S. /Ricbael's Chronicle
Michaelhouse
October, 1974 STAFF 1974
RECTOR:
R. F. Pennington, M.A. (Oxon)
SENIOR MASTER: k. Gathorne, M.A. (Rhodes)
J. R. Blake, M.A. (Cantab).
N. C. F. Bloy, M.A. (Oxon).
G. G. Bompas, B.Sc., U.E.D. (Natal).
Rev H. C. Clark, L.Th. (Chaplain).
J. Coetzee, B.A. T.T.D. (South Africa).
A. F. G. Cotton, B.A. (Rhodes), B.Ed. (Natal).
M. E. Crampton, B.A. (Natal), B.Ed. (South Africa).
E. R. de Villiers, B.A., U.E.D. (Rhodes).
A. E. G. Duff, M.A. (Rhodes).
D. S. Gear, B.A. (Wits).
M. T. Goulding, B.Sc. (Wits)
R. H. W. Hall, B.A., U.E.D. (Natal).
Rev R. R. Hawkins, B.D. (London), B.A. (Natal).
R. W. Hennessy, B.A., B.Ed. (Stellenbosch).
E. G. Hilditch, B.Sc. (Belfast).
F. J. Human, B.A., U.E.D. (Free State).
R. L. Ibbotson, M.A. (Cantab).
G. H. Immelman, B.Sc., U.E.D. (Rhodes).
J. S. Inglis, B.A. (Oxon), B.Sc., U.E.D. (Stellenbosch).
D. E. Knight, B.A. (Wits).
G. V. Lange, B.A. (South Africa).
P. G. Lavender, N.A.D. (Art). B. A. Law, M.A. (Oxon).
W. E. Layne, B.A. (Dartmouth, U.S.A.).
C. H. D. Leggatt, B.Sc. (Cape Town).
B. R. Lewis, B.Sc., U.E.D. (Natal).
J. P. Lowe, B.Sc. (Natal).
D. B. Miles, tf.Sc., U.E. D. (Natal).
D. J. Moon, B.A., U.E.D. (Natal).
K. J. Mullen, A.P.T.C. (Physical Education).
R. F. Pennington, N.T.S.D.
J. L. Robinson, B.Sc. (Natal).
A. J. Rogers, B.A. (Dublin), B.Ed. (Natal).
H. A. C. Stanton, F.T.C.L., F.G.C.M., L.U.C.T. (Music). M. E. Thompson, M.Sc. (Natal).
J. P. Underhay, B.A., U.E.D. (Potchefstroom).
W. A. van der Walt, B.A. (Stellenbosch).
D. A. Wolhuter, B.Sc., U.E.D. (Natal).
(continued on Inside Back Cover) St. MICHAEL'S CHRONICLE
VOLUME XXVII OCTOBER, 1974
MICHAELHOUSE, BALGOWAN, 3275, NATAL K>
SCHOOL PREFECTS, 1974 Standing: G. J. Chennells, H. H. Geach, A. H. Denny, R. C. Stewart, G. W. Bishop, Seated: J. B. Meyer, L. S. Kranidiotis, The Rector, R. P. Gould, J. A. R. B ester.
(Photo: Steads Studios, Ladysmith.) SCHOOL NEWS
♦
On 29th August the Rt. Rev. Dr. T. G. V. Inman, the retiring Bishop of Natal, was received "Ad Portas". He was welcomed in the Screens by the Head Prefect (L. S. Kranidiotis) and the ceremony, which was held in the main quadrangle, began with an address by the Rector. The Latin address was spoken by Graeme Rennie. Dr. Inman was Chairman of the Michaelhouse Board of Governors from 1951 to 1974, having been first elected to the Board in 1948.
* * *
In succession to Dr. Inman Mr. George Boyes has been elected Chairman of the Board, with Mr. Anson Lloyd as Vice-Chairman. Both are Old Boys of Michaelhouse.
* * *
Speech Day took place on Saturday, 31st August, when the new Open Air Theatre situated above Willows and below the new laundry was used for the first time. Our guest speaker was Dr. Anthony Barker of the Charles Johnston Memorial Hospital. The new theatre has been built as a Friday afternoon Service Project activity by members of the school under the direction of Mr. John Inglis.
* * *
At the Inaugural Festival held in Grahamstown in July, James Bester (Pascoe) was presented with the 1820 Settlers National Monument Foundation Schools Essay Prize by the State President. Bester's prize was R500 in cash and a further R250 worth of books for the school library. His essay is reproduced on Page 27 of this issue.
And at a ceremony in the Memorial Hall on 27th July the eight boys who had reached the final 100 out 2 100 entries for the National Youth Science Conference Examination were congratulated by Brigadier Robertson of the Foundation for Education, Science and Technology. Russell Gould (West) placed 3rd, won as his prize, a fortnight's Holiday/Educational trip to England and Stuart Aberdein (West), placed 10th, was also invited to go to the International Conference in London. Michaelhouse won the prize for the school with the most finalists.
* * *
We have been glad to welcome as speakers at Michaelhouse recently Mr. Bert Pfuhl, Mr. Bill Sutton, M.P., and Mr. Graham McIntosh, M.P.
(O.M. Baines 1956-1960), who preached the Michaelmas Eve sermon.
* * * 3 At the beginning of the Third Quarter we welcomed back from his year's exchange in England Mr. M. E. Thompson and at the same time said good-bye to Mr. G. P. Rendle, who returned to Clifton and whom we thank for all the many things that he did during his year with us. We also said good-bye with thanks and best wishes to Mr. James Brown.
* * *
Dramatic Productions in the last two quarters have been James Meyer's VI Form production of "Tons of Money", a merry romp greatly enjoyed by all, Mr. Rodney Blake's production of "Hamlet", and June Hennessy's production of "White Horse Inn".
* * *
On several evenings at the beginning of the Third Quarter the BBC Television "Civilisation" films were shown to the senior part of the school.
* * *
During the July holidays a highly successful multi-racial tennis tournament was held on our courts at Michaelhouse.
* * *
During the final performance of "White Horse Inn" various members of the audience were to be seen stealing quietly away to fight a serious veld-fire which had broken out on St. Michael's Mount and was creeping dangerously close to Mr. Ibbotson's house and the African Clinic. Fortunately as a result of the efforts of the fire-fighters and the judicious placing-of fire-breaks the fire was brought under control. Coincidentally, at exactly the same time the White Horse Inn chorus were giving voice to a piece with the words, "Hooray! Hooray! Here comes the fire brigade!"
* * *
On an evening in May a Michaelhouse Staff team made up of Messrs. Rendle, Bloy and Knight romped away as easy winners of the Howick Rotary Club General Knowledge Quiz, though the last two are the first to admit that this was due almost entirely to the astonishing erudition of Peter Rendle. Our boys' team, made up of Messrs. Massey, Rycroft and Whiting, was going great guns until, faced with a series of questions on Cookery, they were compelled to bow to the superior knowledge of a team of Estcourt Ladies!
4 SPEECH DAY
Speech Day was held in the new Open Air Theatre on Saturday, 31st August. The Chairman of the Board of Governors (Mr. G. W. Boyes) took the Chair.
Presenting his Annual Report, the Rector spoke as follows:
May I begin, sir, by saying, and I know I speak for countless others who know you personally and who are well aware of the singular service you have given your old school since you left here-dare I say it? -47 years ago, how delighted we all are at having you as our Chairman. I am sure that on days such as this many Guest Speakers have spoken to Michaelhouse boys about the ideals of service, the virtues of giving, of putting something back into life, and I am equally sure that they would one and all concur that you have proved by your actions an attentive and most worthy son of Michaelhouse, who has done all the things he should do, and none of the things he should not.
In welcoming you, Mr. Chairman, my thoughts naturally turn to the man whom you succeeded. Only two days ago the Governors, staff and boys, as you know, accorded him the highest honour the school can bestow by receiving him 'Ad Portas', and he becomes the tenth person in the school's history to have been so honoured. I am delighted that he is among our distinguished guests this morning, for it is entirely fitting that I should pay tribute to him before you all for the enormous contribution which he has made to this school. As Visitor to Michaelhouse for the 23 years that he was Bishop of this Province, he has had four Rectors responsible to him in all matters which concern the spiritual welfare of the school and I, certainly, and I've no doubt my predecessors also, have found him always ready to give himself wholly and completely to these matters, despite his incredibly heavy commitments to his Diocese. But much more than that, he has given his advice warmly, and shown a deep understanding of the wider issues at stake as well as of the individual's needs, whether they were those of the Rector himself or of the intransigent boy whom the Rector had on the mat.
We spoke of his many hats in the address on Thursday. He was Chairman of all the major school bodies-the Board of Governors itself, the Michaelhouse Trust and the Michaelhouse Development Founda- tion, and with his hand at the helm business was always expedited in a masterly way, for his wide knowledge of educational developments both here in South Africa and overseas, his financial acumen and his administrative experience, and above all, his obedience to the principles of his Christian faith, assured us of a well-informed and strong lead from the Chair no matter what the subject under discussion.
I know you will all join me in praising God for the life and example of Dr. Inman, in thanking Him for the huge store of energy and wisdom which was spent on Michaelhouse, and in wishing both Dr. Inman and his wife a very happy retirement.
5 Also on the brink of retirement, from his present work, but not to rest-such energy cannot rest-after lives of truly extraordinary dedication, are our Guests of Honour, Doctors Anthony and Maggie Barker. Their contribution to the well-being of Southern Africa has been no less than Dr. Schweizer's further north and is measured, as his, in terms which go far beyond the medical care they have given to persons who would probably have had to go without it. The phrase coined by Dr. Barker to describe the gravity of selfish and shortsighted policies towards the underprivileged in this country is "the theft of hope" and what a condemnation it is of man's treatment of his fellowman. But how much Dr. Barker and his wife have done to redress the balance! Their work at Nqutu is too well known to be reported on here, and their boundless energy and tireless devotion is building the hospital up from seven patients and seven nurses in 1945 to over 600 beds and a staff of over 1 000 stands out to this day as a miraculous monument to us lesser mortals.
I cannot imagine how many times Dr. Barker has been invited to give prizes away to school boys and girls, but I know the number must be legion, for only the other day the news editor of one of our leading papers said to me that it was time the Barkers moved on as his ingenuity was being taxed to the extreme in finding something new to say about them each time they were guests of honour!
I know full well why / chose to invite them here. Not only am I privileged to know them as friends and as persons for whom I have an unqualified admiration; but Dr. Barker's reputation as an inspired and gifted speaker, with a flair for fine and eloquent phrase, and a fearless penchant for straight talk, singled him out for our Prize Giving in his last year at Nqutu in South Africa. As he has done so much to build up confidence in the concept of the brotherhood of man, to create bridges of communication and concern between black and white, by his own action and example, and as he has so resolutely opposed the forces of destruction and division in our society, he seems to me to epitomize what some of our boys at least should regard as their life's word. For even the young, whose energy and enthusiasm and idealism are as yet undimmed by mundane manacles, can but gasp at the dynamic devotion of the doctors Barker to their service of their fellowmen.
To them, to all our distinguished guests, and to you all, we give our welcome to this first-ever- prize-giving to be held in this new theatre. I am glad we are here at long last, and though there are still many finishing touches to be added and the gardens to be laid out, I think you will agree that its general setting is superb. I remember so well the relish of those boys who were involved in the early days of destruction here-the falling of trees, splitting of enormous boulders, hacking of brambles, etc. And the long painstaking periods of construction that followed-the making of the cement blocks, the plumbing and drainage, the building up of the stage, and the planting of shrubs and grass-slow processes without the satisfaction of quick results. It is so easy to destroy and demolish, and it takes so much time and patience and devotion to build and to construct.
6 You have been inconvenienced by the complicated lines of access to this new theatre, I know, but you might almost have been unaware of the great progress of our new buildings had we held this ceremony on the other side in the old theatre. I hope that any inconvenience caused has been cancelled out by the satisfaction you have gained in seeing this progress and by the anticipation we all share of the enormously improved facilities that will be available to us and to your sons by the end of next year when the buildings are planned to be completed.
I shall not say more about the new developments here as they have been dealt with in detail in the issue of "Michaelhouse Reports" which has been handed to each car as it entered the gates.
Last year I spoke of my concern over any form of genuine compromise and co-operation among the different components of our complex society, and concluded that our selfish interests, from whatever section they emanated, bred fear; and that in an atmosphere of fear, a sense of brotherhood and common purpose could not be fostered or gain momentum. Though there have been welcome breaches in the granite walls of our white-supremacy philosophy, and a growing recognition of the fundamental rights of all men, no matter what their creed or colour, by and large we have not moved all that far in this past year in actual practice. But change is in the air and is likely to continue at an ever-accelerating rate. Long established practices and accepted codes of behaviour are being challenged and rejected almost daily, many of them perhaps rightly so. Relationships between persons and peoples are continuously calling for reconsideration and revaluation, certainly rightly so. The place of violence and victimization, of fear and frustration, of freedom and fulfilment, of patriotism and protest, in our society is being debated in almost every home, English- and Afrikaans-speaking, and, in recent times particularly, in African homes too.
Sir Kenneth Clark quotes W. B. Yeats' well-known lines "Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold" in the last of his brilliant series of television programmes given originally in 1969 and seen by us at school this quarter. You will know them, many of you, I am sure. The series is entitled "Civilisation-a Personal View". Having completed his great sweep of the creative periods of Western man over the past 1 000 years or so, he was summing up the present state of things and in his personal view things had fallen apart and while there was no cause for despair or reason to imagine ourselves on the brink of another Dark Age, with the forces of barbarism causing chaos, we still did lack a centre. This critical look at civilisation was for me the climax of a soul-searching process that was set in motion by two conferences which I attended during the July holidays: the one on Evaluation in Education at Wits University and the other on English Speaking South Africa-An Assessment in Grahamstown.
Now a critical look at the whole educational process and how to evaluate it, followed by a critical look at the English-speaking South African-an animal, incidentally, which defies precise definition, but
7 one limb of which is clearly the product of the English-speaking private schools, followed in turn by a broad critical sweep of Western man and his achievements, made me face up to some fairly fundamental issues about this school. Why does Michaelhouse exist, really? What, if anything, has.it contributed to society, to civilisation in the past? What should it be contributing now, at this point of time in this country? Why does it, fundamentally, enjoy the support of you parents? Are the sacrifices that are being made by very many of you to send y^ur sons here worth making, especially in this madhouse world of galloping inflation?
Sir Kenneth Clark made one or two very interesting observations in his final talk. It was institutions, he said, which made society work, and whether we liked them or not, if civilisation was to survive, society must somehow be made to work. And he urged us to remember that we were all part of a great whole, all living things under creation, but that we could destroy ourselves by cynicism and disillusion just as easily as by bombs.
I sincerely hope that what I shall offer as the answer to those questions I put a moment ago will not seem a string of platitudes to some, a series of distorted priorities to others, or just plain clap-trap to yet others. But I believe that this school exists primarily to fight against cynicism and disillusionment and throughout your son's time here he is presented with the fact that God is at the centre of things, and this means that the universe is one of order, not chance. He may come to accept that central fact to a greater or lesser degree, but the important thing is that at every turn of his life here he is encouraged to view his future with confidence; confidence in his Creator, confidence in himself as a creature who is loved, cared about, as a child of God. His very imperfections and frailties as a man make his passage all through life immensely difficult, full of pitfalls and hazards, and the way ahead is not easy, but at rock bottom, that is the sum-total of our endeavour here, to bring him to full and final acceptance of God being at the centre of his life, and all that that entails.
Expensive? Yes, it is, in material terms and particularly for the cynical and disillusioned, but measured in terms of the peace that it brings, of the perfect freedom, of the removal of fear and frustration, of the joy and purpose and direction that comes to his life in opening himself up to God, of the creative power it brings through His Holy Spirit, it is a pearl beyond price. As a church school we cannot escape that we are part of the body of Christ and as such we have a Christian witness to fulfil.
This year the Board of Governors reaffirmed the principle that there is no basis for discrimination on the grounds of colour here. Integrated education, of course, involving as it does the attitudes of both Black and White, is not a simple matter and its practical application is made even more difficult in this country at this time when a permit is required and it is a matter of Government policy not to grant such a permit, but the principle implied in the School's Constitution stands, as it does in the Church of the Province of South Africa. We are proud indeed that an old boy from this school, Bill 8 Burnett now leads that Church as its Archbishop. And we are proud that at this moment four of our young Old Boys are training to join the ranks of those other OM's who are serving God as his ordained ministers, and that at all the English-speaking universities those groups who are giving the lead in Christian witness have many young men in them from this school.
I spoke last year of the need to rededicate ourselves to the service of our country, and to feel a positive and active sense of responsibility towards all our peoples. At the conference in Grahamstown there was, in my view, a tendency to play down and under-emphasize the contribution of English-speaking South Africans to the welfare of the country. It may well be that much more could have been done and should have been done, but facing the future is our present concern.
The vast majority of Black South Africans who are finding more articulate expression daily regarding their role in the unfolding complexities of our multi-racial society, have chosen English and not Afrikaans as the medium of their education and we here, therefore, with our language, our literature, our political and moral philosophy, in short, our heritage and our faith, have a vital role to play.
And, as I see it, that role cannot and must not be played in a spirit of benign paternalism or concerned condescension or enlightened self-interest, but in the full recognition that, just as I am able to regard myself with confidence as a being cared for and precious in the eyes of my Creator, so, as I look into the eyes of the man next door to me, my neighbour, I see his equal right to such a claim.
I am convinced that private schools have three areas in particular where they have something special to offer. The first is in educational practice, the way things are done within the schools themselves. By striving unceasingly towards higher and higher standards, by searching for new ways and means of reaping a fuller and richer intellectual harvest, by setting, and achieving, goals which then become the yardsticks of evaluation for others, we shall be serving our national educational interests as a whole. There simply must be variety in any educational system and we are in a better position to provide it than our state schools.
Dr. E. G. Malherbe, well known to you all and one of our greatest educationists, has always championed the role of private schools in our heterogeneous and culturally variegated community. "The fact that the school is the concern of the people does not mean that it is the exclusive concern of the State. The more flexible an educational system the greater its adaptability to varying needs and conditions, and the less chance there is of its becoming static. The passion for legislation and uniformity by the Government in power goes against the very spirit of education. It signifies a lack of faith in ourselves as a civilised, adult people. It puts a premium on conformity, and dooms whatever deviates."
Mr. P. R. T. Nel, our present Director of Education here in Natal, supports this view and gives us every encouragement to experiment with, to explore, to probe into, other approaches from those practised by the provincial schools, for the benefit eventually of the system as a whole.
9 The second area is to encourage our boys to think for themselves, to challenge, to question, to criticise the established order, creatively and positively, not destructively, so that it will be improved, not impoverished. The institutions I spoke of earlier, through which society works, must never be allowed to be the dead hands of the past, but, in these days of great social change, must become vital, adaptable, living organisations that can meet the changing circumstances of the present and the future. This they can best do by being subjected at all times to the spotlight of enlightened criticism. In this regard, I am sure we are all pleased and proud that there were five Old Michaelhouse Boys who stood as candidates in the last election, with many others helping them in their campaigning.
And thirdly, our boys must be bridge builders and engineers of contact and communication, so that there can be cross-fertilisation of ideas aiming at a common destination. And these bridges must link all the communities of our country, white, black and brown.
Against this background, then, what of our record this year? Though frowned on by some, public examinations continue to be one important aspect of evaluating the educational process and happily our record this year has been splendid. We gained first and second places in the order of merit as measured by the aggregate mark in the J.M.B. for the whole Republic, both boys, R. Gould and G. Clarke, gaining six distinctions such as a B in the seventh subject. In the Matric as a whole we gained out of the 84 candidates, 30 Firsts, 31 Matriculation Passes,
11 School Leaving Certificates, with 34 distinctions. 12 boys failed. In the 'A' Level examinations written by the Sixth Form, 89,4% of the papers written were passed, 17,4% at the 'A' Level of over 80%; our best ever results in this examination. J. Bester won the Bartle Frere Exhibition for the best History paper of any examination and he also won 1st prize for the Interschools National Essay Competition organised by the 1820 Settlers Memorial Foundation. 8 boys were placed in the top 100 of 2 100 entries for the National Youth Science Conference Examination, R. Gould coming 3rd. S. Aberdein 10th in the country, and Michaelhouse winning the prize for the most winners in one school. D. Sisson is one of the 70 boys in over 1 000 entries in the country competing in the final round of the National Maths Olympiad in two weeks time. And outside the school, another Rhodes Scholarship has been awarded to an O.M.-Alan Draper who left here in 1970.
All in all this is a fine record and our pleasure and pride lies in the fact that the talents in those boys have been stimulated and developed fully by the Staff. I have said before that we are blessed with an excellent staff and I would once again pay tribute to their untiring endeavours to draw your sons out to the full, to enrich their lives, help them over their hurdles, provide for their special interests; in short, to discipline all their activities for their own eventual fulfilment, without restricting healthy growth and sound self-discovery. The fact that two of our staff are leaving at the end of the year to become principals of other schools is itself proof of the general calibre. Our loss is great indeed, but they will bring to their respective schools those very assets which have made them such valuable members of our staff, and this,
10 looked at in the wider perspective of guiding and equipping the young, wherever they may be, in their preparation for life, we cannot but welcome.
Mr. Brian Law who goes to Roedean in Johannesburg has been here all but 20 years and in what full measure has he given of his talents in that time. I spoke of his exceptional contribution as the Housemaster of Farfield when he retired from that post, but his work with the Sixth Form as its Tutor has been no less valued and has brought immense satisfaction and stimulus to those boys who have returned here for that extra year's study. The high academic standards demanded, the wide spectrum of intellectual pursuits spanned, and the recognition of the principle that the disciplining of one's self is the hallmark of a mature man, resulted in a rapport between him and the post-matriculation class which brought benefit to all. He has been responsible, too, for the meticulous organisation of forty tours, to Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban and Pietermaritzburg, and the battlefields of Northern Natal and Zululand, tours which have been not only greatly enjoyed by Staff and boys alike but have been very stimulating owing to the care taken over their planning and direction.
In short, a comment made by a Sixth Former only a few days ago sums up the situation: "Mr. Law leaves no stone unturned" he said, "to further our studies and stimulate our interests." Mr. Mike Thompson who has just returned from a year's exchange to Clifton in England, is to take his place as Tutor and we are fortunate that he too is a man of wide interests, ranging from a love of music and literature to science, his special field. Our other loss to a headmastership is Mr. Rodney Blake, who, by special request one might almost say, goes to Monteray Preparatory School in Cape Town, the request coming of course from the parents who feared that the school might close.
He has been Head of the English Department here, and his forte in my view has been not his ability to instil a love for our language and its literature in the gifted boy, which he has had in good measure let me say, but his skill in bringing light to the weaker boy who was finding himself struggling in the dark labyrinthine passages of our complicated tongue. Hours of patience and kindness and encouragement have brought very real rewards to many boys. To yet others there has been the reward of acting in the Shakespearean plays produced by Mr. Blake, where they did not, like Caliban, curse him for learning them the language, but learned to suit the action to the word, the word to the action, as in Hamlet.
Our very sincere thanks to both these men, and their wives, Nonah and Sybil, for all they have given to Michaelhouse, and our very best wishes for their future work, which I have no doubt will bring added strength and lustre to the private school movement.
Unfortunately our farewells do not end there. After literally a lifetime of service, Mr. J. L. Robinson retires at the end of this year, after 39 years in our Science Department. No man has been on the Staff here for so long a period. He was not only Head of the Department for many years, but was the architect of the Science Block-I mean this literally, for so closely did he plan things down to
11 the minutest detail that the official architects virtually had their work done for them-and a very successful design it has been. In more recent years he has concentrated on building up the Audio-Visual Department and here again his strong practical sense, his abhorrence of buying any new equipment unless he was convinced it would be fully put to use, his meticulous research into planning, have served us in very good stead.
Already our functional A-V Department is the envy of many schools. Ann, his wife, has been a tower of strength in our Mathematics Department and our fine record in the National Maths Olympiad is largely attributed to her splendid teaching. We will miss them after all these years, and wish them a very happy retirement in Howick.
Sister Gladys Hesom, alas, also leaves us after ten years of tireless and loving service in our Sanatorium. Nothing was too much trouble for her, no complaint went unheeded or was even treated impatiently. In fact, the only time I had words with her-and they were not cross words for but nobody could speak to her crossly-was to say that I felt her kindness and sympathy was attracting too many boys to tea at the San, and a good strong dose of castor oil might not come amiss! We do wish her many happy days in retirement, and lots of nights of unbroken and undisturbed sleep.
In thanking the teaching staff, and in particular the Senior Master and Housemasters who, as always, have given me invaluable support an d offered the wisest advice, and without whose help I do not think I could have managed the school in the first quarter. I must confess to a touch of envy. At least their status as teachers and good teachers at that is not called to question, whereas I was well and truly put in my place just the other day, when the following incident was reported to me. A young man who looked rather like me, spoke rather like me, and had mannerisms like mine, except that he was thumbing a lift on the high road (which I had told him he shouldn't do), got into the car and was asked some questions by the driver. The conversation went like this: "Where are you going?" "Towards Estcourt." "How far towards?" "Near Mooi River actually, but you wouldn't know it." "I might. Where?" "Balgowan, actually." "Oh, I know Balgowan. Do you know anybody there?" "Yes, I live there actually." "Oh, is your father a farmer?" "No, he's not a farmer." "Oh, is he at Michaelhouse?" "Yes, that's right." "Oh, he must be a teacher then-I know some of the teachers." "No, you wouldn't know him-he just works there!"
I expressed the hope last year, in complimenting the African Farm School on its academic success, that we would be able to play a more active part still in building bridges of mutual help. Unfortunately adjusting to the new differentiated syllabuses in our own school, as well as other factors like fuel restrictions, has made the "freeing" of Saturday mornings from curriculum studies impossible.
But two other bridges deserve special mention. On July 1st we officially opened the African Clinic and 150 patients were treated there in the first month. The building was started as a service project for our boys some time back, and a double-flat has since been completed by our Maintenance Department for our two African nursing sisters, who are with us here today. Winifred S'kukane, sister of the vice-principal of
12 our African Farm School, did her training under Dr. Barker at Nqutu, passed out first in her Staff Nurse examinations and then decided to return to serve her people here at Michaelhouse. Sister June Rose M'shangu came to us from Edendale and between them they run a well-equipped clinic, which serves not only our own African employees, but also those on the neighbouring farms. And, perhaps, even more important, courses in hygiene, natal care, family planning and general health education will become a major aspect of policy.
This week the Board received the report of an investigation which they commissioned from the Social Institute at Natal University nearly a year ago. Entitled "A Study of Employee Morale among Africans in a rural non-farm employment situation" it makes a thoroughly compre- hensive and objective investigation into employer-employee relations and work satisfaction. The two African research assistants, who lived with our Africans off and on for over six months gained a close insight by focussed and group interviews with a wide cross-section of our employees into their attitudes, aspirations, motivation or lack of it, their satisfactions and dissatisfactions, and for the first time, I believe, we have a clear understanding of the needs and problems of our African and Indian employees as they see them through their own eyes. The document is absorbing throughout its 90 papers and will prove a major step towards enlightened and forward-looking employment policies- something which should be part and parcel of a Church school's bridge-building approach to human relations.
And finally to return to the boys themselves. I have spoken of their outstanding academic success and mentioned the stars by name. But I do believe, and I speak here as a member of the Academic Committee, made up of the Heads of our various departments, that the attitude in general, from the intellectually gifted to the battler, is very sound towards academic work, and that there is, with the odd exception who exasperates one and all at the teaching and, a genuine effort from boys to use their talents to the full.
Their extra-mural activities will be commented on, by tradition, in the Head of the School's report. Before he makes that I would like to thank him and all the other school prefects for having led the school really well this year. We all have our own ideas of what the qualities are that make a leader. Only on Wednesday of this week a Mr. Pfuhl gave the school a most inspiring talk on this very subject and he stressed two aspects. First "Come on" and not "Go on", which of course means leading by example, and not from the side lines. Second, every person is important and worthy of the leader's fullest consideration, from the humblest follower to the right-hand man. I believe all our School Prefects this year, and in particular Laki Kranidiotis, the Head of the School, and Russell Gould, the Second Prefect, have shown these qualities to a very high degree. Moreover, they have continually shown their ability to weigh up the effects of decisions over the long term and have looked well beyond any immediate advantage to themselves-a rare quality in the youth of today. Not only am I personally grateful to them for their very substantial help and support, but I believe they have made the school what it should always strive to be-a happy school. 13 Mr. Chairman, the Rector's report is, believe me, one of the most difficult things in the world to compile. It cannot be too long, as this has come very close to being, it must be comprehensive, which inevitably makes it long, it should give credit where credit is due, and I know I have left out so many thank you's to people-important people-to whom I am deeply indebted for all they do for the school-the list of things that should be included is inexhaustible.
Thank you one and all for listening so patiently.
After presenting the prizes, Dr. Anthony Barker spoke as follows:
"Lord, let me not live to be useless"-so, John Wesley. So we might also pray. Yet the implied prayer of our less pure hearts is, rather "Lord, make me a success". Which is not the same thing at all, though we sometimes fool ourselves that it is. In this, white society of ours we rate ourselves and our fellows by his success. So and so must be a success: he has two Mercedes and a swimming pool. Doctor Jones must be doing well for himself, for he has pulled out of medical aid.
We slyly hold up before the idealistic eyes of young people, the idea of "getting on". Getting to the top is the world's ideal, which many of us pursue with an energy that it were better we put into the achievement of virtue. We see it good that we inhabit the right niche in society; eat our weekly dinners at the appropriate service club; have the right address; a decent accent (we are rather clever at imitating the wrong sort), and wear the right sort of clothes with appropriate shirt-collars. Here are the hall-marks of success.
When I was a child, I had two compulsions placed on me: to eat rice-pudding, and to play bridge. The rice-pudding thing was a kind of trial of strength between my late, respected father and his sons and daughters. You ate the beastly stuff because the old man said so, and weren't there hundreds of little boys in China who lack even this disgusting plateful of congealed, glutinous white rice pudding? But the bridge-which was not enforced with such rigour-was presented as a necessary attribute for any young man who wanted to get on in the world: to be a success. Bridge was the key that opened the drawing rooms (we had such then) of a hundred suitable homes and would also, in all probability, win you the wifely love of at least a Colonel's daughter, if not that of a Bishop. I was not impressed then, nor have I ever been since, by the insistence on "getting on" through bridge or by any other form of cunning. I hate the blasted game, actually, and am utterly switched off by bridge talk, and have lived a bridgeless life. True, what my father prophesied has come to pass and I am a sub-success. Only the other day, one of our visiting medical students was warned by a High-Up in Pretoria not to come to our hospital. "Don't go to Nqutu," he was advised. "It is run by an old man who has lived for 30 years with the natives." Maybe I should have learned bridge?
Yet we need to live for something. We want to do well, master our craft, take over the mill when Dad gets past it, become a skilled surgeon, wear a bishop's purple. These are reasonable dreams which an y young man might dream. So I make here a distinction between the acquisition of competence-getting to be good at things-and the
14 pursuit of success. To become competent is an undoubted virtue. It is, indeed, how the ancient Greeks saw virtue: that a horse should be swift, a vase beautiful, a man complete in strength, love and goodness. Skilful surgery is the only sort of surgery that ought to be allowed, like skilful driving. The results of any failure in either skill are disastrous. But success is of a different order. Kipling referred to both success and failure as imposters. And so they are! At best, success is something accorded you by others. It is in the eyes of admirers that success lies, and it is fatally easy to start fishing for this kind of admiration, as though I were to do an operation to make the daily press, or get the ball out of the scrum in order that people should say: "What a brilliant young scrum-half". With competence you are strong to help your neighbour: success merely feeds yourself. Competence is a sword in the hand of hope, but the pursuit of success is divisive, making us do cruel things to others in our attempt to achieve it. Treading on others less successful than ourselves is the arrived man's temptation. We used to call this kind of success-seeking "showing off" whenever-which was often in childhood, and not so rare today-we did it: "Look Mummy, no hands," one minute before crashing off our bicycle into the bushes.
Despicable? Childish? Of course: but we all do it, and some do it more than others. We do it in proportion to the value we place on success for its own sake. Like everything else in life, success, too, has its price-tag. There is an old Spanish proverb which I remember often: "Take what you like from life, says God; and pay for it." And what is the price of success? How much does the executive desk cost per square metre? How much the deep-piled carpet? (I speak, you understand in figures: I m not sneering and still less am I being superior. My own desk is untidy, my carpet is made of reeds.) The price of success-what you are to pay God-is high. It is paid in Uniformity and Resentment.
Do you doubt this? Then go to the airport and see the business Boeing come in with its cargo of iron-grey men, uniformly suited, uniformly brief-cased: a thin grey and aluminium edged line against failure.
And Resentment? A hundred years ago, if we are to believe Dickens, resentment by the poor of the rich expressed itself by throwing snowballs at the toffs, and knocking their top hats off before scampering away around the corner. Today, in this more violent age, it is not snowballs but bombs that the deprived throw at the arrived. The whole alarming reaction of the have-nots to the haves, epitomised by the horror of Munich's Olympic Games, or the massacre at Lod airport, teaches us that success, far from exciting admiration, may stir up the most bitter resentment and hatred in men's minds. There is a message for us here who live, a wealthy and successful people, in a country whose inhabitants are still dreadfully poor.
Happily, this anger which is generated by success, is not stirred up by our competence where this is modestly held. For competence is, as we have seen, a weapon in the service of men. It is one which we-who are privileged-can polish and re-polish in that service, so that we become indeed strong to act for the welfare of all mankind. We should remember, though, that it is not our privileged status as whites which
15 gives us this advantage. For the black majority of our country, expectations in life are set too low for the development of such refinements. For these there is only the bare struggle to maintain life and food and shelter, and in that struggle there is little time for the refinement of skills.
Many of the young generation are disenchanted by the vulgar pursuit of success that they see in my generation. They are, quite frankly, sickened by the greed and the selfishness that they see as the prime motive of much of our lives, and react by rejecting all the values, good and bad alike, that they have received at home or at school, in a shining though disordered search for truer truth and less ignoble ambition. Of such are those we should have called hippies a few years ago, but whose name now is legion, for they are many. Although the hippie movement has been marred by vice and eroded by impurity it is easy to hear from it a real cry of the imprisoned spirit: "Let me out" of the smothered soul. Quite surprisingly conventional parents recognise this, though they must suffer as all must suffer when those they love cast aside everything that they, the parents, have loved and lived by. Doggedly, they remind themselves that there is no correlation between length of hair and lack of seriousness of purpose: that it does not signify how bushy the beard, so long as the heart is right.
Yet, even for these cheerful young seekers there comes a time of choice. At what point does protest end and synthesis begin? At best, the protesting life develops into the dedicated one, with a designed use of competence for those who have been deprived. At worst, there is an uneasy capitulation which seems to me the disaster of defeat. To "grow out" of wholesome revolt is to enter another betrayal: to accept the urge to succeed and, with that acceptance, the standards of the pack.
It is hard though, to know where to begin living a useful and realistic life, which may be of some use to others. Well might Wesley pray "Lord, let me not live to be useless." I think the answer lies there at the moment we start fixing our values. Jesus reminded us that our hearts would be where our treasure is-where our true values lay. He laid on us the need to test these values, to bite on them and see whether they are true coin, or the dull, bendy deceptions of the counterfeiter. There is, after all, a good deal of this false stuff around. Success itself is one kind of phoney, as are the near-virtues we so prize of tolerance, sincerity and sense of humour. None of these advances us or our society one step along the road towards the realisation of a true humanity. Our success we come to see as mere ruthlessness: our tolerance but timidity: our sincerity marred by wrong-headedness: our sense of humour failing to save us from shallowness and insipidity
If we can jettison these second-rate virtues, where do we look for the first-rate ones that are left? These copper-bottomed, double- barrelled authentic virtues are, to me-and I dare say to you too-, the Jesus virtues of love and concern and compassion and selflessness. We should not be surprised to find ourselves thinking of Jesus at this point. "If I am lifted up." he said, 'I shall draw all men to me." He does. For his name is held in honour as much among the drop-outs as the respectable: as much among those who go to church as those who stay
16 in bed and read the Sunday papers. He convinces us, oddly, by his lack of success. As Bonhoeffer reminds us, by his weakness also. For Jesus i s surely the least successful great man in history? He healed men and they spat on him: He gave men truth, yet they crucified Him: He taught them, but He never published anything. We go to Him for true values, though, and He showers them on us in parable and paradox and by the way He lived and died. Do you want to save your life? Then, lose it! Want to rule? Become the servant! Want to be a wise man? Become like this little child!
What a double shame it is, therefore, that even in a Christian school like this so many pass through four years or more without tasting the full savour of His excellence, or realising the relevance of Jesus' teaching to our disordered time. So many come out of Michaelhouse- and other schools almost as splendid-able to say "I've had so much religion rammed down my throat that I don't want any more, ever again: I've been to church enough for the rest of my life." This is to confuse "religion"-the practice of mattins and evensong-with the message of God to men in Christ. It is a sad, sad confusion. For, though I sympathise with any who find the "thees" and "thous" of common prayer tiresome, and the singing of pious nonsense repellent, I still hold that you must be as thick as a post not to comprehend the drama, the extraordinary beauty of the Eucharist, or to read the meaning of its symbols. Ordinarily, we shouldn't like to say we rejected the poetry of, say, Mr. T. S. Eliot, just because we don't understand the Waste Land (which I don't), because to do so would be to brand ourselves as cultural imbeciles.
Whatever are we saying? Are we throwing away the Lord of life in the name of life? Perhaps that is just what we are about. Yet many with less advantage than ourselves and much less opportunity, are seeing more clearly than we just what Jesus' values might mean today. I think we really must come down from our perch, cast away our stereotyped prejudices, and think again. We are, after all, continually getting glimpses of glory all our lives: continually being surprised by joy. Can we not take these hints? Can we not see the connection between these intimations of immortality, and the living Christ?
We are going to need these assurances. Nobody but a fool would say that this is anything other than a time of the questioning of everything we have been formerly taught. You cannot imagine for a moment that the scene will be the same as it is today by the time you come-as I do today-to give away the prizes at Michaelhouse. Listen to the rumblings: the strikes in the factories, the withdrawal of the Portuguese Empire from Africa, the collapse of the Negus of Ethiopia, the doubts expressed by the South African Council of Churches on the bearing of arms by some Christians. The other day, on Johannesburg station, I saw a black man run the wrong way up a descending white escalator to enter the white station concourse: he was a symbol, and he reached his destination.
Do not suppose that it will be your wisdom, your particular understanding, that will encompass the changes which we sense must come. These changes will not come by ordered logic, but by the small
17 absurdities of history, the horseshoe nail that alters the course of battle and of history. All we can do is to prepare ourselves for the change when others bring it about. All we can do is to learn to rejoice that, under all the present misery in South Africa, there is yet a man who, as a man, can respond to your man-ness. But we shall not see our brother unless our eyes are clear, and our spirits receptive. And now, now, is the time to be looking. I emphasise with all the power I can master, that we learn to look, to think, to understand, and maybe also to accept.
It is going to take courage and sense to face these new things, yet I do not think this should be beyond us. It will certainly not be so if we have laid the proper foundations, and brought the proper disciplines to the building of our understanding. There is something exciting, beautiful, about living now and in South Africa, because it will be the weak that will move the apparently strong, and the untutored who will teach. I sense that we need now less experts and more men with good sense in their heads: fewer politicians and more who understand society: shorter words to express the new emotions: a burst of popular delight instead of a parliamentary commission. In this heady atmosphere I recall Sassoon's moment of glory: "Everyone suddenly burst out singing", or Ralph Hodgson:
'Twould ring the bells of heaven The loudest peal for years,
If Parson lost his senses And people came to theirs,
And he and they together Knelt down with angry prayers For tamed and shabby tigers And dancing dogs and bears,
And wretched, blind pit ponies And little hunted hares.
This is a time for those who understand, and for those who can temper their understanding with goodness. It is a season ripe for change, full to the brim with the possibility of hope again. It is a time when old and silly things stand exposed in their daftness. When lies and humbug are blown away in the winds of new realisation. When men recognise men, and black and white can and must be forgotten before that recognition. It is the moment of our building up, or of our being swept away. No one can stand aside, because all are involved, both rich and poor, and those who have as well as those who are deprived.
With all this going on about us, it is obvious that this is no time for our little success motives to operate. Nero, playing his fiddle while Rome burnt, is no more ridiculous that we if we still seek to play a private game now. Let us rather improve our competence and sharpen our sensibilities so that we may tune in to these wavelengths of salvation, and, receiving them, to respond to them compassionately. It would be wonderful if we were the generation who knew, even at this time of our visitation, the things that belonged to our peace. It would be wonderful to know that we might yet learn to live to be useful.
18 HAMLET
CAST
HAMLET ...... Adriaan van Velden
CLAUDIUS ...... William de Villiers
POLONIUS ...... David Barry
HORATIO...... James Meyer
LAERTES...... James Bester
OSRIC ...... John Powell
LUCIANUS ...... Jeremy Chennells
THE QUEEN ...... Richard Smith
QUEEN'S LADY...... Geoffrey Woollatt
OPHELIA ...... Crispian Olver
THE PLAYER KING ...... James Arathoon
THE PLAYER QUEEN ...... Hugh Duff
LORD ...... James Byron
Production...... Willem van der Walt
Play Directed by...... Rodney Blake
In a land of rampant censorship Mr. Blake wielded the scissors over Hamlet with a severity that made our national censors seem comparatively lenient. His overriding problem was how to dondense the play into two hours of playing time-a difficult task which was discreetly done leaving an essential Hamlet with a cast of 13.
In a school production, limited in time, it was wise to omit the shadowy political perimeters which surround the youthful hero, and focus on the central character's dilemma as a young person. Continuity and a sense of realism were preserved through Hamlet's ongoing internal struggle and frenetic relationships with Claudius, Gertrude and Polonius. Among the logical omissions were Rosenkrantz and Guildenstern, the Grave-digger and Fortinbras, but I regretted the absence of the frosty opening scenes with Francesco's memorable:
"For this relief much thanks, 'Tis bitter cold And I am sick at heart" setting the pervading atmosphere. Mr. van der Walt's slick production helped to solve the problem of time. A revolving rostrum in the stage centre transported the audience symbolically from battlements to double-throned court room. A gauze curtain across the stage provided a shadowy interior within which the ghost (one of Mr. Rendle's excellent "special effects") moved and spoke.
Costumes, thoughtfully chosen and well turned out by Mrs. Stanton and her helpers contributed to the symbolic substance of the production. Stark black and white emphasized the youthful austerity of Hamlet; heavy yellow and purple hung the decadent sides of Claudius and his associates whilst the Players abounded in a cheerful assortment of colours.
19 HAMLET
Above: The Player Queen (Hugh Duff) and the Player King (James Arath oon). Opposite Top: Hamlet (Adriaan van Velden) and Ophelia (Crispian Olver) .
Opposite Bottom: Claudius (William de Villiers), Polonius (David Barry), Gertrude (Richard Smith) and Lady (Geoffrey Woollatt).
20 21 The composure with which Adriaan van Velden coped with a severe cold, imminent Matric Trials and his exacting part was admirable. He portrayed the angry prince in a way that did credit to his own advice to the players:
"Nor do not saw the air too much with your hands thus; but use all gently"
His interpretation of Hamlet created the sense of a person strung tense behind an implacable reserve. This reserve remained, perhaps, too taut to the end so that the catharsis which should have occurred with his culminating tragedy was without convincing physical abandonment.
A similar criticism could be made of William de Villiers's otherwise excellent Claudius. I felt that in the final scenes he was too subdued when his desperation should have been portrayed through intensified action. But for the rest, cynical half-smiles, nervous movement and a voice vibrant with suppressed emotion gave a vivid sense of the guilty king's insecurity.
Crispian Olver as Ophelia gave a convincing portrayal of a girl torn between conflicting loyalties. The difficult scenes of insanity were played with authenticity and skill which shows much promise for the future.
Gertrude is a shallow woman who vacillates between her most recent husband and her son, ever oblivious of her own integrity. Richard Smith was able to capture something of that air of indolent corruption which so infuriates Hamlet.
David Barry gave an assured performance as Polonius. Cleverly he captured the pedantic rhythms of the old man's speech as he officiously busies himself with the business of others. James Bester as Laertes and James Meyer as Horatio acted their parts with vigorous confidence, and it seems a pity that there were not more dominant roles available for them and others like them, to fill. John Powell as a suitably foppish Osric, Jeremy Chennells as Lucianus and the austere Lord, James Byron all added to the impression that there is an encouraging depth of acting talent in the school.
Congratulations and thanks to all who were engaged in this production whether on the stage or behind the scenes. The effort was well worthwhile.
M.E.C.
22 WHITE HORSE INN
(Music by Ralph Benatzky and Robert Stolz)
Memorial Hall, 11th, 13th, 14th, 20th and 21st September 1974
Was "White Horse Inn" better than "Oklahoma"? Was "Oklahoma" better than "The Mikado"? The answers to these questions seem to be of little import, for it is sufficient to say that "White Horse Inn", the latest in what is now becoming quite a long line of June Hennessy productions, was enjoyed every bit as much as any of its predecessors both by its audiences and those who took part alike.
With the shell of our new theatre now beginning to appear this is probably the last musical to take place on our tiny stage with its grossly inadequate "dressing-rooms". As if to celebrate this, "White Horse Inn" enployed perhaps the biggest cast of all time, there being well over 60 players and, with all the various helpers, the names of close on 100 people appeared on the official programme.
Reference has been made to "White Horse Inn"'s "spectacular beauty", its "colourful Tyrolean setting and costumes" and indeed Helen Leggatt's set and the costumes from the Natal Schools' Theatre, all most painstakingly let-in, let-out, lengthened or shortened over many hours, days and weeks by Nell Stanton, did full justice to these descriptions. In addition there were all the beautiful props-artificial flowers for example, and all the materials for the market place scene-most skilfully made by Biddy Hall; these things all went to make up a most colourful and gay production. The mixed chorus of milk maids, waitresses, waiters, tourists and mountaineers gave tremendous variety to the scene and the "girls'" chorus was certainly the most convincing that I have seen at Michaelhouse.
That the singing was of such a high standard is once again much to the credit of Mr. Stanton, who has spent hours almost beyond calculation over the past few months rehearsing his soloists and cajoling, encouraging, coaxing and cursing his chorus! With retirement looming in the not-so-distant future this may well be Mr. Stanton's last musical; should it be, then let us put on record how much a whole host of singers have enjoyed singing under his baton and how much they have appreciated all his hard work over the last ten years.
This year as accompanists we had once again Frikkie Human whose playing we all appreciate so well and, for the first and, alas, the last time Sybil Blake, whose nimble fingers and obvious enjoyment of the whole show made us regret once again that the Blakes will shortly be leaving us for Cape Town. The singing voices of the soloists this year were unusually good and pride of place must certainly go to Francis Keeping's pure clear tenor. Andrew Eagle, in the difficult part of "leading lady" also sang clearly and acted well; of the adults who took
23 WHITE HORSE INN
Above: Grinkle (Richard Hawkins) shows his indignation to Sutton (Franc is Keeping). Josepha (Rosemary Clark) (left) and Ottoline (Andrew Eagle) (r ight), look on.
Below: Waiters and waitresses get together for a song.
24 WHITE HORSE INN
Top: Emperor Roy Gathorne has a last minute check on his words off-sta ge. Below: The chorus give voice in "Salzkammergut".
25 part, Rosemary Clark, Richard Hawkins and Nigel Bloy all made considerable contributions. Rosemary Clark sang with her customary assurance, Richard Hawkins showed once again that he is a master of Comedy, whilst Nigel Bloy sang and cavorted around the stage as if he enjoyed being cast in the role of a lovesick waiter, though when he announced that he was "off to town to give the girls a treat" many could be forgiven if they thought the collection of his old-age pension was a more likely bet! Of the other soloists Adriaan van Velden was admirably cast as Sigismund, by whose manly beauty "the flappers were captivated", and his opposite number, Andrew Baker, played the part of the lisping Gretel with considerable charm. The producer was fortunate in being able to call upon such seasoned performers as Simon Retief, William de Villiers and David Barry for non-singing parts, whilst there was a promising performance among the juniors from Jeremy Briggs. And to cap it all there was the august presence of Roy Gathorne as a suitably majestic Emperor.
The male chorus sang with great enthusiasm and no little tone, and the girls' chorus, admirably led both in acting and singing by Simon Slater, was, as befits an exceptionally musical group of choir trebles, particularly good.
What shall we remember most about "White Horse Inn"? Sutton and Ottoline's duets, "Your eyes" and "You too"? Leopold and the waiters singing "Goodbye"? The chorus in "Saltzkammergut" and their gay Tyrolean dance? There are many things we shall not quickly forget, many things which helped to give several enjoyable evenings to spectators and performers alike.
CAST
Valentine Sutton, a solicitor . . .
Grinkle, a manufacturer . . . .
Ottoline, his daughter ......
Leopold, head waiter ......
Karl, a junior waiter......
Josepha, proprietress of the Inn . .
Sigismund, a manufacturer . . .
Professor Hinzel ......
Gretel, his daughter......
Mayor (and Courier) ......
Kathi, the post girl (and bride) . .
Emperor Franz Joseph...... Zenzi ......
. Francis Keeping Richard Hawkins Andrew Eagle . . . Nigel Bloy
. . Simon Retief
. Rosemary Clark Adriaan van Velden . . David Barry
Andrew Baker William de Villiers Jeremy Briggs Roy Gathorne Mark van Velden.
Other parts were played by: James Bester, John Hedden, George Brink, Peter Anderson, James Arathoon, Martin Delport, Cameron Hunt!
Clement Barnes, David Furnival, Christopher Whittaker, David Wickham.
26 Chorus of Waiters, Waitresses, Tourists, Mountaineers, Dairymaids, etc., etc.: Nicholas Beckett, David Cartwright, Jeremy Chaplin, Jeremy Chennells, Ian Cox, Richard Cussons, Alan Denny, Stephen Dyer, Graham Edmunds, Gary Ellse, David Gordon-Thompson, Ryall Hamlyn, John Hickman, John Inglis, Felix Jackson, Christopher Keene, James Kennedy, David Kramer, Laurie Kramer, Bradley Leggat, Graham McIntosh, Rupert McLellan, Alastair Morphet, Kristiaan Mortensen, John Powell, Graeme Rennie, Roger Rood, Anthony Rose, John Rycroft, Russell Scott, James Shaw, Geoffrey Shute, Simon Slater, David Small, John Wallace, Peter Weddepohl, Nicholas Wellington.
Produced by June Hennessy Musical Director: Harry Stanton Accompanists: Sybil Blake and Frikkie Human.
Wardrobe: - Nell Stanton (et aliae)
Props: - Biddy Hall
Make up: - Willem van der Walt (et aliae)
Stage: - Brian Miles, Rob Stewart, Guy Carrington and Geoffrey Woollatt.
Sound effects: - David Soane
Lighting: - Beryl Lavender, Christopher Kilian and Richard Buchholz. Props assistant: - Richard Smith.
1820 SETTLERS NATIONAL MONUMENT FOUNDATION
ESSAY by J. A. R. BESTER EDUCATION AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL
"I desire to see the time when education, and by its means morality, sobriety, enterprise and industry shall become much more general than at present."
Not as famous as his Gettysburg address, this profound statement is nevertheless the sincere declaration of a man who, perhaps more than anyone before or since, had reason to appreciate the inestimable value of education. For Abraham Lincoln, having struggled as he did out of the smothering depths of ignorance, and sustained, paradoxically, by an unassuagable thirst for knowledge, had drunk of the elixir of immortality. Education, self-bestowed, transformed a simple "puer agrorum" into one of the world's greatest leaders, whose deep understanding of human issues dedicated to the value of education a monument that cannot be surpassed.
"Equality in society beats inequality, whether the latter be of the British aristocrat sort or of the domestic slavery sort". 27 Once again Lincoln spotlights the question of social rights and benefits, touching this time upon a principle that has during the past few centuries been of even greater effect than that of universal education. Equality and education are, however, two features which have imprinted their presence upon the social structure of modern history, their relevance emphasized by the trends and demands that burst into bloom after 1789 and which have continued to blossom and flourish right up to the present time.
Although theories, beliefs and philosophies have for the past two hundred years been expounded on these issues, it is today that they assume their full proportions. Women's Liberation, Negro and African Rights, Non-white Education, and many other related movements are among the most controversial questions of the day. How does one, surrounded by such varied opinion, discover any basic truth? What view does one adopt of the so-proclaimed "inherent rights" of Man to education and equality of opportunity? The subject matter naturally divides into two distinct sections which, although very much related, can perhaps more fully be illuminated by separate discussion.
The immortal Greek philosopher, Aristotle, always asserted that what sculpture is to a block of marble, education is to the soul, implicit in this comparison the suggestion that every apparently worthless object is able, with skilful formation and correct development, to be transformed into something of worth and beauty. And, indeed, there exists generally little doubt as to the value of education as such, but the issue goes very much deeper than this. Education has for its object the formation of character, the nourishment and cultivation of the seed of immortality already sown within us, the development to their fullest extent of the capacities of every sort with which we have been endowed. Seen from this angle it appears that Mankind has, more than a right, almost an obligation to educate itself.
It might seem, from these considerations, that there exists very little in the subject that lends itself to dispute or discussion. Theoretically, education for all stands out as a noble, almost impeccable, sentiment-of value to the individual, the community, and, ultimately, the whole of mankind. Practice, however, is unfortunately not always consistent with theory, and it is here that the lights of logic and ideal become shaded, here that one becomes enmeshed in a web of confusion and uncertainty, for there is simply no clear-cut, definitive philosophy that can unreservedly be accepted as correct.
To begin with, it is, considering the immensity of the task itself, as well as the expense it would involve, simply naively impractical to cherish ideals of Universal Education. And there is yet another, apparently contradictory, complication; while no-one could justifiably dispute the full benefits of a comprehensive education, there exists too the truth that a little knowledge is dangerous. It has been said that education makes people easy to lead but difficult to drive, easy to govern but difficult to enslave. This, however, is only half the truth, for any degree of education short of fully comprehensive-and any attempt at completely universal education cannot be anything more than
28 prize. The State President (The Hon. J. J. Fouche), presents James Bester with his prize. pitifully superficial-makes people aware of their hardships without bringing them the rewards that full development of intellect offers; dissatisfied with the order of things without bestowing upon them the ability to change anything.
Thus any attempted changes would bring only destruction, with nothing constructive emerging in place of the old. Ignorance, although certainly not bliss, often makes for contentment and acceptance of fate. Is this not perhaps preferable to the dissatisfaction and unhappiness that awareness of imperfection brings, to the destructive frustration that awareness and desire thwarted by inability brings?
This however is an opinion arrived at after consideration of the subject from a purely practical point of view. It could be argued, of course, that the object of the topic under discussion is the determination of an ideal in terms of theory. This naturally casts the question of popular education in a different light altogether. The merits of a proper education have already fully been discussed and it is indisputable that such a level of intellectual development must bring rewards that far outweigh the earlier-considered disadvantages inherent in an embryonic form of education.
29 From this theoretical, idealistic point of view, and assuming that a reasonably high level of universal education were possible, one cannot doubt the truth evident in the words of Robert C. Winthrop, "Next in importance to freedom and justice is popular education, without which neither freedom nor justice can permanently be maintained. Slavery is but half abolished, emancipation is but half completed while millions of freemen are left without education. Justice to them, the welfare of the states in which they live, indeed the safety of the whole society, all alike demand that the still remaining bonds of ignorance shall be unloosed and broken, and the minds as well as the bodies of the emancipated go free."
* * *
"All creatures are equal, but some are more equal than others". Of the many social issues in George Orwell's "Animal Farm", the theme of equality stands predominent. Yet this doctrine, the guiding light of ideal communism, is certainly no recent development. It was, perhaps more than any other issue, a cause of the French Revolution of 1789 and, unlike that other major cause-desire for Liberty-lived on unextinguished throughout the various subsequent regimes.
And not only in France was it a major force, for, by destroying forever the theory of Feudalism and Class Privilege, it altered the whole social structure of eighteenth-century Europe, initiating a demand for equality of opportunity that has ridden the waves of social and political development right to the shore of late twentieth-century concepts.
In some parts of the world however, policies and practices regarding equality of opportunity, struggling in the foamy confusion of shallow surf, are still striving for a firm foundation on dry land. Undoubtedly conditions everywhere have advanced a great distance since the early days of aristocracy and feudal privilege, but while, for example, non-white races are denied many of the pleasures and privileges enjoyed by whites, while vocational and social opportunities are withheld, there will echo the cry, and need, for equality.
Justification for attempts to realise a standard of absolute equality of opportunity involves none of the complications inherent in that for universal education. Whereas education for all necessitates considerable effort and expense, this making achievement of the ideal impracticable while other allied factors render it in some aspects undesirable, equality of opportunity for all requires only a statement of policy. There can be no argument against the practicability of such a policy, other than the fact that many of the now privileged may have to defer to those displaying greater industry and ability. Any such argument is, of course, completely invalid on all human and moral grounds.
It is, moreover, extremely important that people be allowed to express whatever talents they possess. It was, in fact, nothing more than this frustration of talent that led to the violent, mementous events of 1789. The French middle class, skilled but unprivileged, were denied the opportunities that would have allowed them to express their
30 abilities in terms of competence and achievement. It was exactly this, and not, contrary to popular notion, suppression of the peasants, that lay behind the general dissatisfaction in France and provided the motivation for the events of 1789 (Apropos the discussion on universal education, it was only in France that a semi-or in some cases fully educated middle class existed, hence the dissatisfaction and outbreak of violence there rather than in other countries where conditions were in most respects very much worse).
It is of interest and relevance to note that the great Napoleon Bonaparte, while suppressing liberty and enlightened education in his government of France after 1800, made no attempt to extinguish the flame of equal opportunity. Indeed, recognising the all-consuming importance of this issue, he fostered the firm establishment of equality, for it was this that had rendered possible his own rise to so great a position.
The demand for equal opportunities does not contain implicit in it the belief that all people are born equal. The fact is that no two men can be half an hour together but that one will acquire an evident superiority over the other. It is indeed this fact itself that advances the argument for universal equality of opportunity, since what is desired is merely the opportunity to exercise inherent or acquired superiority over another, and the right to advance on the merits of greater ability.
It is inescapable that some men, either genetically or through industry and determined perseverance, possess greater skill and ability than do others. These, whether they be black, white or coloured, rich or poor, have an inviolable right to express any such talent, and in no way can any attempt to deny them expression of, and advancement by, this ability be justified. Is it not, moreover, in the interests of the community as a whole that these superior skills be utilised to their fullest advantage, rather than denied and suppressed?
* * *
Mankind has continued to develop steadily through the centuries, and accompanying this development has been the inevitable, if obstacle-fraught, evolvement of new, sometimes revolutionary, social concepts. Each new era has witnessed a further breakdown of privilege and injustice, of the stunting bonds of ignorance and inequality.
Paragons amongst the hosts of freedom and reform are education and equality of opportunity. From the foregoing observations, equality of opportunity must, in conclusion, be regarded, in the light of logic and reason, as an undeniable human right.
Many of the questions posed by universal education, however, are unanswerable, many of the problems arising, insoluble. A definite conclusion is simply unattainable for while undoubtedly a noble ideal in theory education for all involves such complexity and effort as to render itself impracticable and the issue therefore largely academic. Education, like skilled craftsmanship, produces many a work of art and beauty but, sadly, mass production cannot other than result in a loss of quality, and in the destruction of what value there originally existed.
31 (Photo: The Natal Witness.)
A happy occasion at the Rectory when Brigadier Robertson of the Founda tion for Education, Science and Technology (with the Rector) meets prize win ners Russell Gould and Stuart Aberdein.
32 CHAPEL NOTES
How often it has been said that the chapel is the centre of a school's life! How often is it actually true? It should be true in every sense: the school's chapel ought to be the power station on which the community's manifold life depends for its light and energy, and at the same time the symbol of the community's ultimate purpose and allegiance, to which all its work is dedicated. Though it is the school's chapel, it must never just become the school chapel: it must not merely represent the school but the Church, for the school as a Christian community cannot be an end in itself. A school's chapel ought to be in effect a parish church essentially linked with the world-wide fellowship of Christians, of which it must be the local focus; what happens in a school's chapel must always be related to the life and practice of the Church to which it belongs.
It is also necessary, and not just desirable, that the whole school should regularly be together in the chapel for services. Corporate worship is an essential activity of a Christian community, and it is the school's duty to train its members in this habit. The objection sometimes raised that services which everyone must attend become a matter of routine needs some consideration: there ought to be a routine, but so controlled that it does not become oppressive. I am sure that, as worship is a difficult and exacting activity requiring great concentration, boys cannot be expected to take an effective part in it too often or for too long at a time. It is part of the school's task to create the right atmosphere, and we believe this has been achieved, so that at any rate a majority of the boys recognise and appreciate the importance of corporate worship; especially those whose influence and example count most.
Once again I should like to express my gratitude to the ladies on the estate who so faithfully each quarter perform their duties of caring for the chapel silver, flowers and altar linen. The work is done so quietly and unostentatiously that we often take it for granted.
Visiting preachers since the last issue of the Chronicle have been The Rev. Emlyn Jones, the Ven. Richard Hughes, and Mr. Graham McIntosh, M.P.
H.C.C.
33 34 RECEPTIO AD PORTAS for
Dr. T. G. V. Inman
29 August 1974
Opposite Top: Dr. Inman meets the School Prefects in the screens. Opposite Bottom: The general scene in the main quad.
Below: The School assembled in the quad.
35 THE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME
Brian Wallace
Our April 1974 issue of the Chronicle recorded that the new building programme had started and our photographs showed various demolition work that had been carried out. As can be seen from the photographs in this issue considerable progress has been made and the new Agora Quadrangle is now beginning to take shape.
"Block A" linking West and the Science Block, as seen from the back of Tatham.
At present Block A, which runs in a north-south direction, connecting the West-Tatham corner of the school with the science block, is nearing completion. This contains a biology laboratory, a Vlth Form biology laboratory, a biology project room, a biology reading room, a biology preparation room, two biology store-rooms and two classrooms. The biology department in the school has grown so rapidly over the last few years, that it urgently requires these modern facilities.
Much foundation work has already been done on Block B, the southern wing. Here there will be a parking area and the bicycle shed (in the basement) and, running from Block A, two more biology laboratories, a new Music School, a new Art School, the Audio-Visual Department, a small theatre to house about one hundred boys for Block teaching and other activities, and, at right angles to Block B, the new theatre with its foyer.
36 I
"Block B" looking towards the back of East with the Gym in right backgro und.
The school urgently needs an Assembly Hall, and, at present, the two dining halls are used for assemblies, stage productions, film shows, concerts and lectures at great inconvenience to the school and damage to the hall's furniture and panelling. The new hall will be designed with workshops, storerooms, etc.; so all the above can take place.
At present the Art School is housed in a dilapidated building together with the printing society. Both of these have been incorporated in the new buildings together with facilities for sculpture, modelling, and pottery as well as drawing and painting. The new Music School will also form an integral part of the main building where it rightly belongs.
The new audio-visual centre will contain storerooms for appliances and a reference library containing video-tapes, slides, films, recordings, etc., which will be readily available for use by the whole school. The small lecture hall will be large enough to contain a whole block, and will have many uses in addition to teaching purposes, such as play readings, concerts, lectures, debates, slide shows etc.
The final stage in the programme is the refurbishing of East and Founders, and the basins, lavatories and showers etc. of Tatham; Farfield and West. The finished scheme was to have resulted in an academic quadrangle or court to the south of the main quadrangle, with the Assembly Hall acting as a focal point and joining the sciences on the one side with the arts, music, languages and mathematics on the other. However, due to a rise in building costs since the first estimations were made, the classroom wing has been omitted for the present, but may be built in the future as planned.
37 MUSIC AT MICHAELHOUSE
The school can now boast a magnificent Petrof Grand Piano. We were lucky in having Glyn Townley to christen the new instrument. Although the concert was voluntary, the hall was well filled. Mr. Townley announced his items and immediately won the affection of the boys. As one music student remarked: "There wasn't a dull moment." The programme included some of the favourite classics plus pieces by Debussy and Rachmaninoff.
The Hymn Festival with St. Anne's Chapel Choir took place in our chapel on Sunday 9 June. In addition to five popular hymns the combined choirs sang two modern anthems: "Let all the World in every Corner Sing" by Vaughan Williams and 'With a Voice of Singing" by Martin Shaw. The St. Anne's Choir was rather depleted due to a'flu epidemic.
The Speech Day musical programmes were of the usual high standard. The long awaited setting of the School Prayer by the famous English composer, John Rutter, was sung for the first time in our lovely chapel. It was written in memory of Kenneth Misson Pennington, father of our Rector, Rex Pennington. It is a dignified setting which the writer found most inspiring. We are so pleased that Mr. Rutter found time to compose a work of such beauty.
The Recital included works by Mendelssohn, Handel, Bach, Martin Shaw, Stanford, Vaughan Williams and a special chant for Psalm 121 (also written in memory of K.M.P.) by myself.
On Sunday 15th September the Choir was invited to sing Evensong at St. Saviour's Cathedral in Pietermaritzburg and gave what it is no exaggeration to say was a thrilling performance of the Stanford B Flat setting of the Jubilate. Not merely are we most grateful to the Dean for inviting us to the Cathedral but also to the ladies of the Cathedral for providing our very large choir with such a superb feast for the occasion.
Rightly or wrongly we have broken away from Gilbert and Sullivan tradition. The enthusiasm shown in the production of "White Horse Inn" has been quite fantastic. With three performances behind us and two to go, we have had packed houses. The Choral Society has worked splendidly and everyone is enjoying the show tremendously.
We have just started on the Christmas Carols, which we hope will be enjoyed by the choir and congregation alike. Several of the popular John Rutter arrangements will be included in the programme. Please note that the Carol Service for visitors will take place on Wednesday 4 December commencing at 8 p.m.
H.A.C.S.
38 HOUSE NOTES
FOUNDERS
Housemaster: Mr. M. Thompson
House Tutor: Mr. D. Moon
House Captain:
G. Bishop
School Prefect:
J. Chennells
House Prefects:
I. Jones, A. MacGillivray
I. D. White.
As usual the last lap of the year has increased to a hectic pace after a comparatively calm second quarter. We welcomed back into a hectic and busy third quarter Mr. and Mrs. Thompson who have returned from their year spent at Clifton on an exchange system, and brought with them many new ideas concerning general House activities. Mr. Moon therefore has returned to his tutoring role, but is still very much an invaluable part of the House. Many thanks to him for a Housemastering job really well done.
We welcomed "Pommy" Jones into the "cop-shop" at the end of the second quarter and contratulatiOns to him as well as J. Chennells who was appointed a school prefect midway through the second quarter.
So far the year has been a good one in most aspects, and the attitude of boys towards work has been a healthy one-as seen on Speech Day when Founders boys in the A and B Blocks, walked away with 14 out of a possible 21 form prizes. Mainly responsible for the takings were Rob Grant (who struggled to carry away his R60 worth of books) and Twig Bester. Mention must also be made of Doug Sisson who excelled in the Maths. Olympiad competition held throughout the country.
On the sporting fields Founders has shown depth and had five representatives in the First XV namely, Red Clulow, George Bishop, J. Chennells, Rory Deavin and Ian Jones and congratulations to the last three on their colour awards. Interesting to note is that Founders boys made up the captains of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Rugger XV's. However, despite our abundance of talent we met less success in the House Matches than had been anticipated and our glory died at the hands of Baines. 39 Founders, Athletics, 1974
40 Athletics during the last two years has come to be regarded as a major sport by those in the House, and the high spirit put into the Standards (which we won convincingly) must be directly attributed to George Bishop whose enthusiasm either inspired the shorter brethern to sail over unusually impossible high jump targets, or the hulking brutes to flash across 100 metres. An especially noteworthy achievement was the U. 15 age groups who averaged 90% in the Standards. Congratulations to Pierre de St. Croix who came in the first ten in the S.A. Cross Country Championships held recently in Pretoria and thus gained his honours. Rory Deavin also did well winning the P.M.B. and Districts 400 m sprint, as did Greg Anderson in breaking the U. 15 sprint record.
However, it seems that Founders caters for all types and shapes and sizes and despite our good academic record we went to the opposite extreme and the "brawn" of Founders juniors pulled off the Tug-of-War competition for the second successive year.
The squash team under the able guidance of Rob Grant battled through to the finals where we lost to legendary winners, East-hardly a dishonourable defeat considering East have won the competition for ten successive years. Mention must be made of Rob Grant, who missed making the Natal Schools' squash team by two points. However, he was a member of the first squash team which toured England in April and congratulations to him on his colours award.
Unofficial soccer games have increased in popularity recently and Red Clulow can be given much of the credit for organising the highly successful unofficial mini-soccer House match tournament. In the finals of the tournament Founders went down in a good game but were responsible for some blatant "'ows your father?" tactics (apologies to Alan Williams-Lions commentator! ).
Thus the year begins the final lap as does the 'old Founders", which during next year is to be renovated. Finally, every success to those writing their finals at the end of the year.
EAST
Housemaster: Mr. D. B. Miles House Tutor: Mr. J. S. Inglis
Head of House: H. H. Geach
House Prefects: K. D. Dawson, D. L. Brazier,
R. G. Hankinson.
There have been no outstanding academic results over the last two terms, but despite this, the "A" blockers have been working steadily and we hope that they will improve on their Trial Matric results. There were two 1st class Matrics, three Matric passes, five school leaving certificates, and one failure in the June exams, and we hope that these results can be greatly improved by more diligent revision. 41 It is pleasing to note that quite a number of boys have been involved in the two school productions presented recently: "Hamlet" and the Musical "White Horse Inn". On Speech Day, C. G. Olver won the W. A. van der Walt prize for his excellent portrayal of Ophelia. East also contributed four chorus "girls"; Cox, Scott, Hamlyn and Hickman; and a Swiss mountaineer, Graeme Rennie to the musical "White Horse Inn".
On Speech Day, prizes were awarded to Bradford (Biology), Rennie (Divinity), Hamlyn (Music), Robertson (Science) and McKenzie (English). In addition to this, many boys helped to prepare projects and demonstrate experiments on Speech Day.
East is still a very prominent House in all the sporting events, and there have been some excellent individual results. East won the Junior
Rob Hankinson, who will shortly be going to Europe with the S.A. Schools ' Rugby Team.
Inter-House Rugby competition, and it successfully defended its squash title for the tenth successive year-a very noteworthy achievement. The House would also like to congratulate "Rob" Hankinson on being selected to play for the Natal Schools' Rugby team and on his selection as reserve for the South African Schools' Rugby team; "Rob"
42 Devonport on his selection as captain of the South African (hereafter referred to as S.A.) Schools' Squash team; Charles Shaw for his excellent performance at the Inter-Provincial Athletics meeting, and at the S.A. Championships held in Pretoria. He came first in the 1 500 m in the Inter-Provincial, and 4th in the S.A. Championships. Hankinson was awarded his Rugby Honours, Parkin his Rugby colours, and Brown his Hockey colours.
So far the House has been running fairly smoothly and I hope that we will further improve our excellent sporting record and get good Matric results at the end of the year.
WEST
House Master: Mr. W. A. van der Walt House Tutor: Mr. F. J. Human
Head of House: ' R. P. Gould
House Prefects: R. G. F. Chance, C. C. C. Nash,
J. J. van Niekerk, H. P. Veenstra,
P. C. Williams.
Russell Gould and Stuart Aberdein, the former being placed 3rd in the National FEST exam written by most of the Republic's budding scientists, jetted to England for three weeks at the beginning of the third quarter to attend the International Science Conference. From all accounts, this proved to be a most stimulating and worthwhile experience. During Gould's absence Patrick Williams was acting Head of
House. Murray Anderson also received an award at the special assembly when Brigadier Robertson addressed the school.
The noise from the day room "music-box" can no longer even compete with that of the building operations: the new wing adjoining the day room and prefects' room is taking shape fast now and it has been interesting for many of us to watch the progress brick by brick. Soon the basement renovations will begin and we look forward to these new facilities.
Hans Veenstra was appointed a house prefect in August and we welcome him to the prefects' room. Our senior team reached the finals of the inter-house rugby. David Crookes and Christopher Nash were awarded their colours for rugby at the end of the season. James van Niekerk was awarded his honours for shooting and Peter Johnson his colours for the same sport. Richard Chance got his colours for shooting and tennis.
The Strapp cup for Athletics is once again back in the day room thanks to the efforts of the many competitors who did their bit on Sports Day. (And who better to receive this cup than "B", Crookes?? ) Special mention must be made of David Crookes who excelled in the long jump and several track events. He was also selected to run in the Pietermaritzburg and districts meeting. Richard McCarthy, Justin McCarthy, Sean McCarthy, Guy Carrington, Russell Gould,
43 Christopher Nash, Robin van Zyl, Chris Rattray, Robin Frew, all scored points in their events.
On the cultural front David Barry, in a small role again showed his acting skill, while Andrew Baker in a singing role, helped to make White Horse Inn the success that it was. Many of our juniors were hardly recognisable in their milk maids' costumes and although they had a very busy term in the choir, we are sure they enjoyed being part of these activities.
David Barry (below) playing Polonius in the Dramatic Society's "Hamlet", revealed his acting ability. He filled the part well and is to be congratulated.
The following received prizes on Speech Day: Peter Whiting, Peter Brooks, Dale Hammill, Guy Carrington, received Gabrielle Massey prizes. Peter Button got the Junior Carpentry prize; Tim Massey the printing prize: Russell Gould the Small Brand science prize; the Hosking Memorial Chemistry prize and also the Colin Cohen Economics prize. Amongst the subject prizes were: David Barry; Biology, and Russell Gould: Maths in the VIth Form. D. block: Patrick van Hoegaerden: French; Richard Jones: Maths; E. block: Rupert
McLellan: French.
The Inhlazane exodus took place in the third term and although all the new boys were exhausted, the day was thoroughly enjoyed. Now the final exams are round the corner and we wish those in the Vlth form and A. block the very best of luck for the exams and for the future.
44 FARFIELD
House Master: Mr. A. J. Rogers: House Tutor: Mr. W. E. Layne:
Head of House: J. B. Meyer
House Officers: R. Compton, J. W. Shaw, G. Edmunds,
C. R. Cox, D. A. Williams.
The past six months have been very eventful, the House has continued to run smoothly.
We welcome Dereck Williams into the prefects' room as a house prefect. We congratulate both Adriaan and Mark van Velden on the numerous prizes they received on Speech Day. Christopher Greig also deserves special mention for his excellent Biology project on "Birds", for which he received a prize on Speech Day.
On the stage, Adriaan van Velden is congratulated for his portrayal of Hamlet in the school play, in which James Meyer also played one of the major roles. White Horse Inn featured a cross-section of boys from Farfield, with Adriaan again taking one of the leading roles. The Vlth Form play, "Tons of Money', was produced and directed by James Meyer, and co-produced by James Shaw. In addition the former also took the lead role.
Our sporting activities have been varied and to a large extent successful. The Junior hockey team, captained by Geoffrey Dean, won the Inter-House Junior hockey cup and the Junior Rugby team was beaten in the finals by East by two tries to one. The Senior "tug-of-war" team was defeated in the finals of the Inter-House competition by Tatham.
Athletics saw the Relay Cup back in the dayroom, after the Farfield team won the Inter-House relay competition by over 30 points. Sports Day provided considerable excitement, as Farfield was beaten into 2nd place by 4 points. Jeremy Chaplin is congratulated and thanked for his captaincy, support and individual achievements. Other prominent athletes were: Alisdair Pein (who won four events, setting up a new record in the Under 14, 100 metres); Mark Johnson and Derek Williams (who broke the Open high jump record).
Earlier on in the quarter James Shaw and James Meyer were both invited to attend the Natal Schools' Hockey trials, after their games for the P.M.B. Schools' "A" and "B" teams respectively. Unfortunately neither of them was selected for the Natal Schools' team.
Farfield also won the unofficial Inter-House Soccer competition, organised for the first time this year by the boys.
Congratulations go to the following on their colours: George Brink (Cross-country), Jeremy Chaplin (Athletics) and James Meyer (Hockey). At the moment our showers are being renovated, and we look forward to our new amenities next quarter.
The House extends its congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Rogers on the birth of their son, Nicholas John.
45 TATHAM
House Master: Mr. N. C. F. Bloy
House Tutor: Mr. R. H. W. Hall
Head of House:
R. C. Stewart
School Prefect:
A. H. Denny
Prefects:
J. P. V. Rycroft, N. R. Tatham, R. J. Waller.
Since our last issue everything in Tatham has gone along very smoothly, although we must admit that if success is to be counted on what has been either won or lost in games, then we have not done very well. For example, in spite of the fact that we had as many as five members of the school 1st XV, we were routed from the House Rugby competition (though 2 of those 5 were absent) and the same thing happened with our juniors. We had the pleasure of playing in the final of the Senior Hockey competition on Punchbowl on the afternoon of Speech Day but were not quite strong enough to beat Pascoe. In both Senior and Junior Squash competitions we did not do as well as we had hoped; and by coming sixth in the Relays, sixth in Standards and last in the Inter-House competition we have experienced our worst year in Athletics for a very long time. However, we are glad to say that Laurie Kramer, Barrie England and Gavin Atkinson, who all played last year and were now reinforced by Laurie's younger brother, David, retained the House Tennis trophy without much difficulty. And, almost by tradition now our Senior Tug-of-War team was so vast and mammoth-like that no one gave them any opposition to speak of!
We congratulate Richard Waller in particular on his Honours and on representing Natal Schools at Squash; the following Colours awards are at present held by members of the House:
Richard Waller (Squash (Honours) and Rugby).
Alan Denny (Cricket and Rugby).
Barrie England (Rugby).
Paul Springorum (Rugby).
Rob Stewart (Rugby).
John Rycroft (Hockey). Nigel Tatham (Hockey).
Laurie Kramer (Tennis).
Armour Gittings (Swimming).
James Mesham (Swimming).
Spencer Chaplin (Shooting).
And so, not a successful year in games and as we have the unprecedently small number of only six Matric candidates this year, there is little to be said on the academic front.
With all the activity on the stage in the last few months many members of the House have appeared to advantage in this sphere. Pride
46 of place goes to William de Villiers who showed in "Hamlet" once again what an extremely talented actor he is. Alan Denny and that "pretty housemaid", John Rycroft, gave us many a laugh in the Sixth Form play and appeared again in "White Horse Inn"; James Arathoon's sense of the ridiculous was evident both in the latter and in "Hamlet", and, of course, we all enjoyed Francis Keeping's singing in "White Horse Inn". Many others have taken part in these activities, as well. As usual the Stage Crew is made up of a large number of Tathamites and, quite apart from his attempt to demolish half the set in the middle of a performance, the black-tighted figure of the Head of House coming on to the stage to "scene-shift" in "Hamlet" might almost be said to have stolen the show!
In other fields it has been good to see how many members of the House these days are taking part in Venture Club activities, though perhaps we are not as well represented in other societies as we should be.
Finally, we wish Andrew Henderson a speedy recovery from his illness and a quick return to our community.
PASCOE
Housemaster. Mr. A. F. G. Cotton House Tutor: Mr. A. E. G. Duff
Head of House: J. A. R. B ester
Prefects: C. Monberg, J. S. Willsher,
M. E. Haynes, B. J. Hoption,
H. A. Thorpe, J. L. Kennedy.
We moved into the rugby-dominated second quarter, with five "Pascovites" donning first-game battle-dress, three of them full-backs- little wonder that the lights in the Prefects' room had to give way under the onslaught of enthusiastic up-and-unders! Barry Forbes, Mike Haynes, Hamish Thorpe and Bryan Hoption all performed useful service for the 2nd team, while James Bester once again kept the Pascoe flag flying in the 1st team. It was unfortunate that we had to face the eventual winners, East, in the first round of the Inter-House seven-a-side competition, but although we lost we did so by a lesser margin than any other of the sides East over-ran on their way to the trophy. Unfortunately too, lack of depth combined with injuries to prevent our
47 raising a full senior side for the House matches proper, although our junior team played very well in going down to finalists, Founders.
Congratulations to James Bester, who was chosen (ahead of old rival and counterpart, Gie, of Hilton) as full-back for the Natal Midlands side, although he was unfortunately prevented by a ligament-injury a week later from taking part in the Natal Schools' Trials.
Pascoe has in fact rather distinguished itself in games this year, winning both the Senior Hockey and Junior Squash House-match trophies. Lo and behold, great rejoicing, too, upon our 6th place in Athletics-with apologies to those Old Boys who mourn the collapse of a time-honoured tradition of 7th place in this competition. And this with an athletics captain who had to perform great wonders in High Jump to evade qualification for the non-competitors' relay!
Further congratulations to James Kennedy upon his selection as centre-half for the Natal Schools' Hockey side and upon being awarded his Michaelhouse Hockey Honours. Craig Line and David Furnivall, too, have lengthened the list of Pascoe achievements with Colours in Shooting. With Barry Forbes as Junior Shooting Captain and other noted shottists in the House, we look forward to good results in the Inter-House Shooting competition.
Moving from the Sports arena into a more frequented field, Pascoe continues to do well academically. James Bester, Colin Pakshong and Andrew Eagle featured prominently on the Speech Day prize list, while first-mentioned was the winner both of the nation-wide Schools' English Essay competition organised by the 1820 Settlers' National Monument Foundation and of the Bartle Frere Exhibition prize for the highest marks in the country in the 1973 Matric History examination. This year's aspirant Matriculants did well in the June Matric trials, and we wish them all the best for "D Day".
James Bester ("Tons of Money", "Hamlet" and "White Horse Inn"). Richard Smith (Hamlet), James Kennedy and a host of junior characters (all White Horse Inn) have kindled Pascoe's Dramatic Torch with enthusiasm, enjoyment and, hopefully, success. Meanwhile Chris Kilian, David Soane and Bryan Hoption have continued to perform yeoman (and much appreciated) service with lighting and sound-effects.
Guitarists Stephen Dyer and Andrew Eagle remain two of the school's most appreciated musicians, and proved the hit of a Michaelhouse musical concert held at Epworth Girls' School, while John Standish-White, though still a junior, continues to be a force in the School's 1st tennis team.
Society and hobby activities are flourishing and Pascoe is still the House perhaps most involved in Venture Club outings, a number of our keenest "outbounders" undertaking a trip to Rhodesia and the Okavango Swamps in July.
As is no doubt evident, Pascoe has completed a tremendously active and varied past six months. "Bon esprit" is high, excessive "Joie de Vivre" has sometimes to be curbed for the maintenance of law and order (and lights and windows! ).
48 BAINES
House Master: Mr. C. H. D. Leggatt House Tutor: Mr. D. S. Gear
Head of House: L. S. Kranidiotis
Prefects: P. Cullen, R. L. Rund, J. D. G. Wallace,
M. A. Pappas, J. H. A. Wallace.
The House has run smoothly over the past six months and the atmosphere has been conductive to progress in all spheres.
The second quarter saw Baines boys playing an active role in school sports teams. Contratulations are due to H. Wallace, M. Pappas and A. Rund for being awarded their Rugby Colours and L. Kranidiotis for representing the Natal Midlands at the Natal Schools' Trials. D. Bond and N. Sutherland earned their Rugby Teams. Paul Cullen made a big impact on the Hockey scene and was awarded his Honours after playing his way into the Natal Schools' team. Block-tests and Matric trials ended off the quarter and outstanding results were achieved by P. McCullagh in trials, and A. Rund and S. Reid in their Block tests. Throughout the House results were generally encouraging.
The third quarter was a very busy one indeed, what with the end of the Rugby season, Speech Day, Athletics, the White Horse Inn and a generous sprinkling of House competitions. Robin Rund joined the House prefect body shortly before Speech Day and he has settled in well with his new responsibilities. Baines Speech Day prizewinners were: J. Powell, P. McCullagh, A. RUnd, N. Panitza, S. Reid, M. Barrett. All but the craftiest took part in Athletics and helped Baines to 2nd position in the Relays, 3rd in the Standards and 4th on Sports Day. Sterling performances were turned in by J. David and D. Townsend who were chosen for the P.M.B. and Districts team. We wish them luck in the quest for Natal School honours. Baines was well represented in the musical, the "White Horse Inn", and S. Slater, in particular, acted commendably.
We performed spiritedly in all the House competitions and won the Senior House Rugby for the first time in ten years. We reached the finals in the Tennis, but did not fare well in the Hockey or Squash, despite some delicate engineering of the playing order in the latter competition.
After an exciting quarter, the Michaelmas holidays were greeted with relief. We look forward to a happy and successful year's end.
49 AFRIKAANS FOR A WEEK
Dwane Martin
An experience always seems worthwhile when one makes friends that are genuine and long-lasting. That is exactly what happened to me on the annual exchange between Michaelhouse and Port Natal during the latter half of the first quarter.
The apparent idea behind such an exchange would be to improve a person's spoken Afrikaans, or with the Port Natal students, to improve their spoken English. But the advantages of such an exchange stem much deeper than that. By mixing with young people from different backgrounds, thousands of unsupported prejudices are broken down. I saw for the first time the root of one of the major problems facing South Africa: neither the English or Afrikaans-speaking South Africans were prepared to accommodate each other's views. By living with an Afrikaans family on the exchange, I learnt justified reasons behind their opinions.
I will give some examples: The first time that I have ever visited a Dutch Reformed Church was while living with this family. After the service I spoke with my "host" father and learned about their basic doctrines and beliefs. In doing this, I was taught the Afrikaner's viewpoint on life.
The Afrikaans hospitality was superior to any which I have ever experienced. Never have I ever gone into a home and been so quickly accepted as part of the family unit. Even at the school, the friendliness extended to us was unbelievable. From such an experience, I realise that these people have a great deal to teach us English-speaking South Africans.
Food, which is probably at the heart of any Michaelhouse boy, was a very interesting experience. I must have looked so stunned at the wonderful hospitality that they must have thought I was hungry; therefore I was fed the most sumptuous Afrikaans food from the mement that I arrived to their giving me sandwiches prior to my departure.
Between the home life, the young people, and principles of living, I learnt that the Afrikaans people were a race to be respected and admired. The friendships that were formed between me and the Port Natal students are not ones which will quickly fall away; they are ones which grew as the result of understanding each other's customs, habits, and problems. If only in terms of this, I can instantly say that the Port Natal Exchange was a complete and total success.
For the future let us hope that many more such exchanges will * occur with not only schools of other language groups, but also with schools of other racial groups as well, for only in doing this intermingling of young people living together in a co-ordinated environment, can South Africa's future be assured. 50 SOCIETY NEWS
ART
Many members of the Art Club have been busy with projects in the afternoons, and with the usual rush managed to complete their works in time for the Speech Day exhibition.
An exhibition of works by Natal Senior Certificate pupils was visited in the new Natalia Building in Pietermaritzburg. It was interesting to see a fairly varied approach to paintings and drawings.
A new method of sculpture has been introduced-that of working in sheet metal. It is hoped that many members will be interested in working in this manner in future.
John Powell gave a slide-illustrated talk on St. Peter's, Rome, and a talk was also given on the Parthenon. At a later meeting it was shown how watercolours can be strengthened with charcoal, pencil and gouache.
Adriaan van Velden will give a talk on the American architect Frank Lloyd Wright at a later meeting.
The complete series of Kenneth Clark films "Civilization-a Personal View" was shown at the school during the third quarter and evoked a great deal of interest among Art Club members.
BRIDGE
Despite what Dr. Anthony Barker had to say about Bridge on Speech Day, the Bridge Club is still a popular and active society in the extra-mural life of the school! Enthusiasm has been such that it has been possible to arrange two or three meetings per quarter. About 15 to 20 boys play regularly.
We are most grateful to members of staff for their keen interest in the Bridge Club, and their hospitality enjoyed by members. It is hoped that it will be possible to extend the activities of the Club to matches with staff and other schools next year.
51 FILM
A theme was chosen this year in order to try to demonstrate how film is used to create and to use human situations. This year we chose comedy and observed the development of early Chaplin comedy to the more sophisticated use of words in a film such as "Some like it Hot"-yet seeing how much these latter films had learned from the use of gesture and expression by Chaplin.
As usual we saw some foreign films-these help us to see that foreigners are still people rather like us. The most interesting was the fantasy Miracle in Milan by Vittorio de Sica on the meaning of being poor. Many boys found his style obscure-others realised that photography is not merely a visual medium.
GEOGRAPHY
After both meetings last quarter fell through at the last moment, the society picked up again in the 3rd quarter.
In addition to the trip to Botswana with Mr. Moon (and without Mr. Brown's passport-but that is another story) the society saw the film of the trip and conducted a most valuable panel discussion on "Problems in Africa".
Andrew Broadley followed Mr. Gear's introduction with a brief discourse on the Problem of Drought. Goodwin gave us some insight to tropical diseases. Krause, Erlank, Panitza, Chaplin and David then illustrated the problems with case studies of Libya, Zaire, Swaziland, Tanzania and Ghana.
In the future the society hopes to be able to get out into the field more often, and a trip to the Mooi River Textile Factory is planned for the 4th quarter.
GRAMOPHONE
Although we are still without a Gramophone we have been able to carry on in our own style thanks to the very real support of Mr. Stanton, who has lent us equipment and time, so that we might preserve our programme schedule!
During May and June, G. Rennie presented an interesting programme on Northern European composers, and Mr. N. Bloy gave us "a variety concert", which was highly entertaining!
In August G. Brink treated us to a programme of modern music to keep a balance of tastes, and then, at very short notice, our Chairman, D. M. Martin was able to present a comparison between certain rather revolutionary modern pieces and some "Light Classics".
Thus it has been a busy six months, and a successful one, with Membership levels staying steady, although the Club Room is unable to be used. 52 FORUM
The forum has not been particularly ambitious this year, although there have been a number of very interesting internal discussions. Some of the topics of discussion have been, terrorism; Comrades' Marathon; Women's Liberation; Portugal, censorship, Ireland and Cyprus.
Judge Shearer was asked to speak to a combined Sixth Form and Forum, and his talk on the judicial system in South Africa was very well received. Eight St. Anne's girls joined us for a meeting at the beginning of the third quarter, and the interesting discussion which arose was enjoyed by all.
Unfortunately Mr. Law leaves the Forum at the end of the year. Fifteen years ago he and a group of boys started the society, and we are very sorry that he has to leave us.
MOTOR
The Club has functioned well this year. Greater interest has been displayed towards the practical side of the Club. Renton and Pougnet together presented excellent Speech Day exhibitions. Again we have had difficulty in acquiring visiting speakers, and have had to rely greatly on meetings prepared by the members themselves. The necessity for a new workroom still remains a serious problem to the Club.
PHILOSOPHY
Interest in the society was revived in the second quarter under the guidance of Mr. Hawkins to whom we are most grateful. Two meetings are usually arranged per term and they are open to anyone who wishes to attend. There are no subs.
The value of the society should be obvious as it offers something different and refreshing. It gives people an insight into the obscure and complex subject of Philosophy, a clearing house of human experience and truth, and provokes interesting thought. Most important of all, the society helps people to decide what they really believe in.
Some highly stimulating discussions have resulted at meetings held on Sunday evenings. To start with, the general concept and meaning of philosophy was dealt with. Then an attempt was made to talk about our own philosophies. Now a study is being made of Professor Whitehead who is, in the view of many, the most eminent contemporary philosopher. This is providing much food for thought and is proving most fruitful.
It is hoped that the Society will continue to receive the support of the seniors in years to come.
53 PIONEER
The Pioneer Society's brainchild S.E.N.D., which was started in the second quarter has set off with a real bang. In our first attempt to raise money for St. James's Mission-a jumble sale at Nottingham Road-was a great success and we managed to raise R100. Our second attempt-this time a cake sale at school-was also a success and we collected over R60. We thank everyone who has contributed to our cause-without them we would be useless. We hope the future will be as rosy as was our beginning.
PLAY READING
At the beginning of the year Mr. Rogers took over the society from Mrs. Hennessy, and we welcomed numerous new members, amongst them several from the Vlth Form, who have helped inject a greater degree of humour and enjoyment into our meetings.
During the year we have read such plays as: "I'll get my Man"; "The Admirable Crichton"; 'A Man for all Seasons" and a selection of plays by the Irish playwright, Synge.
SENIOR DEBATING
Efforts have been made this year to improve the standard of debating. Internal debates have ensured that all members have spoken at least once during the year. On each occasion criticism and advice is offered.
Debates have been held against Estcourt High School, St. Anne's, and Epworth. Our regular debating team-drawn from Laki Kranidiotis, James Bester, Russell Gould and James Meyer-achieved a high standard of debating and these exchanges proved well worthwhile.
A wide range of topics was debated-"My country, right or wrong", "The government of a country is indirectly responsible for criminal acts and therefore should not be entitled to take a citizen's life", "Initiation is necessary and essential at Michaelhouse", "There is no place for the artist in our world to-day", being a few. Balloon debates are a popular and amusing follow-up to each central debate.
TAALVERENIGING
Die vereniging voel dat'n bedrywige- en buitengewone jaar amper agter die rug is en dit is treurig om aan die einde van 1974 te dink. Aanstaande jaar sal'n uitdaging wees, want in 1975 word die Taalvereniging mondig.-'n Skitterende prestasie en'n geskiedkundige geleentheid!
Baie lede het die eerste vergadering van die tweede kwartaal bygewoon.'n Klug,"As die Nefie kom kuier" deur G. J. Beukes, is deur die lede gelees en dit was vir almal baie snaaks en interessant. In Junie 54 het die Laer Taalvereniging ons uitgenooi om saam met hulle na'n paar rolprente te kyk. Ons is baie dankbaar vir hul gasvryheid.
Gedurende die derde kwartaal was daar verdere vordering in die ontwikkeling van die Taalvereniging: Die jaarlikse debat teen die Estcourtse Hoerskool is in Augustus hervat. Die debatspunt, nl. "Die Suid-Afrikaanse regering se beleid om die tuislande te ontwikkel, is tot voordeel van die Bantoevolke van Suidelike Afrika", is teengestaan deur ons span bestaande uit J. Bester, H. Geach en G. Rennie. Op die ou end het Michaelhouse vir Estcourt met'n groot meerderheid geklop. Ons se dankie aan die Estcourtse leerlinge vir'n boeiende debat en'n genotvolle aand. Die vereniging sien uit na aanstaande jaar se teendebat wat reeds voorlopig gereel is.
Vir die vergadering op 12 September het ons met die Laer Taalvereniging saamgespan en die rolprent,''Die 3 Van der Merwes", vertoon. Almal het hierdie blyspel ten voile geniet. Ons bedank mnr. Duff en die Laer Taalvereniging vir hulle samewerking.
Ten slotte wil ons ons hartlike dank aan mnr. en mev. Coetzee betuig vir hul belangstelling. Dit was ook vir ons baie aangenaam om mnr. en mev. Underhay by verskeie van ons vergaderings te verwelkom. Die Taalvereniging sorg dat Afrikaans'n belangrike plek in die lewe van Michaelhouse inneem. Ons waardeer dit baie omdat die doeleindes van die vereniging veral van betekenis is in hedendaagse Suid-Afrika. Ons wens volgende jaar se komitee'n jaar vol geesdrif toe!
VENTURE With the fitting of a reserve petrol tank in the Land-Rover, Venture Club outings are again being organised to the more distant parts of the Berg, and a three-day trip to Mt.-Aux-Sources was recently arranged. In addition to the regular outings, trips to more unusual places such as Monk's Cowl Gully and the Umlambonja Valley have been undertaken. We hope to compile a guide book on some of the more common walks and climbs in the Drakensberg, especially on those which are frequently glossed over by books on the Berg.
Two July holiday trips to South-West Africa were arranged, one with Mr. Leggatt, and the other with Mr. and Mrs. Goulding and Mr. Rendle. Highlights of the trip were the Brandberg (highest mountain in S.W.A.), the Eish River Canyon, and the Sossasvlei dunes in the Namib.
The Canoe Club is in the process of being revived, and will soon become separate from the Venture Club.
Thanks go to members of staff who make our outings possible, and especially to Mr. Leggatt.
CORRESPONDENCE
To the Editor from Peter Rendle
A year at Michaelhouse passes very quickly, and now that I am returning to England I would like to say thank you to everyone who has made my time here so enjoyable.
I hope my science sets will remember some of the things we have done, I will certainly remember them. I will remember too, my expeditions to the Berg and to South-West with the Venture Club: I hope those who go on these realise how lucky they are to be able to do so so easily. I expect that when I get back to city life I shall miss the fresh air and open spaces of Natal. I shall also miss those early periods, and think of you as I start work at 9.15.
If any of you come to England and visit Bristol, I hope you will look me up at Clifton. I shall be very pleased to see anyone from Michaelhouse at 24 College Road.
56 SPORTS SECTION
SOUTH AFRICA SCHOOLS AND NATAL SCHOOLS
Our congratulations to to R. W. Devonport on captaining South Africa Schools at Squash and N. M. Ingledew on playing at No. 1 for the same team.
And congratulations too to R. G. Hankinson on his selection as a reserve for the S.A. Schools' Rugby XV.
These three, of course, all represented Natal Schools at their games as did R. J. S. Waller (Squash), C. de V. Shaw (Athletics), P. J. de St. Croix (Cross Country Running) and P. Cullen and J. L. Kennedy (Hockey).
To all of them we give our congratulations.
RUGBY 1st XV
A look at the cold statistics would indicate that this was rather a poor side. In fact this would be far from the complete picture. The pack was most effective. It is difficult to think of a pack which was lighter than us but we were seldom outplayed and generally won more than our fair share of the ball. Our possession from the tight was based on the exceptional hooking of Hankinson. The fact that he was sel- ected for Natal Schools and for South African Schools speaks for itself. Apart from his hooking his play in the loose was outstanding. He was ably supported by Watkins and Pappas in the front row who were a hard working pair. Stewart and Springorum settled down well in the lock and rapidly gained confidence. By the end of the season Stewart was getting a lot of good line-out ball. The flanks started off a little tentatively but before long were playing some good rugby. Kranidiotis was devastating on his day, while Clulow and Waller both had some very good games. The injury to Compton in the first match left a hole at the back of the scrum. This was not resolved until England came up from second game, seized his opportunity and made the position his own. He proved to be a most courageous and hard working eighth man. A pleasing feature of the forward play was the way in which the pack stuck together and really drove hard in the loose.
57 Chennells captained the side with great zest from scrum-half must take a lot of credit for the fine spirit in the team. He had some effective games at scrum-half and then moved to fly-half with Deavin was injured. Unfortunately he missed the last few games through injury. Deavin's injury was a very real setback to the backline. He showed very real promise in the few games he played at the beginning of the season. When he came back into the side near the end of the season he never really quite had the confidence to let himself go on attack. Nash came in at scrum-half and developed into a thoroughly competent player. He gave his fly-half a good service, was steady under pressure, tackled well and developed a very good blind side break.
It was obvious from the beginning of the season that the centre position was likely to be a source of worry on both attack and defence. This proved to be the case. The introduction of Rund in the third quarter led to a very real improvement in the defence. Parkin occupied the other centre position and while he lacked penetration from the set pieces he had a good eye for the loose ball. As a result he scored a number of times from broken play. His tackling also improved once he had Rund as a partner.
We were well served by our wings. Denny's unfortunate injury had a serious effect on our ability to score tries. He averaged over a try a match and was always a threat to the opposition. He was replaced by Crookes who improved in every match he played and developed into a
58 good attacking and defensive wing. Jones played on the right wing. After a slightly hesitant start to the season he produced a lot of drive on attack while his defence was always good. He was injured as he reached peak form.
The full back position was occupied by Wallace and Bester both of whom had some very good games. Wallace moved to the wing after Jones was injured and made up for his lack of pace by his good ball sense.
The team clearly enjoyed most of the rugby they played. On occasions everyone became rather frustrated because opportunities were thrown down the drain. In addition a string of injuries to the backs made it difficult to build up an effective backline. Nevertheless they were a pleasure to coach because they were cheerful, willing to learn, had a very good team spirit and a sound attitude towards the game.
Second Quarter
The season started with a match against Kearsney. As a result of a couple of earlier matches they were somewhat better organised than us. This was particularly true of the forwards where Stewart was having his first outing as a lock. In addition there was a lack of co-ordination between Chennells at scrum-half and Hankinson who was hooking. The result was that Kearsney saw a lot of the ball. After a half-time score of 12-12 Kearsney were on top for most of the second half and eventually won 28-21. It was a game which produced some good running rugby.
Our next encounter was against Port Natal. This was a hard, clean, but slightly scrappy match. The forwards settled down well and showed that they had learnt a lot in the first match. Hankinson hooked particularly well. After the score had changed hands several times we eventually won 10-9.
St. John's were down from Johannesburg and cannot be said to have had one of their vintage sides. After a half-time score of 12-0 we eventually won 26-6. The second half was rather frustrating in that we were unable to build up sufficient rhythm and as a result several very promising movements broke down. To their credit St. John's persevered till the end. Our plans for the season received a major setback when Deavin had an arm broken just before the end of the game.
The Old Boys had a strong side, their forwards gained a lot of possession and their backline was extremely powerful. We managed to hold them to 19-13 at half-time but were overpowered towards the end of the match and lost 33 - 16.
Kokstad, who had one or two big forwards, started off by attacking strongly. However we gradually settled down and began to dominate play in the set scrums and in the loose. Denny had a field day on the left wing scoring four tries. We ran out winners 39-0. The match against Estcourt proved to be disastrous. Ten minutes after start Bester tore the ligaments in an ankle and had to leave the field. A few minutes later Clulow also left the field with an ankle
59 injury. This left us without any flank forwards. As the Estcourt attack revolved around their very good scrum-half (Price-Moor) we were in a lot of trouble. The forwards stuck to their task and Hankinson had a particularly good game. In spite of playing with six forwards we saw a lot of the ball. It was most frustrating to see the backs running across the field and generally looking rather aimless. Our tackling also left a lot to be desired. We were finally beaten 33-4.
The following Wednesday saw us take the field against Alexandra. We had very little time to reorganise the side and were not particularly optimistic about our prospects. Alexandra goaled a penalty in the first minute which did nothing to cheer us up. However we fought back well with all the forwards driving effectively in the loose. After being down 8-9 at half-time we won a hard game 19-12.
Hilton took the field with an unbeaten side which made them very definite favourites. Our cause received a very severe setback when Denny was taken off with a dislocated shoulder after two minutes. In spite of this we attacked strongly. Unfortunately we missed three goalable penalties early on. The heavy Hilton pack gave them a lot of good ball, particularly from the back of the line-outs. In fact they made little use of the ball but it did enable them to remain in our half for most of the game. This meant that they were generally in range when penalties were awarded and their fly-half seldom missed, scoring seventeen points with his boot. Our forwards played extremely well under the circumstances, Hankinson's hooking being exceptional. England had a good game substituting for Denny on the wing while Wallace was outstanding at full-back. We had the satisfaction of scoring a try right near the end to level that aspect of the scoring but they scored a well deserved 21-4 win. Unfortunately the game was marred by the large number of penalties awarded against each side.
On the last Tuesday of the quarter we were hosts to the Bishops touring side. They proved to be a well-balanced and well drilled combination. We were without both our wings and in addition the forwards were rather flat after their match against Hilton. In addition our tackling in the centre and on the right wing was quite pathetic. The result of this was that they were leading 23-0 at half-time. Shortly after half-time they scored another try and it looked as if a score in the sixties was a distinct possibility. Fortunately the forwards woke up and we scored fourteen points in the second half. The final score was 31-14.
Third Quarter
We started the third quarter with a match against Voortrekker. The forwards had a particularly good outing against a solid pack but once again we failed to make use of our opportunities. We opened the scoring with a goal but were down 6-7 at half-time. In the second half the benefits of their holiday tour began to tell and we were down 6-15 when the final whistle went. The inclusion of Rund in the centre led to a marked improvement on defence. Nash had an excellent game at scrumhalf and Hankinson was once again in very good form. 60 Our next encounter was against College. They proved to have a large and experienced front row. The result was that we were pushed around in the set scrums, however Hankinson hooked very well on the retreat. The forwards stuck together and drove very hard in the loose. Stewart jumped particularly well in the line-outs. We opened the scoring when Nash broke blind and passed to Jones who scored in the corner. Wallace converted from the touch line. After a lot of exciting play College gathered a loose clearance and scored on the right wing. In the end they scored three goals from the right wing. In spite of this Crookes had a very good game on defence as he held this very fast Nata l Schools' player in the set play. All the tries came from broken play and two of them stemmed from poor kicking on our part. We struck back with another Nash-Jones blindside try. The final score was 21-10. The match was hard and in certain areas uncompromising. Our plans for the reorganisation of the back line received a further setback when Jones had his nose broken as the result of a somewhat unusual type of handoff.
We took the field against Weston without Hankinson who was a reserve for the South African Schools' side. His absence meant that our opponents got that much more of the ball than would otherwise have been the case. This was a handicap we could not overcome as they were an extremely effective side. At a very early stage Weston opened the score with a goal from a tight head heel. We struck back with a penalty and a goal. However we did not move with fluency. Deavin was having his first match since he broke his arm. Initially he found it difficult to judge the pace of the game but he was much more settled in the second half. Weston played good direct rugby in the second half and ran out winners by 16-9.
Northlands started off by goaling a penalty. We retaliated when Crookes varied his pace and ran with determination to score a very good try. Bester goaled two penalties and Wallace scored from an intercept to give us a half-time lead of 14-3. Northlands had some powerful forwards and were always dangerous. They reduced the lead with a penalty but we went further ahead when Wallace scored a second try. Northlands scored a very good try from the kick-off but we made sure of the game when Bester goaled his third penalty. We won an interesting game 23 - 12.
The match against D.H.S. was a tale of wasted opportunities. The forwards played extremely well in all phases of the game and we camped within thirty metres of their line for most of the first half. During this time we scored a try and missed two tries and three penalties. Instead of changing over with a convincing lead we were up 4-3 at half-time. As is so often the case when you fail to take your opportunities the other side settles down and comes back strongly. In this case D.H.S. drove through their forwards to score two goals and eventually won 21-8.
Our match agninst St. Stithians followed a similar pattern to that against D.H.S. We camped on their twenty-five and missed three easy penalties. St. Stithians then broke away to score a goal against the run of play. We eventually goaled a penalty and were down 3-6 at
61 half-time. In the second half Nash broke blind and sent Crookes in for a try (7-6). The St. Stithians' forwards played most effectively in the line-outs and in the rucks. This led to a try in the final minutes and enabled them to win 10-7. We had every reason to feel disappointed at our inability to make use of our opportunities but our opponents were good value for their victory.
The final match of the season was against a still unbeaten Hilton side. We attacked strongly from the kick off and managed to disrupt their pattern of play. Before long Kranidiotis scored a try after a very determined run. Unfortunately Wallace hit the post with the conversion. Both sides attacked strongly. Just before half-time Hilton capitalised on a defensive error and scored a try, (4-4). Hilton's heavier forwards prevented us from getting clean ball from the set scrums. At the same time they started to attack strongly. After some constructive play they scored a goal (10-4). At this stage it looked as if they were going to dominate the game. However we bounced back. England picked up the ball from the base of the scrum and put in a very strong run. He was tackled just short of the line but the ubiquitous Hankinson was there to gather the ball and score (10-10). With a few minutes to go Hilton goaled a penalty (10-13). We threw everything into the attack but could not penetrate their defence. Every member of the team played with determination but there were several who deserve to be mentioned. Kranidiotis had an excellent game on the flank, Bester was distinguished at full back, England was always in the thick of things and Rund's tackling was devastating. This was a very hard and interesting game of rugby which was played in a good spirit.
The following were regular members of the 1st XV:
Chennells G. J. (Captain, Colours), Kranidiotis L. S. (v-Captain, Colours), Bester J. A. R. (Colours), Clulow M. A. (Teams), Crookes R. D. (Colours), Deavin R. N. (Colours), Denny A. H. (Colours), England
B. C. I. (Colours), Hankinson R. G. (Honours, Natal Schools, for South African Schools), Jones I. P. C. (Colours), Nash C. C. C. (Colours), Pappas M. A. (Colours), Parkin C. M. (Colours), Rund A. K. (Colours), Springorum P. A. (Colours), Stewart R. C. (Colours), Wallace J. H. A. (Colours), Waller R. J. S. (Colours), Watkins C. J. (Colours).
Summary of Results
Second Quarter Michaelhouse vs.
Kearsney ...... lost 21-28 Port Natal ...... won 10-9 St. John's ...... won 26-6 Old Boys ...... lost 16-33 Kokstad ...... won 39-0 Estcourt ...... lost 4-33 Alexandra ...... won 19-12 Hilton . . lost 4-21 Bishops . . lost 14-31
62 Third Quarter
Voortrekker . . . . . lost 6-15 College ...... lost 10-21 Weston ...... lost 9-16 Northlands . . . . . won 23-12 D.H.S . . lost 8-21 St. Stithians . . . . . lost 7-10 Hilton ...... lost 10-13
2nd XV
The second fifteen had a rather disappointing season. The front row of Gould, Chance and Forbes provided a lot of the ball. Chance proving to be a very good hooker. Bishop was an honest lock who captained the side well. By and large the forwards played with a lot of drive but all too often the backs were guilty of weak tackling and an unwillingness to run hard and straight.
The following were regular members of the 2nd XV: Bishop G. W. (Captain), Dawson K. D. (v-Captain), Bester T. W. G., Bond D. F. de B., Chance R. F., Chaplin J. F., Edmunds G. R., Forbes P. B., Garlick M., Gould R. P., Haynes M. E., McFie G. S., Rund R. L., Sutherland N. D., Thorpe H. A., Wickham D. J.
Summary of Results
Second Quarter Michaelhouse vs.
Third Quarter
Kearsney . lost 4-10 Port Natal . lost 6-9 Old Boys . won 9-4 Howick (1st XV) . . . won 10-6 Alexandra . lost 12-20 Treverton (1st XV) . . . won 22-6 Hilton lost 6-12 Voortrekker .... . lost 4-54 College . lost 0-25 Weston . lost 3-14 Northlands .... lost 4-9 D.H.S . lost 7-17 Hilton . lost 16-20
A.F.C.
63 2nd Game Rugby
Results
Played Won Lost Drawn Pts for Pts against 3rd XV 9 3 6 0 55 167 4th XV 11 4 7 0 160 189 With results like these it cannot be said that either team had a particularly successful season. In fairness to all players, though, it should be noted that we were badly hit by injuries right from the start. In the very first match we had to finish with only eleven effective players on the field against Kearsney in the 3rd, going down 4-12.
The 3rd XV had two very exciting wins, the first against Alexandra (8-4) and the second against Voortrekker (20-19). In the Voortrekker match our captain won himself a litre from the Rector by putting over the winning kick as the final whistle was blown.
The 4th XV had a very high score against an outclassed Kokstad 2nd XV (62-0), and managed to produce 2nd Game's only victory out of four matches against Hilton (13-9).
As usual, both sides produced good, open and attractive running rugby, and we had just enough victories to maintain our interest and enjoyment in the game.
R.H.H.
COLTS "A" RUGBY
Played Won Lost
\2 8 4
The season was a successful one; not so much from the point of results, which were satisfactory, but from the attitude of the boys. The side, ably captained by Guy Brazier, never lost its competitive spirit. Perhaps the reason behind this lay with the Colts "B". They lost one match to another school "B" side and the team contained many players capable of playing in the "A" side should a vacancy occur. The depth and attitude of this game augurs well for the future senior sides of Michaelhouse.
A.J. R.
BUNNIES A-1974
The Bunnies had a very good season winning seven out of ten games, with 201 points for and 119 against. Unfortunately there is not much depth in the Bunnies this year compared to last year. However, there is some excellent material going up which will form the nucleus of a good Colts' team. G.A.G.E.B.D.
64 HOCKEY
In a season crowded with incident our hockey players continued to enjoy brisk competition. We were delighted to have our first ever fixtures against Maritzburg College who, in their first year of hockey, were able to field four sides-evidence of the growing strength of schoolboy hockey in Natal. Although all our sides won most of their matches the season was a success not primarily in terms of goal averages, but by way of formative social experience.
Especially gratifying was the spirit of cheerful efficiency with which this year's Committee (Shaw, Meyer, Kennedy and Rycroft) accepted an increased share of responsibility for organizing and administering the game. In addition to hosting visiting teams and assisting with the ordinary running of fixtures they were instrumental in the success of two tournaments. On Republic Day junior players and some members of staff were kept occupied in an all-day seven-a-side tournament, and later in the season a mixed tournament was held in conjunction with St. Alban's and a number of girls' schools from Maritzburg.
Once again we are grateful to Durban Wanderers, Olympics and Maritzburg University-stalwart friends who come up to Balgowan to give us the benefit of adult opposition. Especial thanks to Mr. G. B. Mackenzie who gave up several afternoons to coaching our goalkeepers.
Throughout the school the attitude towards hockey seems particularly healthy. The game is seen in perspective, not as some sort of fetish of primitive tribal custom, but as an enjoyable form of recreation.
Congratulations to Pascoe and Farfield on winning the Senior and Junior House Match competitions respectively.
Summary of Results
1st XI
Played Won Lost Drawn Pts for Pts against
16 8 4 4 34 14
Michaelhouse vs. Durban Wanderers
Old Boys Olympics College
Kearsney
Alexandra
University Hilton drew 1 - 1 . won 4-0 drew 1 - 1 . lost 1-2
. won 3-0
. won 6-0
. lost 2-3 drew 0-0
St. Alban's College
Hilton
Bishop's
. won 4-1
. lost 0-1
. lost 1-3
. won 1 -0
65 D.H.S.
Northdale
Hilton
. won 3-2 . won 1 -0 . won 1 - 1
The above figures reflect fair success. We were unbeaten by any Natal school side but went down to two strong touring sides, and to two mens' sides. Although we had a few promising players no-one ever found devastating form and our success must be attributed to team effort and co-ordination. It was the general standard of short passing and positional play which improved throughout the season, culminating in some really good hockey in the final two matches of the season.
Among the forwards Shaw, as captain, set a fine example as the player who by dint of sheer hard work created more goals than anyone else. He also led the side well, quietly and calmly helping the players to weld themselves together. Rycroft was the most promising player in the side and although he never quite realized his talent he spear-headed many a useful attack. Brown always worked hard and is a valuable, player who needs, however, to develop more finesse. Although he started the season as a somewhat agricultural right wing Veenstra improved slowly, and by the end of the season he was stopping the ball well and getting across some useful passes. On the left wing MacMurray showed some useful turns of speed and with improved stick-work he could become a useful player.
We were fortunate in having a strong half-line which was able to dominate the play in many games. Kennedy filled the centre-half position solidly. He is naturally a defensive player but his shots at goal from short corners were a strong source of attack. Tatham, at right-half, improved throughout the season to become one of the most polished players by the end of the season, strong both on attack and in defence. At left-half the diminutive Retief made up for his stature by keeping his stick down in precise positional play.
Cullen, as right back, was always cool and courageous. It was most unfortunate that injury removed him just as his play was reaching its peak. His place was taken by R. Anderson who played well apart from the odd lapse in concentration. Kumleben is a promising player whose natural feeling for the game and long reach should make him a very valuable member of next year's team. The last line of defence was filled by Meyer. Many thanks to him for all the extra work he put into the game apart from saving many goals.
A disastrous day was spent at the Natal Schools' trials in Durban. Our two most promising forwards, Shaw and Rycroft, were barely tried. Kennedy, though he started off as a "likely", was soon relegated, and we were left with only Cullen in the Natal Schools' side. However, in the final moments of play after he had in fact been selected, he broke his arm badly, leaving us without a single playing representative in the provincial side. It was a dispirited group which returned to Balgowan at 1 a.m. after a long wait in the dismal precincts of Addington Hospital! In the end we were vindicated by Kennedy who became one of the most successful players at the Inter-Schools' tournament in Johannesburg when called into the Natal side as a last minute replacement.
66 1st XI HOCKEY, 1974
Standing: S. P. Retief, B. J. MacMurray, H. P. Veenstra, M. A. Kumbleb en, R. W. Devonport, R. B. M. Anderson, N. R. Tatham, A. W. M. Brown.
Seated: J. L. Kennedy, J. B. Meyer, J. W. Shaw (captain), P. Cullen, J. P . V. Rycroft. (Photo: Steads Studios, Ladysmith.) We were fortunate in being able to call upon competent replacements from the Second XI on several occasions. Devenport, Fox,
Robarts, Monberg, Dean and Atkinson all played useful games for the 1st XI. Fletcher is a hard working forward who was unfortunate not to become a permanent member of the 1st XI. As a very promising recruit to the 1st Game he has been awarded the Alan Butcher Stick. By the end of the season we had a plethora of very promising young players in the first Game, and we look forward to next year and a season of exciting prospects.
M.E.C.
2nd XI
The 2nd XI carried on their winning ways this year, maintaining an unbeaten record against schools cince last year's loss to Kearsney.
With a very effective forward line in De St. Croix, Robarts, Fox, Fletcher and Holliday or Wallace the side scored at a rate of almost 5 goals per match, with a seasonal for/against ratio of 3,3.
The hardest fought match was undoubtedly that against the staff which ended in a 2-2 draw with 11 staff hearts lying "panting on the floor".
Apart from the Varsity side, which ran circles around us in mid-field, the only team to make any headway was our own Third XI who played most promising hockey for a 2-2 draw.
A special mention must go to the Captain, Christian Monberg, who has patiently watched proceedings at the other end of the field for two whole seasons, b ut has proved a courageous and reliable goalie when given the opportunity and there have no doubt been several bruised and battered forwards to testify to the folley of intruding in "Monner's" circle.
Other regular players were Spiller, Atkinson, Grant, Devonport, Kilian and Dean.
2nd XI results
Michaelhouse vs. Kearsney ...... won 9-0
Alexandra ...... won 8-0
University (P.M.B.) . . . lost 2-5
Old Boys ...... won 5-2
Olympics ...... won 5-2
Hilton ...... won 5-2 College ...... won 8-0
D.H.S...... won 3-2
Staff ...... drew 2-2
D.S.G.
3rd and 4th XI's
The 3rd and 4th XI's have had their usual successful season; apart from the 3rd's draw with Howick School's 1st XI and the 4th's defeat from the Treverton 1st XI all matches were won, some by very large
68 margins. However, we do not boast about this, since we have more hockey players to call upon than other schools and better fields on which to play our games. In fact we are grateful to other schools for providing teams to play us.
That there is very little difference in the standard of the 3rd and 2nd XI's is shown in the fact that the one contest between the two teams ended in a draw and that players (for example Holliday and Wallace, B) have inter-changed with no particularly noticeable difference to either team. There are some very useful and promising players on Second Game. One thinks of the two goalkeepers, Whiting and Lynn; Barnitt and Anderson, P. of the backs; Perry and Bailie of the halves and Johnson, White, Harrison, Massey and Wallace, J. of the forwards.
N.C.F.B.
ATHLETICS
Captain: C. Shaw (E) Vice-Captain: G. Bishop (Fo)
In both track and cross country, we have many people to congratulate. Notably Charles Shaw who ran for the Natal Schools and Natal juniors under 17. He excelled in the Inter-Provincial by winning in a time of 4 minutes 3,2 seconds, but only came fourth in S.A. Champs in Cross-Country. Pierre De St. Croix must be congratulated for his selection of Natal under 17, coming 11th out of about 130 athletes in S. A. Champs.
Our school sports was a great success, with West winning in a very exciting last few races which gave them their needed points. I think David Crookes must be congratulated on his fine performances, competing in six events and winning five. The young athletes such as A. Pein, P. Zaloumis and Townsend, D. in the under 14 and both McCarthys' in Under 15 and Under 16 must also be congratulated.
The triangular was a great success. The standard of the athletics has risen a great deal. Michaelhouse athletes were always seen in front in the middle distance events.
Lastly, a special word of thanks to Mr. Ken Mullen, who is leaving at the end of the year, who made the athletics season such a great success by his efficiency and dedication. Thank you, Mr. Mullen and all the best for the future!
C.S.
In the curious fashion of Natal we have just held our annual Standards, Relays and Championship competitions and will get down to training next quarter. Despite this back-to-front practice there were some outstanding performances on Sports Day.
For sheer excitement the duel in the Open 800 m between Charles Shaw and George Bishop will not be repeated for many years. Shaw led the field through the bell in a scorching 55 secs in an obvious attempt to "bum-off" the fast finish of Bishop. Realizing the tactic, Bishop
69 George Bishop just beats Charles Shaw in the 800 metres. trailed a wise 5 m with 250 m to go. At 150 m out it looked as though Shaw would pull away to a comfortable win, but Bishop lengthened his already long stride to close the gap as they hit the straight. What had had every appearance of spring steel turned to rubber as the strength left Shaw's legs as they lunged for the tape, Bishop winning by half a yard, both runners breaking two minutes. Their jointly held record of 1-58,9 (set in'73) by Bishop and equalled this year by Shaw is likely to stand as a reminder of that classic struggle for several years to come.
A major feature of the competitions has been the sudden improvement of our field events after an hiatus of several seasons while the middle-distance records have taken massive tumbles. Tyson, Bond and Williams won the high-jump events, coming very close to the longstanding records, but not before fierce competition, utilizing some most extraordinary interpretations of the Fosbury Flop, had made them work for their livings.
In his first ever attempt at the discus Dale Townsend set a new P.M.B. and Districts record in the Under 14 event, breaking the old record by a phenomenal 4 metres. Aided by an ample wind several
70 records were established in the short sprints. Although this may strictly speaking be a contravention of the rules, our sprints are normally very much an uphill battle over thick Kikuyu grass.
The Annual Triangular, held at Kearsney, saw our middle distance men win every team race except the Under 16 3 000 m-which we failed to enter through a clerical error. The only individual loss was to Hilton's brilliant Under 16, Phillips. We did not fare so well in the sprints, but placed exceptionally well in the field events.
For the record, Founders won the Standards, West the Championship, while Farfield ran away with the Relays cup.
D.S.G.
Cross Country
The small group in red and white once again demonstrated that, although the "little men" from M.H.S. may be no match for the monsters trundling around school rugby fields, there is nobody who can touch our flying Under 17 Cross Country squad of Charles Shaw, Pierre De St. Croix and Phillip King.
With Mr. Gear no longer able to keep up on training runs, there have been fewer group runs than in the past, but results do not seem to have been effected in any way. George Brink must be regarded as the most improved runner, having been an also-ran last year and this year is the P.M.B. and Districts Under 19 champion. With King and Shaw struggling with injury problems at the end of the season, De St. Croix was our sole Natal representative at the S.A.'s in Pretoria, being placed most creditable 11th (out of 70).
In occasional casual appearances Richard McCarthy demonstrated his outstanding potential, while Mike Webb, "Dozy" Hedden and others provided solid support. It is most unfortunate that we have to wait two or three years for our juniors to escape the clutches of the "oval ball".
D.S.G.
SQUASH
The word which mostly aptly describes squash during the last few months is undoubtedly "activity"-in its variety and enthusiasm.
During the July vacation Norman Ingledew, Robin Devonport and Richard Waller represented the Natal Schools' Squash team in the Inter-Provincial tournament. All three were unbeaten, Ingledew and Devonport being selected to play for the S.A. Schools' side at one and two, Devonport captaining the side. In a match against a Natal team Ingledew had a good win against a Natal B player.
In the Natal Under 23 championships Ingledew and Devonport both reached the semi-finals, the former losing narrowly. The most important event of the year has been the teaming advent to the Pietermaritzburg first league. At the end of the first round Michaelhouse lay 13 points behind the log leaders University, having
71 lost two matches. During the remainder of the season, however, the team was unbeaten, eventually winning the league during their first season. Robin Grant remained unbeaten during both rounds for which King's donated a racquet.
Michaelhouse vs.
Results: First
Hilton . . .
Kearsney . .
St. John's . .
Durban University Hilton . . .
Kearsney . .
On Tour
. won 3-2
. won 5-0
. won 4-0 drew 3-3 . won 5-0
. won 5-0.
Michaelhouse vs.
St. John's . .
Wits .... Pretoria Boys' High won lost won
5-1
2-4
5-1
Michaelhouse vs. Under 15
Kearsney
Hilton
Kearsney
Hilton won won lost won
5-0
4-1 1-4
5-0
THE JOHANNESBURG TOUR
Two weeks before the end of term Mr. Lewis took the 1st team up to Johannesburg to play St. John's. Wits University and Pretoria Boys' High School. Overall it was a very successful tour and the experience that the 1st team have gained from the overseas tour showed itself in full force. The weekend ended up with Michaelhouse victorious over both St. John's and Pretoria Boys' High with scores of 5 - 1 in both matches. Against the University however, the scores went the other way with Wits winning 4-2 but there were two notable games in this match.
Ingledew played Berold, who was the Natal Schools' Champion in 1970 and had little difficulty in winning 3 - 1. Devonport played Bester who represented Natal in 1969 and after a very evenly contested match won with two nick shots in the fifth. Against Pretoria Boys' High Ingledew played the current S.A. Schools' No. 3 and after a match lasting \x/i hours he won 9-4 in the fifth coming back after being 4-1 down.
ENGLISH TOUR
The tour, the first of its kind, was a great success. The South African Squash Association were thrilled at the idea and we left feeling that at least we were doing something for the country and not only for the school.
72 The first tournament we played in was the Drysdale Cup British Under 19. Similar to the British open it not only includes British players but others from all over the world. Normal Ingledew had some very tough matches in the quarter and semi-finals, beating Torras Tovar the Swedish No. 1 and Under 19 Champ, then losing the semi-final match 9-10 in the fifth game. Robin Devonport reached the third round where he lost to Torras Tovar.
We spent some time playing in the Surrey championships and matches against various club sides, where we met some well known players, and learnt a lot about the game. Over three weeks we had a great deal of squash, with a short trip down to Bournemouth to play in the squash festival. There we played a round robin Under 19 tournament. We lost to England but beat both Scotland and Wales.
We were pleased with this result, as although only a school team, we trounced two international teams.
It was a great tour and we thank the Rector who kept us in order and all those people involved in its organization.
TENNIS
The second and third quarters have seen a limited number of boys playing quite a number of matches. In the second quarter the 1st IV played in the annual Denness Trophy Competition at Kershaw Park in Pietermaritzburg. R. Chance, L. Kramer, B. England and D. Townsend playing regularly and J. Standish-White replacing England and Chance in two matches. The team came second to Pietermaritzburg College in the competition.
This quarter, the school entered the Appeltiser Bowl Competition, for the first time. The competition is run by Stellenbosch University on a national basis in order to promote tennis at the junior level. D. Townsend and D. Kramer represented the school, winning all but their match against College. As both these players will be eligible next year, we look forward to even greater success.
R. Chance and L. Kramer represented the school in the Natal Schools' Doubles Competition which involved 18 schools. They both played well, but the experience of the Durban players who play far more competitive tennis, did not allow them to win many of their matches.
Congratulations go to L. Kramer on his selection for the Pietermaritzburg Under 18 side which played their Durban counter- parts.
Other than matches played against Hilton, all other tennis has been internal. The housematches were won by Tatham in a final against Baines and the school championships have reached the third round.
Awards: Colours: R. Chance, L. Kramer. Teams: K. Dawson, B. England, R. Hankinson,
J. Standish-White, D. Townsend.
D.B.M.
73 OLD BOYS' SECTION
Dr. J. Harle, Box 279, Vryheid......
M. Kumleben, Atrium Buildings, 21 Elizabeth
Street, Bloemfontein ......
S. Roberts, Box 271, Pietermaritzburg ......
R. Gathorne, Michaelhouse, Balgowan ......
D. P. Atkinson, 16 Portman Avenue, Westville
W. Lambert, Box 677, Pietermaritzburg......
J. Jonsson, Box 367, Pietermaritzburg ......
Lance Knight, Michaelhouse, Balgowan......
F. St. G. Tatham, Box 161, Pietermaritzburg ... Brian Kramer, Box 25, Gingindhlovu ......
BRANCHES:
P. Strachan, Box 430, Durban......
J. A. Whysall, Box 676, Durban ......
E. I. Tatham, Box 161, Pietermaritzburg......
T. Tatham, Box 161, Pietermaritzburg ......
J. Cooke, Box 181, Mooi River, Natal......
B. Christopher, 11 Tatham Street, Ladysmith ...
Dr. R. Richards, P.O. Himeville ......
D. Moffatt, Box 376, Empangeni ......
R. G. Poynton, Box 106, Empangeni ......
J. D. Wilson, Box 306, Johannesburg ......
S. Smythe, Box 306, Johannesburg......
Dr. W. H. Lawrance, Box 11481, Brooklyn,
Pretoria ......
M. Kumleben, Atrium Buildings, 21 Elizabeth
Street, Bloemfontein ...... Buster Mitchell, Box 2226, Cape Town......
A. Kohler, Box 3116, Salisbury ......
P. Cobbett-Tribe, Box 1094, Lusaka ......
A. R. Chapman, Priorsfield, Malthouse Lane,
Kenilworth, CV8 IAD......
D. Atkins, Corner Beech House, Little Shelford, Cambridge, U.K......
President
President-elect Immediate Past President Committee Member Committee Member Committee Member Committee Member Secretary and Treasurer Trustee Trustee
Durban
Durban
Pietermaritzburg
Pietermaritzburg
Natal Midlands
Northern Natal
Drakensberg
Zululand
Zululand
Johannesburg
Johannesburg
Northern Transvaal
O.F.S.
Cape
Rhodesia Zambia
England
England
74 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Minutes of the Sixty-second Annual General Meeting of the Michaelhouse Old Boys' Club held at Michaelhouse on Ascension Day, the 23rd May, 1974, at 11.00 a.m.
The Opening Prayer was said by Canon Victor Shaw who also paid tribute to the late K. M. Pennington.
Present at the Meeting (145) and arrived during the day (73).
D. P. H. Atkinson, T. M. Adnams, K. P. Archibald, R. E. M. Archibald, G. D. Archibald, G. Albu, B. A. Acker, R. E. M. Archibald,
G. W. Boyes, J. M. Byron, D. W. Brandford, F. B. Booth, W. B. Baumann, C. H. H. Barry, A. M. S. Brink, M. C. W. Byron, C. P. Byron, D. M. Barrett, N. C. F. Blerj, C. Brown, D. Button, C. V. Boyes, D. Bradford, P. R. Blore, J. Cooke, K. B. Challinor, G. L. Cheshire, S. C. L. Clarke, R. B. A. Cruikshank, R. O. Clarke, C. J. H. Chance, A. F. G. Cott on,
C. M. Cotton, M. Clark, L. C. Clarkson, M. Cartwright, R. R. Drummond, J. G. Draper, C. B. Davies, S. J. Downes, A. C. Draper, D. N. Deavin, M. Dyer, V. R. Doming, M. K. Elgie, P. C. W. England, P. Francis, L. K. Fleischer, J. A. Fisher, E. M. French, R. Ferguson, R. D. Faircliff, D. C. Gr ice, I. F. G. Gillatt, D. C. Greig, C. M. Greig, E. H. Goodall, C. A. Gould, M. J. Gordon, B. M. Gordon, C. R. Goodwin, J. O. Harle, R. H. Hallowes, K. B. Hallowes, J. E. Harker, P. M. B. Hutt, R. S. P. Howell, M. P. Halliday,
B. Hersov, D. R. H. Harris, R. Hall, R. H. W. Hall, J. Hay, C. A. Huggins, P. Homby, J. Jonsson, J. C. F. Johnstone, D. Jones, H. W. Johnston, J. Jonsson, J. A. Jardine, M. L. Japhet, L. L. Johnson, B. Kramer, L. C. Knight, A. D. Kimber, J. Knight, L. Kolling, G. Kerr,, N. Kerr, W. H. Lawrance, B. Lambert, A. A. Lloyd, W. F. Lambert, W. A. Lombard,
B. A. Law, G. V. Lange, P. E. Laughton, A. B. Lawrence, G. Londer,
D. D. M. Lowe, E. F. Leftwich, A. D. McIntosh, N. Mayer, J. R. McCarthy, I. C. MacMurray, A. J. MacDonald, C. L. Morgan, A. Moxley, R. McBride, T. Moon, L. Moemer, R. R. Mesham, G. McIntosh, P. K. Moxley, G. R. MacGillivray, B. A. Noel, G. W. Owen, D. C. M. Okell, I. C. Okell, G. B. Payn, D. Parkin, G. O. M. Pennington, R. Poynton, A. R. Potter, S. N. Roberts, M. H. P. Rilett, D. J. E. Roberts, J. L. Robinson, J. Rowe Williams, T. J. Rockey, J. Raw, R. Robertson, W. E. Robarts, P. Strachan, E. C. S. R. Saville, P. A. Smith, V. C. C. Shaw, K. W. Strachan, R. M. I. Shacksnovis, A. J. Stevens, V. M. C. Shaw,
I. D. Stoute, T. Scott Barnes, A. B. Schiever, P. Siddons, W. D. Smith, D. J. D. Smith, J. A. Smythe, T. H. Tatham, F. St. G. Tatham, D. W. Turner, J. Thorpe, A. V. Turrell, N. P. Tucker, R. L. Tatham, G. C. Tom- linson, T. C. Fordoff, D. Thorrington Smith, F. van Heijst, J. Whysall, A. H. V. Winter, G. L. Woollatt, A. R. Waller, J. R. Whiting, C. H. Webb, H. Wallace, D. D. White, C. R. WOrrall, C. V. Winter, N. Zaloumis.
Apologies: T. E. B. Hill, Buster Mitchell, D. I. Doull, Mark Kumleben, A. and R. Clive-Smith, D. Turner, A. L. Hall.
75 The President asked those had died during the year (13).
A. F. Lees (29-30)
S. Robertson (68-71)
C. J. Chaplin (03-09)
C. F. Moor (96-01)
J. M. Taylor (26-27)
K. M. Edmunds (06-13)
The Late K. M. Pennington: The to the Meeting: to stand in memory of those who
R. L. Gilson (21-27)
P. Hargraves (58-61)
G. H. Matterson (00-04)
K. M. Pennington (11-14)
G. W. Cumming (30-34)
H. H. McGregor (31-34)
R. Burdon (22-25)
President read the following tribute
Tribute to K. M. Pennington
And now I want to say a few words about K.M.P.-for K.M.P. he was to all of us.
For a span of some 35 years he was a dominant personality on the Staff of this School; and each one of us who passed through the School during his time must have the firmest recollections of K.M.P. anchored in his memory.
I do not want to say much. For much has been said already at the several memorial services held shortly after his death on 23rd January, 1974; and said by people better qualified to speak of K.M.P. than I am.
However, there are proper reasons why the Members of this Club should pay special tribute to him. It was he who blew life into this Club in 1924. It was his personality that established the Annual and ever-growing Pilgrimage of Old Boys to Michaelhouse on Ascension Day-known affectionately to some as the "Feast of Saint Kenneth and All the Old Boys".
It was he who formed the character of this Club and steered the Committees of the Past along a path which has been followed now for just on 50 years. So we do well to remember him.
I want to recite a few simple facts about K.M.P.'s life, for they are more eloquent than any words of tribute that I would speak of him today.
He was born in 1897. He came to Michaelhouse in 1911, and by 1914 he had been awarded his Rugby and his Cricket Colours. The Chronicle of 1914 referred to K.M.P. as "the type of player Natal will want in the future. Keen and understands the game well, does good work in all departments. A useful place kick". In that same issue there appears his three-page article on "A Day After Butterflies".
He collected the Bishop's prize for religious knowledge in Forms V and VI and was a School Prefect.
In 1915, he went to the Natal University College, and in 1917, he was awarded a Rhodes Scholarship. He took this up at Trinity College, Oxford
(after the Great War); and there he captained his College Rugby and Ten nis Teams; and gained the Degrees of Master of Arts and of Bachelor of Civil
Laws.
During that War he was a Captain in the Royal Flying Corps and was awarded the Air Force Cross for distinguished work in Mesopotamia. Indeed, he once explained to me that such was the nature of the aeropla nes
76 he flew in those days, and the high winds in those parts, that he was actually able to fly backwards. And, knowing Ken, that hardly surprised me at all.
In 1922 he was called to the Bar at the Inner Temple; and in the following year he was admitted to the Transvaal and the Natal Bars. How - ever, he regarded Teaching as his vocation; and received a temporary appointment to the Teaching Staff of Michaelhouse in August, 1923. He was the first Old Boy to join the Staff.
In 1923 he married Ruth Frampton, so well known to us and so well loved by us all.
A year later, he was elected Honorary Secretary and Treasurer of this Club, a post he was to hold without interruption for the next thirty-five years. Upon his retirement, he was appointed a Trustee of the Club, and remained a member of the Committee until his death.
During his long career at Michaelhouse, he held the office of Senior Master for twenty-one years. He was acting Rector five times. He was the Housemaster of West for fifteen years. He was Head of the Mathe- matics Department for thirteen years. And Choir Master for seven years.
At one time or another, he was Master in charge of all the major sports; and he was responsible for introducing hockey into the School where, today, it is recognised as a major sport.
He served under five Rectors: Pascoe, Bushel, Currey, Snell, and Morgan. It is small wonder that we came to think of Ken as having spanned the whole history of our School and as being the ultimate repository of all folk lore and fact. A comprehensive point of reference for each one of us.
This is a record surpassed by no one. And woven into that story are the personal recollections which each one of us has, of some kindness or encouragement or enthusiasm. And perhaps even a little Mathematics or the forlorn hope that one might beat him at Squash; bowl him out; dis- cover an undiscovered butterfly; or remember an unremembered name.
Ken made an enormous contribution to Michaelhouse and to this Club. Today, I think it is only proper that we should express our affection for him and all his family, and our keennest sense of loss, by a formal mark of respect. Gentlemen, I ask you to rise and stand in silence for a while in memory of one of Michaelhouse's greatest sons-Kenneth Misson
Pennington.
After which they again stood as a mark of respect.
The President called on the Rector to present his Report. Rector's Report:
Mr. Chairman, Mr. Secretary, Gentlemen,
Thank you for putting me early on the agenda. I must admit this year to a really serious case of colly-wobbles or jim-jams or butterflies, whatev er the correct medical term is for that sinking feeling one has when one gets to one's feet to address an audience of important people on an important occasion. At least this way I can get things over and then sit back and listen to others say their piece. Perhaps you have heard the story of the sorry fellow talking to his mother: "Nobody likes me at school," said he. "The teachers don't, and the youngsters don't, I'm no good at cricket and
77 i rugby and both the caterers and the matron get cross with me. The Inspe ctor wants to transfer me, the School Board has it in for me. I don't want to go." "You have to go," insisted his mother. "You're healthy; you have a lot to learn; you've got something to offer others; you're a leader. Besides, you are forty-nine years old, and you're the headmaster and you have to go to school." Being over fifty doesn't seem to make much difference to me today, I can assure you!
My business is to make a brief statement (I think your notice of Agenda calls it) to you about this school, which owes so much for its well-being to your unfailingly generous support and keen interest. I believ e I am asked to make this statement because you are sincerely interested i n the school as it is running now and as it is seen by those who are respon- sible for running it-or at least as seen by me.
You hear a good deal these days about that 64-dollar question or more pertinently perhaps in our context, that 1 500-rand question: Is a private school education worth the money? It's a good question and one which all parents should face in choosing the educational course their so ns should take.
If I am asked any advice I, not unnaturally, give only one answer, and of course that answer goes hand in hand with the charge of being prejudiced. But there are a number of facts, objective facts, not subjective prejudices, which I am happy and proud to put to you this morning and which should help to defend, indeed, to speak out loud and clear in support of this school.
Two boys, Gould and Clarke, were placed first and second in the Joint Matriculation Board's examinations at the end of last year. Out of nearly 2 000 candidates who wrote this particular exam-and let me add that it is widely and generally held that this exam is a better test of intellectual ability than the other school leaving examinations within this country-these two boys came at the very top. Twenty-eight others of the 84 who wrote the exam here were credited with first class passes, and 34 distinctions were gained in 11 different disciplines. In the "A" level exami na- tions written by our Sixth Formers we had an 89,4 per cent pass level, where the national level in the UK itself over the last five years has averaged out at just under 60 per cent. K. Rasmussen gained distinctions in each of the three subjects he wrote. Then, out of 2 100 entries in the National Youth Science Examination held earlier this year, the top 100 attend a Conference in Pretoria this July, the top 20 go to London for the International Youth Science Fortnight. Michaelhouse gained eight places in the top 100 and two of these, Gould (3rd in S.A.) and Abedein
(10), will go on to London. No other school in the country has done as well.
Next, there is a National Study Conference being organised in Grahams- town by the 1820 Settlers National Monument Foundation this year. The theme is "English Speaking South Africa-an Assessment", and part of the promotion programme has involved the writing of an English essay by boys and girls in the Republic. I do not know how many entries were submitted, but the prizes are so valuable that I am sure there must have been hundreds, if not thousands. The best essay by a boy was written by James Bester here at Michaelhouse.
78 In the National Maths Olympiad last year, out of 2 638 pupils who entered, 92 were chosen for the final round and five of these were Michae l- house boys, one of them, Guy Clarke, eventually being awarded a silver medal for reaching the last ten. This keeps MHS. well ahead of any other school in the R.S.A. I have always said that any school has its good and its bad years in almost any field one cares to define, but the important an d, to me, very satisfactory thing about these facts I have just given you is th at boys with intellectual ability, with good heads, are stimulated here to put their best foot forward, if I may change the metaphor; that although we give full emphasis to developing the whole boy and therefore offer him a wide variety of outlets in which to find fulfilment, this particular avenue- like the Roman roads of yore-sweeps in broad lanes towards the intellec- tual horizon, and it is not unduly cluttered by inroads of other activities demanding a higher priority for expansion and development. For this, thanks must go in large measure to the teaching staff who, despite the restraints and restrictions of examination syllabuses, stimulate the boys t o travel and explore beyond such limitations.
There were twelve matric failures too. What of them? The grape-vine tells me that there was criticism of the school for this, and perhaps with justification. But there is a strong tendency to exend a matric failure into a general failure, to condemn a boy who has failed to clear this particular
academic hurdle as a FAILURE in all aspects and his school, too. I can assure you that by deliberate policy a school can virtually guarantee no academic failures. Equally by deliberate policy it can virtually guarantee a
place to younger brothers and do all it reasonably can to accept sons of
Old Boys. Four of these were younger brothers, another four were sons of Old Boys. Some of them we had advised to repeat the "B" Block, but for various reasons it was felt that our advice could not be taken. What
I would really like to know, and I sincerely invite this comment from those
parents who are concerned, is whether they are dissatisfied with the scho ol's handling of their sons or whether they consider their sons as failures. It is unfair for criticism to be levelled against the school unless this is the case ; and if it is, I wish they would bring their criticism to us here and at least we could re-examine our policy.
Going back to that R1 500 question: you may be interested in certain impressions I formed in England this last holiday when my attention was not glued to squash courts and the performance of our boys in them. Man y parents are clearly reacting strongly to the restriction of their choice in the where's and how's and who's governing their children's education and there is a growing disenchantment with the so-called comprehensive scho ol; and with the Labour Government's threats to remove the subsidy to the Direct Grant schools unless they take positive steps to go comprehensive . I am sure you are familiar with this term and with the educational philosophy that lies behind it; that schools, in a word, should be microco sma of society and so embrace all types, of all sexes . . . well, you know what I mean ... all ranges of ability, all directions of interest (or none, as was being made blatantly evident by many of those being forced to remain at school through the raising of the schol-leaving age).
There is, as I say, a growing disenchantment with the Comprehensive philosophy in that, first, it removes choice in a field where parents cling
79 to their right to choose, no matter what their politics, and, second, in that it means a likely levelling down, at least to the average or mean, or perh aps even mediocre, again a a field where it is generally felt there should be equal opportunity, but certainly not uniformity. Indeed the public (to us, private and independent) schools are enjoying stronger support despite th eir high cost and qualifying entrance requirements. (And incidentally, the suggestion that appeared in the press a little while ago that Michaelhouse was more expensive than England's most exclusive schools is simply not true!)
I have frequently said that society should not shy away from an intellec- tual elite, nor should it shun differences in approach in striving to achieve intellectual excellence. Mr. P. R. T. Nel, our Director of Education here in Natal, endorsed such a view in opening Hilton's new Centenary Centre last week, and a most welcome and encouraging endorsement it was.
Which brings me to our own development here. I hope you'll have an opportunity to see it for yourselves, but without button-holing the builders-we don't want a single brick being delayed in being laid! Inflation has hit us hard, as it has in so many spheres: the Board of Governor has felt compelled to call off the construction of the East Wing of the new quadrangle and the colonnade completion of the Main Quad for the moment, though happily not to alter the original size of the new Agora quad, so that the classrooms planned for that east wing can be built later.
My own conviction that it has been a wise decision to concentrate on academic, cultural developments in this new expansion, and not on incre as- ing our numbers, has been strongly reinforced by the concern in the U.K. and indeed in South Africa, that schools are getting too big, that in doing so they are defeating their own purpose, and are stifling the develo p- ment and motivation of the individual instead of promoting it. The new building is well under way now and I'm happy and grateful to report that the record of the Development Foundation donors to date is extremely sound according to our professional advisers. Indeed, were the pledges made over the next five years not being honoured, our plans would be seriously jeopardised.
I have given considerable emphasis to the academic side of our endeavour here, but would not like you to imagine that the other aspects of educating the whole boy are being neglected. We have had our high- lights on the sports fields too, though the vast numerical superiority of some of our traditional opponents is causing us a slight problem here and there! But two cricketers gained Natal Schools Caps, a hockey player wa s chosen for Natal Schools, a shottist represented Natal at the National Bisley, an athlete was selected to run in a National meeting in Pretoria, a yachtsman came "within a spinnaker" of representing South Africa at the World Junior Championships in Europe; two squash players got into the S.A. Schools squash team, met in the final of the Maritzburg Men's Open Championship, and one of them reached the semi-finals of the und er 19 Championships in the U.K. on the tour there in these past Easter holidays. The MHS. team, incidentally, defeated Wales and Scotland in an International Squash Festival in Bournemouth, but were beaten by England five matches to nil.
The spiritual side is difficult to assess, by its very nature. There is a
80 core of deeply committed Christians; our voluntary services, if not well attended, at least today have congregations of sincere searching Christia ns intent on finding a full faith, a deeper discipleship. BUT taken as a whole the picture, though I suppose no worse than elsewhere, is one of some apathy and indifference.
We are proud here at school of the achievements of a number of our Old Boys, but I shall not go into detail here as this is dealt with later on your Agenda. But I would like to thank those Branches and individual O.M.'s who have helped us so much in such activities as our School tours , careers counselling, preaching in the Chapel, addressing societies and s o on. This contact is invaluable and much appreciated.
I had hoped in preparing this statement to avoid mentioning KMP's death. You will understand why. His loss strikes home more deeply now than it did when I spoke to some of you on New Boys' Day at the start of the year. But, three things compel me to do so. First, my mother particularly asked me to wish you all a happy reunion today. Second, I mentioned earlier how much was owed to the Staff in creating a stimulati ng atmosphere for intellectual fulfilment, but I would like to add some very sincere words of thanks to those same Staff who did so very much to hel p me and the school administratively at a time when I was under some strai n. In particular I wish to mention by name Roy Gathorne, who happens, in addition to his many other responsibilities, to be a member of your Com- mittee. In his typical gracious, thoughtful and thorough way he not only undertook to write the obituary for KMP in the Chronicle, but saw to much else that I would in normal circumstances have tried to handle myse lf.
I am very grateful to him. And, third, I have been so long in replying to the letters of those many Old Boys, so many of whom I see before me now, and who gave me real strength and support by writing so kindly and generously of KMP, that I am filled with shame to see so many who still await replies from me. I am sorry about this but L know you will be patient, and understand that I must put the running of the School first.
One other Staff Old Boy I would like to mention by name. J.L.R., Robbie Robinson, who retires at the end of this year after a life of service to this school-39 years no less! He taught me Science, and many of you others here, no doubt. I am no great scientist, but that's no fault of his. At least I tried and was not one of the two boys in the class who, at the end of a lesson, when asked "Have either of you heard one word of this lesson?" replied "Oh yes, sir"; but when asked the further question "Whic h one?" were struck dumb and had no answer! I know you will all join me in wishing Robbie and Anne, herself a superb teacher here of mathemati cs for many years, a very happy retirement.
Minutes of the 1973 Annual General Meeting
The Minutes of the 1973 Annual General Meeting, which had been circulated in the September Chronicle were taken as read and the Meetin g authorised their confirmation.
President's Report
Gentlemen,
Since the last A.G.M., your Committee has met three times and dealt mainly with routine matters and with one important one.
81 I want to deal with the routine matters, even if they are of little importance to you, partly to reassure you that we have not actually been hibernating, and partly to keep you informed on a number of minor matters. I regret that something of what I have to say smacks faintly of an advertising drive, but you may as well know how your money has gone in the past; and how slowly but surely it is coming back. I will deal with the important matter later.
I deal firstly with the sales of the history of the School. You will recall that the publication of Tony Barrett's book was the Club's main memorial to C. W. Hannah. The Club had 100 de-luxe copies and 2 900 ordinary copies printed at a total cost of R7 900. Of these 76 de-luxe and
1 044 ordinary copies have been sold, bringing in R7 350. So, you will se e that we are rising slowly to the surface. We have had printed, further brochures dealing with this book and a brochure goes out to the parents of each new boy who comes to the School.
Then, the handsome plaques, bearing the School Crest, are going well -in fact, rather better than they arrived. The first batch got "lost on rail" for just on nine months, causing Jo Harle a good deal of worry, since this was his special baby. This initial setback has at least helped to convince us that the plaques are durable, and can safely be despatched by rail to any of you who are patient and are thinking of writing to the Secretary for just one or two.
As you might expect from a Committee of Old J3oys, we have had trouble with women again this year. Mainly, on the issue of whether or not wives and girl friends are, or should be, welcome on Old Boys' Day. This matter raises its pretty head as item 9 of the Agenda today and I do not really want to anticipate things, beyond saying that the Committee takes the view that wives and girl friends should be welcome. Preferably one per O.M., or at least in the alternative. As to those of us who have brought a wife or girl friend along (just in case the decision goes against us later this morning) may I mention that the Secretary has not been over- whelmed by a flood of tear-off slips and R2 cheques. Such a slip appear ed at the foot of the Agenda for today. This, however, is not the end of the matter. Those of us who have not in fact sent in their cheques hoping that they might get in a free lunch, by forgetfulness as it were, are going to have to pay at the door, before their womenfolk can get at the delicious lunches that the School always serves on these occasions.
The Committee has rejected the suggestion that the Club should pub- lish a Directory of Old Boys-an austere sort of "Who's who"-because of prohibitive costs.
Back in the crockery department, you will be glad to hear that we are laying in a stock of 500 beer mugs and 100 Executive ashtrays and 1 00 ordinary ashtrays-I must say, as a non-smoker, executive ash and ordina ry ash smell the same to me.
The amount awarded for the Old Boys Essay Prize has been increased from R6 to R15 if necessary. And in the hope that we are getting value fo r money, we are asking the Editor of the Chronicle either to publish the winning essay; or, he will not do that, at least to send it to the Committee.
Last amongst the routine matters and of importance to those of vou who are making annual contributions to the Permanent Secretary Fund, or are
82 anxious to increase your contributions, I just want to say that the capital of the fund stands at present at R22 220. Annual contributions are of the order of R1 350. It is important that this project should be kept alive and I make an earnest appeal to all Old Boys to continue to support it.
I turn now to the important matter, and that, of course, is the form of the Memorial to K.M.P. As you know, we have launched an appeal and have told Old Boys that the nature of the Memorial will be determine d when we know what funds are available. There has been a degree of criticism of this decision. It has been said seriously and reasonably that we should not have been in a hurry. We should have settled our objective and then appealed for the funds. I can assure you that we considered tha t approach very carefully. May I say, with some diffidence, that I do not think that anything will be gained by debating that decision now. What I do want to say is that so far an amount of R5 433 has come in from 286 donations. This is an encouraging start, and will give your new Committe e an indication of what it is likely to be able to do. Frankly, I am in two minds as to how far we ought to debate the merits of various possibilities now. If anyone wishes to speak on this matter, I hope that he will confine himself to suggesting what he considers to be the most appropriate memorial, and to refrain from expounding on the lack of merit in other suggestions. Suggestions will always be welcome. It may help you if I mention (not in any order of priority) some ideas that have crossed the Committee's mind.
- A memorial scholarship.
- A fountain in the new quadrangle.
- A Squash Court.
- Rugby Stand.
- A Natural History or Environmental Studies Centre.
- A house on the school estate, as the home of the Permanent Secretary/cum Director of the Trust/cum School Archivist.
- The publication of K.M.P.'s book on butterflies.
In the end, I think that it must fall to your Committee to decide which is the best choice in all the circumstances and so, whilst I invite further suggestions, I really very much doubt whether we shall gain anything by making comparisons. And then, when a decision has been taken, I think we might reasonably expect to hear again that ancient prayer "a little mor e pressure in the rear Michaelhouse". In this spirit, I am quite sure that we shall achieve a fine memorial. That deals with the Club's affairs during the year.
Finally, I want to mention one last matter. A sad one and inevitable. But one that I think might give us pause so that we might cease from considering the busy Present and look down the long-or is it short?- History of our School. C. F. Moor, whose name appears as the second entry of a scholar at Michaelhouse, died in July last year. If one reflects how far the School progressed during his lifetime alone, then I think we should look to the future with confidence and expect the members of this Club to play an ever-increasing role in the future of this country, amongst all races.
Gentlemen, I have pleasure in submitting this report for adoption. It is now open for discussion.
83 The Rector having recused himself from the Meeting, the President's Report was thrown open for discussion in regard to the K. M. Pennington
Memorial Fund. The incoming Committee was asked to enquire into the position as regards the publishing of the book on butterflies.
There was strong feeling that a target figure should be fixed as soon as possible. Although it was expressed that a bursary would be more suitable than a tangible memorial it was pointed out that under the specifi c circumstances a tangible one would be in better keeping. The incoming Committee was asked to make a decision at its next meeting.
Treasurer's Report
Mr. President, Rector, Gentlemen:
A copy of the Accounts is tabled in the Library, where you will also see the History of the School, Plaques and sample crockery that will be o n sale during the coming year.
The Income and Expenditure Account for the year shows a surplus of R1 253,42 as compared with R366 last year. This increase is accounted f or by the fact that last year we wrote-off Bad Debts in an amount of R181 and although the cost of Addressplates, Bank Charges, Postages and Stationery were higher than last year, the cost of the printing of the two Chronicles was slightly less. These facts, together with an increase of jus t on R500 on our Income side, made up of a slight increase in the interest received from the Permanent Secretary Fund, Life Subscriptions and Clothing Commission, which is now really a profit as we are handling the stocks ourselves. The final result of a surplus of R1 253 is, in my opinion, very satisfactory.
In regard to the Specified Funds, you will see that the Diamond Jubilee Insurance Fund, i.e. those monies accumulated from the Paid Up
Policies held by the Club and as yet not handed over to the School authorities, increased by an amount of R475,44, bringing the balance as at the end of the financial year to R920; R16 600 has already been handed over to the School. During the course of this year and next a few more policies fall due, some of which are larger than we have had previously. In fact one taken out in 1954 for £500 falls due in August and will bring in to this Fund R2 000.
The balance in the Hudson Bennett Golf Fund is gradually increasing as Maritzburg have taken over the running of the day and are managing to meet all expenses so the interest accruing is. at present, not being use d. Hie Permanent Secretary Fund contributions received during the year amounted to R1 354, so you will see that your donations of R2 and R3 do help considerably. The interest received from the Fund was R1 835, whic h is used as income for the Club. This Fund now stands at R22 220.
The K.M.P. Memorial Fund stood at R3 364 as at the 31st March and to-day is R5 433 and is still increasing.
That, Gentlemen, concludes my report for the year ended 31st March, 1974.
The Meeting authorised the adoption of the Accounts and Balance Sheet. They again expressed grateful thanks to the Hon. Auditor for the work he had done during the year.
84 Election of Officers, 1974/75:
President: Dr.-J. Harle.
President-elect: M. Kumleben.
Immediate Past President and Hon. Vice-President: S. Roberts.
Secretary and Treasurer: L. C. Knight.
Committee Members: R. Gathorne, D. P. Atkinson, W. Lambert and J. Jonsson.
Trustee: Brian Kramer.
(Trustees now are F. St. G. Tatham and B. Kramer.)
Election of New Members:
Adams, D. J. (70-73) Adnams, B. (69-73) Aitchison, R. W. (70-73) Alexander-Case, R. J. (69-73) Anderson, J. R. D. (70-73) Anderson, P. F. C. (70-73) Armstrong, M. R. (71-73) Arnold, A. C. (70-73) Badham, M. R. (69-73)
Bell, J. H. (72-73)
Blackman, M. J. (70-73) Blanckenberg, M. A. (69-73) Botha, G. J. (69-73) Bramwell, D. C. (70-73) Byron, C. P. (70-73)
Clarke, G. S. (69-73)
Cloete, M. B. (68-73) Courtenay, M. T. (69-73) Crockett, R. L. (68-73) Curson, N. P. (70-73) Dickens, I. C. M. (70-73)
Du Plessis, T. S. (69-73) Engel, G. C. (70-73)
Fawcett, P. C. (70-73) Ferguson, L. D. (68-73)
Fox, C. W. (70-73)
Goddard, S. H. (70-73) Halsted, R. G. (70-73)
Harle, S. C. (69-73)
Harris, P. J. (69-73)
Henson, P. W. R. (69-73) Hey, J. D. (69-73)
Hoare, R. E. T. (68-73) Hodson, D. J. (69-73) Holliday, T. J. (70-73)
Jacks, S. A. (69-73)
Jackson, M. C. (69-73) Japhet, M. L. (69-73) Jardine, R. A. (68-73)
McKerron, N. H. (70-73)
Meyer, J. M. (69-73)
Mills, R. H. (69-73)
Milne, A. S. (70-73)
Moerner, L. (70-73)
Morkel, P. G. (70-73)
Noel, B. A. (70-73)
Orford, C. C. (69-73)
Perkins, D. R. (70-73)
Phillips, J. S. (70-73)
Pollard, D. A. (70-73)
Quinton, C. V. (69-73) Randleff-Rasmussen, K. J. (70-73) Shaw, V. M. C. (68-73)
Sirton, I. H. S. (70-73)
Slater, C. P. (69-73)
Smythe, J. A. (69-73)
Strachan, J. C. (69-73)
Strubcn, E. A. M. (69-73) Taylor, A. C. W. (70-73)
Thorpe, S. L. (70-73)
Todd, P. A. (69-73)
Toft, M. R. (69-73)
Tordoff, S. G. (69-73)
Turner, A. P. D. (70-73)
Wacher, L. J. (70-73)
Whitehead, J. (68-73)
Winter, C. V. (70-73)
Youngleson, N. J. (69-73) Scott-Barnes, A. D. (71-73) Culverwell, J. A. (69-73)
Greig, C. M. (70-73)
Gowans, D. R. (61-64)
Pitman, A. S. K. (44-48)
Lowe, S. R. (67-69)
Arkwright, P. M. (67-70) Morphew, P. P. (69-73) Devenport, J. (70-73)
Tordoff, T. (70-73)
85 Johnson, D. G. (70-73) Kelbe, D. M. L. (70-73) Kelly, B. S. (69-73)
Kirk, R. K. D. (69-73) Lawrie, G. H. (69-73) Leftwich, E. F. (68-73) Lombard, W. A. (70-73) Luther, R. G. (68-73) MacMurray, I. C. (69-73) Maxwell, A. J. (71-73)
Ruffel, C. A. (68-72) Hull, H.C. (72-73) Hoption, T. J. (69-73) Brereton, R. J. (68-71) Munro, M. (68-73)
Kirsten, V. O. (Staff) Norberg, C. B. (Staff)
MacMillan, R. G.
The Meeting unanimously supported the proposal of Prof. R. G. MacMillan as an Hon. Member in recognition of his services to the School as a member of the Board of Governors for some years.
BRANCH REPORTS
Johannesburg
REPORT OF THE MICHAELHOUSE OLD BOYS' CLUB (Southern Transvaal Branch) to be presented at the General Meeting of the Club to be held on the 23rd May, 1974.
In the last Report of the Branch we stated that we had plenty of plans for the coming year and expressed the hope that there would also be action. We are happy to report that there has, in fact, been a certain amount of activity.
The hight-light of the year was the Sunday morning party to which the whole Michaelhouse Community were invited on October 7th at Dere k and Rosemary Krause's farm about half-way between Johannesburg and
Pretoria. Thanks to the early rains the gardens were looking like a show piece and the setting could not have been more attractive. O.M. Hugh Harker opened the proceedings with a short Service and thereafter the most important feature was an address by the Rector, who nobly broke into his seaside holiday in order to be there. A number of wives provided very excellent solids, while the liquids were also supplied by an Old Boy (no advertising). As usual those who dragged themselves to the function enjoyed themselves greatly but the attendance of about 150 was not as good as might have been expected.
Shortly after that, on 5th November, the Branch made its first venture into assisting people less well-off than our own members. We sponsored the show called "Funz-a-poppin" at the Brooke Theatre. Once again all the work was done by a handful of people but we nearly filled the house and were able to hand over R1 170 to Santa.
The usual new boys' party was held at the home of Ken and Geraldine Witthaus. This little function is always a success and we consider it to be one of the most valuable efforts made by the Club.
We have played hockey against Inanda Jackals and cricket and golf against Hilton. In both the latter games Hilton fought a good losing battle.
Finally, under the mantle of the Branch, we provide a liaison officer for Brian Law to assist him in organising the Easter and VI Form School tours.
In our last Report we described the General Meeting held in August, 1972, when we had a nought nought comma three per cent poll for electi on
86 of office-bearers. With this discouraging result no attempt was made to h old a General Meeting in 1973. but on the 9th May this year a further attempt was made. As bait we offered members beer and food at a moderate price and a film of the Munich Olympic Games. This produced approxi- mately a 950% improvement as 19 members attended. The Chairman, who was trying to retire, was not allowed to do so but the remaining essential posts were filled and the Branch will stagger on for at least a further year.
To be realistic, there appears to be very little interest in the Club in Johannesburg. Rightly or wrongly, everybody in Johannesburg considers himself to be very busy and when it comes to the Old Boys' Club activitie s the priority is pretty low. The only time that members respond well is when we have an Appeal for Michaelhouse. In other words, if they can see a worth-while aim, they are willing, with a little prodding, to do some- thing. Perhaps our training here to think independently and critically diminishes the herd instinct, and interest in the Club is in inverse proporti on to the increased sophistication of our members. The role of the Johannes - burg Branch, and perhaps the Club as a whole, requires some critical re-examination.
Durban
DURBAN BRANCH-REPORT TO A.B.M. ON 23rd MAY, 1974.
Mr. President, Gentlemen,
This Branch has had reasonably smooth sailing since last Old Boy Day, with a variety of interests undertaken or discussed and in all the Committ ee has met eight times since then.
The Branch A.G.M. and Dinner was held at the Blue Waters Hotel on 30th November, and we were very happy to have the Rector with us and to have him reply to the toast to the Board. This was proposed by Mr. Justice (otherwise Douglas) Shearer in an extremely good and witty after-dinner speech and we are grateful to these two distinguished Old B oys for having contributed to a most pleasant occasion.
In retrospect, the dinner was also a very sad one. K.M.P. once again made the journey to be with us and it was to be the last time that many of us had contact with him. Condolences were written at the time of his death but we would like to take this opportunity of associating ourselves with all that has been said to-day about K.M.P.
Once again this year we repeated our practice of having a get-together for "new parents"-that is, those who had had no prior contact with the school. A booze-up was held at the Durban Country Club on the evening of 22nd February this year and was attended by practically all eligible paren ts, who appeared to enjoy themselves-a fact subsequently confirmed when we received the bill. This is the second successive year that we have held a "new parents" function and whilst the form might change from time to time , I would say that the concept is now firmly established in our Branch.
I am happy to report that we have arranged a Michaelhouse Com- munity Church Service at St. Thomas', Durban, for St. Michael's Day, Sunday, 29th September, which will be attended by the Rector and Mrs. Pennington and the Rev. and Mrs. Clark, and we are grateful to them for having so readily agreed to be with us. May I use this forum to serve advance notice of the function and to extend a warm invitation to all
87 O.M.'s and wives who will be in Durban on that day. This even includes the Transvaal members, in the true spirit of Christian Charity.
Sporting activities have followed the normal pattern. The Hudson Bennett Golf Tournament was won in August by a Durban team, and we confidently anticipate a repeat this year. The D. A. Chapman Competition against Hilton was held on 3rd March at Circle Country Club and we were able to reverse last year's defeat.
Happily we were able to revive the Annual Cricket Match against Hilton. This was played in April at Lahee Park, Pinetown, and whilst a good number of the Natal Provincial side consists of O.M.'s, we were not able to muster enough of them to avoid defeat. However, the occasion was extremely pleasant and will be repeated next year.
We have once again offered our services to the School in the area of Career guidance, and look forward to being of some help in this field. We are in touch with the Careers Master, and will be sending four members up in September to conduct a seminar.
Our Membership continues to grow, standing now at some 600, and our finances are sound.
Mr. President, that concludes my report to this Annual General Meeting.
P. STRACHAN.
Maritzburg
Jeremy Jonsson reported that a dinner had been held attended by 114 people and the guest speaker was Chief Buthelezi. The Hudson Bennett Golf was another successful day held on the first Sunday in August. Pete r Francis had a field day which included the "Kehla" Cup. The Branch A.G.M. was held last week and, after a recommendation by the Committe e that a sub. of R5 per annum and R1 for those under 25 had been turned down, the Committee resigned en bloc and a new Committee was elected . The old Committee wishes them the best of luck in the future!
Zululand
Brian Kramer stated that a combined luncheon with the Community was held at Dr. Don Clark's house in Eshowe, at which the guest speaker s were Francois Marais and Harry Pitman. A sporting day was also held wit h representatives of other Old Boys' Clubs. The new Committee appointed is Doug. Moffatt, Chairman, and Ralph Poynton, Secretary. Natal Midlands
Jeremy Cooke reported that at the moment the Branch is rather static. The Chairman has resigned and a new one will be appointed shortly.
Congratulatory Letters
The following names were accepted by the A.G.M.:
Dr. R. A. Dyer First S.A. Medal for Botany,
A. C. Draper Rhodes Scholar.
Rt. Rev. B. B. Burnett Archbishop of Cape Town.
R. Enthoven M.P.
G. McIntosh M.P.
W. D. Wilson Hon. Dr. Law, Wits. University.
88 Old Boys' Day-Wives
The Meeting adopted the Resolution as set out in the Secretary's letter.
Mr. A. A. Lloyd congratulated the President on the handling of the whole Meeting and the Meeting unanimously proposed a sincere vote of thanks to the chair.
The Meeting rose at 12.40 p.m.
L. C. KNIGHT.
30th May, 1974.
List of Recipients of Congratulatory Letters 1948:
L. L. Egeland Prof. E. M. Burchell M. H. Silk Dr. D. A. Edington
A. J. Poynton J. T. Scogings R. S. Bell
A. M. Barrett
R. F. Pennington
1949:
L. E. Hall
B. Fieldsend
F. Junod
P. Taylor P. A. Dobson
Union High Commissioner in London.
Chair of Law, Wits. University.
Lecturer Science, Rhodes University. Lecturer Medicine, Cape Town.
Lecturer Science, Ajax University, Toronto. Lecturer Geology, Natal University.
M.P. Elsie Ballot Scholar.
CapL Oxford University Squash Team.
First O.M. M.P.C.
Rhodesian Rhodes Scholar Natal Elsie Ballot Scholar. Springbok Rugger Trials, Pretoria. First O.M. Springbok Hockey.
1950:
R. P. M. Holliday S. R. Fleischer
1951:
D. Clark
N. B. F. (Tufty) Mann R. Butcher J. M. Pennington Rev. Eric Pennington
Elsie Ballot Scholar.
President, Chamber of Mines.
First O.M. Athletic Springbok.
Springbok Cricket.
President, Durban Chamber of Commerce. Fullbright Trav. Scholarship to America. First O.M. to send four sons to MHS.
1952:
Vernon Inman Fraser Alexander Peter Harker Peter Lissaman
G. H. le May
H. Lydall Buddy Chaplin
Bishop of Natal and Chairman of MHS. Board. Ordination as Priest, Tvl.
Ordination as Priest, Natal.
Elsie Ballot Scholar. Fellowship of Balliol College, Oxford. Fellowship of St. Peter's Hall, Oxford.
Selected for four tests against Argentine polo team.
89 1953:
J. B. M. David R. J. D. Acheson J. B. Macaulay D. Atkins
D. Visick
D. G. Truscott
1954:
R. Butcher
Prof. E. M. Burchell .
Prof. G. H. le May
A. S. Pitman N. James
I. Lloyd
Chick Henderson Kim Elgie Bruce Keyter
1955:
L. M. Thompson J. Brand
F. St. G. Tatham P. Taylor R. Eriksen R. Carte
B. Archibald
1956:
P. Nicholas R. C. Bromley J. C. G. Walker
A. A. Lloyd P. Taylor W. Butcher
1957:
Neville James J. L. Lister C. B. Cottrell
D. R. Kirkpatrick R. J. Camerer
D. J. Everett
Dr. J. Parker M. Winter
P. Taylor
Elsie Ballot Scholar, Natal.
Rhodes Scholar, Rhodesia.
Q.C., Natal Bar.
George Medal.
Chairman, Central Council of Land Surveyors, S.A.
Headmaster, Kingsway High School.
M.P.
Prof. Law, Natal University.
New Chair of Local Government and Public Administration, Wits. University.
Rhodes Scholar.
Q.C., Natal Bar.
Union Board of Trade.
Regular appearances for Scotland at Rugby. Regular appearances for Scotland at Rugby. Natal Open Golf Champion.
Associate Prof. History, Cape Town Univ. Lecturership in Science, Glasgow University. Command of N.F.A.
Capt. Natal Rugby.
President of Motor Traders Assoc, of S.A. Mayor of Durban.
M.P.C.
George Medal. Rhodes Scholar.
Robin Line Scholarship, Yale University. Director, S.A. Sugar Association.
Selected for S.A. Rugby Trials.
Selected for S.A. Rugby Trials.
Judge, Natal Supreme Court.
President of Law Society of S.A.
Beit Scholarship, Cambridge University. Chamber of Mines Scholarship, Wits. Univ. Chamber of Mines Scholarship, Wits. Univ. Four years Fellowship to Atomic Research Stations of Britain.
Director of Medical Services, Natal.
Rescue of distressed or fatally injured climbers in the Drakensberg.
Leadership Natal Currie Cup Rugby side.
90 1958:
B. B. Burnett
E. Simpson
Dr. M. McGregor S. Maaske
C. Wiley C. Burger
C. Melville R. Scott
1959:
L. Hall
A. Cross P. Brown
E. Mans
B. Young
B. Montgomery N. Smith
A. Roberts
1960:
F. Mitchell-Innes K. M. Pennington Eric Pennington Hugh McGregor
Douglas Shaw W. D. Wilson
1961:
W. H. Evans
C. B. Cottrell
Rev. T. Wood David Woods
1962:
Kim Elgie K. M. Pennington Rhys Evans Anson Lloyd
1963:
Tony Ardington David Woods Bruce Jackson Kelly Seymour Giles Henderson
Brian Young
Bishop of Bloemfontein.
Prof. of Geology, Cape Town University. Lecturership at McGill University, Canada. Lecturership in Geology, Stellenbosch Univ. President Johannesburg Stock Exchange. Springbok Cricket Colours.
Cricket Blue, Oxford.
Rugby Blue, Cambridge.
Chairman Natal Prov. Council.
Dean of Bloemfontein.
National Chairman of the Liberal Party.
C.B.E., Group Captain, R.A.F.
Group Captain, R.A.F.
Rugby Blue, Oxford University. Springbok Hockey.
Springbok Hockey.
Senior Judge of Beef Cattle.
Chairman Private Schools Association.
Sub-Dean of Maritzburg.
First Chairman of St. Martin's School Board, Johannesburg.
Q.C.
Chairman of the Standing Committee of Con- ference Schools.
Chief Civil Engineer, S.A.R. Ph.D. Cambridge and Fellowship of the Univ. of Rhodesia and Nyasaland.
Vicar of Karkloof.
Oppenheimer Scholarship at Rhodes and East- ern Province Squash Champion.
Springbok honours.
Fellow Associate at Michaelhouse. Winning Holden Award.
Leading Sugar Delegation in London.
Rhodes Scholar.
Rhodes Scholar.
Rowing Blue.
Springbok colours.
Wits. Council of Education, Scholarship to Oxford.
Air Commodore, R.A.F.
91 E. J. Morris Norman Smith Tony Roberts John Roberts J. C.R. Fieldsend
1964:
M. Seymour
A. Evans
D. Bostock
G. Clothier J. Roberts Rev. Harker Brian Young
1965:
Humphrey Nicholls K. L'Estrange
D. Stainbank
B. Archibald Ian Lloyd
E. Hudson Bennett Dr. W. H. Lawrance R. Gathorne Derek Varnals David Woods
1966:
Rex Pennington Paul Nash K. M. Pennington
1967:
Mike Youngleson Paul Nash Roy Gathorne Douglas Shaw
D. W. Turner T. E. B. Hill Dr. M. McGregor
1968: Tim Woods Bruce Fieldsend John Fieldsend T. W. F. Harris
F. B. K. Tucker
Rex Pennington Paul Nash
Vice-Marshal, R.A.F. Springbok Hockey colours. Springbok Hockey colours. Springbok Hockey colours. Judge, Southern Rhodesia.
Springbok Cricket.
Rhodes Scholar, O.F.S.
Rhodes Scholar, Transvaal.
Sea Rescue bringing credit to the School. Captain S.A. Hockey Team.
Archdeacon of Zululand.
Command of a special post.
Rhodes Scholar.
M.P.C.
M.P.C.
M.E.C.
British Conservative M.P.
President S.A. Inst, of Architects.
Bronze Medal of the Medical Ass. of S.A. Senior Master, Michaelhouse.
Springbok Cricketer.
Captain Oxford Squash Team.
Vice-Principal, Bishops.
Springbok Athletic colours.
President of the Entomological Society of Southern Africa. Rep. S.A. at International Fishing Competition. Continued success at Athletics.
Manager S.A. Schools Cricket side.
Chairman, Bar Council of S.A.
29 years Secretary, Midlands Branch, M.O.B.C. Various successes with Friesland Stud.
Head of the Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal.
Rhodes Scholar.
Rector of Peterhouse.
Judge, Rhodesian Supreme Court.
Ph.D. Oceanography Research.
Springbok Colours S.A. National Rally Driving championship, 1966. Awarded Ken Lee Trophy. Rector of Michaelhouse.
Equalled World Record 100 Metres.
92 1969:
W. G. T. Chaplin President of Law Societies of S.A.
Dr. David Woods Appointed to Rhodes University Staff.
Douglas Shearer Judge, Natal Provincial Division.
Kenneth Hallowes Suffragan Bishop of Natal.
J. B. Macaulay Judge, Rhodesian High Court.
Pickard-Cambridge Best man-at-arms Inter-Prov. Gymkhana Cham- pionships (Tent-pegging), 1968 Springbok Colours.
Peter Francis Hon. Col. Natal Carbineers.
F. St. G. (Bobs) Tatham Hon. Col. Natal Field Artillery.
1970:
Neville James John Whiting
B. B. Burnett A. Burnett A. Tonkyn G. Draper
C. Archibald
Judge President of Natal.
President Institute of Estate Agents, S.A. Bishop of Grahamstown.
Rhodes Scholar.
Rhodes Scholar.
Umpiring International Cricket Matches. Springbok Hockey.
1971:
M. Braun T. Seymour Anson Lloyd I. Garland R. Enthoven
Rep. Rhodesia on Hockey Tour of Europe. Rhodes Scholar, Natal.
Chairman S.A. Sugar Association.
Hon. M.Sc. Natal University.
M.P.C
1972:
L. Thompson Mike Harvey Exton Burchell David Oscroft Tim Woods Prof. van Hasselt P. Kemple R. Hensman
C. Kearns Tim Seymour Peter Ardington Duchesne Grice
1973:
A. M. Barrett Dr. D. Standing
A. M. Rosholt Rex F. Pennington J. R. Harker J. M. Burchell
Prof. History, Yale University.
Captain Springbok Polo.
Doctor's Degree, Natal University.
Abe Bailey Scholarship.
Oxford Blue, Hockey.
Chair of Anaesthesiology, Wits. University. Rhodesian International Polo.
Rhodesian International Polo.
Rhodesian International Polo.
Oxford Blue, Rugby.
Theiler award at Onderstepoort National President of the Institute of Race
Relations.
Prof. of Education, Natal University.
O.B.E.
Development Foundation.
Development Foundation.
Springbok Colours, Swimming.
Elsie Ballot Scholarship.
93 1974:
Dr. R. A. Dyer A C. Draper Rt. Rev. B. B. Burnett R. Enthoven
G. McIntosh W. D. Wilson
First S.A. Medal for Botany. Rhodes Scholar.
Archbishop of Cape Town M.P.
M.P.
Hon. Dr. Law. Wits. University.
94 IN MEMORIAM
We record, with regret, the deaths of the following Old Boys and extend to their relatives our deepest sympathy.
Burdon (22-25) Russell was bom in Karkloof and entered the School from Cordwalles. He was a School Prefect and played for the 1st and 2nd XV. In World War II he was a lieutenant in the 2nd Anti-Tank Regiment and was taken prisoner in the Western Desert in 1942. He was a senior partner in a Durban firm of Chartered Accountants. His greatest love was Polo which he started playing at the age of 17 and represented the Durban A Side. By the 30's he had established a formidable polo reputation by winning five successive South African Championships. Russell died at the age of 68 and was regarded as South Africa's best known polo player. For many years he was the backbone of the Polo Associations' training programme. He was awarded Springbok colours.
Crawford (Hon. 26) Osborne died in April this year. He taught for seven years at Michaelhouse during the twenties then joined the Government Service. He later joined the staff of Pearson High School in Port Elizabeth where he remained until his retirement in 1958. He continued living in Port Elizabeth until his death.
MacGregor (31-34) Hugh won a Scholarship to the School and was a House Prefect. He did an Engineering degree at Wits. He was the chairman of Delta Metal Holdings and of Vickers S.A. Ltd., and was a director of McKechnie Brothers, London, Botswana Development Corporation, Makden Holdings and Maksal Tubes, to name a few. He was also a founder member of the Witwatersrand University Mining Engineer's Association and served on the School Boards of St. Martin's and Maru A. Pula School in Botswana. He was a church warden at St. Mary's Cathedral in Johannesburg and served on numerous church committees. He produced the now well known McGregor Report which dealt with clergy stipends.
95 Hamilton (19-24) Douglas died in Durban in June this year at the age of 67. He was born in the Cape but spent most of his childhood in Natal. After leaving school he attended Pretoria University where he read for a Bachelor of Science (Agriculture) degree, majoring in citrus. Shortly after leaving University he joined Suncrush Ltd. in Durban. In 1932 he opened a branch of the firm in Johannesburg where he remained for 27 years. After this branch was sold he returned to Durban as managing director of the firm and was appointed chairman four years later. He was well known in racing circles and owned a string of race horses. In 1960 he was appointed a steward of Clairwood Turf Club.
Rose (24-27) Giles died recently in Johannesburg. After leaving school he went farming until the war. He was a prisoner-of- war for three years during which time he escaped twice. On his return he worked for the Veterinary Department in Natal until 1952, and for the next 15 years for the Botswana Veterinary Dept. He then moved to the S.P.C.A. in Johannesburg. This highlights his love of animals and nature. In his younger days he was a keen sportsman, having been an excellent polo player and a good cricketer.
Vaughan (07-11) Ivor was educated at Ripley Court Prep. School, Surrey before coming to Michaelhouse. He distinguished himself at an early age in the sporting field. After World War I, in which he served with the Natal Carbineers and later with the 3rd Dragoon Guards, he commenced farming at Eaglescliff in the Underberg district in 1925. Having been instrumental in forming the Ottos Bluff Polo Club, it was natural that he should set about forming the successful Underberg Polo Club which he captained for many years. He was a keen trout fisherman and it is fitting that a much used trout fly bears his name. His interests were many and varied and he served on the committees of most of the associations in the district. He was a loyal member of the Anglican Church and during his office as church warden and treasurer of the Anglican Church parish the present beautiful stone church was built in spite of many difficulties. He died recently at the age of 80.
Scott (30-33) Terry died recently on his farm at Bergville where he farmed all his life. He came here from Cordwalles and was a House Prefect in Farfield. He was awarded 1st XI honours. During World War II he was a lieutenant in the Natal Mounted Rifles and was a prisoner-of-war for three years.
96 Taylor (40-43) Peter, after a long illness, died in Durban in September. At Cordwalles he was the first pupil to hold 10 athletics records at one time. He was scrum-half in the 2nd XV. During World War II he served in the Artillery in Italy. His name was synonymous with Natal rugby in the 1950's. When he retired in 1959 he had played for the province for 12 years, captained the side 49 times and made a then record number of 68 appearances in Natal colours. Though widely regarded as one of the South Africa's best number eight forwards of that era, he never won a Springbok cap but had one consolation representative game when he captained a Junior Springbok team against the 1958 French touring side. He was a partner in a firm of Quantity Surveyors in Durban.
Jackson (54-57) Bruce was tragically killed in a flying accident. After leaving school he studied Civil Engineering at Wits. University obtaining his B.Sc. in 1962. He then read Economics at Clare College Cambridge and obtained his M.A. (Hons.). He was awarded a Rowing Blue. He was connected with the construction of the Hendrik Verwoerd Dam and Motorways in the Transvaal.
Savy (48 - 50) Mike was believed lost when on December 11,
1973 piloting himself on a flight between Mahe and Praslin in the Seychelles Islands, he reported ditching out of fuel in severe storm conditions. He was born in Seychelles February 1933. During the war he was evacuated to Kenya and Dar es Salaam completing his education at Michaelhouse where he was a keen cricketer and played for first XV. Always a keen sportsman he was a professional diver on the new port at Dar es Salaam and started a scuba diving club and service in Seychelles on his return with a keen interest in tropical fish which he exported to aquariums. He was vitally interested in ideas new to the Seychelles and shortly after the islands received their first airport he started and was founder President of a flying club in Mahe. He played an active role in his father's export/import and insurance agencies introducing and modernising handling methods. As a measure of his community involvement he was elected President of the Rotary Club of Victoria Seychelles.
97 HUDSON BENNET GOLF TOURNAMENT
1974
This event was held, in ideal conditions at Maritzburg Country Club, on Sunday afternoon, 4th August 1974. Teams representing Durban, Pietermaritzburg, Midlands and the Staff competed for the very handsome Hudson Bennett Trophy, which was won by Durban "A" (G. Cheshire; D. Parkin; D. Lee; J. Wilson) from joint runners-up Durban "B" (J. C. F. Johnstone; J. Harker; J. Dougall; C. Armstrong) and the Governors (G. Boyes; R. Collins; B. Oscroft; E. H. Bennett).
Winners of the individual trophies were:
Ken Drysdale Memorial Trophy (Best Nett): E. H. Bennett (70)
Kehla' Trophy (Stableford-only those over 60 years of age qualify) F.
B. Oscroft (33)
Rhys Evens Trophy (Best Gross): G. Cheshire (76)
Mr. Boyes, the new chairman of the Board of Governors, kindly presented the prizes.
The day was thoroughly enjoyed by the 52 competitors, and in this regard the members, Secretary and staff of the Maritzburg Country Club must again be thanked for their courtesy and assistance.
DIAMOND JUBILEE INSURANCE SCHEME
As a number of O.M.'s have requested details of this Scheme I have prepared the following statement setting out the position.
Extract from the Minutes of the A.G.M. of the 31/5/35:
"Item 7. Jubilee Insurance Scheme."
The Secretary explained that the idea was to persuade members to insure themselves in favour of the Club so that a large sum would be available for the benefit of the School at its Diamond Jubilee celebrations, the time remaining before its Jubilee eleven years being considered too short a time for the Club to derive the full benefits of the scheme. S.A. Mutual had supplied figures which showed that on the payment of an average of R2,25 p.a. the maturity value of a R50 policy with profits would be R77,30. The Scheme seemed to offer conditions which we should not miss. After general discussion it was proposed by Mr. M. H. Brown, seconded by R. E. Bell, that the Scheme should be adopted and proceeded with immediately. Mr. E. Greene further suggested that names be obtained that day of those willing to support it. The Secretary was therefore instructed to conclude negotiations with a company.
The Balance Sheet of 1942 shows that Policies were paid-up to an amount of R218,90. In 1948 the Policies paid-up had reached the R1 000 mark. In 1956 from 117 Policies only the amount had increased to R6 602,92 and in 1957 to R9 863,89.
98 At the A.G.M. on 3/6/57 it was resolved, after the President had reported that the Fund had now accumulated to more than RIO 000, that (i) The Funds held by the M.H.S. Old Boys' Club on behalf of the Diamond Jubilee Insurance Fund be handed to the Governors of Michaelhouse in Trust and that a Committee consisting of K. M. Pennington, L. C. Knight and A. T. Tatham be authorised to draw up a Deed of Trust vesting the Funds in the Governors of M.H.S. for the purpose of providing bursaries for the sons of M.H.S. Old Boys and
(ii) further that K.M.P. in his capacity as Secretary of the Old Boys' Club be authorised and empowered to appear before a Notary Public in P.M.B. to execute the said Deed of Trust on behalf of the M.H.S. Old Boys' Club.
Arising out of this at the A.G.M. held on 21/5/58 the Hon. Sec. explained that the Trust Deed had been signed by the Bishop and himself on behalf of the Board of Governors as Trustees and the Club as donors respectively, and that Rll 700 had been transferred to the Trustees of the M.H.S. Diamond Jubilee Fund.
In 1966 a further R900 was transferred and R4 000 in 1972. The total amount transferred is R16 600.
At the present time there is an amount of R3 821,32 standing to the credit of the Fund in a Building Society.
Twenty-two Old Boys' sons have received financial assistance from the scheme.
The S.A. Mutual point out that anyone to-day taking out a similar policy at the age of 30 maturing in 20 years at a premium of R56,20 p.a. would realise an estimated ma turity value of R2 300.
L. C. KNIGHT.
K. M. PENNINGTON MEMORIAL FUND
This Fund now stands at approximately R6 500. Your Committee are at present going into various suggestions which have been made as to what form this Memorial should take. A further Meeting of the Committee will be held in November when it is hoped a decision will be reached.
L.C.K.
99 PERSONAL NEWS
ARCHBISHOP OF CAPE TOWN
Bill Bendyshe Burnett
31-35
Bill was born at Koffiefontein in the Free State and entered Michaelhouse from Bishop's Prep. Cape Town. In 1935 he was head of Founders. He then went to Rhodes University, and St. Paul's Theological College, Grahamstown. From there to Queen's College, Birmingham. During World War II he was taken prisoner but after 15 months managed to escape.
He was School Chaplin from 50-54 in 1957 was consecrated Bishop of Bloemfontein. Ten years later he was appointed Bishop of Grahamstown. He was secretary of the South African Council of Churches for two years.
He is the first South African-born, educated and trained clergyman to become Archbishop of the Church of the Province of South Africa
The Synod of Bishops took only five minutes to confirm the Elective Assembly's choice-an indication of his popularity.
Being a Church School we are proud of his achievement in becoming the Head of the Anglican Church in this country and he is the first O.M. to be appointed to this high office.
We wish him and Sheila every success in their arduous task.
Barrett 42-45 Michael left Kenya in 1965 to settle in England. He is a Civil Servant in the Ministry of Defence Mapping and Charting Establishment-the organisation that makes maps for the Army and Air Force and has a desk job as a sort of computer-cum-land surveyor.
Currey. Congratulations to ex-Rector Dr. and Mrs. Ronald Currey who celebrated their Golden Wedding on 28th August. They are now living in retirement in Grahamstown.
Chapman. 36-40 Gordon has been appointed a Governor of Rhodes University. He also serves on the boards of several companies including the Natal Building Society Head Office Board and is a Governor of Durban Girls' College.
Crosoer 30-33 Michael, chairman of the Durban board of the S.A. Permanent Building Society has been appointed to the regional board of the Old Mutual in Natal.
100 Dorman 61-64 John and an English friend (Tony Walker) spent a night at the School in July. They were on holiday from London (where John is in the publishing business) and arranged their tour so that they saw all the tests against the British Lions.
Evenett 49-52 Peter is an attorney practising in a large legal firm in Durban. Amongst his partners are Doug Doull 37-40, David Winterton 53-56 and Colin Field 55-58. He is Chairman of the Durban Legal Association for the 3rd successive year and a Notarial Examiner for the Province of Natal.
Fisher 35-38 Dr. Derek visited the School in September. He was on a five-week holiday from New Zealand after an absence of seven years. He is employed at Queen Mary Hospital on the South Island working on the psyciatric rehabilitation of alcoholics. His son Trevor 64-67 is studying at St. John's Theological College in Auckland.
Fraundorfer 36-39 John is an Estate Agent in Hamilton, North Island, New Zealand.
Goodman 66-69 James was selected to play for the junior Springboks against the Condors Polo Team. He will be a member of the S.A. Touring side to Colombia in September. Next year he is taking up race horse training.
Gerneke 64-67 Nord came fourteenth in the World Radio Controlled Model Glider Championships in Lakehurst, New Jersey. He was one of three South Africans to compete in the international Aerolympics in which fifteen countries participated.
Hayward 55-58 Bob visited the School while on holiday from Salisbury in July. He is a Civil Servant attached to one of the Ministries in Rhodesia.
Holmes-Acourt 54-57 Simon took three years and nearly 50 000 km of sailing around the world to make the true-life adventure film "Maggie May" which was recently screened in Maritzburg. He set off from England in 1969 with two crew members, having never really had any experience sailing or as a photographer. The Maggie May crossed the Atlantic via the Canary Islands to Barbados where the trio spent six months exploring the West Indies. From there they headed for the Panama Canal and the Galpagos which is where the film begins. Rarely photographed scenes of this pre-historic wildlife show the giant tortoise, the marine iguana, the Galapagos penguin and a variety of unusual birds. They proceeded to Aldabra and on to the South Seas stopping at Marquessa, Tahiti, Fiji and the New Hebrides, the Solomon Islands, Australia, Indonesia and the Indian Ocean Islands of Diego Garcia and the Seychelles. The film has been sold to a British Television Company.
101 Hawson 67-70 Jeremy is off to Australia at the beginning of next year for 5 or 6 years.
James 62-65 Chris was admitted as an attorney in the Supreme Court, Maritzburg by his father the Judge President of Natal Mr. Justice Neville James (26-29). Chris obtained his B.A. LLb. at Maritzburg University.
Leathers 51-54 Michael is now living in Australia with his wife and four sons and would be delighted to offer a cold beer to any O.M. who finds himself in Sydney. His address is: 14 Warrangi Street, Turramurra, N.S.W. 2074.
Leslie 54-58 D. J. is farming with his brother Nick (60-63) and their father Geoff (28-30) in the Eastern Free State and Northern Natal on 11 000 hectares doing beef, sheep and wheat producing 93 000 bags of grain this year.
Lloyd 28-29 Anson, chairman of the S.A. Sugar Millers' Association is to head the newly established development division of the South Africa Foundation. He has been named chairman of the regional development committee based in Durban.
Lambert 51-54 Bill has been elected chairman of the Natal regional Chambers of Commerce and Vice-President for Natal of ASSOCOM.
Mitchell-Heggs 56-59 Christopher, called to the English Bar in 1966, is now a Senior Partner in the international law firm of Messrs. Bodington & Yturbe in Paris.
Martens 55-58 John moved to the United States at the end of June to take up a job offer with Nieman-Marcus of Dallas.
Pennington 40-43 Denys has been transferred from Durban to Maritzburg (after 24 years) and has taken over the management of the Service Operations of Burroughs Machines.
Purchase 52-54 Iain left Pretoria in November, 1972, and has now settled in England. He is working with J.C.I. at their Central Toxicology Laboratory and lives in Cheshire with his wife and four children.
102 Peacock-Edwards 58-61 Richard is a Flight Lieutenant in the R.A.F. After completing four years in Germany flying lightning supersonic fighters he returned to the U.K. and then spent two and a half years as a weapons flying instructor at the Lightning Operational Unit. This was followed by a six months' course at the Central Flying School at Little Ressington where he graduated from in January as a qualified Flying Instructor. He then toured as an Instructor at R.A.F. Valley flying Gnats the same aircraft the Red Arrows fly. Valley is the R.A.F.'s only advanced flying school for those going on to front line fighters.
Pridmore Hon. 34. John is still teaching French at three senior schools in Grahamstown.
Smythe 51 -55 Craig now living in Indiana, U.S.A. writes:
You may be interested to know that my brother Russell and I are playing polo again with the Longwood Polo Club in Indianapolis, which is part of a Mid-State League consisting of nine teams. The league is growing but there is still a lot of "cow-pasture" polo played; and we don't have any high goal players playing as they do in Texas, Chicago and Florida. Please remember though that South African Polo is unique. It is still a sport played for pleasure without hired guns from the Argentine to make sure that the trophy is won.
I presume that a cross section of the population still plays the game in South Africa as opposed to one wealthy patron playing with three professionals, as is often the case in North America and England particularly. Finally, nowhere else in the polo world is there the wild, exuberant encouragement and advice that comes from the most unique of all polo personalities, the Zulu groom. South African polo is an unforgettable experience, try not to change it.
Smith 47-50 Wilbur. A film "Gold" based on his novel about a Transvaal Gold Mine was recently released in London.
Strachan 39-42 Walter, former president of the Natal Society of Chartered Assountants, has been appointed to the regional board of the Old Mutual in Natal.
Young 32-35 Brian. (Air Vice-Marshal) B. P. Young C.B. C.B.E., R.A.F. (Retd.) is now living at 22 Highfield Road, Purley, Surrey and would be delighted to welcome any O.M.'s who might visit England. He sees a lot of Peter Pentreath 33-36 who has retired from the Army as a Major General. They are both Housing and Planning.Inspectors with the Dept, of Environment.
Wilson Jonathon is working for a very large firm of Solicitors in London where he has now settled.
103 WE CONGRATULATE
Births
Collins (61-64) to Churton and Libby, a daughter. Harkess (61 -64) to Graham and Aase, a son.
Strachan (54-58) to Graeme and Julia, a daughter. Tuttle (48-52) to David and Beverley, a daughter. Winterton (53-56) to David and Jean, a daughter.
Engagements
Hudson-Bennett (64-67) Bob to Sheryl Lazenby.
Lyle (66-69) Robert to Colleen Daly.
Twycross (65-69) Peter to Judy Stephen. von Klemperer (59-61) Geoffrey to Marilyn Betteridge.
Leslie (60-63) Nick to Elizabeth Wood.
Marriages
Cohen (65-69) Colin to Sally McGlashan.
Doull (54 - 58) Anthony to Susan Collins.
Fisher (64-67) Trevor to Clare McDonald.
Henderson (60-65) Peter to Jennifer Hall.
Haggie (61-64) David to Pippa Watson.
Norwood (61-64) Simon to Colleen Hinds. Peacock-Edwards (58-61) Richard to Stella Haines.
POLO
Recently a South African side played Rhodesia and the Rhodesian team of four included three O.M.'s, Patrick Kemple and Rory and Gary Hensman.
CLUB CROCKERY
I now have stocks of Badged Beer Mugs (R2,50), Executive Ash Trays (R1,50) and smaller Ash Trays (R1,25).
CLUB CLOTHING
I also have stocks of this on hand. Please contact me for your requirements. L.C.K.
104 Housemasters: Founders: M. E. Thompson
East: D. B. Miles West: W. A. van der Walt. Farfield: A. J. Rogers. Tatham: N. C. F. Bloy Pascoe: A. F. G. Cotton. Baines: C. H. D. Leggatt.
Head Prefect: L. S. Kranidiotis.
Second Prefect: R. P. Gould.
School Prefects: J. M. Meyer, G. W. Bishop, H. H. Geach, R. C. Stewart, J. A. R. Bester, G. J. Chennells, A. M. Denny.
•
Bursar: I. T. M. Day.
Careers Adviser: W. A. van der Walt.
Librarian: Miss M. D. E. Hussey, M.B.E.
Rector's Secretary: Mrs. J. Hindle.
Bursar's Secretary: Mrs. N. Lister.
Duplicating Centre: Mrs J. P. Lowe.
Medical Officers: Drs J. L. Hyslop & O.W. Smyth.
Sanatorium Sisters: Miss G. M. Hesom, S.C.M., S.R.N. & Mrs
N. Lovell, S.C.M., S.R.N.
Bookkeepers: Miss M. Wellbeloved & Mrs J. MacNaught Housekeeper/Matron: Mrs D. M. Ward.
Estate Manager: L. C. Knight.
Works Manager/Carpentry Instructor: V. O. Kirsten.
Zulu Instructor: L. Cele.
Caterers: Mr & Mrs C. B. Norberg.
St Michael's Chronicle, Editorial Committee: N. C. F. Bloy (Editor), G. J.
Chennells, S. Erlank, B. W. Wallace. C. W. Meiklereid. Old Boys' Section: Mr & Mrs L. C. Knight Photographs for this edition have been provided by C. W. Meiklereid, P.
D. S. Krause, D. P. Renton and P. J. Bradford. We acknowledge with thanks the receipt of a large number of school magazines from all over the world.
Printed by THE NATAL WITNESS (PTY) LTD