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Michaelhouse
October, 1968 STAFF
R. T. S. Norwood, M.A. (Cantab.) E.D., Rector R. Gathorne, M.A. (Rhodes), Senior Master A. N. Bell, B.A. (Cape Town) G. V. Lange, B.A. (Rhodes)
N. C. F. Bloy, M.A. (Oxon.) P. G. Lavender, N.A.D. (Art)
Mrs. N. E. Carswell, B.A. (Auckland), B.Sc. (Otago) B. A. Law, M.A. (Oxo n.)
The Rev. H. Clark, L.Th.
J. Coetzee, B.A. (Univ. of South Africa), T.T.D.
G. Crossley, B.A. (Natal), Dip. Ed. (Oxon.) Mrs. G. Crossley, B.A. (Oxon.)
A. F. G. Cotton, B.Sc. (Rhodes), B.Ed. (Natal)
J. M. du Plessis
R. J. R. Gillespie, B.Com. (Natal)
P. J. Goldie-Scot
R. H. W. Hall, B.A., U.E.D. (Natal)
R. W. Hennessy, B.A., B.Ed. (Stellenbosch)
C. H. D. Leggatt, B.Sc. (Cape Town)
J. P. Lowe, B.Sc. (Natal)
B. Miles, B.Sc., U.E.D. (Natal)
K. J. Mullen, A.P.T.C. (Phys. Ed.)
R. F. Pennington, N.T.S.D.
J. L. Robinson, B.Sc. (Natal)
A. J. Rogers, B.A. (Dublin), B.Ed. (Natal) R. W. Rusk, B.Sc., B.Ed. (Natal)
R. Standing, B.Sc. (Natal), M.C.S.P.
H. A. C. Stanton, F.T.C.L., F.G.C.M. (Music)
A. J. Stewart, B.A., U.E.D. (Natal)
The Rev. R. Horrocks, L.Th. F. J. Human, B.A., U.E.D. (Univ. of the Free State) M. E. Thompson, M.Sc . (Natal)
R. L. Ibbotson, M.A. (Cantab.) W. A. van der Walt, B.A. (Stellenbosch)
Housemasters: Founders: Mr. M. E. Thompson East: Mr. R. Gathorne West: Mr. W. A. van der Walt Farfield: Mr. B. A. Law Tatham: Mr. N. C. F. Bloy Pascoe: Mr. A. F. G. Cotton Baines: Mr. P. J. Goldie-Scot
Bursar: Mr. L. C. Knight
Medical Officers: Drs. J. L. Hyslop, O. W. Smyth and R. Shacksnovis
Estate Manager: Mr. G. W. Henderson
Works Manager and Carpentry Instructor: Mr. V. Kirsten
Zulu Instructor: Mr. L. Cele
Sanatorium Sisters: Miss G. M. Hesom, S.C.M., S.R.N., and Miss J. Bruns kill, S.C.M., S.R.N. Rector's Secretary: Mrs. D. M. Campbell
Visiting Musical Instructors: Mrs. F. B. van Heijst and Mr. H. E. Jones
Librarian: Mr. F. B. van Heijst
Caterer: Mr. G. N. Kemp
Editor "The Chronicle": Mr. N. C. F. Bloy
Head Prefect: R. N. B. Benger Second Prcfect: A. G. P. Kee
School Prefects: C. J. Larsen, D. J. Morphew, A. E. Hammill, G. H. McLe od,
C. R. Thomson, M. D. Slutzkin, P. A. E. Dix, C. H. Bennett, C. A. van Hass elt,
D. M. Lawrence, P. F. K. Tucker 8961 'H380JLD0
XX ~IOA
CONTENTS
Page
Obituary: J. F. Poynton ...... 4
School Notes ...... 5
Valete ...... 7
Drama ...... 8
Speech Day...... 15
Chapel Notes ...... 22
House Notes ...... 24
Society Notes ...... 31
Literary Section...... 40
Feature Articles...... 47
Cadet Notes...... 50
Sports Section ...... 51
Old Boys' Section ...... 61
Michaelhouse Trust ...... 83 OBITUARY
JOHN FREDRIC POYNTON
We regret to have to record that John Poynton of West died as the result of a shooting accident while on Free Bounds on Sunday, 13th October.
John, who was born on 17th January, 1952, was the son of Mr. R. G. Poynton, an Old Boy and member of the Board of Governors, and younger brother of Richard Poynton, who left in 1966. John came to Michaelhouse from Cordwalles in January, 1966; as well as being a very useful Rugby and Hockey player, he was a most promising member of the school Gym team. He was an active member of many societies - the Stage society, the Trout club and, above all, the Natural History Society - he was very interested in animals and intended to become a "vet". He was interested, too, in Youth Leadership and had been selected from several boys in the Empangeni District to take part in a Rotary Youth Leadership course in only the week before his death.
Always a cheerful, laughing and friendly boy his popularity with others was a very good assessment of what he was.
4 SCHOOL NOTES
It is with regret that we say good-bye to Messrs. R. W. Byrne and B. McGee, who as Works Manager and Carpentry Instructor have been at Michaelhouse for 15 and 10 years respectively. They have left to set up a Contractors business in Howick.
* * *
We say a reluctant farewell, too, to Mr. A. J. Stewart, who after two years here is returning to Scotland to teach at George Watson's College in Edinburgh. His painstaking Latin teaching will be much missed as will his skilled hockey and cricket coaching. To him, Mrs. Stewart and to their two sons, whom West in particular will be sad to see go, we give our very best wishes.
* * *
We welcome Mr. Vincent Kirsten, who joins us as Works Manager and Carpentry Instructor. The combining of these two positions in one person has been made possible by a change of policy by which we shall not undertake any large scale capital work with our Maintenance Department.
* * *
Speech Day was held on Saturday, 31st August. The prizes were given away by Lieut.-General C. A. Fraser, Officer Commanding Joint Combat Forces. Among the guests was Mrs. Jean Howard, daughter of the Founder of Michaelhouse, Canon Todd.
* * *
From August 4th to 9th, Mr. Michael Cassidy conducted a Mis- sion to Michaelhouse. The effects of his mission are discussed by the Chaplain in the Chapel Notes Section.
* * *
Our dramatic productions this year have been Shakespeare's "Henry IV, Part I" (Dramatic Society). Terence Rattigan's "The Winslow Boy" (Vlth Form) and Gilbert & Sullivan's "The Gondoliers" (Choral Society). Reviews of these productions are to be found else- where in this issue.
* * *
As foreshadowed in our last issue the Poplar Avenue at the entrance to the school is no more. In its place purple sycamores, which will grow to a height of 30 to 40 feet, have been planted at intervals of about 20 yards.
* * * The new carpentry shop is now completed and in use; ironically enough it was completed just when Mr. McGee, the carpentry instruc- tor, and Mr. Byrne, after whose father it has been named, left us.
5 We have had another satisfactory year in the South African Maths Olympiad, five Michaelhouse boys reaching the semi-final stage, and J. Foster of Pascoe reaching the final ten.
* * *
We are most grateful to the Durban branch of the Old Boys' Club for the assistance they have been giving us in connexion with Careers. Old Boys and others have come up on several evenings to talk on Accountancy, Medicine, Engineering, Teaching, Insurance and Bank- ing. These talks have been invaluable in helping boys in the C Block in their subject choices for Matric.
* * *
Various tours have been arranged by Mr. Law in conjunction with the Michaelhouse Trust in the course of the year. First, the April tour to Johannesburg for boys and masters, secondly the Sixth Form tour and thirdly a tour for members of the school to Port Elizabeth.
* * *
During the Second Quarter N.A.P.A.C. gave a most interesting ballet-lecture to the school in the Junior Hall and, on another occasion, Miss Zoe Randall presented a lecture-recital entitled "Proposals and Disposals".
* * *
We are grateful to Messrs. A. de Burgh-White of the Natal Parks
Board and Ian Hepburn who have come up on certain Saturday even- ings to show films to the school.
6 VALETE
Ray Byrne and Bernard McGee
Outside the almost complete Carpentry Shop.
As 1 start writing my mind goes back to the year 1955 when I first started tutoring in East. Some fuse had blown and old Mr. Byrne ("Plab") was perched on top of a ladder making investigations. A sudden crackle and he was lying on the floor. Omitting entirely to check on broken bones, he climbed the ladder again and did the necessary job. This typified "Plab's" attitude to work and reminded me of his many years of dedicated service to the school.
Michaelhouse has been exceptionally lucky over the past fifteen years to have had the same selfless service from his son Ray; nor do I hesitate to couple with him in this respect Bernard McGee, at Michaelhouse now for ten years. I suspect that many of us have been inclined to take the work they have done for granted and to regard them and their families as an immutable part of the school. In con- sequence the announcement that they were leaving at the end of
7 August produced dismay and a clear realization of the extent of our loss.
All O.M.s, and especially those who play cricket with enthusiasm, will remember that the Oval Pavilion was built under Ray's direction. It is a fitting memorial to his meticulous care. In addition many of the houses on the estate testify to his professional competence and that genuine love of good work that is the hallmark of the craftsman. Nobody who has studied the new houses opposite Meadows will deny that they are exceptionally well finished and a credit to their surround- ings. It is one of the sad ironies of the situation that Bernard is leaving just at the moment when a fine new carpentry shop is being finished. A great deal of the furniture that graces the school testifies to his mastery of the carpenter's craft and nobody who has seen the quality of his pupils' work on a Speech Day exhibition can fail to notice that the master is well able to pass on his magic. For the generations who will delight in using the Chapel Crypt the furniture provides a lasting and a proud memorial. Yet there is much else these two have done. Maintenance at Michaelhouse is a gigantic task. It is my abiding memory of Ray and Bernard that they are always courteously ready to do any task, large or small. If it can not be done immediately, as each one of us is a little inclined to expect, it is because one of the many other jobs that claim their attention must be dealt with first.
Suffice it to say that two families who have formed an integral and highly valued part of our community and who have served the school as well as any, will leave a large gap in our hearts when they go. We can ill afford their going, but we wish them all joy and success in their new work in Howick and assure them of a very warm welcome whenever they should find themselves back at Balgowan. And those of us who might retire anywhere near Howick will inevitably have our houses built by them!
R.G.
DRAMA
"HENRY IV, PART I"
For his initial production of the annual Michaelhouse School Play, Mr. Bell took us to the Open-Air Theatre and to Shakespeare for the first time in four years. His choice of "Henry IV, Part I" was no doubt influenced by the fact that this is a Matric set-book for 1968; for, otherwise, it is not a play often performed, largely because full understanding of it demands knowledge of the other parts of the tetralogy and because the political theme is not always easy to follow.
8 That this production held the attention and gained the full apprecia- tion of the audience is a great tribute to both the producer and his talented group of players.
Much of the success of the play depends on the ability of the actor who tackles the supreme comic part of Falstaff - surely the greatest comic creation in our literature; and there is no doubt that Peter Cartwright's portrayal was a huge success. His appearance was gross, his voice sounded as though from a megaphone and his move- ments throughout were those of one hindered by corpulence and gout. There was no over-acting, but he bestrode the stage with that zest for life which Falstaff never lacked - particularly in the most dangerous and threatening moments of the Battle of Shrewsbury.
Playing the part of his companion in the robbery at Gadshill and roisterings at the Eastcheap Tavern was Edward Russell-Walling as Prince Hal. An interesting portrayal, this. While some might complain that there was too much contempt and too little love for Falstaff in his characterisation, at least he made credible those speeches which have troubled those critics who have wished to see no vices in their hero. Thus we were not shocked by the seemingly hypocritical soliloquy:
"I know you all and will awhile uphold The unyoked humour of your idleness."
Nor would we be surprised that this was the person who, in "Henry IV, Part II", was so cruelly to reject his old friend with those biting words, -
"I know thee not, old man; fall to thy prayers;
How ill white hairs become a fool and jester."
Thus it was that our sympathies when the Prince of Wales over- came Hotspur at Shrewsbury were not entirely with the former, the more so because Robin Benger in the part of Hotspur gave us a character who was far from being "the Hotspur of the North, he that kills me some six or seven dozen of Scots at a breakfast, washes his hands and says 'Fie upon this quiet life'". This Hotspur was much more concerned with "plucking bright honour from the pale-faced moon" and was not guided by self-interest in his rebellion against the King. This was a part acted with both feeling and sensitivity.
The Falstaff scenes and the Hotspur scenes tend to push the titular chief character into the background. But one of the themes of this group of Histories has been well said to be "The Irony of Kingship", and Shakespeare sets out to show us the gradual deterioration of Henry IV from the proud Bolingbroke of "Richard II" to the tired and exhausted King of "Henry IV, Part II", whose disillusionment is summed up in the words, •-
"Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown". But, although Henry IV was a fading monarch, who had to be rescued from Douglas at the Battle of Shrewsbury by his son and who
9 .:,v
Photo: R. S. H. Stott
Peter Cartwright as Falstaff.
10 had several men in the battle disguised as himself, Anthony Kee, in the part of the King, was far too experienced an actor to be played off the stage by Falstaff, Hal and Hotspur. He reminded us that, failing though Henry IV might have been, he was still a dominant political ruler; and, in the speaking of his lines, Kee's performance was probably the best of the play.
As always in school productions, there were some delightful vignettes provided by the minor actors; notably by Alan Hammill as Glendower (even if he did look and sound more Scottish than Welsh!) and by Christopher Lenz, who was superbly cast as Douglas. Ivor Orchard, if a little too small and fragile for the powerful part of Lady Percy (his "I'll break thy little finger, Harry" seemed most unlikely!), spoke his lines with beautiful clarity and understanding; and Glen Thomas, though a little carried away by over-enthusiasm, was a lively Poins.
A delightful and interesting production, indeed, and one which demonstrated how easily and convincingly Shakespeare can be per- formed by a talented group and with no more props than a large stage and a few bushes and shrubs for scenery.
CAST
King Henry IV ... Westmoreland Henry, Prince of Wales Sir John Falstaff
Poins ......
Worcester ......
Northumberland ...
Lady Percy......
Mistress Quickly
Blunt ......
Hotspur ......
Mortimer ......
Owen Glendower
Douglas ......
Vernon......
Prince John......
A. G. P. Kee B. J. Nicholson
E. W. T. Russell-Walling
P. J. H. Cartwright
G. V. Thomas
P. F. K. Tucker
T. M. Mackenzie
I. R. Orchard
J. P. Sturgeon
T. H. Tatham
R. N. B. Benger
J. J. Wex
A. E. Hammill
C. G. Lenz R. V. Turrell
C. A. van Hasselt
Other parts were played by: C. E. J. Goodyer, M. D. Slutzkin, J. J. Davidson, P. G. H. Houghton, M. C. MacMurray, J. H. Bennett, G. S. Williams, P. G. Rogers, J. R. Hughes, N. R. L. Haysom, R. E. Gordon, A. L. Payn, L. Stewart, A. M. van Velden, R. H. Krause, R. F. Butt, J. M. Weddepohl, R. A. Dix, A. V. Turrell, P. A. Smith, G. E. Schafer, I. M. Vincent, N. G. E. Proctor, P. F. Olsen, J. Morrison, Z. Trupos.
Stage Management: Messrs. M. E. Thompson and J. L. Robinson, and I. M. Vincent.
The play was produced by Mr. A. N. Bell.
N.C.F.B.
11 "THE WINSLOW BOY"
Hard upon "Henry IV" came the Sixth Form production of 'The Winslow Boy", performed in the Memorial Hall on Saturday, 15th June. This production was a considerable credit to all concerned, and particularly Peter Dix, who unobtrusively directed the play and had the formidable task of gathering together his players, who often had many other commitments, for the rehearsals. The production was a fine example of initiative on the part of a small group of boys, and their play, which relied on no humour to cheer the audience and which was caviare to the general, was very greatly appreciated.
The all-round standard of acting was extremely good and par- ticularly praiseworthy were the performances of two of the principal actors, Robin Benger and Anthony Kee, who, in spite of their day-to- day duties as Senior and Second Prefect respectively and the fact that they were both playing for the 1st XV in Durban that afternoon, were able to follow up their lengthy parts in "Henry IV" with such excel- lent performances ten days later. Scarcely less praiseworthy were the performances of several members of the Sixth Form with no previous stage experience, particularly Christopher Wellington, who, as far as I know, had never spoken on a Michaelhouse stage before, and now played a lengthy female part with both composure and skill. Mean- while, on the stage almost throughout this long play in the part of the father of Ronald Winslow was Patrick Tucker, whose considerable stage sense and experience went a long way to weld the play together and to ensure its undoubted success.
N.C.F.B.
% ♦ ♦
"THE GONDOLIERS"
To be transported from the squeaking of bats in the Memorial Hall by way of the sunny Spanish shore to Venice by a splendid splash of colour and rhythm and tuneful songs without even feeling that you are being misled all the time and that the gondoliers are just B-blockers with whiskers and that the contadine have probably for- gotten to do their laundry lists, is no mean feat, when one realises that "The Gondoliers" is one of Gilbert and Sullivan's more ambitious operettas.
Although a little uncertain on the first night, the chorus swung into the old tuneful melodies with tremendous verve for their final performance. Top honours must go to June Hennessy for her set, which was cleverly designed so that while we were sipping our coffee, the never-tiring stage crew under Mike Thompson changed the Grand Canal to the sea in Barataria, the Santa Grotia to a patio in Spain, and the gondola to something that looked for all the world like the Loch Ness monster - perhaps they did have such means of transport
12 in Barataria. The cascade of colour produced by well-made and carefully-selected costumes from the wardrobe by Bunny Ibbotson and her stalwarts, created a most pleasing effect. G. & S. lighting is usually a la Bridget D'Oyly Carte, but I still cannot understand why the finale had to be seen as a twilight panorama instead of using all the floods to show off, for the last time, the colours.
The fact that this is a school production with an entirely male cast must be constantly kept in mind when one tries to make any critical assessment. On the acting side I would single out the Duchess for an oscar: Anthony van Velden could have walked into any chandeliered drawing room of that period and people would have noticed him; he had the poise, the right balance which the part demanded and the understanding of a lady whose husband is a bit of an old fool. Though inaudible occasionally, he was the Duchess and I never once did not believe it. He shows much promise and I hope we see more of him on the stage. The doddering old Plaza-Toro, semi- moth-eaten Grandee of Spain, was admirably portrayed by Nigel Bloy, who gave a rich (only metaphorically!) characterisation with lots of gusto. His own choreography in the gavotte makes me realise what Sadlers Wells have lost, but fortunately to our gain. He was a cameo that could have walked straight out of any picture book and that is how he ought to have been in Gilbert and Sullivan.
Peter Cartwright, as Don Alhambra, gave the grande maniere to his rolling periods and the right touch of Malvolian pomposity to his humbug. He savoured the absurdities round his palate before deliver- ing them to his audience. An actor of much promise, who must now be taken away from character parts, in order to give him more versatility and experience. Luiz, played by Kevin Keely, was a firm support with a good presence and by far the best delivery of all. The Palmieri brothers (Nigel Bell and Patrick Tucker) were not only sought-after charmers but also competent actors: their songs were very pleasing and always soothing. Frank Vipond, as Casilda, was most convincing and did well, especially in the duets and quintets which are not easy for a young boy to sing. What pleased me most was that Louis Wessels, Spencer Fleischer, Clive van Hasselt, Jason Stephens and Stephen Burnett played their parts as the more exalted contadine with such enthusiasm in spite of some obviously difficult moments during the production. Douglas Brown as the old foster mother was most convincing, but I never really saw enough of him because that was when the eclipse took place from the lighting bridge.
All in all I would congratulate the entire cast, and here I include everyone, from the stage-hands to the Duke, on enriching our lives with a bit of Utopian fantasy: just to be away from writing reports and to be soothed by singing and dancing. To Harry Stanton, the Musical Director, who kept Frikkie Human and Anne Thompson on the beat, it must have been very pleasing to see six months' arduous labour so fruitfully rewarded; to Nigel Bell, who turned the colourful kaleidoscope so that we could enjoy it. May we see many more such productions.
13 CAST
The Duke of Plaza-Toro ......
Luiz ......
Don Alhambra, the Grand Inquisitor
Marco ......
Giuseppe ......
The Duchess of Plaza-Toro......
Casilda ......
Gianetta ......
Tessa......
Gianetta ......
Vittoria ......
Giulia ......
Inez ......
Antonio ......
Giorgio ......
N. C. F. Bloy Kevin Keely Peter Cartwright
A. N. Bell Patrick Tucker Anthony van Velden Frank Vipond Louis Wessels Spencer Fleischer Clive van Hasselt Jason Stephens Stephen Burnett Douglas Brown Kevin Keely Peter Dix
Chorus of Gondoliers and Contadine: Douglas Bookless, Jeremy
Davidson, Robert Dix, Richard Gordon, Paul Henderson, Peter Houghton, Christopher Huggins, Anthony Kee, Michael Mac- Murray, Paul Pritchard, Julian Sturgeon, Timothy Tyrell, Chris- topher Wellington, Scott Balson, Jeremy Boulter, Randal Brereton, Christopher Brown, Michael Cartwright, Michael Challinor, John Duxbury, Michael Gerson, Nicholas Grice, Robert Luther, An- thony Shaw, Leith Stewart, Robert Sully, Dallas Taylor.
Attendants: Lyall Ferguson, James Olsen, Jeffrey Morrison.
Producer: A. N. Bell.
Musical Director: H. A. C. Stanton.
Set Designer: Mrs. R. W. Hennessy.
Property Manager: Mrs. R. W. Hennessy. Accompanists: Mrs. M. E. Thompson and F. J. Human. Wardrobe: Mrs. R. L. lbbotson et aliae.
Make-up: Mrs. B. A. Law et aliae.
Stage: M. E. Thompson et alii.
Lighting: R. W. Rusk and Ian Vincent.
W.A.v.d.W.
14 SPEECH DAY
Photo: C. E. J. Goodyer
The evening before Speech Day was misty and drizzly; the worst was feared and one wondered gloomily how, in the event of rain, 1,200 visitors were to be accommodated both for the prize-giving and lunch. But, as has happened for several successive years now, the Saturday dawned cloudless and no one breathed with more relief than the Caterer and doubtless all those ladies who were now able to sport their gay and original fashions.
Before the prize-giving, there was ample time to visit an impres- sive and enthusiastic Biology exhibition, to take cautionary heed from the Science Department on the dangers of smoking, to admire the colourful sails of the yachts now beached outside the Tuck Shop as they flapped gently in the breeze, or to study the photographs and details of the recent Venture Club expedition to Malawi, though one doubted whether many mothers cast envious glances at the frying-pans used by the Venture Club! A walk through the spring blossom to the Art School was well rewarded by yet another first-class Art exhibition; here, in a corner, members of staff were to be seen quizzically (and not always delightedly!) studying a series of pencil caricatures.
In the absence of the Bishop of Natal, in England for the Lambeth Conference, the Vice-Chairman of the Board of Governors presided at the Prize Giving; as our Guest Speaker we were delighted (and pro- bably no one more delighted than the Rector for this his last Speech Day) to welcome an old friend and ex-Michaelhouse parent in General Fraser, Officer Commanding Joint Combat Forces. And we were equally delighted to see in the V.I.P. seats before the dais, Mrs. Howard, daughter of no less a person than our founder, James Cameron Todd. Mrs. Howard, on a short visit from England, endeared herself to the boys (and staff, perhaps, too) by requesting a remission of some early morning periods. General Fraser presented the prizes
15 and then spoke on the subject of Leadership, the Responsibilities of Privilege, and the value of Faith. In his Report, reproduced below, the Rector spoke of those things which he remembered with most pleasure in his time at Michaelhouse; while the Head Prefect, Robin Benger, spoke with all the impressiveness which we have come to expect each year from our Head Prefects.
Having sat beneath the broiling sun in the hollow of the Amphi- theatre for something like an hour and a quarter, there were not a few, who had not had the benefits of either a large hat or a sunshade, who were not more than ready to avail themselves of some refreshment with the Housemasters before lunch. After lunch, the Chapel was crowded for the annual recital of anthems by the Chapel Choir; this recital, first given a few years ago as an entirely informal item, has now become a Speech Day tradition and this year it was appreciated as much as ever. The choir trebles, generally considered the best and certainly the most powerful group we have had for some years, sang beautifully and no more so than in the Director of Music's anthem, "O sing joyfully", written especially for the Rector and Mrs. Norwood. The day closed with a display of P.T. on Punchbowl by the Gym Club and the C and D Blocks. The former performed, on a collision course for much of the time, with much aplomb, particularly on the trampoline, while the latter, as one rather despairingly hoped at prac- tices that they might, concentrated with such effect that they were a model of precision. Their display was performed to the accompani- ment of the very smart cadet band, who this year had added "Lara's Theme" to their repertoire. Their variations on the opening bars of this piece did not go unappreciated.
Now the cars streamed down the ex-Poplar Avenue to the main gates and Speech Day was over - a day enjoyed, as far as one could tell, by everyone; and while, on the following day, the rain streamed down incessantly over Balgowan, there were few who did not join the Caterer in thanks that we had been so blessed with sunshine.
16
Photo: C. E. J. Goodyer RECTOR'S ADDRESS ON SPEECH DAY
May I first add my own words of welcome to General and Mrs. Fraser. 1 have been lucky enough to get to know General Fraser personally to some extent as I was O.C. Cadets when he was O.C. Natal Command and I was Housemaster of Pascoe when Alan Fraser was a boy in that house. I did not think it necessary, as Rector of Michaelhouse, that I should read General Fraser's book on irregu- lar warfare, so I cannot express any opinion about his skill as a writer or tactician but I can say, from my own observation, that if a boy wanted an example of decency, straightforwardness, honesty and reliability he could do very much worse than take General Fraser as his ideal. And those are not bad virtues to have. I would like to say a special welcome also to a lady who first visited Michaelhouse this week, Mrs. Jean Howard, for she is the daughter of our Founder, Canon James Cameron Todd. Another special welcome goes to Mr. and Mrs. Ray Slater from Hilton - I personally approve very warmly of the principle of appointing Senior Masters of schools as Headmasters and I have known Mr. and Mrs. Slater well enough to know that this has been a very happy choice for Hilton and for the good relations which exist between our schools.
In this my last report I am not going to confine myself to a factual review of the past year nor, I assure you, am I going to indulge in any maudlin farewells. I hope that next year 1 may still be active within the Michaelhouse Community and not be banished utterly into outer darkness. However I will not be treading on the toes of the new Rector.
Here I would like to say briefly how glad I am to be handing over to a man whom I know well enough to like immensely and respect immensely. I am quite sure that the choice of Rex Pennington will prove to be yet another piece of evidence of the good sense of our Board - when I found that they were going to interview not only the men but also the wives I knew that the choice was a foregone conclusion. I certainly wish them both as good support as I have had and as much happiness, particularly from my relations with you parents.
What of our Matriculation results in 1967? It surprises me each year, and, I will admit, depresses me, that there seems to be a band of faithful friends whose joy it is to denigrate our results whatever they may be. Even parents of long standing and O.M.s will happily make criticisms which are totally unjustified. I have often said on Speech Day that comparisons between schools are unreliable as schools differ widely in the amount of screening of entries which they do. Therefore 1' will content myself by saying that I am happy that anyone who wishes, should consult the comparative results sent to me by the Secretary of the H.M.C. I think that anyone who did so would conclude that one other school did as well as we did and none better. I have laboured this a little as it is irritating to hear that "Michaelhouse never gets anybody through Matric" in the very year in which we have had unusually good results and very nearly doubled 17 the previous best number of distinctions. Perhaps a more worthwhile figure is that the average I.Q. of those boys from here who have failed in the last three years has been 104.6. In spite of all the demands re grouping of results which can fail an intelligent boy who has a blank spot in one area, only five boys in the last three years with I.Q.s of
110 or over have failed to pass.
In the Maths Olympiad which has now taken place for two years
Michaelhouse has supplied one quarter of the medal winners, selected from the whole Republic. This year we have five boys who will be competing in the second round.
I have recently received the figures of the results of all the candidates who take the A.E.B. "A" Level Exam. The number of our boys in the Vlth Form who write this exam is small and a com- parison in individual subjects is not really profitable but the overall figure may be. All candidates from the U.K. and overseas achieved a 46.8 per cent, pass; our figure was 75.6 per cent. The Vlth Form, admirably run by Mr. Law, continues to thrive, especially now that the military authorities have agreed to give deferment for Post Matri- culation study at school. I am convinced that this year, for a boy who is prepared to make the most of his opportunities, is worth all his other years at Michaelhouse. Some parents when considering this possibility, think that they cannot afford a further year before getting their son to university but many who decide against a Vlth Form year find that their son spends the saved year in repeating a univer- sity year in a much less satisfactory manner.
A most successful enterprise this year was the exchange weekend visit we enjoyed with boys from Port Natal High School. Four of our Vlth Form members went to Port Natal for the weekend and stayed with Afrikaans-speaking families while four Port Natal boys spent from Friday evening to Sunday living as members of our Vlth Form. I am quite certain that both parties gained a great deal from this opportunity to get to know each other better and 1' only hope that the boys who went from here left as good a taste behind them as did the visitors we enjoyed entertaining.
Another most notable event has taken place only this month. This was the visit to the school for a week of one of our recent old boys, Michael Cassidy. He is at the head of a Mission called "Africa Enter- prise", with headquarters situated in Maritzburg. He conducted our short morning prayers, attended Divinity lessons and was available to talk to boys in the afternoons and each evening held a voluntary service in chapel - I do not think there were ever less than 300 boys at these services. I pray - and I believe - that what was achieved in those few days will have a lasting effect for real good on the life of the school and the individual lives of many boys. The Chaplain, Mr. Clark, and his assistant, Mr. Horrocks, are increasingly bringing in members of the congregation to take an active part in our services and both chapels are becoming more and more a place of real significance to many members of our community. Incidentally I hope you will not fail to see if you have not already done so, how
18 successful has been the re-decoration of the Crypt chapel. It has developed from a bare, red-coloured cellar into a place of atmosphere, warmth and meaning. My predecessor, Mr. Morgan, in memory of whom the work has been done, would be delighted by the result.
This reference to the Michael Cassidy Mission as one of the most important events I have witnessed here prompts me to look back at other highspots during my life here. Pride of place I would give to the performance in the Maritzburg City Hall and in the Chapel here of Mendelssohn's "Elijah". This was not merely a concert of a reli- gious type which reached a high peak of excellence; it enabled a large number of boys - and girls, for we were assisted by St. Anne's in this - to co-operate in the production of a thing of great beauty, and I am confident that many who took part will remember the experience for the rest of their lives. The re-dedication service after the re-building of the Chapel was another peak.
Several play productions come to mind; Nicholas Palmer as St. Joan in a play which we took down to the Open-Air Theatre at Pinetown for two nights. James Macdonald and Richard Powell as Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, the night productions under Peter Allen of "Othello" and "Hamlet" with some fine acting by Richard Allen Axelson's performance as the King in "Becket" and I believe this year's "Henry IV" may pass the test of time. Certainly Mr. Bell gave us a most enjoyable afternoon ably assisted by Peter Cartwright and Edward Russell-Walling.
The winning of six Rhodes Scholarships within a space of five years is really a very remarkable achievement. Tony Ardington, David Woods, Anthony Evans, Derek Bostock, Humphrey Nicholls and, only last year, Timothy Woods who managed to follow in big brother's footsteps, have given clear proof that our end product is a good one. The purple patch in our athletics when records fell in profusion to such names as Peter Macdonald, Peter Thorrington- Smith, John Price, Simon Norwood, Richard Lyon and, of course, the incomparable Paul Nash. There have been moments of great thrill in our rugby and cricket too. The running of certain school exams without benefit of master invigilators. Michaelhouse under a heavy fall of snow in the holidays without 850 feet to sully the beauty of it all. And so on; but I notice I am becoming maudlin and it is time I returned to earth.
Just over a fortnight ago 1' was visited one afternoon by a man who just dropped in to see the school. The time was 4 p.m. He was anxious to give me his views on education and the duties of schools such as Michaelhouse. His ideas seemed rather bizarre but no one here, of course, would have ideas like his but let us for a moment consider what we are meant to be doing in a place such as this. The boys have heard me talk on this often and so have the staff, so they may fall out for a short rest.
The world has become such a complicated place that there is very little room left for the simplicities of life. Every issue is obscured by the other issues which are tied in with the first. We find it very
19 difficult to believe in anything unconditionally - to have an absolute belief - or to have absolute values. Honesty used to be a good virtue, nowadays it must be accompanied by cleverness and acumen. Kind- ness is a fine thing provided it does not go too far and one loses sight of one's own interests. Humility? Yes, we dislike pomposity and side but do not like a man to be too self-effacing. Purity of mind and body - we are certainly fairly complaisant as far as our minds are concerned. I believe that the most important service schools can perform for young men and women is to implant in them an understanding in the simplest form of true values and to give them a belief which is strong enough to be absolute, which will permit no conditions to the standards which are absolute, i.e., a boy must have so absolute a belief in the rightness of truth, honesty, etc., that he knows that anything that conflicts with or compromises such a conception is wrong. The moment we are ready to compromise about the simple truths of life we are undone. You, parents, and we, the schools, must give our young people a real lead NOW, for in a very short time it will be too late. You will doubtless remember the well-known passage from Corinthians in which St. Paul said "When I was a child, I spake as a child, etc., but now that I am become a man I have put away childish things; then saw I through a glass, darkly, but now I see face to face, even as I am seen". I think in the context of our world St. Paul might change what he said - the child now has more chance to see clearly and it is the man who probably sees through a glass darkly.
Young people today, especially those who do not come from a background of education and culture, have been so encouraged NOT to accept without question anything at all, that they are sure that anything old is wrong. Newness, change is the hallmark of the good and there is no need to apply any other criterion. The mob makes who dares to question its judgment, as it questions the judgment of itself, albeit unconsciously, that it reacts with ferocity towards anyone who dares to question its judgment, as it questions the judgment of the old. Boys and girls who come to such schools as this, from homes such as yours are mostly free from this criticism and have a sound sense of judgment. This is their most vital possession and we, the parents, and we, the schools, must do our utmost to help them to develop and strengthen this judgment. We can perform no better service to them.
May I speak for just a moment on this responsibility of the parent. Some parents, even some Michaelhouse parents, think that they can buy themselves out of their parental responsibilities with money, with nursery governesses and expensive prep and high schools. They are wrong. There are several things which money cannot buy and this is one of them. Further, unless the parent is prepared to play his or her part to the full, the hired assistants are inevitably- hamstrung. Sometimes I receive blame from a parent because the son is not achieving everything the parent expected after paying high fees. Sometimes the blame may be the school's but, far more often, it is on his own head that the parent should be heaping the coals.
20 Schools such as this, which have the whole of the boy, mind, body and spirit to mould during the term without outside distractions, in which the staff is aware of the object of the exercise; in which the parents are almost all anxious to co-operate, have a far greater chance of success than schools in which the staff and pupils, however well-intentioned they may be, are swept off into another context at 3 p.m. each day. The "Third Aim" of the Trust, namely to create a community of boys, staff, parent and friend, has done much that is well known and obvious; it has also done the greatest service in a way which cannot be seen or evaluated for there is a real community of effort to do the best for the boy. If we can continue to turn out men who know what is worthy of respect and who can within the complexities of modern life keep a clear view of these simple values, we will do South Africa a great service. I do not in any way decry others schools: I simply say that those of us who are lucky in being well-placed physically and spiritually, owing to the wisdom of our fore-fathers, must not fail to do what we ought to do.
The government is doing much research into the resources of men of ability and training, etc. - and very wisely too. Even more impor- tant, in my judgment, are men of simplicity, of strength of will, of sound values who will not be diverted by the sweet-voiced sirens who sing such enticing songs about money, power, luxury, etc. An average man is not likely to be able to foresee all the ramified con- sequences of his decision but he will be torn this way and that by the complicated issues - only if he can discern the simpler prin- ciples and make a decision which is true to simple values, will he decide wisely. It is men such as this who will see further than a certain editor who recently said in his leader that a particular policy was unacceptable for South Africa because it might slow down the economic advance of the country. They will see that it may be as important for a country to have a soul as to have an economy.
Simple schoolmasters do not hobnob with the juggernauts of industry, etc., but I have been lucky enough to get to know some of these princes and it has been reassuring to realise how many of these men have retained their view of the simple values. I am happy to conclude that this is because the circles in which I have moved have been O.M. circles. With the vast and rapid spread of education, entry into the upper echelons has been thrown open to a much wider field and it is therefore more important than ever that we send out men of the right calibre. A school is often judged by its results in Matric and Games - a far better indication is the quality of the Old Boy. When I look at the present generation of boys, I feel confident that when all of us who work here now are judged in 15 years time on the O.M.s, we will not be found to have failed. For the future, I believe that Michaelhouse is a priceless jewel in the treasure house of South Africa - a place where far from State control excel- lence may flourish and not be reduced to a uniform mediocrity - and we, the Community of Michaelhouse - boys, parents, staff, etc. - must always remember that it is our important duty to preserve and enhance the bright lustre of that jewel.
21 CHAPEL NOTES
Photo: C. E. J. Goodyer
The Crypt Chapel.
WHERE THERE'S LIFE. THERE MUST BE CHANGE
The spirit of change is at the very heart of the New Testament - the change from the works of the law to the glorious liberty of the sons of God; from the letter to the spirit; from the Sabbath, celebrat- ing creation, to the first day of the week, celebrating the Resurrection; from the complacency of God's chosen people to the passionate missionary outreach of the infant Church; from the old wine settled on its lees to the new wine bursting the ancient wineskins.
By New Testament standards, freshness and perennial newness should be the very breath of life to every individual Christian and to every group of Christians today. Wherever there is life, there must be growth, and wherever there is growth, there must be change.
Our Lord concludes His Sermon on the Mount with a series of parables which warn us to beware lest we wantonly cast away the precious pearl of His teaching, lest we choose the broad way rather than the narrow way and the false prophet rather than the true. He reminds us that the rock is there - let us build on it. The rock does not change, but the building must.
It is with these thoughts of change and renewal that we look back upon the Michael Cassidy Mission which took place early in August. Mr. Michael Cassidy, M.A., B.D., of Africa Enterprise, an old boy of the school, was here for a week, and conducted the daily morning
22 Chapel services for the whole school, and gave a series of voluntary mission addresses in the evenings. These were well attended, over three-quarters of the school being present each evening. Mr. Cassidy also made himself available during the day for interviews with the boys, and a bookstall was run at which over 300 Christian books were sold.
The Mission made a tremendous impact on the school that will have far-reaching effects. The Rector has said that the Mission "may well prove to have been the most important event which has occurred during my 19 years on the staff".
A school prefect adds his comments by saying: "A large number of us . . . has received something greater than we have ever been given before. Those who previously dismissed Christianity as impossible and a mere illusion of the mind, are now extremely thoughtful in their outlook and more inclined to seek for themselves. To stand for Christianity is looked upon with far more respect, and Bible-reading is now an accepted part of our lives."
As I write these notes six weeks have passed since the Mission ended, and although some have fallen away, a solid core remains. As a direct result of the Mission a daily meeting for prayer and two Bible study groups have come into being. The boys are taking an active part in the House prayers, and also once a week conduct the morning Chapel service.
The Crypt Chapel which has been redecorated has become the meeting place for these post-Mission activities. It is also being used for the mid-week Communion services.
* * * * *
CHOIR NOTES
This year the choir has been fortunate to have an exceptionally good line of trebles who have been doing sterling work. We have produced some fine performances of anthems, including "Round me falls the night" by Wesley, "O Saviour of the World" by Goss, "Lift up your heads" by Bach and "Jesu, Lamb of God, Redeemer" by Mozart.
Our Speech Day programme was highly successful. We opened with Bach's "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring", followed by "O Jesu, most kind" by the same composer. Wesley's "The Lord hath been mindful" and "Blessed be the God and Father", Charles McPherson's "O Praise God in His Holiness" and Armstrong Gibbs' "Bless the Lord, O my Soul" and Mr. Stanton's "O sing joyfully" (written for the Rector and Mrs. Norwood) completed a recital of exceptional standard. Once a quarter we sing a "School Anthem", frequently of the hymn type and greatly enjoyed by the boys.
23 HOUSE NOTES
FOUNDERS
Head of House: C. J. Larsen.
School Prefect: P. A. E. Dix
House Officers: J. M. Gowans, N. B. Kerr, D. M. Lawrence,
J. R. Wacher.
At the end of the first quarter we said goodbye to Mr. Human who had been the resident house tutor for 2 years. We are most grateful for all that he has done for us. His place has been taken by Mr. Lange, who, we hope, will enjoy his stay in Founders.
Congratulations to Peter Dix on being made a school prefect and to him and Dave Lawrence who between them carried away nine prizes on Speech Day.
Founders was very unlucky this year in rugby as, plagued by injuries we were fated to play the winning teams in the first round in both the rugby and seven-a-side house matches. Although we had no representative in the 1st XV, we had five in the seconds.
This year Founders has been very active in the school societies and other activities including the school play "Henry IV", the Gilbert and Sullivan production of the "Gondoliers", the production of the VI Form play "The Winslow Boy" and the running of Night School.
German measles has claimed a large number of casualties in the house this term. We hope that it has not interfered with the matriculants' "hard" work to any drastic degree.
In the hockey this term we managed to reach the semi-finals before being beaten by a very strong West team. The gymnasts are hard at training and we hope that their efforts will be suitably rewarded.
Two cacks, Lawrence and Vassiliades have established what seems to be a record - a 45-minute cold shower in the winter quarter.
EAST
The second quarter of the year began on a somewhat unhappy note: we were defeated in the First Round of the senior rugby by Tatham. They were a slightly stronger side, and we held them to 8-0 in a hard fought game. The Juniors fared better and reached the finals; they were then beaten, also by Tatham, but are to be con- gratulated on getting so far.
Later on during the quarter we won the overall Shooting Com- petition for the second year in succession. However West beat us in the Senior Shield. A special word of congratulation is due to Steuart Pennington, our captain, whose keenness and determination made our success possible.
24 We bade Darryl Dawson farewell at the end of the term and wish him the best of luck in the future. We only hope that our cricket team will manage without him. We welcomed Paul Foaden and Paul Nicholls to the house in the second and third terms respectively and wish them luck as true Easterners.
The House underwent a facelift during July when it was com- pletely painted in traditional sky blue and white. The entrance had lost its air of antiquity since the stone tiles outside the Senior dormitory have been replaced by dark brown linoleum tiles. The boot room and stairs have been similarly treated; in all a vast improvement.
The two school performances of Henry IV and the Gondoliers were well supported by East. Patrick Tucker proved to be excellent in both.
Our hockey teams in the third quarter lacked the material for any great success. Our seniors lost to superior West teams in the first round, the First managed to draw with Founders in the second. Our junior team was somewhat better off in regard to material but lacked co-ordination.
Tennis and squash teams won both competitions however. Our tennis team played well ably led by Garth Collins, and proved superior to Baines in the final. We were fortunate in having four squash players in the senior ladder and some good players in the Juniors. We were therefore faced with little opposition throughout.
Our Gym team lacked any top level gymnasts by school standards and did not gain as much success as last year.
Once again we were well represented on Speech Day. We con- gratulate J. T. Barry, P. J. Foaden, N. I. Pearce, R. G. Luther, V. M. C. Shaw, and W. V. C. Shaw on their prizes and especially
C. A. Luther who was awarded the B Block English, Afrikaans, Chemistry, Physics and Divinity prizes.
The following have distinguished themselves in school sporting activities: R. A. Currie, Rugby Honours, D. J. Morphew, Rugby Colours, and B. J. Nicholson, Rugby teams.
Valete: (We apologise for the fact that Warren Taylor was left out of the April Chronicle) W. Taylor: VI Form, 2nd Class Matric, Cpl. Mil. Band. Societies: Choral, Geography, Gramophone, Film, Science. D. J. Dawson: VI Form, House officer, 2nd Class Matric, Cadets A.S.M., Cricket V-Capt. Cols., Non Rugby Hockey (Capt.) Cols., Squash (Capt.), Swimming team. Societies: Debating, Geography.
WEST
This year will not be remembered as a great sporting one for the house, and yet a tradition was, to our regret, enforced in its full vigour. For the second time in three years West was in the enviable position of being in all Hockey finals. The law of averages once again failed to prevail, and we were not rewarded with a single win.
Unfortunately both senior matches were lost at the hands of Farfield, so that there is some doubt as to Mr. van der Walt's
25 disappointment. At any rate, both he and Mr. Human are so much part of the house that no one was ever aware of any change having taken place.
Our only real success has been the winning of the Senior Shooting again, for which both seniors and juniors deserve full credit. The senior rugby team excelled themselves in drawing 3-3 with a highly- favoured Pascoe team. Although losing the re-play both they and the juniors deserve special mention.
In spite, however, of limited success in the field of sport, the stage seems to have been set for many successes in the future. Individually, there have been some fine performances: Roger Butler and Neil Kisch are to be congratulated on being awarded their rugby colours, as well as Murray Heaton-Nicholls on achieving hockey colours. Christopher Wellington carried off innumerable prizes on Speech Day. Kevin Keely performed extremely well as Luiz in "The Gondoliers".
The continued leading part played by members of the house in school activities has probably been the most pleasing aspect of the year, which has so far been an exremely good one - even as far as work is concerned. We sincerely hope the matriculants will be suc- cessful in November.
FARFIELD
Head of House: A. G. P. Kee.
School Prefect: C. H. Bennett.
House Officers: C. R. Worrall, T. H. Tatham, A. S. M. Thomas, R. S. Turner, R. S. H. Stott, J. R. Francis.
Our congratulations go to Charles Bennett on being appointed a School Prefect and to R. S. Turner, R. S. H. Stott and J. R. Francis on being appointed as House Officers.
In the field of sport, Farfield has done very well indeed. We have won the 1st Rugby for the first time in 10 years and we have won the 1st and 2nd Hockey. Thus we have two major sports up on the board with cricket house matches still to be played. There are still a number of other House Competitions ahead in which we hope to score a win.
Individually Farfield has been well represented in School teams. We were represented by five boys in the 1st XV Rugby and our congratulations go to Andrew Thomas who received his hockey colours. We were represented by three boys in the 1st XI Hockey and we congratulate Charles Holley on receiving the Alan Butcher Hockey stick and his Hockey colours. Our heartiest congratulations go to R. Arkwright on receiving his Hockey Honours and also for leading his team to a fine victory in the Hockey House matches. It is pleasing to note that Farfield has continued to play an important part in School Dramatic Productions. In the School Play "Henry IV", a large number of the boys in the cast were from
26 Farfield. In the production of the "Gondoliers" three Farfield boys took leading roles while the chorus had a large contingent of Farfield Boys. Anthony van Velden, Frank Vipond and Spencer Fleischer are to be congratulated on their outstanding performances.
Academically Farfield continues to show much promise. On Speech Day, Farfield had more than its fair share of the prizes. N. Grice, A. Shaw and R. Walker are to be congratulated on receiving their Academic Distinctions. Peter Houghton is to be congratulated on a talented and excellent organ recital given on Speech Day.
Finally we wish our Matric candidates luck in their forthcoming exams, the amount of work being done promises and deserves good results.
TATHAM
Head of House: G. H. McLeod.
School Prefect: C. A. van Hasselt.
Prefects: C. G. Lenz, H. C. Smith, E. W. T. Russell-Walling,
B. A. Nash.
Tatham has continued to run smoothly this year under our new housemaster. Academic performance has been confined mostly to the Toyes, where our Matric candidates are counting the days to November; we congratulate Donald Forbes from our B Block on obtaining a position in the Second Round of the Maths Olympiad.
Two outstanding dramatic works have been performed at Michaelhouse this year, "Henry IV, Part I" and "The Gondoliers". In the former Edward Russell-Walling, who throughout his time here has been a backbone of the Dramatic Society, performed the
27 part of the Prince of Wales with much skill and he was ably sup- ported by Murray Mackenzie, Christopher Lenz and Andrew van Hasselt in speaking roles, while there were others who carried banners and flags and thus gave positive contributions to the production. Tatham's vocal abilities seem to be confined mostly to the showers; but it was pleasing to see three members of our E Block joining the Housemaster in the singing and dancing in "The Gondoliers" and one of them, Clive van Hasselt, satisfying the critical ear and eye of his elder brother with a very charmingly performed solo part. And we should not forget the off-stage work done for these productions by Ian Vincent, not least in his beautiful programme designs.
In games, things have been going very satisfactorily; we were beaten in the Senior Rugby by the winning team, Farfield, after drawing with them the week before, but managed to win the 7-a-side Rugby. Our under 15s won the junior Rugby without encountering a great deal of trouble. Congratulations to Mike Kenny and Geoffrey Schafer on being awarded their 1st XV colours; we were sorry that injury prevented Grant McLeod enjoying a second year as a member of the 1st XV, but were glad that he recovered in time to take his place with Murray Mackenzie and Chris Lenz to form an all-Tatham half-back line in the 1st Hockey XI. Congratulations to Chris not merely on being captain of the non-Rugby Hockey XI but on being awarded his hockey honours, the first time for some years that such an award for hockey has come to a member of the house. 1'n the Hockey house matches our Under 15 team have won the final round; the 1st XI have not reached the final, but have played entertaining hockey and have evoked praise for the excellent spirit in which they have played their matches. We did surprisingly well in the Youngleson Shield and led by Alex Barrell, who is the school captain of gym, we came a close second to Baines. We reached the final of the Senior Squash House matches, but, in spite of a valiant performance by Murray Mackenzie, were unable to hold the big guns of East.
It is impossible to mention all sixty-odd members of the House in notes such as these, but there is scarcely a boy in the house who does not make a real contribution to some aspect of school life here, whether it be in games, music, drama, chapel duties or in the societies.
PASCOE
Head of House: R. N. Benger.
School Prefect: M. D. Slutzkin.
House Officers: J. W. B. Ball, G. S. Williams, S. W. Dallamore.
So far this year Pascoe have not exactly swept the boards at sport; we had high hopes in hockey but these were frustrated by a capable Farfield team, who went on to win the Inter-House Competi- tion. Farfield seem to have a hoodoo over us, as they extinguished our efforts in both the rugby and 7-a-side competitions. The Youngle- son Shield did not prove to be within our capabilities and we finished 28 R. N. B. Benger, Senior Prefect and Head of Pascoe. up second last. The squash teams were both eliminated and the tennis team was possibly a little unlucky in not reaching the finals. Still on the sporting side, Steve Dallamore and Mike Slutzkin are to be congratulated on their well-earned Rugby colours, as is Bonny Ballantyne, who played some storming games for the 1st XV. He and Robin Benger were awarded their Honours. Gwyn Williams is to be congratulated on his appointments as Captain of the 1st XI Hockey and Vice-Captain of the Tennis VI.
Neil Gevisser was awarded his Honours for some above-average goalkeeping in the Hockey side. Henry Fotheringham deserves con- gratulations for winning the Junior Squash Championship and he and Mike Bauristhene for their inclusion in the 1st XI Cricket team for Michaelmas week.
It was pleasing to note the large number of Pascoeites who took part in various displays and exhibitions on Speech Day. The prize- giving list was brightened by the appearance of a number of Pascoe names and those concerned are to be congratulated. There was also a
29 good representation of Pascoe boys in "Henry IV and The Gon- doliers", both of which were very successful.
The matrics are (to quote a well-known voice around the House) "feeling the odd drop of sweat on their foreheads" as they prepare themselves for the big test at the end of the year. We wish them the very best of luck and we hope that their labours will be suitably rewarded.
The House regretted the departure of Mr. and Mrs. Leggatt to our next-door neighbours, and we all hope that he will be as popular there as he was here.
BAINES
We would like to welcome Mr. Leggatt as our new House Tutor; we are very pleased to have him and his family with us. During the course of the third quarter Rob Martin, Chris Chapman, and Mark Perry were appointed House Officers; congratulations to the three of them.
Baines has not had a particularly successful year on the sports field, although everyone has enjoyed the inter-house competitions a great deal. However the tennis team put up a noble fight, but was defeated in the final round by East. The following are to be con- gratulated: Martin was awarded his rugby colours and Hallowes his Teams. On the academic side Massie-Taylor obtained his Brainsbar.
Peter Cartwright played a leading part in "Henry IV" as Falstaff. His performance was outstanding and we look forward to seeing him perform in "The Gondoliers" later this term.
At the moment we are practising for the Gym Competition and the Cadet Competition which we hope to win.
Vale: J. W. R. Mason.
30 SOCIETIES
AGRICULTURAL
The Society has been very fortunate to have gone on two outings and paid a visit to the Royal Show.
The visit to Mr. N. MacGillivray's farm, "Gartmore", in the Howick district was a thorough education. His concentrated sheep unit and 700 acres of arable land are a showpiece of modern farming. Mrs. MacGillivray made the day even more enjoyable with a mag- nificent luncheon.
Another excellent outing was to Mrs. Kay Holley's farm at Wartburg. Mr. Norman very kindly took us out and showed us their fantastic tree plantations from the nursery ones to those ready for cutting. Another excellent luncheon put us in fine fettle. Thank you very much, Mrs. Holley and Mr. Norman.
Two interesting lectures given by Mr. MacGillivray and Major Heard on farming organisation and the economics thereof were most instructive and enjoyed by a good attendance. We are most grateful to our guest speakers for coming such a long way to talk to us.
Also some interesting films were shown on maize growing, beef cattle and soil erosion, and a visit to the Royal Show gave the Society an interesting and enjoyable year. ijc 5|c ifc
ART
There has been a growing interest in art in the school and this is reflected in the increased membership of the art club which now has about 45 keen members.
Many new media are being experimented with and this together with the high standard of work contributed to the very successful Speech Day exhibition.
At our meetings we have had films and lectures and two members, J. Ball and A. D. P. Wadman, gave demonstrations of batik and pewter work.
*****
BIBLE DISCUSSION GROUP r
The group consists of ten members and meets at the Chaplain's house every second week. Since there seems to be considerable interest in the subject "The second coming of Christ" the group has been studying this over the last six months. Opinion is very divided over the exact nature of His coming, and as a result there has been a great deal of discussion, most of it extremely erudite.
31 As the Bishop of Woolwich's views have been brought into the discussion quite frequently, the group has digressed and discussed his books. A tape of a reply to his book "Honest to God" was played recently.
As the meetings coincide with the "Prayer and Meditation" period which is held for ten minutes in the Crypt, the group usually breaks the discussion and attends the meditation, afterwards to return to tea, which Mrs. Clark kindly provides, and to further discussion.
*****
CHESS
The society continues to flourish and enthusiasm is high. The senior and junior teams did very well in the Pietermaritzburg inter- school tournaments and we were just pipped in both. The annual knock-out tournament is under way and so far there have been no major upsets.
*****
CHORAL
Since these notes were last written, the society has been very busy rehearsing "The Gondoliers".
Musical plays such as "The Gondoliers" require more work and practice than ordinary drama, since one has to perfect one's singing before one can even contemplate acting. Our hearty congratulations must go to Mr. Stanton for coping more than admirably with the musical side of the production. Mr. Bell once again demonstrated his dramatic talent by producing a musical well up to the standard of "Henry IV" which he produced for the Dramatic Society. May this combination continue to produce such enjoyable entertainment in the future at Michaelhouse.
Interest in the society has been good this year, without which "The Gondoliers" would have been impossible. Our sincere thanks go to Mrs. Hennessy for her continued help in designing and making the set and props.
*****
DEBATING SOCIETY
The society has enjoyed reasonable popularity and we have had some interesting and amusing debates. The motion, "This house deplores birth-control on practical and moral grounds" produced some heated and amusing debating. Swan was selected from the A and B Block members to participate in the annual Jan Hofmeyr Speech Contest in Pietermaritzburg. We expect to have the annual Estcourt debate early next term. 32 FORUM
The society had three meetings last quarter. At the first Mr. Law gave a talk on Economics which clarified considerably the ideas of most of the society. Howell started a discussion about the banning of South Africa from the Olympic Games at the next meeting, and at the third general problems, such as road accidents, were discussed.
At the first meeting this quarter Mr. Michael Cassidy gave an enlightening talk on his recent experiences in Nigeria. We are especially grateful to him as we know how valuable his time is. At the last meeting Weideman started a discussion on the Russian invasion of Czechoslovakia.
*****
GEOGRAPHY
The membership has blossomed to over 120 members, mainly because of the regular film shows which Mr. Rusk has organised every term.
This term Mr. Leggatt gave the society an illustrated talk on the Venture Club outing to Malawi during the July holidays. We were shown slides and 8mm. films on the trip through Mozambique, Rho- desia and Malawi. He had some good slides of the inspiring Mount Mlanje, which they set out to climb but failed because of mist. We also saw the Zimbabwe Ruins.
In a film show on one of the society evenings we saw a couple of most interesting Jamie Uys documentaries on South Africa. In order to broaden the scope of the society Mr. Rusk has been trying to get hold of material in foreign countries.
A new aspect of the society was the flight to Virginia from Mooi River undertaken by Mr. Rusk at the controls of the Estcourt Flying Club plane. He was accompanied by A. van Hasselt, Strachan and M. Mackenzie. It had been planned to fly to Richards Bay but because of the low cloud it was decided to fly to Durban instead.
So far we have not been able to arrange a weekend outing, but il is hoped that we will reach the top of the Sani Pass before the end of the year.
3jC % 3jC jfc ♦
GRAMOPHONE
During the last six months the new gramophone appears to have stimulated the use of the Society room considerably. At the beginning of the second quarter Mr. Stanton presented a most interesting pro- gramme of choral music. This was a welcome change from the usual records played. At the second meeting Stott played a selection of piano music by Beethoven, Grieg and Chopin, and finished off in a more modern and hilarious vein with a recording of Leonard Hambro
33 and Victor Borge playing different tunes on different pianos at the same time! The last meeting of the second quarter was a farrago of members' choices.
In the third quarter David Hotchkiss presented a most enjoyable programme which included symphonies of Mendelssohn and Schubert. At the next meeting Mr. Bell played an equally enjoyable selection, the meeting being noted by certain members as a red-letter one because three cakes had supplanted the usual biscuits! We now look forward to a jazz programme by Davidson, and possibly a number of new records.
*****
HISTORY
The Society's activities in late 1967 and 1968 were varied and interesting. In September 1967 G. Hast delivered a paper on Abraham Lincoln which promoted lively discussion. This was followed by a well-researched paper by J. Barry on General Smuts.
At the first meeting of 1968 G. R. Parker produced a paper on Alexander the Great. At the next meeting Mr. Cotton spoke on the development of education in the Soviet Union and was able to provide a most intriguing insight into Soviet educational methods and aims. Vigorous discussion was promoted. The Society was fortunate enough, through Mr. Gillespie, to have Mr. Peake, a history master at Eton, to talk in May. His fascinating paper on the origins of the First World War brilliantly covered a complicated subject. Much was learned about the concluding years of the Hapsburg monarchy and the evening was made especially enjoyable by the lively sense of humour of our visitor.
The third quarter opened with a logically-arranged and clearly- delivered paper by C. Smythe on the siege of Malta, and closed with a study of the history of the Royal Society by Mr. Thompson. His talk, which adverted to many great names in English history, was illustrated by a number of slides.
*****
HOER TAALVERENIGING
Die vereniging het vanjaar twee suksesvolle prestasies agter sy rug. In die tweede kwartaal is die toneelstuk "Die Held" deur N. P. van Wyk Louw, wat oor Frankryk gedurende die Tweede Wereld- oorlog is, aangebied, en in die derde kwartaal is'n genotvolle kompe- tisie gehou.
Die toneelstuk het begin toe die vereniging dit in die eerste kwartaal gelees het. Toe het die voorsitter voorgestel dat die vereni- ging dit miskien vir die skool kon opvoer. Die lede het dit ondersteun en met die begin van die tweede kwartaal is daar begin met die oefening. Na twee haastige weke het ons dit aangebied, en die gevolg was'n baie genotvolle aand.
34 Spesiale melding moet gemaak word van Hammill vir sy uit- stekende rol as die kolonel; Pennington vir sy gevoelige rol as die ongelukkige Louis; en veral Tatham vir sy pragtige vertoning as die dokter. Die hele stuk is net deur die lede opgevoer, onder regie van Goodyer, die voorsitter.
In die derde kwartaal is die lede genooi om'n gedig of prosastuk vir 'n kompetisie te skryf. Die pogings is deur Mnr. Coetzee beoor- deel en die uitslag was dat die eerste drie pryse na Mans, Luther en Turner gegaan het, met Goodyer *n vierde finalis. Die lede het dit geniet om die stukke voor te lees, en dit was'n geslaagde kompetisie.
Op "n ander vergadering is'n soort "Password", wat oor die radio gedoen word, gespeel en in die derde kwartaal is daar nog'n toneel- stuk gelees - "As ons twee eers getroud is", deur Gerhard Beukes.
Verlede kwartaal het ons die gewone "sing-en-eet" partytjie by die Coetzees bygewoon, en ons bedank hulle hartlik vir hul gasvryheid. Ons wil Mnr. Coetzee veral bedank vir sy belangstelling en hulp, en ons sien uit na'n voorspoedige toekoms onder sy leiding.
*****
JUNIOR DEBATING
The first meeting of the second quarter took the form of a series of short prepared speeches on various topics. Wessels gave an ex- tremely interesting account of an open-heart operation. At the second meeting a parachute debate was held, Rosholt, as Martin Luther King, being the survivor.
The meetings this quarter have taken the form of hat debates, formal debating and a quiz. Several members of this society have shown definite debating potential.
*****
MOTOR
After some deep thought, we were able to put on a Speech Day exhibition with which we were very satisfied. There were two aspects to the exhibition. One was mechanical: the club's Anglia 105E engine with cylinder head removed, and the front and rear suspension system of the Opel, which incidentally has now been scrapped for financial reasons. The other aspect was a comprehensive photographic and pictorial review of motor racing the world over, with particular emphasis on the local scene. Mike Brink, our secretary, was the main driving force behind the exhibition, and the praise must go to him for its success.
Over the last term we have had a good deal of assistance from the Sports Car Club of S.A. in the way of films and material for our exhibition. Various club members have become S.C.C. members, and general interest is increasing. 35 MUSIC
Again this year, we have had many meetings which have been of great interest both on the musical side and one the educational side. These meetings consisted of talks given by several masters, and our chairman Mr. Stanton. Thanks are given to Mr. Stanton for allowing us to have some of our meetings at his residence. These consisted of a slide show, a quiz and we heard a recording of "The Gondoliers", which the Choral and Dramatic Societies were producing. We also thank Mrs. Stanton for supplying us with excellent eats at the end of each of these meetings.
We welcomed Mr. Hugh Massy (an old boy) who presented an extremely interesting and worthwhile talk on "Piano Construction". It is hoped that next year will be as much the same as this year, and will provide some good entertainment for those in the Music Society.
*****
PHOTOGRAPHIC
As was hoped ( and expected!), Michaelhouse virtually swept the boards at the 1968 Royal Show, mainly through the efforts of Colin Cohen, who got two special firsts amongst several other seconds, thirds and "highly commendeds".
Mr. Lowe kindly judged the competitions set for the Easter holi- days, which were: "Spirit of Youth", "Off-beat" and a macro-photo- graph, all three sections being won by Swan in the black-and-white category, with Cohen a close second.
This quarter, for the first time, Mr. R. C. Brown, chief photo- grapher at "The Natal Witness", came up from Pietermaritzburg to judge the July competition and to address the society.
At the final meeting of the quarter, members of the committee talked to the society on matters of general interest. Swan talked on filters, Stott on general photographic processes, and Francis on etching.
*****
PIONEERS
The Pioneers Society continues to provide a ground for religious discussion, under the able guidance of Mr. and Mrs. Clark.
Since the last edition of the "Chronicle", we have had two visits ffom Mr. Mike Cassidy of Africa Enterprise, at both of which search- ing questions into the Christian faith and its relationship with the modern world have been asked and discussed. Mr. Cassidy helped to answer some, and brought others to light.
C. Wellington has also addressed the Society, raising discussion on the Church, its effectiveness and its appeal, and how these factors can 36 be improved. At the last meeting a general discussion was held as the expected speaker was unable to attend, while at the previous meeting R. Stott successfully roused the society to argument by reading a few extracts from John Robinson's "But That I Can't Believe" and also parts of the Athanasian Creed.
Thanks are extended to those who have addressed the Society for a very enjoyable half-year, and special thanks are due to Mr. and Mrs. Clark for their continued interest and assistance.
♦ s)t + s(e
RADIO
As a result of our projects having to be scrapped the Radio Club has had a lengthy period of inactivity. However, we have now found a suitable project to keep us and the maths and science departments occupied. We are to build a small computer with financial help from E.I.C.A. This kit should arrive from the United States some time after Christmas.
A number of the keenest members, who have built and repaired a number of radios, are fortunately staying on next year to guide this club through another year.
SCIENCE
The society has continued to be active. In the second quarter Jeremy Davidson prepared a paper on "Ceramics, Refractories and Firebricks" which he read very successfully at the Pietermaritzburg and Inland Natal Schools Science Association conference. This took place at the beginning of the July holidays and was attended by a number of Michaelhouse boys. The conference was most interesting, and seems to have stimulated more members into producing projects of their own.
During the second quarter the society had a very lively evening when Brink and Limebeer performed a number of experiments, most of which exploded satisfactorily. The society also attended a P.I.N.S.S.A. talk at Epworth on the D.N.A. molecule.
In the third quarter the society had an evening of films from the American Information Service, and a most interesting meeting at which two Hilton post-matric students talked on space flight. The society is soon to attend a talk on heart physiology at Wykeham.
* * * * *
STAMP
Owing to the increased interest in the club, it was decided that one meeting a quarter was not sufficient, so we now meet, as far as possible, twice quarterly. 37 In the last two quarters meetings have mainly taken the form of discussions, swopping sessions and the buying of approvals acquired by David Hotchkiss from Johannesburg. Orchard's collections con- tinue to attract very envious eyes from all members of the society.
It is hoped that next quarter we will have a speaker up from Durban for the first meeting and some films for the second meeting.
* * * * *
VORTEX
Some good prose and verse have been produced this year, although we have lacked some of the genius that has been charac- teristic of previous members. Turrell in particular has been both prodigious and effective as a writer and he has published in "English Alive", the schools' literary publication. Other of our more junior members write well, and it is certain that their rather rough-hewn style will be improved with practice and intelligent criticism.
VENTURE
The holiday outing to Malawi was considered just as successful as the Fish River Canyon outing last year.
The club has blossomed and flourished under the able and very enthusiastic leadership of Mr. Leggatt, who is already planning an outing to the Okavango Swamps in the July holidays of next year.
Unfortunately a Mont - aux - Sources outing was unable to be organised this year, but owing to the number of Berg outings so far its loss will not be noticed so much. We have had a total of 10 Berg outings with three each to Cathedral Peak, Bannerman's Pass and Champagne Castle, and one to Giants Castle, which is as varied as any.
We hope for the usual number of canoe outings in the last quarter although this section has suffered the loss of the keen support of Mr. McGee and Mr. Byrne in the past.
The senior boys of a number of houses have shown great energy by taking their cacks up Nhlazane. We hope that this will become a regular feature of the club.
It is only due to the keenness of the many masters who sacrifice their weekends to take boys up to the Berg that we have managed to keep up our good average of outings, and we would like to extend our hearty thanks to all those masters who have participated.
38 ST. MICHAEL'S YACHT CLUB
Preparing for Speech Day.
The club has made considerable advance lately with the acquisition of several new skippers and boats. There are now 21 Dabchicks in the club, so racing is keener than ever.
The "Hilton Challenge" at the end of the first quarter gave us another victory. We look forward to a further encounter in the early part of the Christmas quarter when we hope to preserve our unbeaten record in these enjoyable matches.
Christopher Chance now has six firsts in the annual series of eight races for the G. S. Parks Trophy. There is closer competition in the single-handed series, with Robin Thorpe leading. In the junior championship, which is being sailed for the first time, Robin Thorpe is also in the lead.
During the second quarter Mr. G. G. Bompas from Henley- Midmar Yacht Club showed slides and gave a most informative talk on racing. At the third quarter meeting R. S. H. Stott discussed tuning and racing techniques.
In the fourth quarter St. Michael's Yacht Club is running the Natal Junior Yachting Championships at Midmar on behalf of the Natal Yachting Association. With Michaelhouse, Hilton and Durban fleets all contributing we can look forward to a large entry, which always ensures competitive sailing.
39 LITERARY
A DERELICT CHURCH
The God-forsaken but not God-forgotten hulk lay black and majestic against the golden rays of the setting sun, its craggy ruin reaching out with gnarled and deformed fingers - higher, ever higher, to the last broken and chipped brick - for a glory once known.
The blank windows pleaded for some thought of human kindness, some person willing to restore what God and nature had destroyed.
The sanctuary wall was still largely intact, but only shambolic pillars of rubble led up the nave, and the font lay broken in two, waiting for a new birth.
Smashed tiles lay piled in one corner of the vestry, adjoining the sanctuary, tidied into there by some conscience-stricken woman, per- haps, to allow any visitors to walk the cracked floor with (compara- tively) unblocked tread.
A defaced Bible had been thrown on top of the split, marble altar-top, open at Jeremiah 17 - "Thus says the Lord, 'Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his arm, whose heart turns away from the Lord.'" And the cross's shadow slanted across the shiny surface, seeming to etch its image into the soiled-white stone.
"Deus amor" - God is Love - the stained-glass chip had miracu- lously evaded destruction, defiantly held in its appointed niche. . . .
. . . And the sound of voices could be heard, a choir singing, "Alleluia, alleluia", wafting the chant up, up into the rafters, up, up to God.
Perhaps this was once a part of God on earth - these stones, these bricks, this puny effort of man's praise.
Perhaps God's messengers, Gospel - spreaders, once influenced men's minds, in humility, from that pulpit.
Perhaps the sacrament was received, faithfully, here, each Sunday, by the devoted few, the happy few, the Christian soldiers.
Until, perhaps, man trusted in man and turned his heart; and God, a jealous God, drove him out, and destroyed the pride, the self- righteousness, imbedded in the sullen stone.
Perhaps . . .
C.E.J.G. (A Block)
THE WIND
The spirit is the gnawing wind That blows off stolid crags;
Intangible but yet effective -
The link from God to Man.
C.A.L. (B Block)
40 AVE ATQUE VALE
(Catullus: ci)
My travels o'er many seas and through many peoples I have led, And now 1 come, my brother, with sad offerings for the dead; Your silent ashes answer not my fruitless words of love,
As I give death's last service from the living world above.
So take these gifts, my brother, handed down from age to age, Which custom bids us offer at the turning of each page;
For yours has turned, alas, too soon for me to comprehend,
And in sad service here I am, and to my knees do bend To sprinkle tears upon your grave, this precious, noble swell,
And so, forever, brother, rest, and hail and farewell!
C.E.J.G. (A Block)
GALLOWS HILL
A cry that shrieked out death and hell Rang grimly o'er the muted countryside -
The moon, in shameful fearfulness and horror,
Crept behind the sombre, sullen clouds.
Two gnarled trunks, standing stark and grim Against the fading horizon of the world,
Creaked in cruel satisfaction
At those lips, half-parted in the struggle to speak.
Uncertain shapes and horrible nightmares Flitted wild-eyed through the structure of life,
Expecting always some brightness to hold in trust,
Some final innocence, exempt from dust.
P.A.E.D. (Vlth Form)
*****
RAINDROP
Raindrop, round drop, clinging tightly -
Scintillating, tintillating, gleaming brightly; Silver sparkle on a silver pane,
Ice-blue twinkle in the pouring rain;
Flawless glitter in the shining light,
Tiny orb glistening, almost lost to sight;
Dazzling spot dancing, hurting the eyes,
Speck of brightness, so small in size.
Edging down, trailing gossamer thread And drops of blue, gold, green and red,
Chill gloom reflected in multicolour-----
The drop is gone, and life is duller.
C.E.J.G. (A Block)
41 "FOR ONE BRIEF, SHINING MOMENT
THERE WAS CAMELOT"
I dreamt, that I was in a forest,
A shady, old and peaceful forest; that I lay down beneath the trees,
The spreading dark and upright trees; that I slept in peace right there,
Drugged by the timelessness in the air.
Bright and noisy, clattering, hissing,
The train burst through my forest stillness -
Leaning outwards on the corners,
Vibrating recklessly on the rails;
Waking me with a jolt.
And in my dream I thought of the phrase:
"For one brief, shining moment there was Camelot."
R.W. (B Block)
FANFARE
Tubas with coils luxuriant and copious Uttering deep, rich notes of noble timbre -
Sprightly trumps, with heads upraised,
Mouths wide open in jubilant song,
Pealing out the flowing bars of royalty and dignity So joyous in accord.
King and queen in bedizened splendour,
Cloaks of velvet and flowing ermine;
Purple silk and coronal gold, encircling brows Of honour and might - followed by courtiers Guiding the train and floating on air - So regal and mighty.
But what is the sadness misting those eyes So noble, majestic, so knowing and wise?
And what is the grief lining those brows?
Can the laud of Mankind and his trumpets of gold Make them forget the death of a son?
So sad.
P.A.E.D. (Vlth Form)
42 ON BEING HUNGRY
Dishes of food, exquisite and cool,
Offering salmon, tomato and bread -
Lettuces emerald and frosted with dew:
Oh take them away, for I cannot be fed.
Apples of gold, rounded and full,
Prawns delicately pink, beets blushingly red -
Goblets of gold with chilled nectar to woo:
Oh take them away, for I cannot be fed.
Because, don't you see, I'm asleep on my bed!
P.A.E.D. (Vlth Form)
THE UNBELIEVER
The rain that beats along the muddy path Strings the days with days and years with years;
The rain that whips across the cobwebbed panes Trickles through the deepest furrow of my mind.
When the animal night digests my breath.
And reptilian eyes gaze down with Unknowing hatred,
I feel my spirit crack like a Frozen lake.
But the young man sits and gazes through the Night and rain,
Chewing an apple.
P.W.P. (Vlth Form)
*****
Listless in my slouch.
Thoughts turn Slowly
To life - its nothingness waiting to be filled. Irritations,
Nudging,
Then biting, leaving angry toothmarks on the edges;
But the centre-slate remains smooth, black, empty.
When is the coming of my scribe?
E.W.T.R.-W. (A Block)
43 A HOT AFTERNOON
This was a day no different from any other. It was hot, yes, but still no different from any other day. Every day in this land was hot, every afternoon the heat lay like a motionless blanket across the flat sands. The days wore on in an endless circle of time, and then this day came; a day like any other.
Dust hung thickly in the air behind him. The horizon faded into an indistinct haze with the white-blue glare of the sky. His only marker to keep him ploughing in a straight line stood limpid in the heat, its spring-green leaves now curled. He flicked his wrists and the mules came to a halt. They stood hanging their heads as he unwound the only cloth from his loins and wiped his face. All around, the earth was cracked and dry. The sun beat down till the cracked ground screamed out for moisture. He flicked his wrists and laboriously the mules moved forward. His sweat-streamed back glistened in the hot afternoon.
Along the coast of this land the heat lay as oppressive upon the shoulders of the fisherman as it did upon those of the ploughman, despite the cooling Mediterranean Sea. The sun beat down upon the pebbled beach and over the sea its rays were reflected in tiny sparks on the crests of the waves. The fisherman lay in the narrow shade of his beached boat and sweated in his sleep.
*
In the town a merchant worked over his books. The small room was like a furnace and he wore a thick, rough garment. Frequently he drew his sleeve across his lined forehead so that the beads of sweat did not fall on to the scrolls. The scratch of his crude pen and the buzzing of a fly broke the stillness, somehow making it more still. He worked on in the heat that lay like a thick, over-sweet incense in the room. He worked through the hot afternoon.
On a hill, three wooden crosses stood in the still heat and blinding glare. A head lifted on the middle one, and a cry tore through the hot air. The huddle of people at the foot of the cross stirred, afraid. They watched silently in the full heat of the day as his head slowly fell back on to his chest. His long hair was wet and his whole body dripped with sweat in his agony. His throat was parched; the sun was fire on his skin. The stony ground reflected the heat so that it seemed to come to a focal point on him, high on the cross. His body now hung limp, and they took him down in the heat of the afternoon.
An ordinary afternoon. An ordinary, hot afternoon. Some men worked, some slept. One died. It was a hot afternoon.
44
P.G.R. (B Block) THE SWING
When I was a child, my speech, my outlook, and my thoughts were all childish. When I grew up I had finished with childish things. (Cor. 13: 11.)
The rook sat on the swing,
Not moving.
The child gazed at it in wonder And pride that the bird Should sit on his plaything.
There was amazement in his eyes;
Nature, so close.
He longed to touch the bird,
To talk to it and admire it.
Inside he knew the bird would go But he wanted it to stay,
In the crispness of the morning.
So he turned and ran up the steps,
Across the dewed lawn,
A small, white figure
In the crispness of the morning.
R.V.T. (C Block)
' N VERLORE WEDDENSKAP
'n Bouvallige huis staan daar, so stil Omring deur'n atmosfeer so kil -
En dood, want daar het'n stilte geheers,
Of miskien net'n ontydse vrees.
Terwyl ek lank die donker plek beskou,
Kruip'n siddering lanks my rug;
Maar nuuskierigheid oorval my nou;
Dus moet ek wag tot die seldsaamheid lug. Met versigtige tree het ek voortgegaan,
Met blits en donder wat die pad voor baan.
Die weddenskap voorheen met vriende gesluit Het my saam met my trots vir niks nou laat stuit!
Billiksheidshalwe was ek nog bang;
Gou by die deur, toe in die gang -
Het my hart laat smelt en skielik versag,
Dus hardloop terwyl my vriende lag!
R.S.T. (A Block)
45 DOOMSDAY
Last night I dreamed the world would end Before my father died.
I buried him a year ago,
And so my dream has lied.
C.A.L. (B Block)
* * * * *
RUS?
Dis'n lieflike stil dag. Die son skyn warm op Stellenbosch en die duiwe koer rustig. Die ou geboue verleen vreedsaamheid aan die toneel met sy pure wit skoonheid. Hier en daar in die diepblou hemel dryf spierwit wolkies soos vlokkies skuim. Die ou eikebome, groen en dig, maak welkome skaduwees op die sagte gras.
Onder een van die bejaarde bome le twee mense,'n jong man en 'n meisie, saggies aan die gesels.'n Paar vet boeke le naby, vergeet en oninteressant.
Onder'n ander boom le'n kerel op sy maag en hy lees'n dik, gelerige ou volume. Hy studeer klaarblyklik hard. Hy het'n staal- raambril op en sy hare is mooi netjies gekam, met die paadjie mooi in die middel van sy groot kop. Hy het'n hoe voorhoof en sy lippe is styf saamgepers terwyl sy oe oor die reels flikker. Hy is skraal en sy kop lyk heeltemal uit proporsie uit met sy lyf.
Alles is so stil, so stil. Niemand voel eers dat die aarde so efFens sidder nie; hulle dink dis maar net die hitte. . . .
Dan val die slag - die hele aarde skud vreeslik en die ou geboue val stadig inmekaar. Die bome ritsel en party val tydsaam om.'n Kraal vorm in die grond en daar is die vreesbelaaide skreeue van verskrikte mense.
Dan is alles weer stil in'n wereld van rui'nes.
A.L.M. (B Block)
* * * * *
(The Editor is grateful to all those who submitted literary con- tributions; there has been an unusually large number for this issue and he regrets that because of pressure of space it has been impossible to accept all of them.)
46 FEATURE ARTICLES
MLANJE'68
South Africans who know the Drakensberg area well may feel disinclined to make a 4,000-mile round trip to a mountain which is 9,840 feet high. After all, Cathedral Peak is as high and Mont-aux- Sources, Giants Castle and Champagne Castle a thousand feet higher. This idea should be shelved at once - Mlanje has much to offer the climber, the botanist, the trout fisherman and the tourist.
The route for this year's Venture Club outing ran through the beautiful country around Barberton and on to Lourenco Marques and the Mozambique coast. A day in L.M. was followed by a night at San Martinho, where we slept out before being awakened in the grey dawn by a heavy rainstorm. Our road ran northwards through coconut plantations and bush past Vilanculos to the Save River. Up to this point we were surprised to find road-building in progress and 500 miles of tar from L.M.
The next 150 miles and two days brought about a radical change in the countryside and the motoring conditions. At the Save all habitation ceases except for a construction site for a large suspension bridge. It happens that one can cross the river at this point on a causeway, but we had been warned by the tourist authorities in L.M. that one should cross on the pont at Mambone, 80 miles away at the river mouth. The 80 miles was covered in the dark through thick mud and we camped at Mambone. The pont? "Unfortunately the rains in Rhodesia in January have washed down a sandbank in front of the pont. Maybe next January the rains will wash it away again, l'n the meantime there is a causeway 80 miles upstream at the new bridge site." One must beware of placing too much faith in the maps and official tourist handouts in Mozambique.
Once across the Save we were in uninhabited bush and our camp- fires were big. None of us was very brave about the lion we could hear hunting. The road in its present state is certainly passable but would not be kind to small passenger cars, but we struck tar again on the Umtali-Beira road about 50 miles from Beira. In Beira our swim at Macuti beach was to be our last wash for some days.
A visit to the Gorongosa National Park was interesting but not very rewarding from the point of view of game - perhaps because we were allowed in free! Travelling on towards the Zambesi we began to see numbers of Portuguese troops in camouflage jackets and with businesslike armaments. Once across the river, near Mopeia, we veered north-west and moved into the only hill country we had seen in Mozambique, eventually arriving at the Malawi border at Mlanje itself.
The mountain is set in tea estates which are at a height of 2,500 feet, and rears its many peaks and plateaux suddenly from the plain.
47 Although our three days and nights were somewhat bedevilled by cloud and a shortage of food we all felt that we should have stayed longer and that a week would not have meant wasted time. However, we also wanted to see Lake Malawi and our journey continued through Blantyre and Zomba, past the new capital site at Lilongwe and down to Grand Beach at Salima. A day and a half of resting, washing and swimming in the fresh but bilharzia-free waters was most welcome and the easterly wind gave us some good surf.
We had all been pleasantly surprised by Malawi and were sorry to bid it farewell, but sardines, stale bread and powdered milk were beginning to pall and a day or two of home cooking before the term started seemed increasingly like a vision of paradise. Unfortunately, too, our brakes were giving trouble so we had to abandon a proposed visit to the Cabora Bassa Gorge and head for civilisation at Salisbury.
From there our trip home was straightforward but not without interest as we had a night at Zimbabwe and then came home through the Eastern Transvaal.
C.H.D.L.
THE OUTWARD BOUND COURSE, RHODESIA
It took Mark Kendall and myself days by train to get from Balgowan to Umtali, 90 miles from the Outward Bound Mountain School situated in the picturesque Chimanimani Mountains. At Umtali we slept at a cheap boarding house (15 bob a night). The following morning we were up at 5 a.m. to meet the school transport at the station, and were conveyed to the school.
These schools were started during World War II. It was noticed that when a ship was sunk it was the young men and not the older members of the crew who died. These youngsters died because they lacked determination and the physical strength to keep them alive while they were in the sea. Schools were started to combat this unnecessary waste of life. The idea caught on until it is now a world- wide organisation.
A warden and four instructors run the school very efficiently. The students do all the chopping of wood, cleaning of ablution blocks etc. Everything is done by them except the cooking. Most of the days we were in school we had interesting and essential lectures on map- reading, knots, first aid etc. From the first day we arrived the instruc- tors set about getting us fit for the mountains. We had a run every' morning at six followed by a dip in Tessa's Pool, while in the evenings we had runabouts which give the greatest physical exertion in the shortest possible time. We were all fit in a remarkably short time. After supper we had discussions, debates and spot talks.
There were 10 of us on the course. There are usually about 40, but this was the first time South African schools were allowed to come
48 and it was during the Rhodesian term-time. The boys were divided into two patrols of five students each. Games such as basketball and volleyball plus orienteering, proficiency tests, runabouts and the steeple- chase, road race and cross-country all went towards the patrol com- petition.
We did a lot of rock climbing and abseiling which is the con- trolled descent of a cliff face by means of a rope. These activities give one a lot of self-confidence. During the three weeks we went on a series of expeditions into the mountains, a two-day, a five-day and a four-day outing. On the first two, the instructors accompanied us, but for the last one we were on our own. On these expeditions we saw 700-foot waterfalls and an abundance of game including sable, elephant and numerous other species of buck and birds. These mountains are unspoilt by humans. No man-made footpaths; everywhere we went was by map.
Although the course was very strenuous we all enjoyed it. There are many side-attractions, such as bushman paintings and open bush- man graves and broken pottery.
We finished the course with a braaivleis followed by the awards ceremony where the shield was presented to the winning patrol and certificates handed out to those who passed the course. It was a course of self-discovery and an experience I shall never forget.
J.R.H. (B Block)
TOURS
Nineteen boys and eight members of staff took part in the usual April Trust Tour in Johannesburg. Visits were paid to the Premier Diamond Mine, Pelindaba, Stewarts and Lloyds, Stanley Motors' assembly plant and Witwatersrand University.
In July 16 members of the Sixth Form accompanied by the Sixth Form Tutor visited Leeuhof Prison, the Nentimo Laboratory at E.R.P.M. Gold Mine, the Rand Daily Mail and the Dorian Hat Fac- tory. They also attended a political seminar kindly arranged by Mr. Otto Krause, and flew over the south-western townships of Johannes- burg.
Recently the Sixth Form and five members of staff visited the Fulton School for the Deaf and then dined with several families of the Indian community in Durban.
At the beginning of October, seven boys will accompany Messrs. Law and van der Walt on a tour in Port Elizabeth, concentrating on wool, motor cars and Coloured housing.
To all those parents, old boys and others who have contributed to the success of these tours we are very grateful. Particular mention must be made of Mr. Alex Camerer, who organised both visits to 49 Johannesburg, Mr. Duchesne Grice, whose assistance made the Durban outing possible, and Mr. Michael McMaster, so long a stalwart sup- porter in Johannesburg, and his wife, who are to be our hosts in Port Elizabeth.
B.A.L.
CADET NOTES
During the past term, much of the time has been devoted to practising for the annual General Inspection. This was held on 13th September in ideal conditions. Brigadier Blatt of Natal Command inspected us and was suitably impressed with the standard of cadets at Michaelhouse.
We are looking forward to the Inter-House Cadet Competition which will be held next term. Commandant Smallwood and the officers of the D.L.I. will inspect us and we hope it is a successful day.
The facilities for training at Michaelhouse have always been somewhat scanty. However, it is hoped that new equipment will be forthcoming, as Major P. J. Goldie-Scot has talked to General Fraser on the subject.
Finally, Major P. J. Goldie-Scot is to be thanked for his devoted work for the Cadet Corps.
PIPE BAND
We were unable to perform on Speech Day because all the recruits were still learning to play the chanter under the steady tuition of Mr. Neesham, to whom we are grateful for coming up every Friday.
The band seems assured of having a steady flow of good pipers filling the empty ranks from next year onwards.
*****
BUGLE BAND
The band has been very active lately in practising for Speech Day. The assistance of Mr. Jones and Mr. van der Walt was in this greatly appreciated. The display went without a hitch and the band can be proud of their effort.
Many people have asked why the Michaelhouse band does not take part in the annual Band Competition. The reason is that there is hardly any free time apart from our other extra-mural activities for concentrated regular practice.
The band was also on parade for the annual General Inspection and will be performing at the Inter-House Cadet Competition next term. 50 SPORTS SECTION
RUGBY
Photo: J. I). Hale
1st XV
While there were six players back from the previous season it was obvious that certain key positions would be difficult to fill. As the season progressed certain of the difficulties were ironed out but we were always likely to find ourselves short of "good ball" and had to settle for hard-tackling defensive centres. The result of this was that we never found it easy to score points. As is so often the case, a side that is lacking in genuine attacking ability is often pipped at the post, or is the victim of an unlucky bounce. Two of the early matches were lost on the final whistle, which did nothing to increase the side's confidence.
Slutzkin captained the side with enthusiasm and determination until his shoulder injury in the first Hilton match. Unfortunately this injury was to keep him out of rugby for the rest of the season. Benger took over the captaincy of the side and led it with distinction. After several experimental outings at fly-half and at centre Caldow returned to scrum-half. He settled down in this position without any difficulty and showed an ability to vary the attack, his breaks near the scrum being particularly effective. Morphew moved from centre to fly-half and developed well as the season progressed. Although likely to commit handling errors he developed a sound appreciation of the requirements of fly-half play. In addition he was always sound on defence while his place-kicking proved to be most effective and was
51 the one reliable method of scoring points. Kee and Dallamore, al- though more at home on the wing, developed into a very hard-tackling pair of centres. Their first-time tackling unsettled the opposition on more than one occasion. On the wings Thomas, Barrell and Steere all played soundly but were seldom presented with a reasonable scoring opportunity. Williams played some sound games at full-back but appeared to lose confidence as the season progressed. Towards the end of the season he was replaced by Kisch, who finished on a high note.
For at least half the season the forwards were rather disappoint- ing. They tended to coast and at this stage they seldom pushed in the tight throughout a match. It is fair to say that they were handicapped by a lack of weight and height in the locks but this was not the whole story as several performances towards the end of the season clearly showed. Slutzkin played in the front row with his customary zest and led the forwards by word and example. Benger often saved us with some good hooking at vital moments and played well in the loose although he was often guilty of a flexible interpretation of the require- ments of the offside rule. Schafer occupied the other front-row position; while he lacks a certain amount of experience and must improve his scrumming technique he was good value and played with great spirit at all times. Olsen replaced Slutzkin when the latter was injured and in the end showed signs of using his weight and strength. Butler filled one of the lock positions and made up for his lack of weight and height by playing with tremendous enthusiasm and drive. Towards the end of the season Martin came into the side as the other lock and helped add a healthy spirit of aggression to the pack. One of the really pleasing features of the season was the way in which the flanks Ballantyne and Currie developed. Ballantyne showed the ability to accelerate rapidly on to the loose ball and was always in the picture. Currie, though not as fast as Ballantyne, had a flair for positional play and his tackling was devastating. By the end of the season they were quite clearly the best pair of flanks we had had for many years. Kenny at eighth man always played with great determination and covered a lot of ground. If he can learn to distribute his passes more intelligently and to pass more accurately he should develop into a good eighth man.
In looking back over the season as a whole it is reasonable to say that had a couple of the early matches gone our way, as they might well have done, this would have led to a more confident approach which would in turn have led to a more successful season. The side is to be congratulated on the way they battled to improve and kept going in spite of a series of defeats. Their determination was rewarded towards the end of the season when in the last three matches they played very well indeed and were able to end on a praiseworthy note.
*****
Our opening match of the season was against Guinea Fowl who were on tour from Rhodesia. They had a powerful pack of forwards and consequently saw a lot of the ball. Fortunately their threequarters showed little penetration and at half-time the score was 3-3. Our 52 opponents did most of the attacking in the second half and eventually scored a try next to the posts right on the final whistle; the try was converted (3-8). Once again our late start to the season made itself felt; nevertheless Guinea Fowl were good value for their victory. The next match, which produced some attractive rugby, was against Port Natal. The game was played in an exceptionally pleasant spirit and Port Natal won 8-5. Our next encounter was a mid-week fixture against Northlands. They won the lion's share of the ball but were unable to make use of it. When our threequarters did see the ball they looked reasonably penetrative and we eventually won a drab game 14-9.
In the match against College we started off with great drive and held them to a narrow lead at half-time. In the second half we were unable to withstand the pressure and committed several positional errors on defence. College played some attractive rugby in the second half and eventually won 26-0. On the following Friday we travelled to Johannesburg for our annual fixture against St. John's. As the Friday night had been spent on the train it was likely that we would fade towards the end of the game. St. John's pressed in the early stages but by half-time we were leading 6-0 as the result of a penalty and a try scored by Kee on the right wing initiated by Williams breaking through the centre when he came into the line from full-back. Early in the second half we increased our lead with another penalty, 9-0. From then on St. John's exerted continuous pressure and it was largely a question of whether they could score enough points in the time available. They scored a good try and then apenalty, 9-6. With a minute to go we caught the ball in the line-out but were dispossessed and St. John's scored in the right-hand corner. Their place-kicker, who had missed several easy kicks, produced a magnificent conversion from the touchline and they won 11-9. What could have been an extremely pleasant match was marred to a certain extent by the fact that it was over-whistled and no fewer than thirty-nine penalties were awarded.
In the next three matches, against Glenwood, Weston and Est- court, very little constructive rugby was produced and we were deservedly beaten in all three encounters. The match against D.H.S. was characterised by their dominance of all phases of the forward play, an excellent game by the D.H.S. fly-half and some excellent backing up by their loose forwards. For our part we tackled with tremendous determination throughout the match but were unable to withstand the stream of attacking movements. D.H.S. eventually won 24-0.
The final match of the second quarter was against Hilton. For the first time in the season the forwards played with drive and deter- mination for the whole match. We had a good share of the ball in spite of the fact that Slutzkin was injured after fifteen minutes and we played with seven forwards for the rest of the match. Currie moved to the front row and did a very good job indeed. We got off to a good start when Hilton were penalised in the first minute and Mor- phew goaled the penalty, 3-0. Hilton launched several attacks close to
53 the scrum but first-time tackling kept them out. Shortly before half- time we increased our lead when Caldow broke near their line and scored, 6-0. At the beginning of the second half Hilton camped within ten yards of our line for at least twelve minutes. Desperate tackling, coupling with their inability to vary the play, managed to prevent them from scoring. Our forwards gradually settled down again and with Benger hooking well and Morphew using his boot to good effect we worked our way into their territory. At this stage Morphew went through a gap on the Hilton twenty-five and scored a try next to the posts which he converted, 11-0. Hilton replied with a penalty (11-3) but we struck back strongly and very nearly scored again just before the final whistle.
The first match of the third quarter was played against Westville. As the Sixth Form were still away on their tour we fielded a some- what makeshift side. Everyone played with a great deal of drive and we won a fairly interesting game as the result of a try scored by Caldow which was converted by Morphew, 5-0. On the following Saturday we were outweighed, out jumped, outpaced and out- manoeuvred by a very good-looking Voortrekker side who beat us 24-3. Our next game was against Kearsney who had been enjoying a successful season. They had a powerful pack but in spite of this we had a good share of the ball in the first half. Unfortunately at this stage Morphew could not hold his passes and we lost many opportunities of going on to the attack. By half-time we had had the better of the game but had not managed to score. In the second half the Kearsney pack began to get on top in the tight. Fortunately Ballantyne and Currie were in very good form and prevented them from making much use of the ball. Towards the end of the game Kearsney scored a drop goal and went further ahead from the kick-off when a very good forward rush led to a try. We struck back and ended up on the attack but could not score. This was a hard, tight game played in a very good spirit.
On the following Saturday we played our return match against College. They opened the scoring when Kisch was beaten by a very awkward bounce and College scored a try next to the posts which was converted, 0-5. We were playing well indeed, saw a lot of the ball and nullified our opponents' attacking movements with hard tackling. College increased their lead with a penalty. Shortly after half-time they went further ahead when they goaled another penalty. In spite of being down by eleven points we struck back strongly and had the more fancied College side badly rattled. We came very close to scoring in the left-hand corner. Shortly after this we heeled a tight head and Kee scored after breaking through the centre; Morphew converted (5-11). A few minutes later Morphew goaled a penalty, 8-11. We continued to attack strongly and Benger crossed the line but the try was disallowed. We could not score again and were un- lucky to lose a tight match in which we spent a large portion of the game well on top.
Our final match was the return encounter against Hilton. They opened the scoring with a try next to the posts which was converted, 54 0-5. Shortly before half-time we goaled two penalties, 6-5. There was no score in the second half and the match produced very little in the way of good rugby. While we had several anxious moments we generally won the ball at the vital moments and made use of the few opportunities that came our way.
1st XV
Slutzkin, M. (captain, Colours); Benger, R. (vice-captain, Honours). Honours; Ballantyne, S., Currie, R.
Colours: Butler, R., Caldow, J., Dallamore, S., Kee, A., Kenny, M., Kisch, E., Martin, R., Morphew, D., Schafer, G., Thomas, A. Teams: Barrell, A., Olsen, P.
Summary of Results
Guinea Fowl ... Lost 3-8 Port Natal ... Lost 5-8 Northlands ... Won 14-9 College ... Lost 0-26 St. John's ... Lost 9-11 Estcourt ... Lost 3-11 Glenwood ... Lost 3-14 Weston ... Lost 3-12 D.H.S ... Lost 0-24 Hilton ... Won 11-3 Westville ... Won 5-0 Voortrekker ... Lost 3-24 Alexandra ... Lost 3-14 Kearsney ... Lost 0-14 College ... Lost 8-11 Hilton ... Won 6-5
* * * * *
2nd XV
The second XV enjoyed a season that was only slightly more successful than that of the first XV. The forwards generally got a good share of the ball but there was a complete absence of attacking ability outside the scrum. Crouch captained the side well from scrum- half while Kerr led the forwards with distinction. Generally speaking the side showed a tendency to fade in the second half, the exception to this trend being the second Hilton match when they were down 0-6 at half-time and fought back to win 8-6 on the final whistle.
2nd XV
Teams: Crouch, P. (captain), Kerr, N. (vice-captain), Bennett, C.,
Binge, R., Gowans, J., Hallowes, D., Heaton-Nicholls, M., McPherson, R., Nicholson, B., Russell-Walling, E., Smith, H.. Steere, P., Tatham, T., Wacher, J., Williams, G. 55 2nd Game
Both the 3rd XV and the 4th XV managed to maintain a high standard of enthusiasm throughout the season. This is evident when one looks at the record of the 4th XV which, despite being a rather ordinary looking side on paper, managed to record eight victories as opposed to five defeats. The 3rd XV managed on occasion, especially against Hilton and D.H.S. to fight hard when the odds were against them. All in all, an enjoyable season.
A.J.R.
Colts
Played 13 Won 12 Lost 1 Points for 175 Points against 60
This was a good season, the side losing only one game in 13. A feature of the team's play was the balanced nature of both for- wards and backs, who on occasions combined well to play some sparkling rugby. This was particularly so against Estcourt, Alexandra and in the first Hilton encounter.
P. J. Blanckenberg led the side with great enthusiasm and was ably supported by J. H. Bennett and R. L. Robinson. It is pleasing to note that of the 37 tries scored 25 were scored by outside backs.
R.S.
Under-14A
With a very strong and heavy front row, the pack paved the way for a successful season. It was only when the pack was matched that the team was in danger of defeat. Starkey, a prop, using his good hands, weight and speed scored a number of tries, Tyrrell, a useful line-out forward, was responsible for many points with his accurate place kicking. Button and du Toit, loose-forwards, showed up well in both attack and defence.
Although the backs had more than their fair share of "good" ball they tended to lack thrust. The exceptions were Thompson on the left wing who ran with great determination, Hall on the right who later emulated him and Robertson who as fly-half was quick off the mark and good on defence.
The team was well led by Stewart who first as a loose-forward and then as scrum-half played a tigerish game.
Michaelhouse . . Results . 18 Northlands . . . 0 Michaelhouse . . . 0 Port Natal . . . 19 Michaelhouse . . . 13 College . . . . 3 Michaelhouse . . . 26 Estcourt . . . . 3 Michaelhouse . . . 5 Glenwood . . . 17 Michaelhouse . . . 14 D.H.S . 5 Michaelhouse . . . 6 Hilton . . . . . 0 Michaelhouse . . . 16 Westville . . . . 3 Michaelhouse . . . 6 Voortrekker . . . 3 Michaelhouse . . . 8 Kearsney . . . . 8 Michaelhouse . . . 6 College . . . . 5 Michaelhouse . . . 18 Hilton . . . . . 0
R.W.H.
56 HOCKEY
Non-Rugby
Prospects for the season did not seem bright; stars of the previous season had all left and things were made worse by a major defection to Rugby. As it turned out, however, building a team round a nucleus of Gevisser, Holley, Lenz, Mackenzie and Dawson, D. J., aided by a much-improved Arkwright, we won our first four matches (vs. Staff
1-0; vs. Umtali 2-0; vs. Umgeni 6-0; vs. Falcon College 1-0), drew with Old Boys (3-3) and Maritzburg College (1-1) and then came up against a vastly superior Glenwood team who scored six goals (three by Springbok Madsen) to nil. This was the only match lost in the first term, for the remaining two were drawn (Johannesburg Wanderers Nomads 2-2 and Hilton 0-0).
During August we started well, beating Olympics 4-1, St. Andrew's (Grahamstown) 2-1, Hyde Park (Johannesburg) 5-1, but lost fo Maritzburg College 0-1 and Hilton 1-3.
Thus the record of the Non-Rugby side was:
Played Won Drawn Lost For Against
14 7 4 3 28 19 which, all things considered, was not too bad.
The defence had been fairly settled with Gevisser playing some outstanding games. H. B. Dawson at full-back, though sound, was often caught in possession; his clearing when given time, however, was very strong; Holley, though apt to commit himself to tackling an opponent in full possession and control, displayed remarkable tackling power, recovered well when beaten and covered in defence with very quick appreciation of where the danger threatened. In this,
57 Thomas, G. V., helped considerably. Forsyth, until a pronounced limp slowed him, was almost unbeatable. It was C. G. Lenz at centre-half, however, who distinguished himself and developed tremendously in stopping, tackling, recovery and distribution - a tower of strength both as player and thoughtful captain.
The forwards were for the most part a problem. Dawson, D. J., captain until July, left and our main striker had gone. However, Arkwright, A. R., at left inner, and Mackenzie, T. M., at right inner, worked very hard and were often well enough up, after fetching and carrying, to score sorely-needed goals. Williamson, normally a full-back, scored some useful goals as a makeshift centre-forward but was too slow to be effective against fast-tackling halves. Perry and then Ball gave useful service on the right-wing.
Full Hockey 1st XI
Starting off in September, this 1st XI gave its first signs of being good when beating a strong P.M.B. Wanderers side (though not their 1st XI) 1-0. The defence, with Williamson restored to full-back and Mackenzie at his old position of left-half, was very sound indeed, Forsyth, particularly, having a good match. Heaton-Nicholls, M. D., promoted from last year's Colts, added fire and thrust to a forward line that, with Williams, G. S., our captain, at left inner and J. C. H. Caldow on the right wing, was far more dangerous, at last, than anything we had yet tried. The team played hard hockey, the accent being on swift, hard and accurate hitting, but in the next two matches (vs. Johannesburg Wanderers, drawn 2-2 and vs. University of Natal, lost 0-2), there were too many cross-passes and too few through-passes.
This was remedied in our final match vs. Hilton.
We started off very well with crisp long passes and well-controlled short passes by the halves; within three minutes Williams had scored, only to be adjudged off-side. However, continuing to vary our game, we were soon one. up. Hilton retaliated but fine play by the goal- keeper and backs kept them out. A really good game of hockey followed. Fine hard running by Caldow on the right wing, after swift approach work from left to right, was rewarded. Williams, Heaton- Nicholls and Caldow scored and Caldow narrowly missed with a splendid first-timer after Arkwright had crossed from the left. Hilton played well, scoring two goals from short corners and one from a cross from the right. A most entertaining match ended 3-3.
Awards: Honours: Gevisser, N. G.; Lenz, C. G.; Arkwright, R. A.
Colours: Williams, G. S.; Holley, C. G. H.; Mackenzie, T. M.; McLeod, G. M.; Heaton-Nicholls, M. D.; Caldow, J. C. H.
Teams: Hutty, A. G.; Ritchie, G. A.; Benger, R.; Williamson,
G. S.; Kisch, E. N.; Ball, J.; Crouch, P. E.; Foster, J.; Pollock, J. K.; Dix, P. A. E.; Forsyth, C. R.; Perry, R. M. B.; Dawson, H. B.; Thomas, G. V. Alan Butcher Stick: Holley, C. G. H.
A.J.S.
58 Under-16A
The side whose stickwork was not good was further handicapped by illness. However improved positional play and passing enabled the team to give a better account of itself at the end of the short season. The following played in at least one of the two matches against Hilton: Phillips, S. W., Massey, R. D., Payn, A. L., Gordon, R. E., Karagornas, G., Draper, A. C., Howell, R. S., Chaplin, G. J., Chance, C. J., Luther, C. A., de Bufanos, G. R., Buccellato, A. F., Poynton, N. G., Robertson, R. M., Steere, P. J.
Results
Michaelhouse ... 0 Hilton ... 3
Michaelhouse ... 0 Hilton ... 1
R.W.H.
Colts "A"
This was a very good side with a number of most promising players. Their stickwork and positional play were good, and they appreciated the value of possession of the ball.
In the first match against Hilton, we had many opportunities of scoring but just seemed to lose our heads when in the circle. The second match against Hilton showed us to be a much improved side and we dominated the play throughout the game.
Members of the team were: C. D. Davidson, S. P. Fitzgerald, T. H. Turpin, D. Thorrington-Smith, P. M. Arkwright (V-Capt.), B. J.
Bowes, D. A. Kenny, R. I. Ferguson, P. J. Blanckenberg, H. R. Foth- eringham (Capt.), J. A. Cloete.
Results
Colts A v. Hilton Draw 0-0 Colts B v. Hilton Won 2-1
Colts A v. Hilton Won 3-0 Colts B v. Hilton Won 1-0
R.F.P.
Bunnies
A v. Flilton Drew 0-0 v. Hilton Lost 0-1 v. Highbury 1st XI . . . Won 3-0 B v. Hilton Won 3-0 v. Hilton Lost 0-1 v. Clifton (N. Rd.) 1st XI . Drew 4-4 v. Highbury 2nd XI . . . Won 2-1
59 GYMNASTICS
Photo: R. D. Massey
Great progress has been made this year in the gymnastic world. Gym was introduced as a minor game in the second quarter, and is now on an equal level with tennis, squash and swimming.
Since half-year a great amount of work was done by the members of the gym club towards the display on Speech Day. A few weeks later eight members were selected to represent the school at the Natal Junior Championships. This was more of an experience, and should benefit the younger members returning next year.
The Youngleson Shield inter-house competition was held on Tuesday, 24th September, with Baines defeating Tatham by three points.
During the year the following were awarded teams: Barrell, Poynton, Youngleson, Hall, Kelly-Patterson, Long-Innes, Coleman and Vaughan.
Finally, a word of thanks to our coach, Mr. K. J. Mullen, for his help and guidance throughout the year.
60 OLD BOYS' SECTION
OLD BOYS' CLUB
LANCE KNIGHT.
Hon. Secretary, Michaelhouse, Balgovvan.
Branch Secretaries
Durban: David Tuttle, Box 100, Hill Crest, Natal.
Pietermaritzburg: Peter Mcllldowie, Box 365, Pietermaritzburg. Johannesburg: R. Matthews, 33 2nd Avenue, Illovo.
Midlands: T. G. Henderson, Mooi River.
Zambia: P. Cobbett-Tribe, Box 1094, Lusaka.
Rhodesia: J. Boyd, Box 2786, Salisbury.
Orange Free State: Mark Kumleben, Grotius Buildings, 21 Elizabeth Street, Bloemfontein.
Swaziland: D. Dixon, Box 21, Manzini.
England: Contacts -
A. R. Chapman (Hon. 1941 Staff), Petersfield, Malthouse Lane, Kenilworth, Warwickshire, England. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Minutes of the Fifty-sixth Annual General Meeting of the Michaelhouse Old Boys' Club held at Michaelhouse on Ascension Day, 23rd May, 1968, at 11 a.m.
The Opening Prayer was said by the Rev. Hugh Harker.
C. F. Moor, 1896-01. It gave the Club great pleasure to be able to show its appreciation of Mr. Moor attending Old Boys' Day by inviting him to sit in the place of honour alongside the President who welcomed him as the first Senior Prefect of the School.
Present at the Meeting (186) and arrived during the day, a total of 228: K. P. Archibald, A. J. Akerman, J. Arnold, R. C. Arnold, R. Arnold, C. H. Acutt, J. C. Ardington, T. M. Adnams, K. Abbot, R. W. Acutt, A. J. Akerman, B. A. Acker, Y. R. Armtage, M. G. Armstrong, G. Armstrong, C. M. Bean, R. M. H. Bennett,
C. T. Baines, N. Butt, J. J. Burden, A. M. Barrett, D. M. Barrett, J. E. M. Barnes, F. B. Booth, C. A. Byron, J. M. Byron, J. E. M. Barnes, G. W. Boyes, H. E. Boyes, D. E. Button, E. M. Burchell, M. D. Baker, J. J. Burden, D. Beer, B. A. Beeming, B. E. Boyes, A. Butt, B. Brummel, P. A. Bovet, D. M. Brooks, P. Beggs, R. Cullen, N. G. R. Crowe, E. L. Crockett, J. S. Corrigall, D. W. H. Cousens, R. Cullen, H. G. Chapman, R. C. Collins, C. C. Collins, D. C. Chambers, D. Cobbold, M. Collins, K. B. Challinor, A. F. G. Cotton,
E. Drew, J. G. Draper, B. G. Draper, A. Dymond, W. M. Dales, A. Davidson, N. Develin, M. de Bufanos, A. Dymond, J. Dougall,
D. C. Erwin, J. W. Emmett, J. Foades, N. P. L. Folker, R. N. Flawn-
Thomas, R. E. A. Folker, G. Forden, J. L. Fyvie, R. Gathorne, W. V. Grimwood, R. I. Garland, A. Gemmell, E. W. Gibson, G. C. F. Grobler, E. H. Goodall, P. Gowans, N. Garas, R. I. Garland, R. Gourley, W. W. Holley, I. Hudson-Bennett, R. G. H. Houghton, J. Hawke, H. A. Harker, H. A. Hotson, R. W. Harker, R. H. Hallowes, K. B. Hallowes, C. Holley, J. F. Henderson, D. R. Hall, I. M. Hudson-Bennett, J. M. C. Henderson, H. G. Houghton, R. G.
H. Houghton, J. H. Hammon, J. Harris, A. W. M. Harcourt, B.
Haynes, T. G. Henderson, N. Howson, R. H. W. Hall, T. R. Jackson, N. E. W. Jones, B. Jackson, B. J. Jennings, H. A. R. Johnston, L. C. Knight, R. C. Knuppe, W. B. Kramer, A. A. Lloyd, W. H. Lawrence, G. V. Lange, D. B. Lyle, R. H. Lee, D. Legge, J. Low,
I. Lapping, G. W. Lea, J. J. Low, J. F. H. Lawrance, R. G. Lander,
D. M. R. Lewis, C. G. Mackeurtan, R. A. Macnab, R. A. Maidment, N. MacGillivray, I. Mitchell-Innes, B. C. McCarthy, R. Mentzel, D. W. K. Mackay, J. Matterson, R. G. McKenzie, P. K. Moxley, S. T. Norwood, D. F. Oscroft, P. J. Oscroft, J. C. Okell, S. Oxley- Oxland, J. B. Oscroft, M. H. Ollemans, K. M. Pennington, G. B
Payn, G. C. Payn, M. G. Payn, G. B. Payn, A. J. Palframan, J. W.
Palframan, M. Peacock-Edwards, R. Pryce, R. N. Pryce, C. J. B. Palmer, D. N. F. Pennington, N. I. Porter, R. G. Poynton, G. R. Poynton, M. E. Pennington, R. T. Pennington, S. J. Peacock-Edwards,
62 D. A. G. Ralfe, A. H. Rosholt, M. A. Ralfe, G. M. Rose, G. M. Ralfe, V. C. Robertson, W. E. Robarts, G. E. Robinson, C. Richards,
D. C. N. Rea, J. L. Robinson, G. N. Ross, B. Royston, T. J. Rockey, D. E. K. Simpson, H. A. P. Swan, N. P. Scott, F. Storm, R. G. Strachan, K. Strachan, R. Smith, D. J. D. Smith, E. J. Smith, A. P. Seaforth, J. M. Sargent, E. J. C. Shram, R. Standing, H. A. P. Swan, K. J. R. Summerley, N. P. Scott, D. H. Tuttle, A. R. Thorpe,
D. R. Tickton, D. G. Truscott, K. B. Truscott, C. F. Talbot, J. C. Tucker, S. R. H. Tyrrell, D. W. Turner, H. G. Tatham, A. R. Thorpe, K. Thygesen, D. Tuttle, D. W. Taylor, D. S. Turner, T. van der Veen, A. J. J. van Maasdyk, Dr. van Veldon, F. van Heigst,
A. G. van Leenhoff, C. C. Wiley, A. C. H. Wiley, T. P. Woods,
D. P. Wadman, P. Wattam, A. W. Winler, W. R. P. Wall, R. F. Waspe, C. P. Whittaker, J. H. Youngleson, plus five others.
The President asked those present to stand in memory of those who had died during the year.
Clifford Button (1897-1900)
Justin Dales (1929)
Ian de Gersigny (1938-42)
Timothy Palframan (1958-61)
Geoff Chaplin (1923-28)
Piet Barnard (Hon. Past Staff)
Henry Curson (1907-09)
Eric Pennington (1911-14)
John Tuttle (1960-64)
Guy Bennett (1925-28)
Hubert Winder (1912-16)
Apologies for non-attendance had been received from a number of Old Boys.
After various notices had been read, the President thanked the Board of Governors and the Rector for allowing the Club the facilities of the School for the day. He then called upon the Rector to present his report.
Rector's Report Welcome.
Let me report first about work. The Hindson Language Labora- tory which, last year, was rather a white elephant as this is a complicated device - the use of which takes some mastering - is now in full swing. Mr. Coetzee is the expert and he takes all classes under the A Block once a week in the L.L. My intention is that he will then train other members of the Afrikaans Department so that they may operate on their own behalf. We spend a lot of time and thought in attempting to produce the best possible pro- gramme for the children, subject choices for Matric and preliminary work so as to give a broad view and yet a firm base from which to spring forth on the more specialised later stages. It is very easy to cope with the able boy and to put the same programme before
63 the weak boy with the attitude that if he cannot benefit from it that is his bad luck. I think it is true to say that we do give special thought to the less able and try to do our best for him too.
Entry into Standard VI rather than Standard VII increased each year; we have 27 in the E Block this year; there are 42 applica- tions for 1969. Prep Schools which at first were aghast at this innovation and cried out against us in anguish at their own dilemmas seem to be now accepting that this move was inevitable and also to be surviving prosperously themselves. In fact to the best of my knowledge we were the last boys' secondary school to introduce a Standard VI.
The proof of the Matric pudding was very pleasing this year. 13 out of 81 candidates failed and some of these I know passed in the March exam re-write. 50 got a 2nd or 1st Class matric. The previous highest total of distinctions was 21; this year there were 19 in Maths alone and 36 in total. In the Maths Olympiad we had three of the ten finalists-in fact in the two years life of this Olympiad Michaelhouse has won 25 per cent of the finalist medals. All the Maths Department deserve credit, of course and I am horrified to have to admit that the teacher of the set from which entries have come is a lady-Mrs. Robinson. As a result of the J.M.B. exam R. J. D. Henderson won a Bank Prize for getting the second highest aggregate in the whole country.
In the "A" level of the Associated Examining Board, which we write we scored over 70 per cent of passes; the average pass amongst other overseas candidates was 31 per cent and of U.K. candidates 58 per cent, so we do not suffer by comparison.
The attitude of the Military Deferment Board to Vlth Form work was last year for long in doubt but finally was settled satis- factorily for us and it now seems certain that attendance at school for a post-matriculation year is a recognised reason for deferment of service.
I propose to say very little about games for those of you who are interested in results can look in the papers or the Chronicle.
Our swimming is on the way up thanks to strenuous efforts by Robin Standing and Ken Mullen and all we need now is for some expen- sive O.M. to give us an improved pool and diving area. Athletics seems to be in a trough after the peak bumper of Nash, Price, Lyon, Thorrington-Smith, but in fact is well up to average. I am personally depressed however by the present day attitude to games in general -coach and player alike seem so content that what used to be a game and a recreation should be converted into a subject and an exercise. If one cannot play a game joyfully and keenly and well without the stimulus of cups and shields then one should be knitting. Let us boil down the silver trophies, disband the leagues and have some fun. Next year you will find me leading a revolt against the tyranny of scientific sport.
The Trust continues to supply us with a tidy sum of money-it is interesting to note that the present market value of the Trust
64 Funds is almost the same as the insured value of all the Michael- house buildings-and to provide the usual services to the school. The Tours are always excellently arranged and of enormous value- I hesitate to pick out any names for especial thanks but Mike McMaster certainly did a wonderful job in Johannesburg and may well continue in Port Elizabeth. One interesting effort of the Trust was a visit to Michaelhouse at the beginning of the year of Carel de Wet. It was pleasant to hear him say in his excellent and fairly informal speech that he was confident that Michaelhouse would continue to hold the honoured place in the country which it has held for so many years.
The Capital products of the Trust have been new staff houses and the new Carpentry Shop is now rising from the ground-this will be known as the "Plab Shop"-I am sure many of you will be glad to hear this. I am sorry to report that Ray Byrne and Bernard McGee, both Honorary members of your Club, who have done sterling work for Michaelhouse on the administration side, have been misguided enough to think of consulting their own interests now and are going to leave us and set up as contractors in Howick. Dismayed as I am I would like to thank them here for what they have done and wish them very well in the future.
The committee which sat upon the Chronicle seems to me to have done its work very satisfactorily. In an effort to save space and money, the set out had become very cramped. The last issue was pleasantly set out, an increase in the information given in School Notes gave a fuller picture for O.Ms. and the O.M. Notes were much improved. I think we have a good magazine, well printed on good paper, restrained and dignified and I hope we will never adopt the form of an opulent glossy papers mining company brochure.
You may have noticed that the poplar walk between Meadows and Willows has been cut down; the trees had become overgrown and we have been having considerable drainage problems in this area, the only solution to which seemed to be a large drain-cum- sewer built almost on the line of the poplars; as you know poplar roots and drains don't go well together. A second avenue of pin oaks is already growing to replace the old one. We are also going to take down the poplar avenue inside the main gates; these have become diseased-nearly all of this type of poplar seem to be affected-their roots are damaging the tennis courts and they are now so high that their shadows on the tennis courts are quite bewilder- ing. The garden committee is planning a new avenue and I look forward to seeing an even more beautiful entry to the school than we now have.
With regard to staff, J.L.R. after many years of excellent ser- vice to the Science Department has handed over to A.F.C. and is now himself keeping us abreast of developments in Audio-Visual Aids in teaching. G.V.L. felt that he could not continue doing the first-class job he was doing as H.M. of West and W.v.d.W. has succeeded him. The ever ebullient P.J.W. has left us for the U.K. 65 and we have had to get one man, B.D.M. and two-thirds of a lady, Mrs. Carswell, to replace him. H.C.C. whom some of you will have known in Verulam/Maidstone is our new Chaplain - a most happy appointment.
Talking of things "Chapel"-I hope you will look in at the Crypt; this has been refurnished in memory of C.Y.M. and is now very attractive.
Penultimately I would like to say how happy I am at the choice of my successor. I have known Rex for some time and know a lot about him. He has the qualities to become a great Rector- he has scholarship, he has games, he has religious conviction, he has an unusual breadth of vision and experience and he has Sarah. The Rectorina is no unimportant arrow in the Rectorial quiver and Sarah has great charm and character-and, I may say, judgement. The last time I saw her she was assisting me in the choice of some perfume to give a lady who was my hostess and whom I much admired-we finished up with a creation by Lanvin called "My Sin".
Ultimately I would like to thank the O.B. Club and you all as individuals for the really wonderful relations I have experienced with O.M's. while I have been Rector. I think you have a peculiarly excellent understanding of the position and function of O.B's. in the School community. Your support for the school is unquestioned, your criticism is almost always helpful and lodged via the correct channels, your logical acceptance of change has been remarkable, your back-handed carping gossip has been minimal and has received from the majority the shift which it deserves. I feel sure you will give my successor the support you have given me and I'm confident that none of you will ever presume on the fact that he is an O.M. to forget that he is firstly Rector.
The President thanked the Rector for his report.
Minutes of the 1967 Annual General Meeting
The Minutes of the 1967 Annual General Meeting which had been circulated in the October Chronicle were taken as read and as there were no points arising the Meeting authorised their con- firmation.
President's Report
Gentlemen: Once again it is my privilege to welcome you to this the 56th Annual General Meeting of the Club.
The pre-occupation of your Committee in the past year has been largely centred around the question of the appointment of a per- manent secretary, the publication of the History of the School, and other matters which are closely related to these. Dealing firstly with the appointment of a permanent secretary, you will have all received a letter, signed by me, attached to the notice of the A.G.M. in which we set out the financial results of the appeal which was launched at the last A.G.M. Measured against
66 the support which this idea clearly received at that meeting, I think you must agree that these are distinctly disappointing, and it is now clear that a further year must elapse before we can take a decision to go ahead with the implementation of the scheme. We are con- tinuing to pursue this matter with unabated enthusiasm and increasing determination to make it work-but it will be obvious to all of you that it cannot work unless we receive support from our members. I would therefore once again like to appeal to you to give us that support in a practical way, because if we who have had all the advantages of attending a great school such as this, cannot make a success of a comparatively simple operation of this kind, which requires only a relatively small financial contribution and just a little bit of care and thought, there is, in my opinion, little prospect of the continuation of what most of us think we stand for in the future.
In this context I recently read a thought-provoking article by Anton Murray who, as many of you will know, is the principal of St. Alban's College in Pretoria, under the heading of "The Future of English-speaking South Africans"-and I am sure he will not mind if I quote from this, if it has the effect which I hope it will -of prodding your conscience, and even what you are sitting on at this time. Although the background to the article was, to a large extent based on the lack of political contribution which English- speaking South Africans are making in this country, I think it can equally well be applied, in a general sense, to the situation about which I am talking at this moment.
He opens his article by expressing the view that it is becoming painfully apparent that English-speaking South Africans as a cultural and political force, and even as a group, are on an increasingly steep and slippery slope which can end only in the black waters of extinction, and stresses how vitally necessary it is that we pro- duce real leaders who can inspire English-speaking South Africa, in order that we may become aware of, and feel a fierce pride in, the fantastic contributions to this land by those whose mother tongue was English. By comparison with the Afrikaner, he feels that there is a pathetic lack of focus on the exploits of our for- bears, and lack of pride in what we are as well as what we have been. v
Undeniably, I am afraid, much of what he said applies to each and every one of us here. Our English-speaking forbears in this country established for themselves-and for us- an impressive record of courage and achievement, while from England we had handed to us a culture and background which is unparalleled in the history of the world. I think it would be worthwhile if we all now asked ourselves what contribution we have made-or intend to make-to the continuation and expansion of what has come per- haps only too easily to us. Looking back on the achievements of Old Boys from Michaelhouse, there is no doubt that many of them have acquitted themselves well in the service of this country and this school-but, unfortunately, a far greater number has done
67 little better than to look after its own somewhat selfish interests. Frankly, this is not enough. Nor is it in the tradition of what we were taught here. Clearly, there is no easy solution to this, but each and every one of us has a responsibility-and for the moment wc are talking only about our ability to produce sufficient funds on an annual basis to pay for the services of a permanent secretary, which I am convinced is urgently needed, not only for the well- being of the Club, but-far more important-for the well-being of Michaelhouse, the Michaelhouse Trust Fund, and the Michaclhouse community as a whole.
Agreement has been reached in principle with the Governors of the School for the building of a house on the school grounds for the use of our permanent secretary. I have received sympathetic support from the Governors of the Trust, who themselves have an administrative problem which could be solved, I think, by the appoint- ment by us of a full-time secretary. At the moment, however, as I have said before, we are bogged down by a lack of funds which only the members of this Club can provide.
The History of the School has now made considerable progress.
I have had the opportunity of reading a good deal, but not all, of it, and 1 would like to congratulate Tony Barret on the wonderful job I think he has done. It is hoped that his task will have been completed by this time next year-and I hope too, that this project will receive your full support-which believe me, it richly merits.
In recent years the Chronicle has come in for some criticism, particularly from Old Boys, and representatives of your committee have held discussions with the Rcctor and those responsible for its production. The April publication, which you will all by now have received, contains a number of new features and is, in my opinion, a marked improvement. I should like to congratulate the Editor, Mr. Bloy, and those associated with its production, on their efforts.
This is the last meeting which Tom Norwood will attend as Rector of this School. I think I can say that I have known him longer than any of you, for the simple reason that we met in Germany as P.O.Ws. I know I am expressing the feelings of all of you when 1 say that it was with deep regret that we learned of his intention to resign, and I would like to thank him on behalt of the Old Boys for the great contribution that he has made to Michaelhouse. I wish him and his family lots of luck in the future, and hope that he will continue to attend our meetings. To his successor, who is not here today, 1 would like to say how delighted we all were to hear of his appointment, and to wish him success and happiness in it. I don't personally believe that we can have a better Rector of Michaelhouse than an old Michaelhouse boy, par- ticularly one whose name is Pennington.
I wish also to thank the committee for the active support they have given me over the past year, and to express my deep appreciation to Lance and Phyllis Knight, for their kindness to me and, in fact, to all Old Boys who visit Michaelhouse.
68 Hon. Treasurer's Report
Gentlemen: The Accounts for the year have been tabled in the Pavilion for your inspection and you will see from them that we finished the year with an excess of income over expenditure of R802.17 as compared with an excess of R 1,500 last year.
During the course of the year, as you all know, the Fund for the Permanent Secretary was launched and this involved an increase in postages of R386 and printing, stationery, etc., of R230-an extra cost to the Club of R616. The full amounts received for this Fund -Life Contributions R5,500 and the Annual Contributions of just over R 1,000 have been invested and the costs of launching the scheme have been taken from Revenue Account. Irrespective of what happens eventually in regard to the Fund I consider that the money already spent has been well worth while because it has roused considerable interest among members of the Club and as a conse- quence our correspondence has increased accordingly.
Over and above the R616 spent on launching the Fund, the new Chronicle lay-out has cost us an extra R67 and I consider that this figure will probably rise during the coming year.
Life subscriptions which are dependent on the number of boys joining the Club at the end of each year are down by R157 this year. These figures account for the shortfall of R700 on last year.
•
Hudson-Bennett Fund: An amount of R16 over and above the expenses for the day was made last year and as it is not the policy to make a profit out of this-this amount will probably be expended at the next Golf Day to be held on the 29th September at the Maritzburg Country Club-especially as this will be a farewell to the Rector.
If there are any other points any member would like clarified will you please ask now.
Thank you.
The Meeting agreed to the adoption of the Accounts.
Election of Officers, 1968
President: A. A. Lloyd proposed by C. C. Wiley, seconded by K. M. Pennington. Mr. Lloyd then spoke, thanking the President for all that he had done and the Meeting for his election as President.
President-elect: F. B. Oscroft proposed by C. C. Wiley, seconded by D. W. Turner.
Hon. Secretary and Treasurer: L. C. Knight. Committee Members: R. Gathorne, S. Roberts, J. Johnstone,
B. Kramer. Arising out of the alteration to Rule 3 of the Constitution-Retiring President C. C. Wiley.
Hon. Auditor: D. S. Turner. The President thanked him for the extra work he had done during the year.
69 Trustees: A. W. Lister and K. M. Pennington.
The following new members were elected to the Club. These names had been circulated except for the addition of M. I. Forsyth (1957-60).
NEW MEMBERS, 1968
ACUTT, J. H. (63-67)
ALGIE, P. J. (66-67)
ARNOLD, R. C. (63-67)
BARNARD, S. (65-67)
BEER, D. H. (63-67)
BODLEY, G. H. M. (64-67)
BOYES, B. E. (63-67)
BRINK, P. J. (63-67)
BROOKES, D. M. (64-67)
BURCHELL, J. M. (63-67)
BUTLER, D. W. (63-67)
BRAND, J. W. (63-67)
CHENNELLS, J. G. (63-67)
CHENNELLS, R. S. (64-67)
CHENNELLS, T. R. (64-67)
CHETWYND PALMER, S. (64-67)^â„¢ d '
HOLLEY, M. N. N. (63-67) HORSEY, C. G. (64-67) HUDSON-BENNETT, I. B. (64-67) HUDSON-BENNETT, M. M. INGLIS, D. J. (63-67)
JACKSON, T. R. (64-67)
JAY, C. C. A. (64-67)
LORD, C. P. N. (64-67)
MACK AY, K. I. (65-67) MacROBERT, W. M. (63-67) MAIN, D. J. (64-67)
MAPHAM, P. H. (64-67) MacLEOD, J. D. (64-67)
MUDD, J. W. (63-67)
CHISHOLM, J. D. (64-67) CHOWLES, R. E. (63-67) COHEN, D. (65-67) COLLINS, R. R. (63-67) CRAIB, J. S. (64-67) CROSSMAN, R. M. (64-67) COOPER, D. J. K. (64-67) DEANE. D. H. (64-67) DRAPER, B. G. (64-67) DRUMMOND, H. M. (64-67) DURLING, J. A. (64-67) DYMOND, A. (64-67) FAWCETT, R. M. (64-67) FITZGERALD, J. D. (64-67) FOLKER, N. P. L. (63-67) FORSYTH, M. I. (57-60) GARAS, N. (64-67) GARLAND, R. L. (64-67) GERNEKE, N. L. (63-67) GRAHAM, A. M. (63-67) GREEN, W. (64-67) HAGGIE, A. S. (64-67) HARRIS, M. H. (64-67)
OSBORNE, P. L. (65-67) OSCROFT, D. F. (63-67) OSCROFT, D. G. (64-67) NIELSON, A. J. (64-67) MOSTERT, C. J. (64-67) OULDS, T. J. G. (66-67) OWEN, R. V. A. (65-67) PAGE, A. G. (63-67)
PRICE, I. B. (63-67) RANDON, T. J. (63-67) RATCLIFFE, A. M. S. (63-67) REIN WESTON, K. J. (63-67) REYNOLDS, C. L. C. (34-37) ROBINSON, J. F. (65-67) ROBINSON, W. L. (64-67) ROSE, M. G. (63-67) ROWLEY, J. M. (63-67) SIMMONS, P. M. (64-67) SIMPSON, R. V. S. (64-67) TALBOT, G. J. (63-67) TAYLOR, W. M. P. (63-67) TICKTON, D. R. (63-67) VELLACOTT, G. M. (64-67) HARTLAND MAHON, M. (63-67)WELSH, R. D. (63-67) HEMING, M. S. D. (64-67) WILSON, P. B. S. (64-67)
HENDERSON, R. J. W. (64-67) WOODS, J. B. (64-67)
70 STAFF
Lavender, P. G.
Alteration to the Deed of the Michaelhouse Old Boys'
Diamond Jubilee Bursary Trust
Delete Clause 2 and substitute the following:
"The moneys hereinbefore referred to amounting to FIVE THOUSAND POUNDS (£5,000) (TEN THOUSAND RAND) which, together with moneys hereafter collected or donated and together with any capital profits or pecuniary gain derived from time to time from the investment of the capital of the Trust (hereinafter referred to as "THE FUND") shall be held by and paid over to the Trustee IN TRUST to invest the same all in their entire and absolute discretion, in or upon stocks, shares, debentures, loans on the security of First Mortgage Bonds over fixed property, participation in such Bonds or other income- producing investments and with power to the Trustees from time to time to alter and vary such investments and to realise fixed property mortgaged to the Trust or to purchase the same in order to protect the investments of the Trust as they may consider best in the interests of the Trust."
This alteration was proposed by C. C. Wiley and seconded by A. A. Lloyd and carried unanimously.
Alteration to Rule 3 of the Constitution
In accordance with Rule 25 of the Constitution the alteration to this Rule by the addition of the words "immediate past President" having been circulated at least 15 days before the Meeting, the alteration was carried unanimously. The opening paragraph of Rule 3 now reads: "The affairs of the Club shall be managed by a Committee consisting of a President, a President-elect, an immediate past President, a Secretary, a Treasurer, four Committee men, two Trustees and the Secretaries (ex officio or their representatives) of the Branches of the Club.
History of the School
Mr. Barrett, the Author, gave the latest position in regard to the publication of the book and asked if any Old Boys had prints or photographs they considered might be of use would they please let the Hon. Secretary have them.
Aims and Objects of the Club
Mr. A. A. Lloyd reported the latest position in regard to the appointment of a Permanent Secretary and said that he hoped that by more direct contact throughout various areas the position would improve by the A.G.M. 1969 when the Club will make its final decision to appoint a Permanent Secretary. In the meanwhile the monies received were being funded and the costs involved carried from the Revenue Account.
71 Congratulatory Letters
Tim Woods (57-61) Rhodes Scholar 1968.
Bruce Fieldsend (42-46) appointed Rector of Peterhouse.
John Fieldsend (35-38) appointed Judge of Rhodesian Supreme Court. (Since resigned).
T. W. F. Harris (30-33) Ph.D. Oceanography Research.
F. B. K. Tucker (36-40) Springbok Colours S.A. National Rally driving Championship 1966. Awarded Ken Lee Trophy for greatest contributor to S.A. Motor Sport.
Rex Pennington (37-41) Rector of M.H.S. (appointed).
Paul Nash (61-64) equalling World Record 100 Metres
Branch Reports
Pietermaritzburg: Efforts by the Committee during the year to arrange functions, have received little encouragement. It seems that we are unable to get through to the younger members and advice from other branches, who have managed to break this barrier, would be appreciated. Perhaps, if we arranged a "happening" instead of a dance or a dinner, some success might be achieved, but no one on the Committee seems capable of arranging these things and the people who are, are not prepared to do the work. It must be remem- bered also that such a threat would undoubtedly frighten off all our older stalwarts who have kept the branch going for so many years. Something must be done to get our youngsters interested in their Club and through it, to retain contact with the School which has done so much for them, and suggestions will be most welcome, or even better, some young volunteers for the Committee.
A dinner dance was held at the Hilton Hotel on 4th November, 1967, in conjunction with the local Hiltonians. The price of tickets was kept to a minimum and our budget required some 80 tickets to be sold in order to break square. Unfortunately, the date chosen, which was the only one available to the Hotel, was inopportune because it clashed with the Confirmation at Michaelhouse, with the St. Anne's long week-end and with the University examinations. In fact, only 44 double tickets were sold, so we showed a loss of R38.72 to be shared with the Hiltonians. So far they have paid us R5 on account of their share, but no doubt, the balance will be forthcoming in due course, if we keep on whistling.
A similar fate befell the dinner which was held at the Country Club on 15th March, 1968. Only 23 members attended and we lost R2.99 on the evening. We are very grateful to Brian Law for speaking to us after the dinner and it is a pity that more members did not hear what he had to say. On this occasion, we were also very pleased to welcome the Rector and Lance Knight as our guests. We are sorry that they were not able to carry off more of the loot from the billiard table afterwards, but we hope they enjoyed them- selves.
72 Durban: Unfortunately, our Local Chairman, John Johnstone, is unable to attend our Old Boys' Day for the first time since the war, and sends his apologies. I'm sure I speak for us all in offering him our congratulations on his recent engagement.
I should like to make this report of the Durban Branch's activities during the year a very brief one as there is a full account in the Chronicle.
On the sporting scene we have had a successful year and suc- ceeded in beating the other school at both cricket and golf, at the Kloof Country Club. The Durban "B" side carried off the honours at the Hudson Bennett Golf Tournament in Pietermaritzburg.
The Annual General Meeting and Dinner was held at the Durban Country Club and the Hilton/Michaelhouse Dance at the Beverley Hills Hotel. Both were financial failures but were very successful in all other respects. The Branch nevertheless is still solvent, but subscription notices will be posted in the near future.
This year's A.G.M. and Dinner is being held on 25th October at the Marine Hotel and the Hilton/Michaelhouse Dance at the Old Causerie on the first Friday in August. Details of these functions will be included in the latest newsletter to be posted next week. These quarterly bulletins have stimulated a lot of interest in school affairs, and our sincere thanks go to our scribe String Sangmeister.
During the past two quarters the Branch has arranged for ten speakers to visit the school and address the boys on various careers. A further six talks are being given during the third quarter. The Committee and the Careers Master are most grateful to these men for driving to Michaelhouse and giving up their Tuesday nights to these talks. We feel this is a most worthwhile addition to our activities and hope with the blessing of the School we shall be able to continue this as a regular service.
Johannesburg: No report.
Zululand: Mr. Kramer informed the meeting that the Zululand Branch was being resuscitated and that a meeting which had taken place at his house at which H. O. (Bill) Lee had been elected Chair- man and Bryan Wynne, Secretary.
Midlands: No report.
Salisbury: Mr. Wadman reported that it was hoped to resuscitate this Branch.
Northern Transvaal: Dr. Lawrance said it had been a difficult year to get members together but it was hoped that the appointment of a Permanent Secretary would produce more keenness in the Branch.
O.F.S.: Dr. J. Lawrance mentioned that little had been done and it was hoped that something might take place in the future.
73 Hon. Secretary's Honorarium
The Meeting approved the President's suggestion that the Com- mittee be authorised to arrange the honorarium on behalf of the Meeting.
The Meeting rose at 12.30 p.m.
L. C. KNIGHT, 25th May, 1968.
Date......
Confirmed
HUDSON BENNETT GOLF, 1968
Although all those who had played during the last four years had been circularised there was a disappointing turnout of 36 players. This may have been on account of the inclement weather - it was overcast and drizzling most of the day and the majority came in at the finish through a real pea-soup fog.
For the first time a Governor's team entered and it was regret- table that Ernest Hudson-Bennett was unable to play due to illness. His place was taken by Roy Gathorne with the result that the Governors won though they tied on 251 with Durban B - but under a condition of the Rules the morning score should be taken in prefer- ence to the afternoon in the case of a tie. The winning team consisted of George Boyes 61, Neville James 65, Basil Oscroft 63 and Roy Gathorne 62. The runners-up Durban B were John Johnstone, Mike Harker, John Dougall and Keith Whittaker.
Since the Rhys Evans Cup was presented seven years ago this was the first time that it was not won either by Malcolm Smythe or Peter Francis and we congratulate Keith Whittaker on winning this competition with a gross of 161, the runner-up being Oliver James.
The Drysdale Cup for the best net over 36 holes was won by M. Arnott with 144. The runner-up was Jeremy Hawkes.
The Midlands Trophy, presented by the Midlands Branch for Veterans, over 18 holes, was won by the Rector, Tommy Norwood, with a stableford of 30.
With the usual prize-giving and a small presentation to Tommy for his keen support of the Hudson Bennett Competition during the time he has been at Michaelhouse, the day ended on the usual high note.
L. C. KNIGHT.
74 A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
In 1966 the Annual General Meeting elected as President C. C. "Fish" Wiley, who immediately realised that the time had arrived when the Michaelhouse Old Boys' Club needed the infusion of new life and should be given a purpose. The few reports read on Old Boys' Day of the activities of the Durban, Pietermaritzburg and Johannes- burg branches revealed only a lukewarm and mild interest in the occasional social activities in those areas, while other branches in the Natal Midlands and the O.F.S. had almost ceased to function. The central committee of the Club could depend only on the part-time services of the honorary secretary, Lance Knight, who was doing as much as he could with limited resources to maintain contact with an increasing membership who are scattered throughout South Africa, its neighbouring territories and other parts of the world.
The idea was born in 1966-67 that the Club should be revived, reconstructed and equipped to play a vital, constructive and useful role in the community of Michaelhouse. The school will need the full support of us all in the years ahead and the Old Boys' Club can, and should, be of greater value than it has been in the past. A scheme was adopted to raise the annual income from R2,700 to at least R6,000 a year, so that a permanent secretary could be appointed, who could live at Balgowan and give his full-time services to promoting the interests of the Club and developing a more active spirit and interest among its members.
"Fish" Wiley was re-elected in 1967 for a second year of office in order to give the scheme continued impetus until it was firmly launched. By 31st March, 1968, it was possible to report that 724 members out of a total membership of 2,400 had agreed to support the scheme, but the number of actual subscribers was only 500, and 224 promises had not been fulfilled. The estimated annual income from the scheme was then no more than R 1,328 per annum against a minimum voluntary levy required of R3,300 per annum. It was clear that a further year must elapse before the scheme could be regarded as successful. The Annual General Meeting in 1968 decided, however, to pursue it with unabated vigour and so the incoming committee undertook the enormous task of making contact with every single Old Boy who had not yet given his support to the scheme.
The position on 17th August, 1968, showed that annual subscrip- tions now totalled R 1,458, and lump sum life payments amounted to R7,258, which together gave an approximate annual income of Rl,893 without making allowance for the fall-out which must be expected. There was still a long way to go when the committee again met on 17th August.
The main committee has now made vast progress in its big new task. A national organisation has been created under the direction of the main committee and through existing branch committees. The work of setting up new area committees is now proceeding and it is hoped to find a large number of keen and enthusiastic Old Boys living in districts which are not properly served by the present branch organisations.
75 The entire Club register has been classified into provinces, regions, districts, towns, villages and dorps to cover the whole of Southern Africa. For the first time we now have a separate membership roll for villages such as Howick and Underberg. We now know who lives in towns like Pretoria, Newcastle, Empangeni, Port Elizabeth and Nel- spruit. These lists are being sent to an Old Boy in each area so that he may form a new and energetic organisation and make personal contact. It may be of some interest to know that Old Boys are distributed in the following way:-
Natal -
Durban 345 Durban suburbs 82 Pietermaritzburg 126 Pietermaritzburg District 89 Natal Midlands 66 Northern Natal 52 Drakensberg 29 Greytown district 30 Richmond district 20 Upper South Coast 15 Lower South Coast 43 Natal North Coast 44 Zululand 60
Transvaal ...... 628
O.F.S 38
Cape Province ...... 117
East Griqualand ...... 59
Rhodesia ...... 169
Swaziland ...... 23
Zambia ...... 32
Others...... 341
2,408
In many instances addresses are out-of-date or there have been transfers, and so this organisation will help us to trace many missing Old Boys and, we hope, renew their interest in the school.
A plan of campaign has been prepared so that by the date of the 56th Annual General Meeting at Balgowan on 22nd May, 1969, it will be possible to report that there has been maximum response from all members. It is hoped to make this a special occasion when, in addition to bringing this big scheme to a successful conclusion, we will welcome Rex Pennington, the first Old Boy, as the new Rector, and also table the "History of Michaelhouse: 1896 to 1968".
I sincerely hope that all Old Boys who read this message will give their serious thought to helping to make the Club a real, active and positive organisation which can be a tower of strength to the school in the years ahead.
ANSON LLOYD,
President, 1968.
76 PERSONAL NEWS
PROFESSOR PATRICK M. SMYTHE has taken up his duties as head of the department of paediatrics in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Natal in Durban. He succeeds Professor H. L. Wallace, who retired at the end of 1967.
Professor Smythe has done research on under-nutrition. Together with Dr. M. B. Stoch he was the first to draw attention to the serious consequences of under-nutrition during the first two years of life on brain growth and intellectual development.
At the time (1955) when this study was started the prevailing view was that under-nutrition had no effect on intellect. By following up a group of 20 Cape Coloured infants who were grossly under- nourished in the first 1-1^ years of life and comparing them with matched controls, they showed that under-nourished infants have significantly smaller heads and have markedly impaired intellect. The form of intellectual damage is similar to that found in children who have suffered brain damage from birth injuries or meningitis, or asphyxia, and is unlike that found in children who have been environmentally deprived.
Emphasis has been laid on the severe degree of intellectual retardation that can result and the appalling significance of the fact that the damage is likely to be irreversible and that it occurs at an age when under-nutrition is most widely prevalent throughout the world.
A paper on this pioneering research was presented in 1967 to the International Conference in Boston on the effect of malnutrition on intellect.
Tetanus
Professor Smythe has also contributed extensively to the study of tetanus in newborn infants, and he was invited to read papers before the international symposium on tetanus at Bombay in 1964 and at Berne in 1966. Tetanus was also the subject for his postgraduate thesis for the highest medical degree of M.D. at Cambridge University, where he was also awarded the Raymond Horton-Smith Prize for his outstanding research work.
His studies on protein deficiency in childhood also include the effect upon the heart and this work has become a standard reference in medical literature.
In 1963 Professor Smythe was made a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians in London in recognition of his contributions to medical science.
Professor P. M. Smythe was born in Pietermaritzburg and he matriculated at Michaelhouse with distinction in mathematics. He obtained the B.Sc. with honours in chemistry and botany at the University of Natal in Pietermaritzburg in 1932. He went to King's
77 College at Cambridge University and was awarded the M.B., B.Chir. degree. After service at the London Hospital he became medical officer with the Royal West African Frontier Force and he saw service in West Africa and Burma. From 1946 he was paediatric registrar at the London Hospital and in 1949 he went to the University of Cape Town as C.S.I.R. research fellow in the department of nutrition. He was house physician at the City Fever Hospital in Cape Town from 1950 to 1951, when he became a full-time consultant in the depart- ment of child health at the University of Cape Town. He was made an associate professor in 1965.
Professor Smythe is the son of Mr. and Mrs. J. O. Smythe of Pietermaritzburg. He is interested in farming and he has a place at Nottingham Road. He is unmarried.
Creighton-Jones (46-49), Douglas: Is a departmental manager with John Orr & Co., Johannesburg.
Chapman (57-58), Colin: Has been in Ethiopia for a year making a survey of the crocodile population of the lakes and rivers and setting up an experimental crocodile farm. He is going on an expedition to the Blue Nile after spending a couple of months in the Republic.
Campbell (60-64), Athol: Is studying business administration in Indiana.
Dales (57-60), John: Has moved to the Ladysmith office of Stock Owners Ltd., from Durban.
Eriksen (60-64), Steve: Is doing a B.Com. at Edinburgh University.
Erlank (46-49), Milner: Since leaving school, has been Information Officer for the Federal Government of Rhodesia and Nyasaland, editor of a mine newspaper on the Zambian Copperbelt, and is now company editor in charge of press, publications and public relations department of the Philips group of companies. This year one of his journals was given the "award of excellence" in a British house magazine competition. He recently won the Philips international press award.
Evans (23-27), Rhys: In a recent issue of the "Sunday Times" ("Busi- ness Times") appeared a full article on his farming activities entitled "A Success Story Based on Method". Congratulations on your achievements. We have since heard that he has purchased 50 tractors!
Forder (34-35), George: Was recently inducted into his eighth term as Mayor of Estcourt, Natal.
Ferguson (59-61), R. O.: Graduated at Wits, at the end of 1967. He is now B.Sc. (Mechanical Engineering) and has joined International Combustion Ltd. overseas. He will spend two years in Derby, Germany and Denmark. Fenwick (56-59), Cecil: Is employed by Sterling Drug Ltd. in Durban supervising their African market section in Natal and the Transkei.
78 Ford (48-51), J. S.: Obtained B.Com. at Natal University. Moved to London in 1961, is married with two sons. Now living in Kent and employed as divisional manager of J. & E. Hall, Refrigeration Engineers.
Harker (27-30), J. B.: After teaching for 20 years in Zambia, is moving to Sussex, England.
Hensman, Gary (------) and Rory (------): Played polo in the Inter-
Regimental Tournament at Shongweni, Natal, for the Royal Rhodesia Regiment.
Hill (25-29), T. E. B.: Won the Norton Trophy for the best-conserved farm in Umvoti. He also won several awards at the Royal Show this year.
Hobart (52-55), Patrick: Recently returned to Cape Town after spend- ing five years in England. He is now employed by S.A.P.P.I.
James (26-29), Neville: Mr. Justice James was born in Stanger, Natal, in 1911. He was then articled for five years to a firm of attorneys in Pietermaritzburg, where he qualified as an attorney in 1935. At the end of the year, he left to further his legal training in Britain and in 1936 read for the Bar in London. Two years later he was called to the Bar at Gray's Inn and returned to South Africa to practise as an advocate. His law career was interrupted in 1940 when he joined the South African Artillery and saw service in North Africa and Italy until the end of the war. He was men- tioned in despatches. In 1946 he returned to the Natal Bar and took silk in January, 1954. The following year he was appointed Acting Judge of the Natal Supreme Court for the December term in Durban, and was appointed to the Bench in 1957. In 1961 he presided over the Cato Manor Trial, which followed the murder of nine policemen during riots at the township. He again came before the public eye in August 1965, when he was appointed chairman of the James Commission of Inquiry, and spent a year examining the affairs of the Durban City Council. Mr. James was married in South Africa in 1939, and has two sons and two daughters.
Kirkpatrick (53-56), Peter: Is with a leading shoe firm in Pinetown as production planning manager.
Patrick (------) is with Burroughs Machines and has passed all their examinations.
Tony (58-61) is a director of Adorable Footwear in New Ger- many. He is married with a daughter.
Lindop (58-63), Grahame: Has returned from Edinburgh University where he obtained an LL.B. and is now a management trainee with Anglo American in Johannesburg. MacDonald (61-65), Alastair: Is doing second-year Medicine at Cape Town University. He ran the mile in 4min. 9.3sec., and has been awarded full blues for athletics.
79 Matthews (58-63), Nigel: Has gained a second-class Honours degree in the School of Jurisprudence at Oxford University.
Morris (29-30), Edward: Has just retired from the R.A.F. with the rank of Air Commodore. He is returning to S.A. for his retirement.
Nash (61-64), Paul: Once again we congratulate him on another year of outstanding successes in the athletic world.
Phillips (54-58), Anthony: A B.Sc. graduate at the University of Natal, has been awarded the Damant Engineering Prize for 1967. At the end of 1964 he obtained a University of Natal Undergraduate Scholarship and a Thomas Barlow & Sons Bursary. At the end of 1966 he was awarded the C.S.I.R. Postgraduate Bursary and earned a certificate of merit for his work in elements of geology.
Peacock-Edwards (58-61), Rick: After leaving Wits, in 1964, joined the R.A.F. After completing officer training, spent some time flying, training on Jet Provosts and Grats, and won the Flying Trophy. Since then has been flying supersonic fighters and is now with No. 92 Squadron in Germany. He has visited Cyprus, Aden and Nairobi.
Rattray (46-50), Mike: Has been elected president of the S.A. Polo Association.
Richmond (57-60), Tony: After obtaining a B.A. at Wits., spent three years as a journalist in Cape Town, Kimberley, Johannesburg and Springs. Spare-time pursuits were church work, golf, bowls and singing, which included two months' pofessional chorus work in Pretoria and Johannesburg with the touring Luisillo Spanish Dance Theatre. About this time did military service as a con- scientious objector in the S.A. Medical Corps, but was invalided out after three months thanks to a collapsed lung. Then spent six months overseas, obtaining an Italian Language Certificate from Perugia University, and hitch-hiking through Europe. On return to South Africa, spent 18 months as an assistant housemaster at Diocesan College Preparatory School (Bishops) in Cape Town. Has now returned to Europe to live as a gypsy for some months, and hopes to have a book (possibly of poetry) published one day.
Richmond (62-65), Bruce: After leaving school, spent a year doing Civil Engineering at Natal University. Then spent some months with a road construction company, being a stalwart of St. Paul's church and suntanning on Durban beach in his spare time. Then accepted a deck officer cadetship in the British Merchant Navy, and is now at sea and at the same time is a student of Southamp- ton University and Warsash Naval College. After several trips between Britain and South Africa on Union-Castle and Clan ships, he spent some time on the Baltic Sea with Bowaters, and is now plying the American east coast, Newfoundland and the Great Lakes via the St. Lawrence Seaway.
80 Shearer (38-41), D. L. L.: Was recently appointed a judge of the Natal Provincial Division of the Supreme Court. After attending Natal University and Cambridge he began practice in Pietermaritzburg in 1949 and moved to Durban in 1959. In February 1964 he took silk and has sat from time to time in the Supreme Court as acting judge.
Slutzkin (63-67): Leon is employed by Stores Holdings, Livingstone, and is studying administration and commerce.
Thorpe (33-36): Jeffrey is being acclaimed by the medical world for his discovery of a new drug to fight heart attacks. Doctors and scientists say the drug can prevent heart attacks and will cut the death rate enormously. Called Atromid-S, it has been developed by the research laboratories of the pharmaceutical division of Im- perial Chemical Industries (I.C.I.) in England. Mr. Thorpe is on the research staff of I.C.I. By a twist of fate, he graduated from Witwatersrand University in a field completely unconnected with medicine - engineering. Friends and colleagues who knew him in South Africa say that he started to take an interest in bio- chemistry after graduating in engineering, and joined the research staff of I.C.I. at Manchester. He discovered his "wonder drug" a few years ago and is now being hailed as one of the top bio- chemists in the world. It is already available to the public and has been used successfully in South Africa for some time. Intensive tests are being carried out in America and England to check on its effectiveness. Dr. Louis R. Krasno, who is studying it in America, says: "We may have in hand a practical answer to the ever-menacing problem of atherosclerotic heart disease." The drug can be taken prophylactically by people who show the danger signs of heart disease or by people who have already suffered one heart attack.
Talbot (53-57), J. N.: Is on the Attorney-General's staff in Salisbury.
Taylor (47-51), D. I. A.: After leaving school, spent 10 years in the British Merchant Navy, obtaining a Master's Certificate after acting as Chief Officer in the Clan Line. Now living in Mauritius and is managing director of Taylor & Smith, a stevedoring company. Married with two sons.
Welsh (61-65), Nick: Is in his third year at Magdalen College, Oxford, reading for the Honour Schools in English Language and Litera- ture.
An all-Michaelhouse polo team comprising fathers Buddy Chaplin and Derek Heaton-Nicholls and their respective sons Gavin and Murray competed in the Shongweni Polo Tournament. Gavin and Murray succeeded in carrying their ageing fathers through to the final of their section, which they won.
81 CONGRATULATIONS
Engagements
Armstrong (53-57): Nigel to Sarah Lea.
Fiddian Green (57-60): Richard to Prunella MacRobert. Greene (56-59): John to Sandra Craik-White.
Jack (59-62): Barrie to Joy Stack.
Lidgett (59-64): Anthony to Jill Lister.
Smith (59-63): Bill to Eleanor Hamilton.
Strachan (54-58): Graham to Julia Doming.
Marriages
Campbell (55-58): Brian to Francesca Golobardas. Doull (57-61): Adrian to June Kemsley.
Fenwick (56-59): Cecil to Jennifer Young. Johnstone (40-43): John to Rita Liversage.
James (57-61): Nick to Christine Kerr.
Matthews (59-64): Nigel to Anne Maughan.
Births
Collins (50-54): To Russell and Edith, a son.
D'Eath (51-55): To Richard and Evelyn, a son.
Hancock (51-55): To Nick and Tim, a son.
Lyall-Watson (56-60): To Andrew and Diana, a daughter. Lambert (51-54): To Bill and Paddy, twin sons. MacKenzie (37-39): to Ken and Megan, a daughter. Melville (58-62): To Robin and Caroline, a daughter. Wattam (56-59): To Paul and Liz, a son.
Woods (54-58): To David and Charlotte, a son.
PERMANENT SECRETARY FUND
Letters and circulars in regard to subscriptions, etc., to the above Fund ar e sent to all members of the C!ub. If you have paid a Life Sub. or your annual subsc ription for the current year please ignore the reminder.
The reason for sending these circulars to every member is that they cont ain other items of interest and also keep all members up-to-date.
L. C. KNIGHT.
82 TRUST REPORT
THE MICHAELHOUSE TRUST
T rustees:
THE RIGHT REVEREND THE LORD BISHOP OF NATAL
Honorary Officials:
Accountants and Secretaries: Goldby, Panchaud & Webber
Assistant Secretary: J. R. Whiting
Auditors: Deloitte, Plender, Griffiths, Annan & Co.
Attorneys: Webber, Wentzel, Hofmeyr, Turnbull & Co.
Investment Advisers: Union Acceptances Limited Bankers: Barclays Bank D.C.O.
Area Accountants:
(CHAIRMAN)
W. D. WILSON (DEPUTY CHAIRMAN)
A. S. AIKEN I. S. HAGGIE
G. W. BOYES A. R. BUTCHER
A. W. LISTER G. W. MACKENZIE
A. M. ROSHOLT
A. GOWANS P.O. Box 859,
G. W. BOYES P.O. Box 76,
L. C. KNIGHT Michaelhouse,
H. C. TWYCROSS P.O. Box 1172,
J. W. WARDLAW P.O. Box 35,
W. M. SHORTEN P.O. Box 3234,
Durban
Pietermaritzburg
Balgowan Johannesburg
Kokstad
Salisbury
83 Annual Report of the Trustees - 1967
During the year a further R4,441 was received from contribu- tions. Dividends increased by R 1,924 but due to a greater amount being applied in reduction of the cost of investments and an increased fee to our investment advisers, the net amount paid over to the school for the year was marginally lower by R259.
Market values of investments generally rose to a marked extent during the year and dividend yields on equity shares declined even further than last year. As a result, only R5,000 was withdrawn from deposits at call for investment in equities and the amount remaining on call at the year end was R77,000. Changes were made in our investment portfolio and it will be seen that the surplus on realisation of investments rose during the year by a further R75J40. The excess of market value of quoted equity investments over their cost has once again risen considerably during the year, and this process has con- tinued since the year end.
In terms of the Trust Deed, the school expended the following amounts during the year:
Capital Expenditure ...... 28,946
Fee Reduction and Scholarships ...... 10,133
Staff Pensions ...... 5,922
R45,001
At the end of the year the school held R 1,312 of unexpended Trust income.
84 BALANCE SHEET BALANCE SHEET
1966
40,983 INCOME...... 40,784
Dividends and interest received after providing for amortisation of invest- 44,075 ments . 45,938
Less Amount applied in reduction of 952 cost of investments ...... 2,513
43,061 43,425
2,078 Less Investment advisory fee . 2,641
R40.983
R40,784
1966
399,890 INVESTMENTS ...... 401,768
421,871 Quoted...... 520,889
At cost less proceeds of sales, provi- sion for amortisation and amounts written off (Market value Rl,057,366 -1966 R.830,556)
65,400 Unquoted ...... 48,400
------At cost ------
487,271 569,289
Less Surplus on realisation of invest- ments after deducting amounts writ- 769,35/ ten off investments ...... 244,521
317,890 324,768
82,000 Deposits at call and short notice ... 77,000
8,058 CURRENT ASSETS ...... 2,545
503 Debtors . 930
7,555 Funds at banks and building societies 1,615
R407,948 R404,313 86 31st December, 1967
1966
543
88
2
17
54
382
290
40,150
R40.983
1966
378,646
375,234
3,412
7,290
7,000
290
1,700
40,150
38,450
20,312
R407,948
EXPENDITURE ...... 551
Bank Charges ...... 71
Nominee company expenses ...... 2
Postages ...... 9 Registration of investments ...... 86
Stationery ...... 1
Trustees' report and accounts...... 382
BURSARY AND SCHOLARSHIP
FUNDS ...... 342
Allocation of income
EXCESS OF INCOME OVER EX- PENDITURE ...... 39,891
R40,784
ACCUMULATED FUNDS ...... 383,088
Contributions received ...... 379,676
Proceeds of functions less appeal expenses ...... 3,412
BURSARY AND SCHOLARSHIP
FUNDS ...... 7,632
Capital ...... 7,000
Income...... 632
MICHAELHOUSE ...... 1,391
Excess of income over expenditure for the year ended 31st December,
1967 39,891
Less Payments on account...... 38,500
CURRENT LIABILITIES ...... 12,202
Creditors
NOTE: Rhodesian assets of a book value of R8.492 have been converted to South African currency at the rate of £1 = R2.
R404,313
A. M. ROSHOLT I. S. HAGGIE Trustees
87 MEMBERS OF THE MICHAELHOUSE BOARD OF GOVERNORS
AND THEIR ADDRESSES
The Rt. Revd. T. G. V. Inman, Bishop of Natal, P.O. Box 899, Pieter- maritzburg.
G. W. Boyes, P.O. Box 76, Pietermaritzburg.
D. W. Turner, Oldland, Lowlands, Natal.
C. B. I. Porter, Dalvenie, Hosking Road, Pietermaritzburg.
A. Anson Lloyd, P.O. Box 3330, Durban.
Professor E. M. Burchell, 2 St. John's Circle, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg .
G. C. M. Brown, P.O. Box 986. Durban.
I. S. Haggie, P.O. Box 72, Cleveland, Johannesburg.
B. J. Oscroft, Frith Hill, Hilton, Natal.
The Hon. Mr. Justice James, The Hermitage, Henderson Road, Pieter- maritzburg.
The Ven. Archdeacon A. J. D. Rowley, The Rectory, Hilton, Natal.
E. H. Bennett, 154 Lambert Road, Durban.
G. E. W. Holley, Gowan Brae, Merrivale, Natal.
A. M. Rosholt, P.O. Box 4862, Johannesburg.
Professor R. G. MacMillan, 69 Jesmond Road, Pietermaritzburg.
R. G. Poynton, P.O. Box 106, Empangeni, Zululand.
J. D. Wilson, P.O. Box 306, Johannesburg.
R. C. Collins, P.O. Box 635, Durban.
The Editor acknowledges with thanks the receipt of many school magazines from all over the world.
Printed by THE NATAL WITNESS (PTY) LTD., PletermariUburg