our trenches, and had two narrow escapes when our patrol tried to capture a German advance post. But all that is only a game; I have had much luck up till now, and hope to always have as much.
Please excuse this scribbling as I am writing on my knees, a rather uncomfortable position (here follows a big blot). Please excuse the blot but a shell burst about a hundred yards behind us, and my friend pushed my arm as it whistled by. Sorry I did not have time to write before, but I think you now understand why.
Yours very sincerely,
FROM INDIA.
2nd Kent Battery,
R.F.A. (T.),
Jubbulpore, India.
Dear Mr. Thomas,
I was very pleased to receive your letter. I have the "Pharos" sent out to me regularly, and Lamidey, who is in the same barrack room, and myself appreciate it very much.
Have the Scouts really helped me? Yes, decidedly, for instance, at camp, I was as comfortable as the oldest Territorial and discipline came to me much more easily than fellows who had not had the previous training.
I heard one "terrier" remark to another some time ago, "Oh I expect he'll soon get a stripe, he's been a scout!" One can seriously talk about them to the fellows without the movement being scoffed at. A little different to the idea of the first troop at Godwyn House, n'est ce pas!
The hot season is now nearly over, and thank goodness too. We have had one or two Chτta Bursβts, or little bursts; we will have several of these before the monsoons proper begin. They are most tempestuous storms of about one hour's duration. It is usually oppressively warm a few hours beforehand, then the clouds begin to rumble and gradually change their character and darken until they are of a glorious dark blue hue and cover the whole sky.
Then the elements begin an orchestral selection. The wind plays every wood and wind instrument from a bassoon to a fife, the thunder-well-er, thunders, and the rain plays on everything that is not under a roof. In the last storm half an inch fell in an hour, then it stopped and the ground dried up and was fit for an open air dance that was held that night in the public gardens. The air is most refreshing and cool after these little bursts. Also the clouds and water result in some glorious sunsets, the riotous colours seem doubly splendid after the shimmering pale gold, that the sunsets consist of during the hot season.
Six signallers from each battery have been chosen to go through an eight weeks' course in signalling. Lamidey and myself are among the fortunate(?) fellows. Our instructor is an Officer who has just come back from his course and we cannot quite make up our minds yet whether he is extremely enthusiastic or whether they worked him so hard that he wants to have his own back thro' us.' At any rate we are being taught thoroughly, and as for the flag drill-with five feet pole flagsit nearly makes one sweat blood (excuse my forceful language).
It is nearly all Morse by flag, helio, buzzer, tapper and telephone. To pass for our flags we have to read and send at twelve words a minute on the buzzer, a letter a second, have you ever tried it?
But that is only one of the things to do.
All this is very necessary if we are to go to the Dardanelles as we hope to this autumn though we hardly expect it.
Yours very sincerely.
SIDNEY D. IGGLESDEN.
THINGS WE SHOULD LIKE TO KNOW.
Whether the obstacles at Crabble were invented by the local purveyors of sticking-plaster?
Whether the Danes is as much appreciated this summer as it was last?
Why the Town Council do not send the tarring-plant or a water-cart to the Junior School playground?
Whether some people's brains are really situated in the chest?
Where our tadpoles go when they take leave of their kind hosts?
When the new School will be finished?
Why wheat and beans will not flourish on Priory Hill?
For Sale.A block of School Buildings, adjoining the Town Hall. Sacrifice £5. Late owners moving to Frith Road.
Priory Hill Art Gallery now open. All masterpieces. Rose show in adjoining room. No charge for admission.
For Sale.Tame Caterpillars. Also pressed specimen of the same.Apply, Form IIa.
Ropes.Lessons given in graceful Skipping to bona-fide purchasers. No applications from Girls' Schools considered.
To the Minister of Munitions.Apply to Form III. for spare time work.
Lost.A valuable Pocket-Knife, engraved "Kaiser."Will finder return it, without undue publicity, to D.G.?
Wanted.Some brains for the boy who said that "J'ai le presentiment que nous aurons un orage," meant "I have a presentiment that we shall have an orange."
The delights of a walking tourist are known to few modern science prevents this-but to the experienced they have no equal.
The tourist goes out into the bright morning sunshine possessed with a spirit of freedom and liberty, and performs his toilet to the melodious voices of the birds, the murmurs of swaying trees, and, perhaps, the mirth of a chattering brook.
Packed and ready, with knapsack slung, he sets out on his road to see and enjoy what Nature offers. Here and there he pauses to watch the water descend, cascade fashion, from some high bank; or, perhaps, it is some kindred sight which attracts his attention. Always the air the tourist breathes is pure, and sometimes scented with odours of neighbouring pines.
As the day advances he is a welcome guest at some wayside cottage, and there enjoys a mid-day meal. The long, twisting, white road is resumed in meditation, or, perhaps, the walker becomes a dweller in the realms of fancy, and so he travels on until tea-time, which is welcome, for it marks the close of the day's journey. In the evening he reads, enjoying the unbroken silence, and watches the fast approach of night. At its coming the tired tourist lies down to think over the days events, and so falls asleep, fanned by cool breezes.
CORRESPONDENCE.
(To the Editor of "The Pharos.")
Dear Sir,I am sure it affords me great pleasure to write these few words for a Magazine of which I have every number since it was first startedall very religiously guarded.
I thought in this letter I would tell you a little about Canadian life and customs, for, woe betide the "Chirper" as the Englishman is called, if he says, "Heow abeout the weather?
"In the first place, the railway trains are not designed in the same manner as the English. The engines are huge, powerful, and even beautiful. They utter a coarse, mellow noise as they race along the sunny prairie, or climb the impetuous rock-land of British Columbia. The carriages are all one class, except the "Parlor" car, which corresponds to the "Pullman." The people sit on both sides of the carriage, and an imperturbable conductor walks up and down, a distance of about 100 feet. In Canada you need not get your ticket before you "board" the traina conductor will sell you one; making it very convenient for the somewhat lazy business-man.
Perhaps, in the meanderings of many Canadians about Kent you hear frequent phrases which certainly do not conform with, say, your conception of English. Sir, you are quite wrong in your musings; those Canadians speak Canadian, not English.
A peach, as you who have had the honour and privilege to taste one of them know, is a luscious fruit. Now, if you are inclined to be extra nice to somebody he will call you a "peach," that is, if you are in Canada or in a Canadian camp.
It would shock the sedate grandmother whom I left in England if she heard the average "gamin" of our streets. He swears, Sir! Perhaps it is environment, I suppose. Let us hope that he knows not what he is expressing. Not infrequently he invokes the proprietor of the lower regions.
I might go on telling you several expressions, but what would be the use? You mightmen are but mortallearn one and utter the same to your class, infamy! innocently.
The feminine gender is ably represented in Canada. Decked in flowing dress bespeaking every colour of the rainbow, with rings on her fingers and almost bells on her toes (the spats show up wonderfully well, being white), the average belle of Canada lets you know she is living. In farm life, the girl of about sixteen is the happiest of all mortals. She rises with the sun, and if it be Monday (let us suppose it is), she has all the washing done before breakfast. Charwomen are unknown in such regions. She cooks in the morning; harnesses her horse in the afternoon and drives to town, regardless of distance, and does her shopping. She is intrepid, and has no fear of dark roads; can climb any tree; and is just as prolific in swearing as one of those "gamins," "de quo ante dictum est."
I will weary you no longer with idle ruminations nor yet, again, with my verbosity, hut wish that your Magazine will have that success which surely it merits. I enclose my subscription, for which I would be pleased to receive a copy of "The Pharos."
Respectfully, I am, etc.,
JOHN A. M. GALILEE.
Hamilton,
Ontario.
The next number of "The Pharos" will appear about December 14th. Contributions should be submitted to the Editor not later than November 26th.
Copies of the current issue of "The Pharos" may be obtained from the Editor, price 6d., post free 7d. Sets of 1913-1914, and 1914-1915 issues may be obtained at 1s. the set.
We acknowledge with thanks receipt of "The Erithian" and" The Ruym." We should he pleased to exchange magazines with other schools.
