MAGAZINE OF RAFFLES INSTITUTION.

July, No. 3 1925

CONTENTS.

Page. Editorial ...... 1 School Song ...... 3 Annual Athletic Sports ...... 4 Inter-School Drill and Games Competition ...... 7 Cricket ...... 8 Hockey ...... 10 Football ...... 10 Swimming ...... 11 Literary and Dramatic Society ...... 12 Old Rafflesians' Association...... 14 The Annual Meeting ...... 14 The Annual Dinner ...... 15 Former School Pupils ...... 16 Mid-Term Concert ...... 17 The Theory of Wireless ...... 19 The Importance of Phonography ...... 21 Our School - A Survey ...... 23 Mr. Low Kong's Educational Talks ...... 25 My Visit to Singapore ...... 27 Cross Word Puzzle ...... 31 Camping-Out and what resulted from it ...... 34 Simple Cure ...... 36 The Two Misers ...... 38 Diary of a Prefect ...... 39 A Servant of the Hans ... 41 Chop Suey ...... 43 Inter-School Sports ...... 46 The Prize Distribution ... 48

MAGAZINE OF RAFFLES INSTITUTION.

VOL I. JULY, 1925 No. 3.

EDITORIAL.

We are in despair. In the first place we have again to write an editorial which is in itself quite enough to reduce us to a state of gloom; in the second place we have so far recei­ ved not more than half a dozen contributions to the magazine, and most of those unsuitable for various reasons, so that we are at a loss how to fill its pages; in the third, one of the sub-editors is on the sick list and has left locked up in his desk-the lock of which we have made several surreptitious but unsuccessful attempts to pick—not only his own effusions but those of various other aspirants to literary fame. In short we are seriously contemplating retiring to plant tea, or whatever else it may be that is planted there, in the back­ woods of California in preference to editing further numbers of the Rafflesian. Before going any further, we would once more remind contributors of the virtue of punctuality and suggest that they should send in their contributions at any rate within a week after the time for receiving them has closed. However, beggars cannot be choosers, and we are obliged to accept contributions at any time which suits the convenience of the contributors, with the result that it is again a matter of doubt whether the magazine will be produced before the end of term.

To turn to more cheerful topics, for the first time in the history of the competition, Raffles Institution has won both divisions of the Drill and Games, though each of them only by a small margin. Such an achievement reflects great credit not only upon the performers themselves, but also on their capable and energetic instructors, Mr. Sabapathy and Mr. Ignatius. May they repeat the performance next year! We are glad to welcome Mr. England to Raffles Institu­ tion and feel confident that he will be a valuable sharer of the multifarious labours of the staff both in and out of School.

The annual school sports, which were held early in June, were according to the local press a distinct success, in spite of the fact that three of the school staff were on the sick list, which threw a heavy burden of work upon the survivors, especially the Principal. (In connection with this we under­ stand that Mr. Cobb expressed keen disappointment that with three masters in hospital simultaneously there could not have been at least one funeral!). House 2 just managed to win the championship, with House 4, last year's winners, a close second. The latter, however, annexed the Individual Cham­ pionship Cup through Abdul Kadir, and also the Relay Challenge Cup.

The Literary and Dramatic Society continues its activi­ ties. At the end of last term a Shakespearean recital was given for five performances to crowded houses. This term we had the usual half-term concert, and we understand that preparations are also being made for an entertainment to be given at the end of the term. Detailed accounts of the first two will be found elsewhere.

Cricket has been re-started in the school, and in spite of the newness of practically the whole school to the game and various other disadvantages, such as the state of the ground, we hope before long to be able to raise quite a creditable eleven. The Rafflesian has fallen, it will be noticed, a victim to the latest craze, and a cross-word puzzle has appeared in its pages. Our one consolation is that we are not the first to be guilty of the crime. Moreover, we should like it known that it was only with great reluctance that we consented to this lapse from dignity, and we may add with even greater reluc­ tance, though we are not Scotch, that we were persuaded to offer a reward for the correct solution.

Once more we would appeal to old boys to support us not only by subscriptions, but also by contributions. With regard to the former it has been found necessary to raise the price of the Magazine to 35 cents a copy. For a subscription, however, of ONE DOLLAR, (to he paid to the Editor), the Rafflesian will be sent post free for one year to any address in the Colony or F. M. S. With regard to contributions, we have received one from a former member of the commercial class, and we are hoping for an account of the Old Boys' Dinner from the Secretary of the Old Boys' Association, but like Oliver Twist we ask for MORE. There are many things of interest that Old Boys, especially those in distant part of the World, can tell us; and we would add once more that one of the chief objects of a school magazine is to form a connect­ ing link between the School and its Old Boys, an object in which "The Rafflesian" must inevitably fail if old Rafflesians do not support it by more frequent contributions.

School Song. School of ours, her childrens' mother Here we greet her every race; Linked in service, each to other To her honour and her grace Love we bear for her, her children, Nurtured in her fostering care Kin are we, a hand of brothers, Sons of Raffles ever dear

Onward let us bear her banner, Keep it stainless in the fight, Till it wave more bravely o'er us Glowing, girt with glory bright Then departing, may we ever Bear it still, our oriflamme. Loving still, forgetting never Adding laurels to her fame. Annual Athletic Sports.

On Friday, 5th June, at 2-15 p.m., Raffles Institution held its annual athletic sports on the School Ground. The weather was brilliant and there was a large attendance, including, besides other distinguished visitors, Miss Hose, who had kindly consented to give away the prizes at the conclusion of the sports. After keen competition between the various Houses, House 2 took the honours as the Champion House of the evening. The individual championship was won by Abdul Kadir although he did not secure even one first prize. But his times and distances gained for him a considerable number of points. He won three second and three third prizes. It was Mok Hing Kong's performance, however, that drew praise from the "Saturday Post". In this paper, "Argus" states that Hing Kong stands a good chance of becoming the Champion of MALAYA on some future date! What hopes for Raffles! But "Wonders never cease", and we hope Hing Kong will some day live up to the public opinion.

The Band of the 2nd Battalion Royal Sussex Regiment, under the direction of Lt. Col. A. St. V. Julius, played selec­ tions which added greatly to the pleasure of the afternoon.

At the conclusion, Miss Hose, after presenting the prizes to the successful competitors, was accorded three hearty cheers by the school boys followed by a no less hearty "Tiger".

The following were the results :— 1. Chiam Kim Hock (11 secs), 2. Abdul Kadir. 1. Ali b. Itam (11 2/5 secs), 2. Wee Tian Yew. 1. Yeo Tiang Chwee (9 secs), 2. Song Beng Chye. 1. Mok Hing Kong (18' 9"), 2. Chiam Kim Hock. 1. Seow Cheng Kim (17' 9"), 2. Ahmad b. Radi. 1. Madon b. Rashid, 2. Wee Seng Chiang. 1. Mok Hing Kong (58 3/5 secs), 2. Abdul Kadir. 1. Ahmad b. Radi (60 secs), 2. Chan Chee Lim. 1. Lye Kim Hock (28 ft.), 2. P. Ezekiel. 1. J. Lee (31' 3"), 2. Koh Poh Hin. 1. Chiam Kim Hock (26 secs), 2. L. Brisk. 1. Ali b. Itam (27 secs), 2. Ahmad b. Radi. 1. Yeo Tiang Chwee (32 1/5 secs), 2. Song Beng Chye.

1. Leong Ah Chong (34 ft.), 2. Woo Kal Kui. 1. Mok Hing Kong (5' 4"), 2. Kee Yew Hock. 1. Lee Yean Chin and Koo Eng Wah, 2. Md. b. Hassan and Zainal.

1. Miss F. Van Geyzel and Pow Yue Lum, 2. Miss B. Peche and Salim b. Omar. 1. L. Brisk (16 4/5 secs), 2. Mok Hing Kong. 1. Lee Kim Teck (18 4/5 secs), 2. Woo Kal Kui.

1. Goh Ghee Soon, 2. A. Kim 1. C. A. Johnson, 2. C. H. Clarke. 1. E. Burrows, 2. E. Nathan. 1. Kong Soon, 2. Quek Boon. 1. T. E. K. Retnam, 2. Ting Siew Choon.

1. House 4, 2. House 1. 1. House 2, 2. House 6. 1. House 1, 2. House 5.

1. House 3, 2. House 4. The following events were decided in advance of Finals day :— 1. Chua Leng Bee(5 mins 59 secs), 2. Somasundaram. 1. Chua Leng Bee (2 mins 27 4/5 secs), 2. Chiam Kim Hock. 1. Woo Kal Kui (5' 2 "), 2. Leong Ah Chong. 1. Goh Meng Cheh (4' 6 "), 2. Madon b. Rashid. 1. Song Beng Chye (15' 8"), 2. Yeo Tiang Chwee. 1. Ng Peng Chow & Song Beng Chye, 2. T. Sassoon and Wee Sang Chiang.

1. A. Howe (88 yards), 2. Abdul Kadir. The all important question now is "Have we any chance in the Inter-School Sports?" In the A. Division we are rather doubtful. Our best runners now are Chiam Kim Hock. Abdul Kadir, and Mok Hing Kong. Brisk has left school and so our Relay Team for the Sir Arthur Young's Cup is broken up. But we will remedy this by introducing some Class I second rate runner or a B. Division champion sprinter. The High Jump honours will probably fall to us. Hing Kong's performance at the sports was good and his jump of 5' 4" ought to carry him far in the Inter-School Sports. In the B and C Divisions we have just a slight chance of gaining the championships. Our rival school is undoubtedly the Anglo-Chinese, but, just as we conquered it in both divisions of the Drill and Games Competition, we hope to be victorious in the Inter-School Sports. G. E. N. O. Inter-School Drill and Games Competition.

The B Division of the Inter-School Drill and Games Competition was held on Saturday, 20th June, on our ground before a large and interested crowd. Raffles Institution team was the first to take the field in Drill. In Games Raffles was also placed in the first group of competitors. The supporters of our school though not very great in number did well in cheering and encouraging our team.

Raffles, though rather slow, was steady and skilful in throwing and catching the ball as well as in running and jumping. The steadiness and calmness displayed by the team won them the day. At the end of the competition, when Mr. J. W. Jefferson announced that Raffles Institution was first with 172 points, our supporters without waiting to hear any further remarks rushed inside the enclosed area to congratulate the competitors.. When this tumult abated, Mr. Jefferson called out the positions of the various school- teams, and before the close of the meeting, Mrs. C. G. Coleman was asked to award the shield to the captain of the Raffles Institution team, who after receiving it, at once presented it to the Principal, Mr. D. A. Bishop. Outram Road School was second with the Anglo Chinese a good third.

On Thursday 25th June at 2 p.m., Raffles Institution ground was again a scene of great enthusiasm when the "A" Division competition was held. The success which the "B" team had attained, gave enormous encouragement to our "A" team, which entered the competition with great confidence. Our confidence was rewarded, for at the end of the competi­ tion, Raffles was declared the winning team with 159.4 points. Again Mrs. Coleman was asked to present the shield to the Captain of the Raffles Institution team who thereupon handed it to the Principal.

The confident supporters this time had prepared to cheer the school by firing crackers. These crackers were thrown from the School Hall on to the field and the cheers that accom­ panied them were sufficient to shake the earth. This is the first time Raffles Institution has gained a double success. On both occasions photographs of the teams were taken. The teams were trained by Messrs. Sabapathy and Ignatius and the interest which these two instructors took is worthy of praise. So elated were they at the success of their teams that they gave them a splendid treat at the Victoria Cafe. The following are the names of the competitors :— "A" Division. "B" Division. Lee Fong Lim H. Oehlers Kee Yew Hock Tay Kin Tee Abdul Rahim Abdullah bin Sahab Wee Niap Seng Tan Kong Guan Bani bin Manan Kan Jak Hin Masawa bin Idrus Teo Chwee Chua Lee Ong Kee Tan Keng Yan Ahmat bin Jaffar Goh Meng Cheh Chua Poh Choo Masagus Ng Yeow Koon Yeo Tiang Chwee Choo Seng Hock Tee Kee Hoon Low Seng Meng Rusian b. Ibrahim Abd. Hamid b. Suleiman Madon bin H. A. Rashid Chua Poh Lye Lim Poh Seah Zainol Abidin b. A. Salim Song Beng Chye Woo Kal Khui Lim Fook Hoy Jantan bin Chik Abu Bakar bin Sulong Omar b. H. A. Mokti Ghazali bin Awang Ahmad bin Hassan Chiang Seng Kee Omar bin Gani Yeoh Cheang Bok CRICKET. Thanks to the private solicitations of an old Raffles boy, Mr. C. H. Clarke, Cricket has at last been restarted in Raffles' Institution by the Principal. Some years ago Cricket was one of the most popular games in the school—in fact, many of the best cricketers in Singapore learnt the rudiments of the game at Raffles. But enthusiasm for the game soon flagged, and it was abandoned. One or two attempts were made to revive it, but these failed owing to lack of enthusiasm or insufficiency of players. With the presentation of a Cup for Schoolboys by Mr. Clarke, however, we at once conceived the idea of restarting Cricket. We still had the requirements for the game in the store room and Games Almeirah, but all our attempts to begin a new Cricket era failed. The authori­ ties protested that our ground was in too poor a state for any such game, and flatly refused our requests. But, as has already been stated, Mr. Clarke succeeded in persuading the Principal to grant our wishes, and on the 4th June 1925 we had our first practice at the S. R. C. nets. The S. R. C. has kindly granted us leave to use its nets every day from 3 p. m. to 5 p.m. except on Fridays and Saturdays. The attendance at the nets was fairly good, and on the 6th we had our first practice match on our ground. This was not a great success as only sixteen boys turned up, but on Wednesday evening, 17th June, both Colours and Whites had complete elevens, and the game went off smoothly with Mr. Ignatius as Umpire as well as Scorer. On Saturday morning, 27th June, we had another practice match. Mr. Ignatius again umpired, and although it was a nine-a-side affair, the game was a success. From the results of these three matches the School Eleven has been selected.

Our first match of the season cast a cloud over our prospects for the Cup. This was against the Medical College Second Eleven. The match was played on our Ground on 4th July at 2 p. m. The Medical College, winning the toss, decided to bat first, and in an innings which lasted for about two hours, scored 75. We then took the batting, but our players seemed to have a mania for stealing runs with the result that in the course of the innings no less than four of our men were "run out". We were dismissed for 24 runs, and after a brief respite, were again sent in to bat. The mania for stealing runs still held us in its grasp, and in this innings the number of players who were "run out" was two. Again we were dismissed for 24, so that our team suffered defeat by an innings and 27 runs. Although this was an overwhelming defeat, let it not discourage us in the S. J. I. vs R. I. match which will take place on the S. R. C. ground on 24th and 25th July. On the contrary let us try to make amends for our defeat in the match against the S. R. C. Second Eleven on the 11th and that against the Y. M. C. A. on the 18th.

Although the St. Joseph boys have been playing Cricket for some time and have gained a great deal of experience, we must endeavour to give them a great fight for the Cup in spite of the fact that we have only just over a month and a half in which to prepare ourselves for the match. To encou­ rage both teams, Mr. Clarke has presented, besides the Cup, twenty four medals and two bats. Each member of both the defeated and victorious teams will be given a medal, and the highest scorer for each side will receive a bat. The best bowler of each team will also be presented with a medal, so that this, the first struggle for the CUP, will not only be interesting, but also very encouraging. Tara Singh, having left, the School Team consists of G. Oehlers, A. Howe, L. Arathoon, V. Arathoon, R. Day, Mohammed Rizza, L. George, Ponnudurai, D. D'Cotta, C. Angus, and Gan Kee Poon. Reserves:— Abdullah and Williams. G. E. N. O.

HOCKEY.

This is the term for athletic sports in every School, and Raffles is no exception to the rule. We have stopped playing Hockey, but will continue as soon as next term begins. Our team will, however, be in a very poor state. E. Nathan, Tara Singh, L. Brisk, C. Michael, T. Smith, and Ibrahim b. Yunos have left School, leaving only five players of the old brigade. This is a sad loss, especially as Smith was a tower of strength in our half-back line, and Brisk and Tara Singh were fairly reliable backs. Our defence has thus broken up completely, and as for the forward line, we still have the Arathoons, " the two clever and sound inside forwards". Recruits are therefore wanted, but no budding Hockey experts seem to have come to the school. Anyway, we must not be pessimistic but wait patiently for the third term when another League will probably commence. We hope to be able to see then who will fill in the blanks in our team. The remaining members of the old brigade are Chua Beng Hin, L. M. S. Arathoon, V. Arathoon, G. Oehlers, and K. Valoo, who have all gained their School Hockey Colours. All other Raffles boys should take up Hockey and try to win a place in the School Eleven, thus winning the coveted School Colours. C. E. N. O.

FOOTBALL.

We give below a table of the results in the Inter-House Football League. House III are the champions and are to be congratulated on their success. Played. Won. Lost. Drew. Points. House 3 . 5 5 0 0 — 10 „ 5 . 5 4 1 0 — 8 „ 6 . 5 - 2 2 1 5 „ 2 . 5 2 3 0 — 4 Played. Won. Lost. Drew. Points. House 1 ... 5 1 3 1 — 3 „ 4 ... 5 0 5 0 — 0 Our prospects for next season are distinctly bright, as we have no less than eight members of the 1st. XI stopping on for next term. We have lost the services of Ng Yeok Kim, T. Smith, and Goh Choon Teng. The last named is irreplaceable. As captain, he built up a respectable team out of a raw and, at first, rather discouraged eleven. As goal-keeper his own play was a treat to watch, he practically never fell below his usual form, never was disheartened by a losing game, and always rose to the occasion at a critical moment. His departure is a very great loss to the team, but we are sure that our new captain, Salim b. Omar, will carry on worthily the tradition Goh Choon Teng has left behind - good luck to him.

Quek Boon, Hasip, Wah Pin, and Ponnudurai are mentioned as likely candidates for the vacancies in the team.

SWIMMING. The Value of Swimming.

Swimming is an art superior to any other kind of sport as regards the promotion of health. Its practice does not only produce beneficial results on the respiratory organs, thereby facilitating the circulation and purification of the blood, but also strengthens and stimulates the muscles of the body.

Those who dislike swimming always say that it is too dangerous to bathe for the benefit of health, even at the Swimming Pool, or that they will catch a chill or get sunstroke, if they bathe in the open air. These are things which a boy should not dread. If you become accustomed to the rays of the sun, you will find that you will seldom suffer from any kind of sunstroke. We are indeed fortunate to get the opportunity of sea-bathing twice a week.

As to physical development, swimming can do what other forms of exercise cannot do. It would be interesting to know that many swimmers have broader and deeper chests than any person using the so-called "muscle developers". Apart from these considerations, being able to swim is invaluable, not only as a means of preserving one's own life, but also of rendering assistance to others in danger of drowning. So it is the duty of everyone to learn to swim - in fact it should be a part of the education of every school boy or girl.

A greater attendance at the Swimming pool will, there­ fore, be appreciated by the masters in charge. Water Polo During the first term, we only managed to play one match, and that was against H. M. S. Durban. The match took place at the Chinese Swimming Club, kindly lent to us for the occasion, and the result was a win for us by four goals to one. It was a very creditable performance on our part, seeing that we had had no practice at all for months, and had to meet heavier and more experienced opponents.

We have had several practice matches recently, and the team showed great improvement in every department. We are hoping to get as many matches as possible, especially against the Johore English College.

The present Raffles Water Polo Team consists of Chua Beng Hin; Lye Kim Hock and Johnnie Lee; Lee Fong Lim; Wee Siong Kang, Chia Poh Chong and Kee Yew Hock. C. B. H.

LITERARY AND DRAMATIC SOCIETY. Scenes from Shakespeare. Our recently formed Literary and Dramatic Society lost no time in seeking to justify its existence and produced towards the end of last term a series of Scenes from Shake­ speare. For such a young Society it was an ambitious effort, but it was wisely decided, keeping in view the real purpose of Dramatic performances in school, to avoid any attempt at great elaboration of scenery or effects. It was a first perfor­ mance on a large scale, and for this reason a greater share than is ordinarily desirable was on this occasion taken by the Masters. The project aroused considerable interest and the Hall was well filled by an appreciative audience at each of the five performances.

The scenes selected were "Macbeth", Act II Scene II: "Twelfth Night", Act II Scene III: and "Julius Caesar", Act I Scene II and Act III Scene II.

In the first scene Mr. Baker took the part of MACBETH and Seow Siew Jin that of LADY MACBETH. The acting of both was good, but Lady Macbeth appeared as a somewhat more gentle character than she is generally supposed to have been. Macbeth's terror was particularly well depicted. "Twelfth Night" provided Mr. Cobb and Mr. Baker with congenial parts as Sir Toby Belch and Sir Andrew Aguecheek respectively—they seemed, indeed, to act the parts of com­ panion topers almost too naturally! Seow Siew Jin, as the JESTER, was excellent, his spontaneous gaiety, his pleasing voice, and even his slim figure, admirably suiting the part. Gan Kee Poon as MALVOLIO was just a little stiff, as was also D de Cotta as MARIA; but allowances have to be made for a certain degree of stage-fright, and for the difficulty of a mere male adequately representing a sprightly female. The Scene, as a whole, was extremely well done, and was well received by the audiences.

The scenes from "Julius Caesar" were perhaps the most difficult to tackle, but at the same time the most suitable for presentation, from a school point of view, providing, as they did, the opportunity for a large number of boys to take part. Titus Smith was in the title-role, Mr. Lias took the part of MARK ANTONY, R. M. Pillay and D. S. Marshall those of BRUTUS and CASSIUS respectively, and Hu Chee Ing that of CASCA; while among the principal CITIZENS were Wong Kwek Boon, J. Lee, Teo Kah Kwee, and Low Yong Lim. Caesar dead was more impressive than Caesar living, but that is, perhaps, as it should be. Mr. Lias made an excellent Mark Antony, and brought out well the ironic touches in his main speech. Pillay, as usual, gave a fine elocutionary effort, but in certain passages a little more fire might have been expected. Marshall's oratory was also excellent, and as suited the part, was not so heavy in delivery. Hu Chee Ing did well in a part which, with its lighter touches, suited him admirably. While all the principals were good, the most striking effect in the play was that produced by the CITIZENS, of whom there were about forty, drawn from all divisions in the School. The Mob portrayed excellently the rising and falling tide of admiration or of anger, as the orators played on their emotions. One was a little afraid that at times they would overdo the part, but they just succeeded in avoiding doing so. Some of the leaders evinced no small degree of dramatic instinct, and should do well in more important parts in future productions. In the opinion of several outsiders who witnessed the performance, and were well qualified to judge, the Mob, as a whole, was no whit inferior to similar mobs seen on the English stage.

Reviewing the programme as a whole, one can safely say that the performances were even more successful than was hoped. There were, of course, defects which can be reme­ died, and other defects which, considering the material we have, may never be entirely removed. The enunciation and accent of some of the principals was all that could be desired, but in the case of some of the others faults were observed which a little care and thought might get rid of. A high degree of dramatic talent was shown by most of the principals and bv many in minor parts, and we shall look forward to such talent being developed in similar future efforts.

The warmest thanks of the School are due to all the actors, who sacrificed much of their leisure in learning their parts, to those who, though not acting, devoted a considerable amount of time and thought to making the production a success, to the Orchestra which contributed in no small measure to the enjoyment of the programme, and, if one may single out any one individual, to Mr. Baker in particular for producing the Scenes and for overseeing the erection of the Stage and the arrangement of the lighting.

OLD RAFFLESIANS' ASSOCIATION.

During the past two months the Association seems again to have begun to realise and to justify its existence, and there is a good deal to report in this number. We sincerely hope that this is not just another flash in the pan, but that it is the beginning of a more useful and more vigorous life. The Annual Meeting.

The Annual Meeting was held in the School Hall on Saturday, 30th May, there being about fifty members present. The President, Dr. Noel Clarke, was in the chair and was supported by the other officials.

After the reading and adoption of the minutes of the previous Annual Meeting, the Report of the Committee, previously distributed, wag considered. The finances were regarded as eminently satisfactory. With regard to sport, the President commented on the little that had been done in that direction. Mr. Bishop ventured to suggest that this was due in part to the Sports Committee being kept short of funds, and in part to the fact that, the Association having come rather late into the field, most of the sportsman mem­ bers were already attached to other Clubs. He suggested that efforts should be made to attract the players who have more recently left School, and promised such assistance from the School as might from time to time be possible. Other gentlemen having spoken on this and on kindred matters, the election of Office-bearers was proceeded with, and the follow­ ing were appointed for the year 1925-1926 :—

President Dr. Noel Clarke. Vice-Presidents Mr. D. A. Bishop. Mr. M. Ismail. Hon. Secretary Dr. Lim Soon Kian Hon. Treasurer Mr. T. W. Stubbs. Committee Hon. Mr. Song Ong Siang, Dr. Lim Han Hoe, and Messrs Wee Swee Teow, N. B. Westerhout, Seah Seng Kang, and H. G. Stack.

The formal proceedings terminated with a vote of thanks to the President, on the motion of Mr. Bishop. Thereafter a very pleasant hour was spent in social intercourse, inter­ spersed with musical items kindly contributed by Mr. Lias, Dr. Lim Han Hoe, M. R. V. Pillay, and R. Day and party.

The Annual Dinner

The Annual Dinner was held on Founder's Day, June 5th, in the Garden Club, Raffles Chambers, and was from every point of view but numbers, a very successful function. It is a pity that more members do not take this opportunity of of meeting with others and exchanging reminiscensces of School days. The dinner was an excellent one, while all the arrangements reflected great credit on the Committee. Dr. Noel Clarke presided, and after the toasts of " The King" and "Our Founder" had been honoured, proposed that of "Raffles Institution" in an excellent speech, a little less pessimistic than on a former occasion! Mr. Bishop replied, referring to various points of interest in connection with the School. The Hon. Mr. Song Ong Siang spoke with special reference to the Queen's Scholarships, and touched on one or two other matters relative to the School; while Mr. E. C. Baker in a short speech humorously repelled the Chairman's implied suggestion that a team of "old crocks" was good enough to meet the School in the proposed Past v. Present Cricket Match. Mr. Bishop having replied to one or two point raised by Mr. Song Ong Siang, the rest of the evening was spent very pleasantly in recalling the days of old.

The Sports Committee met recently and elected the following as Captains of the various games :—

Mr. Stack Hockey; Mr. E. G. Wheatly Football; Mr. E. E. De Souza Cricket, and Mr. Tan Seng Kiat Tennis.

Members who wish to participate in any of the games should communicate with Mr. H. G. Stack, c/o Asiatic Petroleum Co. Ltd. It is hoped to arrange with the School authorities for the use of the ground one day a week, and also for the use of tennis courts, at present in a somewhat embryo state.

FORMER PUPILS' COLUMN. Congratulations to Dr. H. S. Moonshi on his being made a Justice of the Peace. Congratulations to Dr. V. H. Norris on the well-deserved award of a Rockefeller Foundation Scholarship. Dr. Norris is leaving shortly to pursue his studies in the United States. Leong Neo Choon, who is studying Law in Shanghai, has been appointed Associate Editor of the "China Law Review". F. Horth is studying at the British School of Wireless Telegraphy in London, and an excellent report of his work there has been received. Tara Singh, Tan Thean Teck, and Ng Yeok Kin have been appointed Student Teachers, and have been posted to various schools in Singapore. Mr. Bishop has received an interesting letter from S. C. Chander, who left for London a few months ago. He has joined the University Tutorial College and is preparing for the London Matriculation Examination. He had spent a day with Mr. Peall, visiting with him the Middle Temple.

MID-TERM CONCERT. On the evening of Wednesday July 1st, the Raffles' Institution Literary and Dramatic Society gave the second of its-Mid-Term Concerts. On this occasion the programme was rather shorter and less ambitious than that of the preceding performance. The concert opened with an overture by the R. I. Orchestra, which was adequately performed and received with considerable applause. This was followed by what may be called a topical song by Chan Wah Hock. It celebrated the renown of the Institution, and made special allusion to the late success of the school Drill and Games Teams in carrying for us the shields that are competed for by all the Singapore Schools. Chan Wah Hock's performance was just in the right spirit. We want a school song to give concrete expression to the feelings of loyalty and enthusiasm to the Institution which we are sure animate most of its members. We believe that Mr. Baker has volunteered to supply this recognised want; but the Muse is not to be compelled, and we must patiently attend until such time as shall be pleased to inspire her votary. The next item was an Operetta - - "The Blind Beggars," performed by Soew Siew Jin and G. Oehlers. The make up of the performers was excellent and their acting good, espe­ cially that of Siew Jin who has a real natural bent for acting. He has come off well on each of the three occasions on which be has performed for the R.I.L.A.D.S., the best of his perfor­ mances being Feste in the scene from Twelfth Night at the end of last term. His singing too has greatly improved, and always makes up by feeling for what it lacks in technique. The Operetta was succeeded by music by the "Night Hawks " which took the form of a Hawainish Orchestra that gave us two of the best rendered items in the programme. While the Orchestra performed, H. Pereira, garbed as a nigger minstrel, mimed and sang in front of the footlights. His performance was full of go and liveliness. We shall see more of Pereira on our stage. The first part of the programme was brought to a conclusion by a farcical sketch given by E. Nathan's Company. It represented first a scene in a moneylender's office, then a trial of the moneylender for advancing money at 90%, to his personal friends only, without a licence. The fun was fast and furious, and kept the audience in roars of laughter. After the interval, we were treated to a well-played Intermezzo by the R. I. Orchestra, and this was followed by a humourous recitation from Hu Chee Ing which gave considerable pleasure. Mr. Baker then favoured us with a song and a comic recital. Both were deservedly well received, especially the first. The final item was an abbreviated version of the well known Morality Play, " Everyman." Pillai was the organiser of this, and is to be condoled with for the bad luck he experienced in putting on his production. The actor of one of the chief parts, Good Deeds, was prevented at the last moment by illness from turning up, and his part had to be taken by another performer who had not had time to learn his part, more than half of which he was obliged to read. But even after discounting the disconcerting effect of this mishap, we do not think Pillai was well advised in attem­ pting this production. To begin with, "Everyman" is a sombre and religious play, and to launch it on an audience at the end of a programme of otherwise light and frivolous items was to ask too much of that audience's mobility of imagination. The spectators simply could not change so completely their frame of mind at a moment's notice, and ought not to have been asked to do so.

"Everyman" is a noble, though primitive, work, highly appreciated by Connoisseurs of Medieval literature, but pure caviare to the general. To make it "go down" it should be performed before an audience composed of people who have not only studied middle English Literature, but are also genuinely interested in the workings of the medieval mind, especially with regard to religion. In short, the play was out of place and not a success. However, all the performers, especially Pillay, are to be praised for the plucky way in which they carried through a performance which left so many of the spectators puzzled and uninterested. Some of the details of the play were as good as anything that has been done by the R. I. L. A. D. S. The dressing and get up of the actors, especially Death, Good Deeds, and Strength, were for the most part very effective, though a frivolous member of the audience murmured that Solomon looked more like Good Living than Discretion. Pillay was excellent and dignified as Everyman. He and Yew Hock, brought into the play at the last moment to take the place, of an absentee, are speci­ ally to be commended for the way they carried through a performance to the end in the teeth of serious difficulties, of which not the least annoying was the partial collapse of the curtain raising apparatus. All the performers did as well as they possibly could in the circumstances, and none should be discouraged, for proficiency in anything can only be arrived at by repeated attempts and several failures. So closed what was on the whole a most enjoyable evening, and we look forward with pleasureable anticipation to the End of Term performance which is promised to be something very special. Mention must not be omitted of the cleverly designed and pleasing Programme poster, in the production of which we believe Pow Yue Lum was chiefly concerned. F. C.

THE THEORY OF WIRELESS II. Some Important Terms Simply Explained. The more rapidly the current pulses follow each other up and down the aerial, the greater the "frequency," and the smaller the wave length. Frequency in wireless means exactly the same as in anything else. Wireless waves travel at exactly the same speed always, thus if your wave length is long, it will take a longer time to pass through your receiving set, and therefore, since electricity travels at 186,000 miles per second, less waves can pass through in one second than short waves. Converting 186,000 miles per second into metres per second we get about 300,000,000 metres per second. Wireless waves are always measured by the metric system. We have now established the important fact that the frequency increases as the wave length decreases, and vice versa, i.e. the frequency decreases as the wave length increases. And this is due to the fact that ail wireless waves travel at the same velocity. Since the velocity is 300,000,000 metres Der second, 1,000,000 waves of 300 metres length will arrive at a give spot in a second, or 100,000 waves of 3,000 metres length, or 10,000 waves of 30,000 metres length, and so on. In each case, the number (i.e. frequency) of the waves multiplied by the wave length = velocity — i.e. Frequency x wave-length = velocity. The velocity is always constant, so if you know the frequency, you can find the wave length. I hope that by now my readers know something at least about the behaviour of waves. I shall now describe how to make a simple receiving set from a few odds and ends. The Aerial. 1. Go to the Postmaster General and apply for a receiving licence—it only costs five dollars a year. 2. After you have been granted your licence, get a piece of copper wire covered or uncovered, of about a hundred feet long. Fasten each end to a piece of porcelain (a porcelain cleat with two holes is good enough). Through the other holes at each end (in the cleat) pass some rope, knotting the ends. Next choose the highest and most convenient position to fix up your aerial. Try to keep it as tight and nearly horizontal as possible. Make absolutely sure that your aerial does not come in contact with anything, as if it does, all the waves received by it will be absorbed by the earth. The author has his aerial fixed from the roof of his house to a tall tree a hundred and fifty feet away. A thirty foot pole is fixed to one of the branches of the tree, and then at the end of it comes the porcelain insulator, and then the aerial. At the other end of the aerial is another insulator, and then twenty feet of rope fastened to the roof of his house. One foot from the end of your aerial nearer your house, fasten a second piece of insulated wire, and let the other end of it go into your house to the place where you wish to fix your receiving apparatus. This is all for the aerial, and now for the earth. The Earth. Cut open and flatten out a kerosine tin, and solder a piece of thick insulated wire to it. Next bury the tin in a wet place (about four feet deep), and pass the wire up to the place where you want to fix your apparatus. It is always advisable to have the ground or earth wire as short as possible. A bucket of water poured once a day over the place where you buried your " Earth " or " Ground " will be very beneficial. Another way is to solder a piece of thick insulted wire to your water tap (never use your gas pipe as earth—it is dangerous). Again, it is advisable to have your ground wire as short as possible. In my next article, I shall explain how to make your own receiving apparatus. In the mean time, before the next issue of this magazine, it is advisable to save up a few dollars, as the receiving apparatus - will cost some money. The author will be pleased to help any of his readers out of any difficulty which may arise concerning the installation of their wireless sets. M. N. THE IMPORTANCE OF PHONOGRAPHY. By "An Old Commercial Class Student." Shorthand as the word clearly implies, is an art by which writing is made shorter and quicker ; but, apart from its practical utility as a means of 'fast writing,' it is a subject of the highest educational value. It is indeed a study of unique cultural importance. It disciplines and develops the faculties of the mind to a degree that is remarkable and that can hardly be realized by those who are unfamiliar with the logical principles and scientific construction of the system. In no other subject is the training of the mind, ear, eye and hand so closely and so systematically co-ordinated. A study of a system of shorthand like Pitman's inculcates the valuable mental habits of concentration and attention ; it trains the reasoning powers by demanding the prompt application of principles ; it cultivates the habits of accuracy and neatness ; and most important of all, it extends the intellectual horizon of all those who embark upon the delightful study of this highly fascinating and educative subject. It now seems to be recognized by educationists that there is no other study of one single subject which covers a wider scope or embraces a larger field of knowledge than the study of shorthand. To be a reliable shorthand writer, one must know one's system of shorthand thoroughly well and should have a fair working knowledge of all the other branches of study. One of the natural advantages arising out of a study of shorthand is a decided improvement of one's knowledge of the English language. Every student of shorthand should essentially be a student of English. Shorthand itself is an art, but it is useless from a practical point of view until tran­ scribed into correct English. To ask students to be thorough in their study of shorthand is only another way of asking them to master the English language. The study of shorthand stimulates our interest in English and makes us understand better than we did previously the relationship between the written or printed word and spoken English. It increases our interest in and knowledge of words, their spelling, their pronunciation and their meaning, so that our vocabulary becomes richer and more extensive ; and, as a natural conse­ quence, we become more efficient to take up a responsible position, which is just another way of saying that we become better fitted to earn more money. The advantages to be derived from the study of shorthand are so numerous that pages could easily be filled if I were to attempt to go into each of them in detail, but before I leave the first part of my subject and come to the second I should like to lay particular stress upon the educational value of shorthand as the best subject of study for the improvement of mental alertness. It is far from being my intention to make extravagant statements, but the fact remains that short­ hand is a ' swift art ' ; and as such it is obvious that the faculties have to be kept in constant exercise during the entire process of attaining or increasing one's skill. The training means bending the whole energies of the mind to doing some­ thing quickly. Words have to be heard promptly, meanings have to be grasped quickly and the corresponding shorthand characters have to be written accurately. If the mind were to hesitate, the shorthand writer would ' break down.' There­ fore, it is a simple truth that a thorough training in shorthand tends to make the mind more alert, more wideawake, and quicker in its perceptions than it was before the study was entered upon. Mental alertness is necessary for business success. Without it the worker drifts into a groove. What is true of business is equally true of other spheres of public activity. Undoubtedly, shorthand provides a stimulus that the ambitious student will quickly recognize as invaluable. A good knowledge of shorthand is not only to be regarded as an advantage, but it must be looked upon by the ambitious youth as a practical necessity in this age of progress. To support this statement, it is only necessary for me to point out some of the many uses of shorthand in the commercial and professional worlds. (1) Shorthand in business. A good working knowledge of a reliable system of shorthand is so essential an adjunct to modern business that it is almost impossible to conceive of the one without the other. In government, engineering, insurance, legal, banking and commercial offices, and in every kind of secretarial work, it is employed practically every second, every minute, and every hour of the day. Without the aid of shorthand it would be utterly impossible for the principals of big business houses, or their heads of depart­ ments, to get through the day's work. It has been said, and truly said, that shorthand is a key that unlocks the door of opportunity. Many a man who now plays an important part in the world Of commerce began his career by the help of that key. Certainly, no ambitious youth should consider himself well equipped for commercial life unless his attain­ ments include a practical knowledge of phonography. It may be remarked, here, that it is a fallacy to suppose that the study of shorthand is only worth taking up when there is an immediate purpose of employing it as a means of livelihood. (2) Shorthand in the professions. The indispensable use of shorthand is nowhere more widely recognized than in the professions. In the law courts it is in constant demand for official note-taking ; medical men find it of the utmost service in making needful notes about their patients ; the clergy regularly employ it in the. preparation of their sermons ; its value is also appreciated by the school teacher and the public speaker ; while, as every one knows, it is in daily use by an overwhelming majority of the reporters for the news­ papers. As to the acquisition of high speed in shorthand, there is nothing wonderful or mysterious about the matter. The main essentials required to attain the desired end are: a thorough mastery of the theory of the system, a sound knowledge of English and regular practice of the right kind and with the right persons.

OUR SCHOOL—A SURVEY. The short period that has intervened between April 1921 and June 1925 is eminently characteristic of bringing about order out of chaos. What had originally been a lumber room was immediately transformed into a tidy room for teachers. The fatiguing work of the afternoon was done away with for the more bracing work of the early hours of the day with be­ nefit both to the pupils and to the masters. The introduction of physical exercises into the school curriculum is develop­ ing another formerly neglected side of education. When mors gates were open, fewer students entered the school and as more gates were closed, more students rushed in and the ancient and venerable school walls had to be ex­ tended and class rooms partitioned to find more accommoda­ tion. If men could earn in the morning, they were told they could learn in the evening and the era of evening classes began. But as the sun refused all extra light, Petromax lamps shed pleasant and mellow beams. The dull silence of the very hall is broken and those for­ mer principals in portraits are sometimes rudely disturbed in their quietude. What once was packed with terror-inspir­ ing examination tables is now crowded with joyful counten­ ances either to hear our principal or to lose themselves in wonder at the firework-like play of Mr. Jefferson's drill class or to sit spell-bound at superb Russian dances or to see the novel sketches of the Art Master or the lightning-speed play of the ping-pong and badminton champions or to heart he World Trotters not to speak of the masterly performances of our youthful actors and the juvenile orations of our would-be Municipal Commissioners and Legislative Councillors. Periodical events like the annual Prize Distribution Day, the Empire Day, Sports Day and Break-up Day are leaving more lasting impressions owing to the heightened character of the functions. Where the rugged pebbles of useless paths lay, soft green grass delights the eye. What once was miry ground is now thick with the tread of sight-seers at football and hockey matches. There was a clean sweep, a perfect sweep and everything is perfectly clean. The school itself has cast off its disfigured outer garment and puts on a re-juvenated trim appearnce. All unsightly and useless things have disappeared: from the old out-houses to the useless hand rail adjoining the wall and leading up to the Director's office, all have gone. The introduction of additional games such as hockey, badminton, ping-pong, volley ball, tennis and cricket has given an opportunity to most of the boys to take part in some game or other and unmistakable evidences of attempts to make school life in the Raffles Institution very pleasurable are everywhere manifest. The field, too has been extended in more than one direction. There was a partial invasion of the Raffles Girls' School ground. But in spite of all our professions of good faith, the girls are barricading us with their wall of Separa­ tion - the living wall between Pyramus and Thisbe or rather between more than five hundred Tyrannises and less than half that number of Thisbes. We are looking forward to the time when this wall will go down and our budding cricketers fix their boundary line closer to Bras Basah Road. The School Sports and the Inter-school Sports are no more matters for idle on-lookers. They have grown to gigantic dimensions. Their spectators number hundreds. They are two of the chief annual events of Singapore.

As in Sports, so in study. The gloom that has spread over the former reputation of these walls is being slowly lifted Honours, distinctions and passes are increasing annually.

M. N. CAMPOS.

MR. LOW KONG'S EDUCATIONAL TALKS. I. "About Buses." Mr. Low Kong : Now children, I'll tell you something about buses in Singapore.

Swee Lan : Oh ! papa ! how nice, how nice. Do tell us about them. I am so eager to know.

Mei Kong: Sh ! you girls ought to keep quiet and listen, and not punctuate father's sentences by your senseless babblings.

Swee Lan: (pouting) If you can speak, why can't

Mr. Low Kong : Peace, children. Let me begin. First of all let me tell you that motor buses were used two years ago as a means of conveyance. But now they are used for quite a different purpose. Mei Kong : (surprised) How is it, father ? People still take to buses as a means of transport. Mr. Low Kong: At present motor buses are a legitimate means of culpable homicide. Moreover they are a convenient instrument for a painless (?) suicide. Their common victims are old fossils, street children, and those featherless, dirty, bony, winged creatures euphe­ mistically called " chicken " in Malaya. The bus-driver knocks down his victims, and there, for him, the matter is ended. When the nervous passenger trembles, " Hi, sudak gelek orang," he replies, " Tidak apa. Sudah kasi horn," and drives off unconcernedly. Swee Lan : (shuddering) But oh! papa ! Aren't they punished, those wicked men? Mei Kong : Doesn't the Government take steps to stop such outrage against public safety? Mr. Low Kong : On the contrary, my dears, the Government is on good terms with the buses. They have instituted a police corps and a traffic control, miraculous in their inepitude. Furthermore there is the Government Tan Tock Seng Hospital with a proficient First Aid Staff, ready to attend to the victims. Is it too much then to expect an up-to-date undertaking system shortly? Swee Lan : Oh ! how wonderful! Mr. Low Kong : Then, the motor bus driver is Charles Hutchison's double. Stunts are his delight, such as turning corners on two wheels at 50 miles per hour, and somersaulting or describing beautiful concentric circles with his bus on the main thoroughfare. The more people he knocks down the happier he is. Ah ! well ! Mrs. Low Kong : (from the kitchen) Drat that man. Low Kong, you lazy pig. (She enters, wiping the saucepan). Ah! here you are, loafing as usual. Go to the kitchen and peel those onions. What! you stand and gape? (She goes after him brandishing the sauce pan Exeunt Mr. and Mrs. Low Kong). Mei Kong: Poor father. What ever did he marry for?

"UMNUEY." MY VISIT TO SINGAPORE. (By an American Tourist)

Before I arrived in Singapore Harbour, I glanced through some paper-cuttings I had with me describing little items of interest in the town. Among these, I guess I became rather interested in an account of how the policemen used wings for traffic control. I reckon we have no such thing back home in Nooark, so I made up my mind to see one of these " Cupids on Point Duty "—for that is what this paper cutting called them—before we left Singapore after a short stay of twenty four hours.

As soon as we disembarked, we were whirled along in cars to Raffles' Hotel, and arrived in time for breaker, our ship having anchored in harbour at about 5 a.m. After sampling a good quantity of Singapore Bacon and Eggs, we determined to go sight-seeing, not in cars, but in rickshaws. I accordingly called one of the pullers, and stepping into his rickshaw, said: "Say boy, I wanna go a-sight-seeing. Catch on? Let's see some of the sights of this town of yours." I can't see why that rickshawman looked dazed, but anyway he said something like " Baiktaula " which I guess I noo could understand. Probably it was something in Chinese, but we Americans prefer our own language—that we do.

The first road we turned into took life out of me. Flop! ! Straight into a pool of water went the puller—another yard, and bang! in we went into another rut. Out we came again and—slush ! into some slime the wheels go. Ugh! that was some ride. I guess Singapore roads are none too even with their holes and lakes. Well, well, well, after travelling through this hell for a short time, the puller suddenly turned into another road, and there, far in front of me, I spied a policeman on point duty wearing " Cupid's wings." I guessed that policeman would have looked better if he had Cupid's bow and arrow to match for use on the passing traffic. Lost in reverie, I did not look up as we approached closer and closer, but when I did, I reckon I nearly fainted, for those Cupid's wings turned out to be nothing but a simple white bar fixed across the cop's shoulders. As for the bow and arrow—well they resolved themselves into a ponderous note­ book and an important pencil. Ugh! I guess " Rumour is a lying jade." Of course, that paper-cutting was not American. I reckon we Americans don't spread false rumours. But why do they want artificial wings? Now, we in Nooark never want such things. Our cops over there just hold up their big hands and heigh-presto—the traffic is controlled. We don't want funny wings—no, we dont. Well, my puller seemed to know where he was going, for he pulled me along that road at a breakneck gallop. But all his attempts to break records could not compete with those made by the buses. These road hogs flashed by me like lightning, kicking up the dickens of a shindy, and lifting up clouds of dust into my face. Ugh ! They looked veritable death trops, and I kinder guess and calcoolate I never will sit in one of them—no, not even if I am offered the Presidency of U.S.A. It grieved me to see that they were made of Ford Cars. (What ? How do I know they were Fords ? Why, I reckon the clanking of chains and rattling of screws will tell any looney that, what ?) Now, in Nooark, we have dozens of Ford Cars, but they never race along the roads at break neck speeds, jeopardising the lives of peaceful citizens—no, never.

My rickshawman now turned into a quieter street, and there drifted to my unwilling ears awful sounds as those proceeding from a fierce altercation or a duel between two cats. As we drew nearer, the noise grew louder and louder until I could distinguish shrill screeches intermingled with a deep, hollow, booming noise as of that resulting from the beating of a carpet with extreme vivacity. At times the screeching would stop short, but the next moment it would begin again with renewed vigour about two octaves higher. The noise proceeded from an enclosure, and being curious, I asked a by-stander what was going on. " Matamatatioptiop Bazaar " he said. Oh ! so that explained it. There was a bazaar of some kind going on in that enclosure. Well, I determined to take a squint at the show, so I told the puller to desist pulling me farther and to lay down his shafts gently. I then took a peep through the door, and the sight that met my eyes fairly made me jump. There was no housekeeper beating an extremely dirty carpet, neither was there a troop of cats indulging in vocal exercises nor were there attractive stalls laden with goods for sale, but the noise proceeded from a group of some ten policemen innocently practicing " Home Sweet Home." There was no band master so you can guess the resulting chaos. Fifes were playing five bars ahead of the Cornets in five different keys, and the Cornets were trying to drown the noise produced by the base drummer. I could not wait any longer, for the noise was appalling, and hurried back to my rickshaw. Now, in Nooark we don't have this violation of the sweetness of music. We tell anybody practicing Singapore tricks to stop it slick for fear of an old boot flying on his head from the top storey of one of our sky—scrapers. We don't want our Fox Trots spoilt by these " musicians "—no, we don't. After going on for some time, I began to wonder where this puller was taking me to. I determined to make enquiries, so I said : " Say boy, where are you taking me to? I don't want to make a circuit of Singapore—no, that I don't. I guess I've had enough of this. Put me back to Raffles' Hotel, will you ? On the way, I hope you won't mind stopping at an apothecary's." But the puller gazed at me very stupidly indeed, and only muttered something like " Mamma Peggy." I, of course, remonstrated, and said I did not know any lady of that name. Evidently perceiving that I had misunderstood him, he coolly said, " Where you wanchee go, I come." I at once tried to make him understand that I wanted to go back to Raffles' Hotel via the shortest route, but it was no use. I reckon these Singapore rickshawmen are dense. Luckily a Scout happened to come on the scene, and before I could say anything, the puller said : " Ashkee he—he tell " ! I told him that I would " ashkee he," so accordingly I beckoned to the scout and said, (I pride myself in knowing how to deal with all manner of people) " Young man, I have lost my way. After a tedious journey I have arrived at this precise spot. Would you mind directing me to the Tea- Gardens in an Hostel commonly known as ," before I could finish, the scout gave a knowing smile, pointed straight ahead, and left my rickshawman to bound forward. I began to congratulate myself on my tact in dealing with the Scout, but after a long journey the puller stopped in the midst of a grarden which I gathered from a by-stander to be the BOTANICAL GARDENS! Ugh! glancing at my "Guide" I noted with extreme disgust that I was far from my hotel. I paid the rickshawman what he asked for, hired a taxi, and arrived at the hotel late for tiffin. Now, wasn't this a dis­ gusting and expensive journey. In Nooark, thank goodness we have no such things as rickshaws. If we have, I guess I won't attempt sitting in one again. I reckon I prefer Ford Cars.

Our ship did not sail till 5 a.m. next morning, so in the evening I determined to do a little shopping before going aboard. This time I considered rickshaws strictly " taboo," and walked towards the town, stopping at various shops on the way. When I was in one of these shops, preparatory to leaving it after purchasing a curio for $1.50, in comes an old dame, intent on buying the same kind of curio as mine. She scrutinises it closely, but evidently not satisfied with this first look, out comes her spectacle case, and she draws from it a pair of wonderful semi-specs. The top half of each glass was missing, rendering them half-'moon shape. Now, in Nooark we never have such things. Old dames no doubt use glasses, but I guess not half-moon ones. They use their glasses on the tips of their noses to facilitate looking over the tops of them—they don't cut them in half—no, never. Well, as I was saying, this dame looked hard at the curio and demanded the price in a stentorian voice. The salesman, no doubt for­ getting my presence, said, " Only 75 cents, madam." No, she would not take it at such an expensive price. Fifty cents was her limit, and in the long run she won and left the shop with her parcel. I followed suit, too stunned for words. Fancy being swindled of $1 ! Now, in Nooark, I guess the salesmen do not know the word " swindle." I am manager of " Tom Jones, Smith & Co.," Drapery Store. Well, so far no instance of swindling on the part of my salesmen has come to my ears. I only make 100 per cent. profit on the goods, and that is all. I don't see why Singapore salesmen should swindle when we Americans don't. I guess the police should be on their track. Fancy being swindled of $1 !

I arrived at Raffles' Hotel in a trance, jumped in the last car bound for the Pier, and went aboard at about 7 p.m. Well, this is Singapore! I reckon I don't want to come back again. The drive was AI—many misadventures, of course— but still, AI. But I don't know—fancy being swindled of one dollar-r. Ha, ha, Cupid's wings ! Oh yes, the band practice was superb—but f-fancy being swindled of one dolla-a-ar...O-o-o-h ! Oh yaas, that dame with the half-moon specs took the cake, but f-f-ancy b-being s-s-swin Oh-ooo- ah! Y-a-a-a-awn. Feeling very sleepy now—nearly 11 o'clock ah! Y-a-a-a-awn. Feeling very sleepy now—nearly 11 o'clock now—very tiring day—sail to-morrow at 5—T-thank Goodness-ss !

G. E. N. O ACROSS.

1 Greatest of English Epic 46 A common local express- Poets. skill. 7 Shakespeare's Contem­ 47 Boy's name (abbr). porary. 48 Part of the local defence. 13 Depart! 49 A preposition. 15 Closer. 50 One of the chief products 17 The daughter of Tantalus. of Malaya. 18 An exclamation. 51 A cubic measure.. 20 Raffles Institution upside 53 Common in Scotland. down. 54 Pronoun. 22 Places where bull-fights. 55 Thirty nine across. take place. 57 A very busy insect. 24 Paranoea. 58 Not, not, one. 25 Generally Limited. 60 Two letters of Medical 26 Magnesium. Title. 27 A point. 62 Invert a police constable. 29 An alternative. 63 Raffles Institution Pre­ 31 A university title. fects—may they Rest 32 Put on the roads. In Peace. 33 of easy. 64 Deduced from Archi­ 34 Part of the Verb to Be. medes' Principle. 37 A colour. 65 Loved Daphne. 38 Usually adorned with lace 67 A grain resembling wheat 39 What Sir Toby Belch was 69 And (dead language). fond of. 71 Not one. 40 Famous regiment, ab­ 72 Find them in the kitchen. breviated, reversed. 73 Forest in the dead langu­ 41 Delve. age. 42 2/3 of father. 75 A preposition. 44 Famous English weekly 77 Leads into a trap. newspaper. 78 Adjective denoting light­ 45 Revised Version. ness 79 A preposition. DOWN. 2 Not outside. 31 Continental system of 3 of the hero of " King measurement. Lear." 32 " Out tawny—out! " 4 A black sticky substance. 34 Not B.C. 5 Metal in a crude state. 35 The design of this cross­ 6 Nen. word puzzle. 8 Indefinite article. 36 Exempli gratia. 9 Edge. 43 That is. 10 What some schoolboys 50 A Biblical weed. would like to do. 51 Coffee without milk (col­ loquial) 52 Brazenly. 12 Ourselves. 56 A long historical poem. 13 Get out. 59 Organic disorders. 14 To travel by horse. 61 Author of " Alexander. 16 Forty eight across. and Campaspi." 18 An exclamation. 65 Part of a circle. 19 A monster of the fairy 66 Money without coppers. tales. 67 A South American Town. 21 The heroine of "As you 68 A girl's name. Like It." 70 Preposition. 23 One of Browning's works. 72 The initials of the author 25 With whom Cupid played of "Middlemarch." at cards for kisses. 73 This word repeated twice 26 Gan Kee Poon in gives you the Malay for "Twelfth Night." milk. 28 A harsh ruler. 74 Eight down. 30 A book-worm. 76 Decidedly not.

Solutions to be in by 15th SEPTEMBER. A small prize will be awarded for the first correct solution opened. Editors' decision to be final. Mark envelopes "CROSSWORD." R. I. Cross-Word Puzzle CAMPING-OUT, AND WHAT RESULTED FROM IT. (Short Story)

I am always a regular visitor at my brother's house, and a favourite with his little children. One day the little ones ran up to me as I was sitting on the garden seat, and begged me to tell them a story. They knew their Uncle Tom, although nigh on fifty years old, always had a new and exciting story to impart to them, so they waited patiently while I gathered my facts together, and began.

" This is a true story of one. of my adventures when I was at the Medical School in my final year. It was during the Midsummer Holidays that a friend and I agreed to spend at least a week camping out in Borneo. We made our arrange­ ments accordingly, and set sail in a boat for our destination. Well, Jack and I arrived safely, and immediately began to erect our tent, which although rather small, was quite large enough for two. After making all arrangements for a comfort­ able home, we at once took our shot guns, and set out for the forest. You know Borneo is covered with very dense forests which are full of wild beasts. The place where we had encamped was an open glade about as big as our tennis court, but it was surrounded by tall trees, with dense undergrowth. A path, however, led from our camp to the beach where we had moored our boat."

" Hurry up, Uncle ! We are getting rather impatient for the exciting part of the story to begin," said the eldest boy. I looked round and saw that all my little hearers were deeply interested but getting rather impatient, so I continued.

"Well, as I was saying, Jack and I entered the forest and looked about for game. Seeing none, we penetrated deeper and deeper into the forest, having sometimes to hack our way through the undergrowth, until Jack suddenly stopped, and motioned me to keep still. I then heard the roar of a hungry tiger and the crackling of twigs as the animal forced its way through the undergrowth. What was worse, it was coming in our direction! Jack began climbing a tree, and I followed suit, but only just in time. The tiger, having emerged from the undergrowth had seen us, and had sprung at me just as I drew my legs up out of its reach. I only had a glimpse of Jack, who was on another tree, taking aim at the tiger. Then there was a report. The animal rolled over, and without a struggle, lay still. We descended from our perches, and carried our tiger home. " Well, children, this was only one of the adventures we experienced during that week. I shall continue the story next time. Now run away, for I can hear the dinner bell ringing." The next day I found myself again surrounded by the children who eagerly asked me to continue my story. Nothing loath, I continued. " Well, two days passed without any other exciting adventure. Then on the fourth day, while Jack was building a camp fire, I happened to be on the beach taking provisions out of our boat. As I was on the point of setting back for camp, I heard a slight noise, and turning round, what did I see? Can you guess? " The children, however, did not feel disposed to make shrewd guesses but only said, " Oh, do please go on, Uncle !" "Well," I said, "I saw the prettiest woman in the world! She was looking at me with large inquisitive eyes, and I, moved by a sudden impulse, walked towards her, being unable to utter a single word, so deeply was I touched by her extreme beauty. The girl, however, with a gay laugh, which sounded like music to my ears, turned on her heels, ran along the beach, and was soon out of sight. You can be sure I then resolved to find out who this girl was. " The next day, without saying a word to jack for fear he might be a serious rival (I confess I have rather a selfish nature), I set out along the beach in the direction in which my dream girl had gone. Yes, sure enough, on rounding a bend, I came in sight of a tent situated in a small clearing. Then occurred the incident by which I managed to win this girl of my dreams. I saw her, bending over a small dog and playing with it. Suddenly the pup flew from her arms and came towards me. The girl, not perceiving me, as I was hidden by a bush, gave chase and—horror of horrors—from the other end of the clearing their sprang a tigress, intent on its prey of human flesh. Luckily, I had brought my gun with me, and emerging from the bushes, I levelled the weapon at the beast and fired. The shot went home, and the animal lay still. Turning to the girl I had rescued I was surprised to see that she was as pale as death, and I was just in time to catch her as she fainted. At that moment an elderly man emerged from the hut. He had been sleeping, and the shot had roused him. Seeing the tigress and me with the girl in my arms, he guessed what had happened, and without a word, helped me carry the girl into the hut. This done, we tried to restore her to consciousness by means of a little brandy, and at the first flicker of her eyelid my heart beat faster. She looked so beautiful and young, lying there between the sheets with her head resting on a soft pillow. On fully regaining consciousness her eyes fell upon me, and the look she gave me—well, it made me change my idea of being a confirmed bachelor. I found out that these two, Mr. Tom Burton and his daughter, Thelma, had also come to Borneo for a holiday —Thelma, being romantic and full of adventure, had proposed this wild plan, and her father had consented to what his poor motherless child had eagerly proposed. " Well, children, here the story must end, for we all came home to Singapore together, and I, after passing my final year in the Medical College and practicing for a year, was able to find the means of supporting a wife, and that wife was and and still is ?" " Thelma our dear Aunty Thelma ! " said the children in one breath. G. E. N. O.

SIMPLE CURE. There was a Rajah in Panjab who ruled over a fine and fertile country. In the neighbourhood of this country plague had broken out, and the Rajah was greatly troubled. His subjects, being a simple and ignorant people, did not know how to prevent the Epidemic from spreading over their land also. The epidemic broke out in this country too. Countless numbers of rats were seen in the land and day by day the plague increased. The "ryots." looked upon this as fate and said that God wished them to die. One day while the Rajah was holding a Durbar, a physician came before him and offered his services to prevent the epidemic from spreading further in that country. The Rajah thanked the physician and said, " O'! man of Knowledge, tell me how a man first catches plague." The physician said, "Plague is a disease which is prevalent among rats, and a man catches it from rats. It is caused by little germs in the blood. Rats have fleas on them which bite them and suck up their blood. If a rat, suffering from plague, dies, the fleas leave the dead body and try to find some other victims. When they fail to find any, they then attack man and give him plague. The Rajah said, " How can the rats and fleas be destroyed in order to check the ravaging epidemic." The physician said, " I swear that I will destroy them, if you will only command your vizier to do everything that I shall bid him." The Rajah laughed and said, " Those are very conceited words indeed. Nevertheless, the vizier shall do everything that you shall bid him, and if you stop the plague in this country, I will give you great riches, but I warn you, if you fail you will forfeit everything, including your life." The physician willingly agreed to these conditions. He then proceeded to make enquiries as to the number of jewellers in the country. He was informed that there were about a thousand ; he next asked the Vizier to summon three hundred of the wealthiest jewellers and command each of them to bring a diamond the size of a pea to the Rajah. This having been done, he asked for three hundred live rats to be brought to him, each in a wire cage. He took the diamonds and the rats, and put a diamond under the skin of each rat, by making a small incision with a sharp knife, until all the diamonds had been used up. A few days after this he let go the rats at night all over the country, and the next morning ordered the Vizier to proclaim that three hundred rats had been let loose, each having a diamond the size of a pea under the skin of its belly. Moreover anyone who killed a rat and found a diamond was to keep or sell it as he chose, but must burn the carcasses of any rats he killed. The excitement on account of the diamonds became intense and all the people left their work and with feverish haste fell to hunting and killing rats, looking for diamonds that might be under their skins, and burning the carcasses and fleas together. Within a few weeks countless numbers of rats were destroyed. Scarcely a fortnight afterwards the epidemic had disappeared with the great decrease of rats and fleas. The Rajah, finding that the epidemic had been destroyed, bestowed the great riches he had promised on the physician. The physician was well honoured and regarded as a God by all the people until his death. THE END. TARA SINGH. THE TWO MISERS. A miser, living in Kufa, was told that there dwelt in Bassora another miser—more miserly than himself—to whom he might go for tuition in the Art of Being Miserly. He immediately journeyed thither and presented himself to the great master as a student in the Art of Avarice, anxious to learn and to become his disciple. " Welcome," said the Miser of Bassora. " Let us now go into the market to make some purchases." They first went to the baker. " Hast thou good bread? " " Good indeed, my masters, and fresh and soft as butter," was the reply. " Mark this friend," said the man of Bassora to his pupil, " he compares butter with bread, saying that butter is the better of the two, and as we can only consume a small quantity of it, it will be cheaper and we shall act more wisely, and more economically too, in being satisfied with butter." They then went to the butter merchant and asked if he had good butter. " Good indeed, and sweet and fresh as the finest olive oil," was the answer. " Mark this also," said the host to the guest, " oil is compared with the very best butter, and, therefore, ought to be preferred to the latter." They next went to the oil vendor and asked, " Have you good oil ? " " The very best quality, white and transparent as water." " Mark that too," said the Miser of Bassora to the one of Kufa, " by this comparison, water is the very best. Now at home I have a pailfull, and most hospitably therewith will I entertain you." And indeed, on their return, nothing but water did he place before his guest—because they had learnt that water was better than oil, oil better than butter, and butter better than bread. " God be praised ! " said the Miser of Kufa, " I have not travelled this long distance in vain." K. A.

"DIARY OF A PREFECT".

A paragraph "Concerning Prefects" in the last issue has elicited various comments from many people. The general idea that the prefect's life consists of eating, sleeping and strutting is certainly an ignominious fallacy—this I shall end­ eavour to shew by tearing out a page from a prefect's diary. Many problems, perplexities and worries spring up every day, and several deep furrows have appeared conspicuously on the brows of some prefects, especially on that of the Head Prefect, whose hair is almost grey. To illustrate, let me quote a concrete instance. One of the prefects of the Special Class has just left school to get married. When asked the reason of this sudden determination, he replied, "I have re­ cently been made a prefect, and I now realise that prefectship is not the bed of roses I once imagined it. I find I cannot bear the worries that occur every day and am seeking a loophole through which I may escape. I was offered the hand of a lady in marriage yesterday, and I observed the maxim, 'of the two, choose the lesser evil'.

MONDAY. On my way to school I happened to see Mr. Lias' old Maxwell, well ahead. I slackened my speed and reached the school gates five minutes before Mr. Lias. (We don't think ! Ed.). On entering the school buildings I saw two boys throw­ ing inkpots at one another, and greatly to my misfortune I happened to come within range. Unintentionally I afforded them a good target and my clean white suit became decorated with elegant black figures and arabesques. The culprits were given impositions for "misuse of marksmanship abilities". One boy of Standard VI approached me to excuse his absence on account "of the death of my dead aunt". As I know noth­ ing of spiritualism, I sent him to his housemaster. Spir­ itualism, in my opinion, is a sort of harmless hobby indulged in by women and children, but beneath the notice of men of intelligence and education. The housemaster is interested in it ! TUESDAY. The morning was cold and bleak. I found bed very com­ fortable and indulged in the proverbial forty winks. As a consequence I hurried without breakfast to school to find that I was ten minutes late. Fate, that meddlesome hussy, de­ creed that I should meet the Principal as I was going up the stairs. He enquired the reason for my being late, and repre­ manded me for setting a bad example. Wit came to my aid, and I answered, "If you please, sir, I came late for the pur­ pose of catching boys late. It is a prefect's duty to check slackness, you know, sir!" The great man bit his cigar, muttered something of being "very lame", and strode away. At 10.30 the two boys brought their impositions. I was surprised at their ingenuity when I discovered the imposit­ ions were duplicated by the aid of carbon-paper. "These brats will bo the death of me soon", said a fond mother of her young ones. In my case I should add "very soon". The two of them had double the impositions to write for "misplaced in­ genuity". I managed, by a supreme effort, to keep awake through Mr. Lias' "perfectly delightful" Adam Bede. I felt the dreadful ennui of school life, but was refreshed after a meal of Gooba Kway Teow in the Prefects' Room. WEDNESDAY. Two boys were heavily censured by me for speaking Malay, but begged to be excused from their impositions. "Please excuse us, prefect. Today is Chap-goh-meh". These rascals. I excused them. THURSDAY. At eleven o'clock Mr. Baker sent me to buy two curry- puffs. Me—it is impossible to convey in print the scorn com­ pressed in this ungrammatical syllable—me, a prefect, carrying curry-puffs. I captured a fag who happened to come my way. He returned after twenty minutes with two curry-puffs two days old. If it is understood that the word "fag" originated from the expression "to be fagged" (meaning to he tired), it is certainly a grievous misnomer, for the slackness and incom­ petence of fags dismisses completely the idea of their being at all tired. But I deviate—as a punishment, I gave him the curry-puffs to eat. I had to "stump out" (in common parlance) twenty cents extra and to purchase the puffs myself. I re­ turned to the masters' room just in time to hear the 11.30 bell. Only some unfavourable and choice epithets were the compen­ sation I received for my trouble. FRIDAY. The boy to whom I gave the curry-puffs was absent from School. A novel punishment! I shall patent it. "Misfortunes never come singly". I quite agree with the fool who said this. The Principal saw one boy spit out of the window—I was blamed for it. Some scraps of paper were found on the ground—I was blamed for it. The whole Junior C. made a terrible row—I was blamed for it. Oh, worry, worry ! Why hast thou not forsaken me ? A Prefect is con­ sidered to be a demi-god. He is expected to be an intellectual prodigy as well as an athletic champion. He is supposed to be a paragon of all virtues. He is expected to be as strong as a lion, gentle as a lamb. A mistake on his part is an unheard of catastrophe. In reality, the prefect is neither an angel nor a paragon of all virtues. He is neither as strong as a lion, nor as gentle as a lamb—but he is intensely human. "UMNUEY" A SERVANT OF THE HANS." The Chinese call themselves " Men of Han." Han is the name of the line of emperors who ruled China during the first two centuries of the Christian era. It was then that the Chinese flag was, for the first time, planted on the shores of the Caspian Sea. Europe first came into touch with China, for the Roman Emperor, Marcus Aurelius, sent an embassy to the Son of Heaven. The rapid expansion brought about in its train new problems—the fusion of diverse races, for instance. The incomplete solution of them brought about the downfall of the House of Han. The Empire split into three portions. This is the period known as " - The Three Kingdoms "—one of the heroic ages of China. The prose epic which deals with it is the most popular book among the Chinese ; in its perusal the lordly mandorin and the opium- sodden chair-coolie alike find their solace. The writer eschews all sentimentality ; he gives a plain account of the events. He is a true hero-worshipper, and we, his readers, are not ashamed to worship with him. The last of the Hans was a quondam shoemaker, Lui Fei. He struggled against tremendous odds ; fate was against him and with his death the House of Han came to a tragic end. During his life-time he was the object of the greatest devotion; around him were heroes whose names have become household words in China. Such an one was Chao Yun. Chao Yun took part in a disastrous retreat. His master had at this time control of a single town, and from this he had to flee, as his enemy T'sao T'sao, who had the force of all North China behind him, was approaching with hostile intent. The townsfolk of their own free will followed Lui Fei and Chao Yun was told off to protect them. Thus encumbered, the little army made such slow progress that Lui Fei was advised to desert the people. This he refused to do. T'sao T'sao followed with five thousand men and covered a hundred miles in twenty four hours. He caught up with the fugitives. In the fight that ensued, Lui Fei was defeated and Chao Yun was separated from his charges, among whom were the two wives of Lui Fei. The civilians had fled like sheep, and the pursuers were cutting them down mercilessly. Lui Fei with a scanty escort had been forced to flee, but Chao Yun was still searching for his mistresses. He met one of them ; this was the mother of Lui Fei's only son. The boy, however, was with his stepmother. Having found a horse for his mistress and seen her safely through, he returned to his search.

After great difficulty he found his mistress and the child. She was sitting over a dry well, the boy in her arms, and crying. She said to the young soldier, " This is your master's only son ; protect him." Chao Yun dismounted and asked her to take his place on the horse. This she refused to do, saying that saving the boy was the important thing, and begged to be left to her fate. Precious time was being lost; every moment their position was becoming more dangerous . A party of horsemen were approaching and they were so near that Chao Yun could make them out to be enemies. In his excitement he had not seen what his mistress was doing. She had placed the child upon the ground. A scream made Chao Yun turn his head. The woman had thrown herself into the well. He ran to the well and called for her. There was no reply. Fearing lest the enemy might desecrate the body of his mistress, Chao Yun, stooping down, placed his shoulders against the wall surrounding the well and pushed with all his might. It fell in and covered up the body.

There was no time to be lost. Tying the child to his bosom, Chao Yun mounted, and galloped away. He met scattered parties of the enemy. He cut his way through—the strongest armour was like paper before the sweep of his sword. Neither his good sword nor his fleet horse could have served him, however, had it not been for a mistake of T'sao T'sao. He was watching from some elevated ground. His admiration was aroused by the valour of Chao Yun, and learning of his identity, forbade arrows to be shot at him. He was to be taken alive. The command was more easily given than obeyed. Chao Yun escaped. L. N. I.

" CHOP SUEY." Our Athletic Sports were a great success in spite of the fact that three Housemasters were unavoidably spending their time in the General Hospital. The Principal remarked in his speech on the close of that great day that he had been so perturbed by the strange turn of circumstances that it had occurred in his mind to resort to holding the Athletic Sports in the Hospital Grounds.

At Ostend, a man and his wife decided to bathe before breakfast. No sooner had they entered the water when twelve gendarmes appeared and arrested them for bathing without a ticket. They were kept in custody in bathing costumes for eight hours. Singapore is still behind the times—when she catches up, doubtless we shall have news like this : " At Tanjong Katong, the bootlace of a visitor became undone, and one end fell into the water. He was immediately arrested by Mata-mata 39 for fishing without a permit." " At Johnson's Pier last evening an amah accidentally dropped a baby into the sea. She was taken in charge for washing baby-clothes without a licence."

Hu Chee Ing, commonly called Huge, keeps his spectacle- case in his left breast pocket. He says that this case shields the tender spot behind it from the persistent attacks of Cupid's darts.

Even the solemn Church Congress, says The Literary Guide, is beginning to laugh at irreverent jokes. They quote one of Harry Tate's latest. A negro was praying to God for the success of his com- rades in a wharf-side battle with some Chinese seamen. " What's the use of praying to God? " asked a white sailor, " Those Chinks are praying to God too, and God's got to listen to both prayers." " Mebbe," said Sambo, " but who understands Chinese ! "

We are sure that the acute need of Richard III is very well understood by Jack Solomon (Senior A) when he came (flew to be more exact) down to the tiffin shed clamouring " A karipop! A Karipop! My dukedom for a karipop! "

" Tears," we learn from a Woman's Page, " are one of the pitfalls of life. From small beginnings a real barrier may arise, and an abundance undermines a woman's hold over her husband's emotions completely." The article is entitled " Constant Dripping." " Let 'em (d)rip," says " Umnuey." Heard in the Special Class : — Mr. Cobb : " You are all hopeless. You know no more Latin than a donkey." Oehlers : " O yes sir. We know one thing at least: ' Flower of the clove, All the Latin I construe is amo—I love.' "

All the students of our school are well acquainted with a very spectacular sight every day before morning bell. A contrivance on four wheels, with a number plate, drives slowly (with a speed that does credit to a garden snail) to the school- gate ; a Raffles master of Wembley tie fame descends from his " royal chariot " and swaggers complacently into the school buildings. He was asked by our reporter what make of car it is. "It," he replied, " is neither a Rolls-Royce nor a Ford. It is something between the two—I call it a Rolls-Ford." Some of us were fortunate enough to witness this car going up Government Hill. When it was half way up the slope, groaning an shrieking in its Herculean endeavour, this Rolls-Ford refused to go up any further, and turning a deaf ear to the owner's " sweet " entreaties, it gathered all the dignity it could muster, and slowly slid back­ wards (and downwards). It excused itself with " Brake tidak makan."

Hu Chee Ing, our celebrated comedian, is habitually addicted to mental aberration during class time. Many a time he is found guilty of clandestine slumber on the desk, sunk in soul-clogging oblivion. We are inspired to write a verse of him : In Latin time I used to snore And dream of pinks and pansies, Oblivious of my master's roar And how severe his glance is. To me he strides with ruler raised, (Over his specs his eyes are gleaming) Then I awake, though still half-dazed With dreaming, dreaming.

How often have we heard this expression of hopeless exasperation, " I've searched everywhere but I can't find him." Mr. Seow Siew Jin has just completed a book " Things and People—how and where to find them," in which he crams thousands of useful hints and plenty of advice within the scope of 48 pages. We publish an extract:

Chapter II—living Beings. Section 34. Miserable creatures: Husbands. To find them search under their wives' thumbs. Section 77. Sophisticated products : Women. There is only one place on earth where you can be sure of finding a woman—that is where she isn't wanted.

Noticing a piece of crumpled paper on a class-room floor, the Head Prefect pounced upon it with the hope of gleaning some clue to the violator of one of the school rules. He was surprised to find that it contained a quaint bit of verse in the well-known caligraphy of a Raffles master. " Elect from every bangsa That in this city dwells, We hear the Glasgow twang, sir, We see the dusky belles." Who is he? and what does he refer to? Talking of women reminds us of a fiery suffragette, one of those unsexed creatures, who declared that in 1999 " the weaker sex will evolve into the Dominant Sex." It is sug­ gested that the only way to avoid this unheard of catastrophe is to boycott women and join the ranks of the confirmed bachelors.

We quite agree that Latin is a nonsensical language and Horace is a nice chap, and all that, but it is a heinous crime to force students to wade through his abominable rubbish. We are offering a few tips and hints on how to study Latin for those who find it very hard to master this language. To study Latin,. get familiar with it: this is the basic principle. Speak Latin at every opportunity you can find. If anything happens to irritate you, improve your Latin by swearing " Damnosus, damnosa, damnsum,— damn, doomed ! " When you meet your fiance, why use the time-worn prosaic " Hello Biddy " ? Instead of which, assume a Homeric attitude and salute her thus "Ave Chloe! mea amatrix ! " There are countless opportunities arising from the breakfast table. When you see beef steak and potatoes, it helps to remind you of " Bos, bovis " : bull or cow, third declension, common gender, and Potata, potatae, feminine gender, first declension, an exception with potatoe as ablative. It is in this way that you may master this dead language, and if many find this method successful, we shall then be thankful that our efforts are not unrewarded.

We understand that the well-dressed master to whom allusion was made in our last issue has had to surrender his pride of place. Of his supplanter, we will say no more than that he has lately arrived from ENGLAND. " UMNUEY."

THE INTER-SCHOOL SPORTS. Just as we go to press, we are able to record the results of the Inter-School Sports, held at the Stadium, on July 16th, and we have to confess that to many of us the results, so far as Class I was concerned, came as a pleasant surprise. We had, of course, hopes; but we were aware that we had some very fine athletes from other schools to compete against, and we expected a much closer finish; indeed, without deprecia­ ting the performances of our-own representatives, we cannot help thinking that some of their opponents were not quite at the top of their form. Competition throughout was, however, undoubtedly keen, and there were some really fine finishes. In Classes II and III, the honours deservedly went to the Anglo-Chinese School, while St. Joseph's took Second place in Class II. In this connection it seems a pity that there were no trophies for the winners of the junior classes, and we hope that this will be remedied. The results obtained by the School were:— Class I. High Jump 1st and 2nd (5'2 ") Shot Put 3rd 100 Yds. 2nd and 3rd Hurdles 1st and 2nd (16 secs) Long Jump 1st (20 ft. 5 in.) 220 Yds. 1st and 3rd (24 3/5 secs) 440 Yds. 1st and 2nd (58 secs) 880 Yds. 2nd and 3rd One Mile 3rd Cricket Ball 1st & 3rd (91 yds. 3 in.) Relay Race 1st (Sir A. Young Cup) Class II. 100 Yds. 1st (10 4/5 secs) High Jump 1st and 3rd (5 ft. 3 in.) 220 Yds. 3rd Relay 1st Class III. Long Jump 1st High Jump 2nd and 3rd Relay 1st The most notable of our individual performances were Mok Hing Kong's Long Jump, Howe's Cricket Ball throw, and Moh Hing Kong's win in the hurdles ; while Chiam Kim Hock's performance in the 220 yards, and those of Ali in the 100 yards and Woo Kal Khui in the High Jump of Class II. also deserve mention. The Individual Championship was won by Abdul Kadir, with Moh Hing Kong as a very close second. The latter, indeed, has had very bad luck, both in our own and in the Inter-School Sports, in being just beaten on points by Abdul Kadir, when on both occasions his individual successes have been the more marked. The new Shields, presented by Mr. Bishop and Dr. Winstedt for the winning teams in the A. and B. classes, respectively, in the Drill and Games Competition, were handed over to the R. I. teams, the members of which were awarded Medals. The whole meeting was conducted in an excellent spirit, and, while we have to congratulate our own boys on doing so well, we wish to extend our congratulations to our rival schools on many very fine performances. The change to the Stadium was a move in the right direction, winning the approval of competitors, officials, and spectators alike. THE PRIZE DISTRIBUTION.

The Prize Distribution for 1924 was held quietly on the morning of Friday, 17th July, the whole School being assem­ bled in the Hall. The Principal apologised for the lateness of the function, owing to his having received the prizes from England only a few days before, but stated that it was hoped that arrangements would be made to have next year's distri­ bution early in the year, when a more elaborate programme might be provided.

Mrs. D. A. Bishop then presented the Prizes to the suc­ cessful pupils, of whom the following is a list:—

Standard VI. English Maswari. History and Geography Tan Keng Yam Mathematics Syed Hussein Science Teo Chwee Chua Drawing Tan Boo Chuan First in Div. A. Teo Chwee Chua do B. Tan Boo Chuan do D. Low Yew Fai do E. Wong Kok Ying First in Class. Syed Hussein. Standard VII. English Ismail & A. C. Sinha (equal) History and Geography Ismail b. A. Aziz Mathematics A. C. Sinha Science A. C. Sinha Drawing Lee Fong Lim First in Div. B. Goh Tiaw Guan do C. Hashim b. A. Shamah do D. Low Whye Choon First in Class A. C. Sinha. Juniors. English Tan Bock Seng History and Geography Tan Soon Tee Mathematics Tan Soon Tee Science Tan Soon Tee Drawing Ong Hock Siew First in Div. B. Tay Peck Leong do C. K. S. Somasundram First in Class Tan Soon Tee Commercial. English R. E. Perreau Arithmetic Yeo Wee Seet Handwriting Ow Lai Choon Business Routine Yeo Wee Seet Book-keeping Yeo Wee Seet Typewriting Goon Fook Koon Shorthand J. N. Isaac First in Class Yeo Wee Seet Seniors. English D. S. Marshall History and Geography G. Oehlers Mathematics G. Oehlers Science Khoo Soo Bee Drawing Pow Yue Lum First in Class and "DUX" of the School G. Oehlers. Special Prizes. For Writing and Illustrating Stories. Yap Tian Beng Leong Mong Heng Chan Wah Teck For Best Essays. Upper School Seow Siew Jin Lower School Syed Abdullah b. Shahab. Certificates were presented to the winners of Scholarships, awarded on 1924 class-work and examinations, as under :—

"Ong Tek Lim" Scholarships (2) Teo Chwee Chua and Tan Boo Chuan "Guthrie" (2) Ismail and Hashim "Hullett" (2) Tan Soon Tee and Tan Beng Lay "Secondary" (3) Lee Fong Lim, Wee Poh Lim and Tan Kim Tee "Institution" (6) Wee Chin Thiam, Goh Tee Chuan, Song Fook Nam, Lee Fong Lim, Sayadi and P. Nambiar. "Tan Jiak Kim" Scholarship Tan Soon Tee "Tan Jiak Chuan" „ G. Oehlers "Cecil Clementi Smith" „ Ong Guan Chye. The "Government Commercial" Scholarships have not yet been awarded. The Certificates gained in the last Cambridge Local Examinations were also presented, after which the proceed­ ings terminated with a vote of thanks to Mrs. Bishop.

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