KEARSNEY COLLEGE ■^7 ' CHRONICLE

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V, Kearsney College Chronicle

Vol. 1 No. 8 JULY. 1943

EDITORIAL

Three years is but a minute portion of a man's span, and nothing in the immensity ot time. But as we look back over the past three years we realise that they have been the most critical of history. In July, 1940, after the miracle of Dunkirk, the freedom-loving peoples of the world watched tensely while the citizens of little England, with jaws set and shoulders squared, waited for the invasion. They were prepared to resist the enemy with shot guns, spades, crowbars—anything—and were going to fight to the last village. It was a grim moment—the grimmest in the history of the British Empire. But the invasion never came. The Battle of Britain is now history. What is almost incredible now is that in a mere three years the Allies, starting from scratch and suffering grievous reverses in the interim, have built up such a powerful war machine that they can, instead, contemplate invading the Continent, every mile of whose coast is heavily fortified. The initiative has changed hands. The Axis Powers are now as anxious as the Allies were three years ago. We can breathe again, for the future seems safe at last. Those of us out of the danger zone will never know the awfulness of the oppression in Europe and the bestialities of the Huns. But for those who have survived this tragedy a new day is dawning. It is unwise to prophesy in war time, but we appear to have advanced beyond the end of the beginning and have reached the beginning of the end. Our enemies realise this. Three years ago, to be optimistic was merely to be futile. To-day we know that the worst is behind us. We in South Africa have had a grandstand view of the change that has come about; we live in one of the very few countries not physically touched by war, safe from bombs, free from personal danger, well clothed and well fed, free to say and do what we like, within reason. In four

255 years we have not even lost a night's sleep. And the ques tion arises: will the war have made any real difference to us? Have we noticed it so little that its end will mean little beyond cheaper food and clothes, and the discarding of khaki uniforms? If so, we have failed the men who are fighting for us, and the horrors of the past four years in Europe have been endured in vain for us. There must arise out of all this a new world, a new South Africa, free from racial and colour prejudice, a country with equal opportu nities for all, and with a more even distribution of the good things of life. And it is our duty, as the citizens of to morrow, to aim at achieving this end. It is the thank- offering we can make at having lived through years of the most terrible war in history without once having tasted of its horrors.

SCHOOL NOTES

First Term: February 3rd to April 16th, Second Term: April 27th to July 1st. Gillingham House: Housemaster, Mr. G. M. Oram; Assistant, Mr. W. J. Swanepoel; Matron, Sister Attlee; Head Prefect, I. G. McLeod; Assistant Prefects, j. A. Clark- son (School), C. J. Davey, C. D. Nathan, D. Rock (House). Finningley House: Housemaster, Mr. j. F. Reece; Assistant, Mr. E. M. Knubley; Matron, Sister Gamble; Head Prefect, L. W. E. Dyson; Assistant Prefects, I, I. Ives (School), B. j. Woods, j. B. Trentham (House). junior House: Housemaster, Mr. C. O. Medworth; Prefects, M. j. Crookes; E, L. Ayres (House). The decision of Conference to give Durban County * Circuit a second married minister, resident at Kloof, has given us the opportunity of welcoming Rev. B. Sewell, B.A., B.Sc., with his wife and family, to our midst. Mr. Sewell • was unfortunate in being stationed in Burma when the ^ Japanese invaded the country, and lost all his possessions there, besides having to make a long and precarious flight to India. Then, while sailing for England, he and his family were torpedoed, and have decided to remain in South Africa ^ until the war is over. By living at Kloof, Mr. Sewell has become virtually the School Chaplain, not only taking most of the Sunday ser vices, but also holding weekly classes with the boys, besides taking for special instruction those boys Seeking to become full members of the Church.

256 The Recognition Service, followed by the Holy Com munion, was held on Sunday, June 20th, being conducted by Rev. W. H. Irving. Rev. S. le Grove Smith, and Rev. B. Sewell. The following boys were received into full member ship: E. G. Gole, R. H. Dale, R. G. Foss, G. M. Gillies, T. D. and W. M. Jacobs, P. R. Jonsson, N. Johnston, N. Paverd, G. R. Slatter, J. L. Taylor.

On Sunday, March 7th, the evening service was con ducted by Rev. G. Rheindorp, Naval Chaplain, who gave a stirring address on the theme " Be ye all of one mind in God." The following Sunday morning. Rev. G. Montgomery, padre of a hospital ship, and brother of General Mont gomery, conducted the service, and spoke effectively on two aspects of " Prayer." He visited us again for the service in the evening of Sunday, April 1 1 th, when the choir ren dered Beethoven's " Praise of God" and Jackson's " Te Deum." Rev. Montgomery, in fact, spent several days at the School, making close contact with the boys, refereeing the rugger, supping with the prefects, and beating our cham pions at ping-pong! Two very interesting albums of photos, taken while he was in action, accompanied him on his rounds. As for himself, he maintained that he was hitherto a nonentity, but was now gaining vicarious fame in the reflection of his brother's glory. On Saturday, March 20th, the Board had their Quar terly Meeting at the Headmaster's house, and then came over to the School to dine with the Staff. As this was the first time that Staff and Board had ever met officially as bodies since coming to our new site, an opportunity was given after lunch for a round-table talk on various aspects of School life. Fruitful discussions followed, at which members of the Staff revealed to the Board that they were at least men and women of vision, even if at present their visions cannot all be translated into bricks and mortar. The principal items thus discussed were: (1) Sunday observance; (2) swimming bath; (3) hobbies rooms; (4) lay-out of grounds. Later in the afternoon, the Board and Staff studied the grounds for the best sites for the chapel and the swim ming bath. The outcome of this meeting has been an immediate start on the swimming bath site. The contractor not yet being ready, the boys have lent a vigorous hand at the excavating, and there has been a steady plying of picks and wheeling of barrows. It has been possible to keep a check on the boy-hours, each worker being credited with having contributed 2/- to the cost of the bath per hour worked. From the inevitable few who have done no digging at all,

257 there is a steady rise to the giddy heights of Cadman and Ayres minor, who have so far put |n over 26 hours' work each.

Other improvements to premises have been the glassing-in of the House verandahs, so making miniature hobbies rooms, and the gradual cementing of the paths—a great improvement, both from the point of view of dirt and of safety in walking. Also a large and adequate septic tank has now been completed. Needless to say, these operations are in the hands of Mr. Colley. Planting of trees, under the supervision of the Staff, has gone on apace; cypresses have been planted along the main approach to the School, and tristanias are going in here and there as windbreaks. Already the bareness of four years ago is fast disappearing.

At the beginning of the second term, the whole School was put through an intelligence test, an interesting experi ment with, here and there, some surprising results. What is interesting to note is that whereas the median intelligence quotient for the country, on this test, is TOO, the Kearsney median is 116, only four boys in the School coming below 100. The highest mark was over 140.

We regret to report the death of Mr. C. Campbell, who joined the Staff about ten years ago, leaving two years later. He passed away after very painful illness. Valete.—^The following boys left at the end of 1942, the year of arrival being placed in brackets: J. D. Allsopp (39), C. M. Albertyn (40), D. Beckett (34), D. L. Blake (36), N. I. Baker (40), O. R. Baumann (40), D. P. Bening- field (41), J. L. Couper (41 ), D. Crankshaw (42), P. R. Davidson (41 ), M. J. C. Graham (39), L. N. W. Hume (39), A. D. Harcourt (41 ), J. E. Harding (42), H. C. F. Ivory (39), L. P. Jackson (36), D. N. Johnson (40), W. H. John (41 ), O. E. Knaggs (41), T. J. Lees (40), L. D. Mathews (40), D. H. Percival (Michaelmas) (38), T. S. Peddie (40), R. le Grove Smith (36), B. L. and C. S. Vowles (39), T. Wyatt- Minter.

Salvete.—We welcome the following new boys: J. R. Brown (Durban North), R. A. Coventry (Acton Homes), D. G. Cominos (Margate), H. A. Cowen (Johannesburg), J. L. Doveton (Margate), A. C. Davey (Umtwalumi), J. A. Franklin (Singapore and Port Shepstone), D. H. Frost (Vryheid) (left in july), D. B. Grant (Darnall), I. C. Hume (Empangeni), B. F. Isralls (Johannesburg), D. H. Jay

258 (Potchefstroom), T. J. Lloyd (Ladysmith), K, C. Lander (Durban), C. F. Maclean (Sezela), A. L. Mundell (Mt. Frere), D. N. Morrison (Escombe), D. M. W. Pugh (Johan nesburg), J. T. Preece (Pretoria), D. B. Peddie (Bethlehem), D. M. Pope (Durban), B. H. Spilsbury (Harrismith), B. L. Stewart (Durban), A. E. Squibb (England, Hong Kong and Durban), B. L. Stanistreet (Durban), B. B. Shagam (Dur ban), I. V. Bruton-Simmonds (Johannesburg), J. R. Suter (Richmond). R. D. Thorpe (Colenso), L. E. Trehearn (Hillary), D. E. Todd (Durban North), G. H. Wedderburn (Johannesburg), B. G. and I. D. Woodhead (Durban), A. H. Yuille (Durban), R. W. Zeller (Durban).

The use of films for biology classes has become quite a feature of senior work, and from three to five reels are shown every Monday night. Mr. Milner supplies a running commentary.

Punishments this term have been mainly in the form of weeding, and gangs of boys have helped to clear away a good deal of untidiness round the grounds. On the last day of the second term, June 30th, the Dining Hall was placed at the services of the political candi dates for our constituency, Mr. J. S. Marwick (Dominion Party) and Mr. W. G. Mclntosh (Labour Party), who addressed the senior boys and a number of visitors. Both candidates remarked that it was the first occasion on which they had spoken to a school, and although most of their audience had no vote at present, they hoped to guide them to what each considered the right course of action in the future! Whether they succeeded in this or not, time will tell, but at least we were given an opportunity of studying the technique of the political platform. Muff said!

EXAMINATION RESULTS

DECEMBER, 1942 Matriculation.—1st Class: D. P. Beningfield; 2nd Class; J. L. Gouper, I. W. D. Stones, R. le Grove Smith, J. S. Jensen. 3rd Class: T. Wyatt-Minter, D. L. Blake (in February). Leaving Certificates.—2nd Class, M. J. C. Graham. 3rd Class: I. E. Coutts. Senior Commercial Certificate.—N. Baker, D. Beckett, D. Crankshaw, L. Jackson, C. D. Nathan.

259 National Commercial Certificate.—J. D. Allsopp, D. Beckett. D. Crankshaw, L. Jackson, C. D. Nathan. Junior Certificate.—1st Class: G. C. Harrison, A. H. Henochsberg, I. F. Jackson, V. C. Cevers, G. H. Stein, B. Vowles, W. Wilker. 2nd Class; G. J. Barnes, E. G. Cole, L. A. Dixon, G- M. Garbutt^ T. D. Jacobs, P. R. Jonsson, G. R. Slatter, C. H. Smith. 3rd Class: O, R. Baumann, R. E. J, Fielding, P. N. Garbutt, A. D, Harcourt, G. R. T. Smyth, C. J. Davey. Bursary: G. H. Stein. j.C. (Comm.).—Distinction: R. C. McLeod, R. W. Whiteley. Pass: E. G. L. Ayres, 1. Balcomb, T. Calder, D. E. Damp, H. F. Ivory, E. N. A. Jackson, W. H. John, T. J. Lees, N. Theunissen, N. H. Walker, C. H. Walsh. P.S.C.— 1st Division: H. L. Albertyn, D. W. Barker, J. H. Coombe, G. de Jager, R. J. Evans, R. G. Foss, R. W. Friday, D. D. L. Jardine, M. G. Lawson, T. M. McKenzie, D. G. Metcalfe, S. A. Morrison, K. C. Nelson, H. D. Penne- father, H. Ritz, H. R. Roffe, N. W. N. Stark, P, C. Taylor, C. T. Weston, D. L. Woodhead. 2nd Division: J. H. S. Ayres, N. A. Johnston, D. N. Johnston, M. J. R. Poole, P. R. Young. Bursaries: D. W. Barker, R. J. Evans. In all the above examinations there were six failures.

ENTERTAINMENTS

February: 6th—" The Housemaster." 20th—"Let George Do It." March: 6th—"The Ghost Train." 20th—"Tumbledown Ranch in Arizona." April: 3rd- I Thank You." 10th- The Lady Vanishes." May: 1st— Bulldog Drummond's Peril." 15th- -"Sailors Three." 29th--" In the Navy." June: 12th:- -"49th Parallel." 26th- " Meet the Wildcat."

260

'=r .jf - On February 13th Mr. Harold Scott gave us a piano forte recital. His display of pyrotechnics was very impres sive, though at times we could not hear the music for the sound. He opened with selections from Grieg and MacDowell followed by the Moonlight Sonata and a selection from the works of Chopin. We enjoyed most his last three items—a prelude and polonaise of Chopin, and Liszt's Twelfth Rhap sody, the latter being a request item for which he was not prepared. Although there are few highbrow musicians in the School, Mr. Scott gradually welded a mildly amused audience into a most attentive one, sufficient proof of his ability. On Friday, February 5th, Capt. A. M. Foss, who was Head Prefect in 1933, paid us a flying visit while on leave, and gave the School an interesting address on his experi ences with the N.M.R. in Abyssinia and Egypt. He stressed particularly the difference in fighting spirit between the Italians and Germans, and showed how near we came to disaster at El Alamein. The talk was of particular interest as there were more Old Boys in the N.M.R. than in any other Regiment. Another Old Boy visited us on February 27th to speak on "Social Security"—Rev. C. E. Wilkinson, M.Sc. He pointed out that four Natives out of seven are under nourished, and one white in ten comes under the category of "poor white"; also about one-third of the children are underfed through economic stress. He gave dramatic figures relating to disease and infant mortality, and went on to show how all these troubles could be overcome by a proper system of social security. The idea was that 1 /- in the £1 should be levied from all classes annually, the sum thus accumulating being allotted to the relief of unemploy ment, sickness, old age and the like. There would need to be careful organisation, but the theory of the scheme was admirable, and he hoped it would receive generous support from all classes. Rev. C. F. Montgomery gave us an interesting talk on March 13th on work in the hospital ship of which he is Chaplain. His accounts of work in Red Cross ships were an eye-opener to his listeners, and his stories of work under fire in the Mediterranean were most vivid. Rev. Mont gomery also gave us a few personal glimpses of his famous brother, telling in humorous vein how he himself, a natur ally bashful man, was being compelled to live up to the high standard of competency set by the General.

261 CONCERT PROGRAMME, JUNE 30th, 1943. 1. Piano Duet—Liszt's Second Rhapsody ... Miss Eraser and Mr, Reece 2. Part Song—" Let the Hills Resound " The Choir 3. Song—-"Out on the Deep" Barnes, Boorman, Slayen, Fielding 4. Song—"The Gift" Turner, Foss, Shimwell 5. Reading—From Leacock Woods 6. Piano Solo—" Woodland Songsters" Barnes 7. Song—" Chloe" •, The Choir 8. Song—"Four jolly Sailormen" ... Ives, Taylor, Lee, Dixon 9. Song—Cherry Ripe" Morrison, Forsyth 10. Recitation—"Albert Comes Back" Lawson 1 1. Piano Solo—" Dance of the Fairies" Poole 12. Song—"Anchored" The Choir 13. Duet—The Gendarmes" Clarkson, Harrison, Lewis, Woods 14. Song—"just because the Violets" Barker, Young 15. Recitation—"Ruthless Rhymes" Lewis 16. Piano Duet—"In a Chinese Temple" > Stein and Isralls 17. Part Song—"The Viking Song" The Choir 18. Song—"The Company Sergeant - Major" ... Wilker, Trentham, Hill 19. Song—"The Kerry Dance" Coombe, Maguire 20. Item—"The Village Concert" Mr. Sewell 21. Piano Solo—"In a Persian Market" Isralls 22. Song—" The Hills of Donegal" The Choir 23. Song—"Duke of Plaza Toro" ...... Trentham, Nasmith, v. Aardt 24. Recitation-—" The Nightmare" (" lolanthe ") Mr. Reece 25. Song—" Good Night" The Choir

LITERARY AND DEBATING SOCIETY

President'; The Headmaster. Vice-President': Mr. J. F. Reece. Secretary: B. j. Woods. Executive Committee: L. A. H. Lewis, J. A. Clarkson, 1. W. D. Stones, C. H. Stein, A. V. Trentham, J. Redgment. Programme: February 7th.—Meeting for reading of rules and constitu tion and election of officers. February 10th.—Special meeting. February 14th.—Debate: " That Science is not benefiting the World." Proposer: J. A. Clarkson. Opposer: A. J. Boorman. Lost 19—32. February 21st.—Lecture by Cpl. J. D. Raw: " My Escape from Tobruk." March 7th,—Debate: "That Co-education is a Sound Idea." Proposer: L. A. H. Lewis. Opposer: C. H. Smith. Won 40—5. March 21st.—Sharp Practice.

262 April 4th.—Debate: "That Farming is of more benefit to South African than Factories." Proposer: G. H. Stein. Opposer: j. B. Trentham. Tie 21—21. May 9th and 16th.—Lecture by Mr. Reece: "The Mechanism of the Memory." May 23rd.—Debate: "That single blessedness is preferable to married strife." Proposer: I. F. Jackson. Opposer: W. Wilker. Lost 11—31. June 6th.—Brains Trust. June 20th.—Debate: "That the Allies should maintain the honourable traditions of war." Proposer: G. M. Garbutt. Opposer: I. W. D. Stones. Won 23—7. At the special meeting it was decided that membership of the Society should be by application, and that those who applied should all be prepared to take an active part in discussions and attend regularly. About 60 names were received. This decision, coupled with some earnest exhorta tion on the part of the Vice-President that speakers should consider their speeches more carefully beforehand, and that leading speakers should become word perfect, has resulted in a great improvement in the fluency and confidence. The suggestion that speeches should be "delivered aloud to the trees" beforehand produced one apology for absence on the grounds that " the tree I have been speaking to all week has suddenly died"! While the younger members have too often come un prepared to speak, there has been some good debating on the part of Clarkson, Lewis, Mathias, Slayen, Smith, Stein, Trentham, van der Schyff, Wilker and Woods. The fact that these members are in the most senior forms indicates that continuous debating practice will produce a good speaker, so that the Society is serving its purpose well. The improvement in speaking was very noticeable in the Sharp Practice, when the speeches normally last ten unintelligible seconds, but on this occasion, with one exception, were moderately intelligent! Lectures and the Brains Trust meeting were well attended, and lively questions were asked, all contributing to a successful session.

263 CHOIR

Fifty boys have attended regular choir practices, and their singing at services and concerts is now a regular feature. As usual, we have not aimed too high, for it is better to strive after humble perfection than seek the stars and miss one's footing. Half the time has been devoted to the unspectacular learning of hymns, good solid groundwork for all part-singing, and Cwm Rhondda especially has been responsible for widening some of the cracks in the walls. Jackson's "Te Deum," while somewhat of a strain on the tenors, was readily learnt and rendered at several services. Good old favourites, such as "The Viking Song" and " Let the Hills Resound," provided lively interludes to the more serious work, and the negro spirituals, " Chloe" and "Good Night," found enthusiastic audiences. The concert programme, given elsewhere in this issue, is a reflection of the amount of work put in on this lighter type of music. It is noteworthy that at last some of the songsters are showing a wilingness to sing, if not in solos, at least in duets! J.F.R.

THRIFT CLUB

Just before Easter we became officially a branch of the Thrift Glub, N.F.896, and so followed the example of many other schools. The idea is to bgy threepenny stamps with spare pocket money, and, when 15/9 worth is collected, to have them converted into Union Loan Certificates. Two objects are served by this: firstly, the money is lent to the Government, who need it and can use it; secondly, the idea of always putting a little aside gradually becomes a most beneficial habit. Business has been very brisk, with some keen rivalry between forms. So far 75 full certificates have been bought in the one trem, and incomplete booklets bring the full sales so far to over £90. J.F.R., Treasurer.

264 CRICKET

The team is settling down quite well. The batting shows sign of greater steadiness, particularly in the middle, where nearly every player in turn has "come off" and scored his half century. There has been very little tail, a comforting thought when earlier players fail! The bowling appears to lack real determination, though at times various players have had sensational averages. The batsmen need to cultivate patience, waiting for the right ball to hit (and then hit it), and the bowlers must seek after length and yet more length. I. McLeod is captain for the second year. February 6th. v. MAR1T2BURG COLLEGE. Away. Lost by 7 wickets. This time we were caught on a sticky wicket, and had to battle very hard for runs. Our opponents scored the necessary runs quickly on an easier paced wicket against bowling which was never hostile. Kearsney: B. Theunissen, c Rutherford b Keith 1 1; Wareing, b Smythe 9; Nathan, c Hall b Rutherford 3; Gillies, Ibw b Rutherford 'l 6; I. McLeod c and b Keith 0; Jonsson, b Parton 3; Jacobs b Parton 0; Dyson, c Lamb b Keith 1 1; R. McLeod, Ibw b Lamb 2; Davey, c Smythe b Keith 7; N. Theunissen, not out 0; extras 0. Total 62. Maritzburg College: 81 for 3 wkts. Bowling: Nathan, 7 0 22 1; Gillies, 8—0—23—1; N. Theunissen, 2—0—10—0; McLeod, 1—0—20—0; Dyson, —0—0—1.

February 13th. v. GLENWOOD. Home. Won by 86 runs. We did not make the best use of a good wicket, only Nathan batting with real confidence. Glenwood's collapse was quite unaccount- table, even though Nathan was bowling well. Kearsney: B. Theunissen, Ibw b Martin 3; Wareing, c Little b Nicolson 0; Gillies, c Nicolson b Foster 20; Nathan, b Nicolson 38; I. McLeod, Ibw b Foster 9; jonsson, run out 0; Dyson, b Nicolson 9; Jacobs, c Martin b Nicolson 2; R. McLeod, c Nicolson b Martin 3; Davey, not out 4; N. Theunissen, b Nicolson 5; extras 14. Total 107. Glenwood: 21 (Bowling: Nathan, 7—4—8—6; Theunissen, 3—I—4—1; Gillies, 4—0—6—3) and 125 for 9 wkts.

February 20th. v. BASE DEPOT. Home Won by 108 runs. The batting was steadier for this match. It was at last realised that runs can be obtained quickly, not by hitting at everything, but by quick singles and Kitting loose stuff hard. Kearsney: Gillies, Ibw b Ogelsby 5; Jacobs, c and b Lawson 37; Jonsson, c Barrett b Finch 52; Nathan, c Finch b Dorrofield 28; I. McLeod, b Finch 1; Wareing, Ibw b Finch 1; Dyson, b Schuurman 20; Davey, b Dorrofield 1; Damp, b Dorrofield 1; R. McLeod, b Dorrofield 2; N. Theunissen, not out 14; extras 31. Total 193. Base Depot: 85. Bowling: Theunissen, 2—0—2—0; Nathan, 10—4—47—7; Gillies, 5—1—21—3; McLeod, 2—0—9—0.

265 A February 28th. v. MARISTS. Away. Drawn. The batting kept well ahead of the clock. Each side had the same time to get the runs, but our opponents did not deem it possible to make the runs. They might have done so aided by bad fielding and badly handled bowling. Kearsney: Gillies, c Lyie b Fairbairn 1; Jacobs, b Fairbairn 7; jon- sson, b Fairbairn 3; Nathan, not out 52; I. McLeod, c Magnet b Granger 44; Wareing, run out 10; Dyson, not out 41; extras 7 (Stein, Theunissen, Davey and ft. McLeod did not bat). Total (for 5 wkts. declared) 165. Marists: 87 for 7 wkts. Bowling: Nathan, 4—2—5—0; Gillies, 9—2—19—1; McLeod, 1 1—3—30—3; Stein, 5—0—28—2.

March 10th. v. MR. HOKPINS' XI. Home. Won by 6 wkts. A most exciting finish, the result of a most sporting action by our opponents, who shared the remaining time. Their 95 was scored in exactly 60 minutes, leaving us 53 minutes to make 100 runs. We made 105 and won in the last over. Mr. Hopkins' XI—1st Innings: 1 10 (P. Hargreaves 24). Bowling; Nathan, 8—1—35—1; Theunissen, 5—0—19—4; Gillies, 6—0—19—2; McLeod 3—0—10—2. 2nd Innings: 95 for 8. Bowl ing: Nathan, 7—0—46—7; Dyson, 2—0—8—1. Kearsney—1st Innings: 105 (Stein 25). Bowling: Hargreaves, 5 for 33. 2nd Innings: 105 for 4 wkts. (Gillies 50).

March 13th. v. ST. CHARLES. Home, Only McLeod dealt with the bowling as it merited. Wareing and Jones proved useful partners, and "Extras" a valuable assistant. At the start our bowling lacked sting, but after the first two wickets fell the remainder fared badly—not so much because of good bowling as through lack of enterprise. Kearsney: Gillies, Ibw b Stevenson 14; Stein, b Stevenson 1; Jonsson, c A'Bear b Stevenson 5; Nathan, b Stevenson 0; McLeod, b Stevenson 50; Dyson, b Boyes 4; Wareing, b Boyes 16; Theunissen, b Stenkamp 0; Jones, c A'Bear b Stevenson 14; Davey, c A'Bear b Steven son 1; Jacobs, not out 3; extras 27. Total 135. St. Charles: 53. Bowling: Nathan 10—2—18—3; Gillies, 4—1—7—2; Dyson, 2—1—4—-1; McLeod, 4—0—9—4.

OTHER GAMES. Under 15 v. Glenwood.—Kearsney: 178 (Davy 36, Henochsberg 32); Glenwood: 79 (Davy 3 for 1 1). Won by 99 runs. Under 15 v. Marists.—Kearsney: 155 (Jones 66); Marists: 32 (Slayen 6 for 10) and 93 (Davy 3 for 9). Won by an innings and 30 runs. Under 14 "A" v. Highbury 1st.—Highbury 86 (Davy 4 for 18; Friday 2 for 7); Kearsney: 158 for 7 wkts. (Davy 70). Won by 72 runs. Under 14 "B " v. Highbury 2nd.—Highbury: 33 (Fox 3 for 7, Slatter 2 for 3, Barker 2 for 8); Kearsney: 66, Highbury 2nd Innings: 21 (Fox 6 for 9, Slatter 3 for 6). Won by an innings and 12 runs.

HOUSE GAMES. 1st XI: Finningley: 129 (Gillies 50, Jacobs 49); Gillingham: 71 (Dyson 5 for 31, Gillies 5 for 31). Finningley won by 58 runs. Gillingham 191 (R. McLeod 55, Jonsson'44); Finningley: 21. Gil lingham won by 170 runs.

266 2nd XI: Finningley; 32 (Clarkson 5 for 6) and 92; Cillingham: 52 (). Trentham 4 for 8) and 76 for 5. Cillingham won by 5 wkts. Cillingham; 88 (Rock 32, Hume 6 for 26) and 76 (Rock 45 not out; Fox 7 for 36); Finningley: 31 (Rock 6 for 16) and 73 (Foss 19 not out); Cillingham won by 60 runs.

RUGBY The side must be congratulated on its good showing this term. The forwards have laid a solid foundation. They have worked hard and well, and the backs have given a good account of themselves, particularly in defence. With a shade more experience the attack will be very sound. We have had to concede weight, which we expected would be the case, but in the loose we have been far better this year than before. The side is much better balanced this season and has improved with each game. They have played Rugby in its best traditions, and it has always been a pleasure to see them in action. We welcomed Lieut.-Com mander Wallis, who kindly came up from Durban to referee our final game, and we are grateful to Mr. Daniel for his willing and able assistance in refereeing games for us. Walker was invited to the Natal Schools Trials. Congratulations to Walker (capt.) (forward), Zeller (centre) and McLaverty (scrum-half) on being selected to play for Durban in the Under 15 Inter-Town. Congratulations to the following on being awarded their Colours:—Honour Cap: T. Calder. 1st XV Colours: E. Ayres, G. Barnes, J. Clarkson, D. Damp, C. J Davey G Gillies, I. Ives, R. McLeod, A. Trentham, N. Walker. l^^y 8th. V. MARISTS. Home Won 17—3. A stiff wind spoilt many promising movements. The back line moved smoothly and showed real thrust. The forwards settled down in a workmanlike manner and did their job efficiently. A little more live liness in the loose would have increased the efficiency of the pack Davey scored the first try from a loose scrum. I. McLeod scored twice in succession after perfect threequarter movements, and Marists scored just before half-time. R. McLeod goaled a penalty and Gillies scored a good try, after cutting in sharply, which R. McLeod converted.

May 22nd. v. VOORTREKKER. At Pietermaritzburg. Won 14—6. From the first threequarter movement Damp broke and sent Rock over. Voortrekker worked their way into our half, and as the result of a forward rush equalised. From. the kick-off Ayres dribbled through and Calder, backing up, went over when Ayres was held up on the line.

267 R McLeod converted. A. Trentham followed up a long kick and caught the opposition In two minds to score an opportunist try. R. McLeod converted a penalty. This proved the end of the half and of our scoring. The backs were cramped In the second half, the handling suffered, and the forwards did not maintain the same grip, Voortrekker were nearly through on several occasions, just lacking the finish. They scored from a penalty near the end.

May 29th. v. D.H.S. Track, Durban. Lost 0—6. A side usually plays one match like this a term. It was generally admitted that we were a trifle unlucky not to have made a draw of the game. From the outset we attacked, but just lacked that extra bit of weight. D.H.S. scored first from a cross-kick, the inside forward win ning the race for the touch down. A. Trentham was held up by force of numbers v/hen on the line. The second half was a repetition of the first half. Against our much heavier opponents we were getting at least an equal share from the set scrums, and more than that from the loose, but just could net get the right bounce to favour us. At tl.is stage we indulged in a little too much kicking perhaps. It looked defensive. D.H.S. scored from a threequarter move, their wing being tackled heavily by Damp as he crossed the corner. It was adjudged a try, and certainly was a fighting effort. R. McLeod missed from a possible penalty. Gillies broke down, the centre and the forwards joined in, R. McLeod finally getting the ball in front of their goal, and he made a desperate attempt to get over, but was just held out. Shortly after, the final whistle went. The pack deserves special mention for a grand performance, and the whole side for splendid defence.

May 31st. v. OLD CROCKS. Home. Won 30—6. A glorious day and the right type of football. Hard, clean, open rugger, with the Crocks lasting well to the end. Tries were scored by Croom for the Old Crocks. For us, Davey, Walker, Rock, R. McLeod and Ives scored, all of these tries being converted by R. McLeod, who kicked splendidly. Again the forwards laid the foundation for the victory, but this time the backs showed much more punch and drove home their attacks. Their handling was good throughout. Lieut.- Commander Wallis refereed the game admirably.

June 5th. v. CLENWOOD. Home. Won 18—8. We attacked from the start. Cillies short punted, and only a wrong bounce near the line kept us from scoring. Damp broke, but the final pass on the line was not taken. Constant pressure told, and A. Trentham dribbled through to score, R. McLeod converting. Clenwood missed from an easy penalty. Rock ran well, but cut in too soon and was downed. I. McLeod Intercepted and flashed past the full back, scoring far out. R. McLeod converted with a splendid kick. In the second half Clenwood attacked early on, but made no headway until they attacked and punted ahead. Nathan was slow in getting to the ball and A. Kyle followed up fast, caught the right bounce,.and scored between the post Cillies punted ahead and Damp, following through, scored far out, R. McLeod converting with another lovely kick. Cillies dropped for goal and hit the upright with a good kick. Our forwards were beginning to feel the strain of the weight, but our backs kept on the attack. Another perfect movement ended with McLeod out stripping the defence to score far out, the kick at goal just missing. There was some unnecessarily rough play which almost spoilt a very fine game. Fortunately the referee handled the game very well.

268 12rb V. ST. CHARLES. Home Won 12—3. NalhanM We attacked, by St. but Charles Damp was and relieved McLeod by weregood wedgedtouch kicksin' theby .ormer broke repeatedly, but without effective result. From one of'these breaks I. McLeod was brought down near the line. It was left to R. .vIcLeod to open the scoring from a blind side movement. In the second half St. Charles attacked repeatedly, but Nathan was safeness personified. We began to see more of the ball and R McLeod kept us on the attack with long kicks. The ball moved along the line again. Damp half broke, short punted and gathered then turned in to score under the posts, R. McLeod converting St Charles swept down, and from a full three-quarter move their wing scored far out. After R. McLeod had just missed with a long range penalty the ball came out along the line and Damp dropped a beautiful goal in full stride. There was no further score. The forwards once again laid the foundation which the backs, particularly Damp and R. McLeod turned to advantage. '

26th June. v. MARIT2BURG COLLEGE. Home. Lost 3—8. This game produced all the highlights of a really fine Rugby game We were outweighted in the scrum, but more than made up for this in the loose. Only a really fine defence kept our forwards out on several occasions. With just a trifle of luck we might have scored on at least three occasions. The one mistake we made, when there was a mis understanding between Ives and R. McLeod, cost us five points, much against the run of play. Rock might have dived over, but was bundled into touch in goal. The first half was a hard one, but the pace in creased instead of slacking. Maritzburg College attacked and were very nearly over. Damp saving just in time. We came through, and some fine hand to hand passing among the forwards looked as though we would go through, but Calder was held just short of the line. A high kick by Gillies and fast following up by I. McLeod was the nearest thing in the game, a split second being the difference. Gillies dummied and burst through, swung the ball inwards and along the for ward line to Barnes and Calder, who scored a most spectacular try. R. McLeod just missed from far out. I. McLeod hit the upright with a long range penalty. Back again came our opponents, and a fine threequarter move saw them dive over in the corner. Before the end we attacked strongly again, and the forwards were over in a bunch, but were called back. It was one continuous attack. Our opponents were unfortunate in losing their captain through an injury. It was inspiring rugby played by both sides. If any one player on either side is to be singled out it must be Calder, who was tireless and seemed to be everywhere. Certainly this was the best rugby ever seen at the School. It was anyone's game up to the final whistle.

OTHER MATCHES. Under 15: V. Marists, won 18—3. v. Glenwood, won 8—3. V. Voortrekker, won I I—6. v. St. Charles, lost 5—13. V. D.H.S., lost 3—14. V. Maritzburg College, won 14—5. Under 14: V. Marists, lost 3—12. v. D.P.H.S., won 9—3. Juniors: V. Highbury 1st XV., lost 0—22 v. Highbury 3rd XV, won 9—6 and 3—9. and lost 0—3. V. Highbury 2nd XV, won 18—3 and 3—0.

269 CADET CORPS

Student Officers this year are: I. McLeod, L. Dyson, C. Davey, D. Nathan and J. Clarkson. The results of the Student Officers' and N.C.O.s' Course at Maritzburg in January were: I. McLeod 30th, L. Dyson and C. Davey 51st out of 82 Students Officers; j. Clarkson 1st, B. Woods 26th, D. Nathan 33rd, C. Gillies 64th out of 94 in the Sergeant Section; G. H. Stein was 1 1th out of 18 in the Ambulance Section; R. McLeod and J. Nasmith were in the Band at the Camp. Appointments this year are:—Drum Major: R. McLeod C.S.M.: G. Gillies. Sergeants: B. Woods, G. Stein, A. Wareing, Sgt./Drum. I. Ives, Sgt./Bglr. J. Nasmith. Gor- poral: N. Theunissen. L/Corporals: B. Simmonds, M. F. Crookes, G. Barnes, j. L. Taylor, D. Damp, E. Ayres, E. G. Cole. A Field Day proved very popular and highly successful. Night patrol work near the end of term was most enjoyable. In both cases the efficiency of the shows was largely due to the enthusiasm with which the Student Officers tackled their jobs. The defence won the day in the field, but the attack won the night patrol by 21 i points to IS^ points. A good deal more section leading than previously has been done this half-year. Those boys who attended courses at Maritzburg in January have been able to pass on their experiences to others. I am grateful to them for their willing assistance and for the good work they are doing in the Corps. Congratulations to the following on passing their efficiency test as Buglers: L/Cpl. Bglr. E. Hall, 80%; L/Cpl. Bglr, L, F. Forsyth, 71%; L/Cpl. Bglr. D. G. Hill, 69%; L/Cpl. Bglr. A. J. Boorman, 69%; L/Cpl. Bglr. G. R. Slatter, 67%. C.O.M.

A FIELD DAY. Days beforehand there were movements afoot, particularly the supply lines being kept busy, for that old saying, "An army marches on its stomach," was once more being put to the test. There were groups of earnest bodies, whispered conversation and fifth column activities all going on in and out of School grounds. It transpires that the fifth column was well organised, for a good deal of important information leaked out. The defenders of Polecat Valley set out at 10.15 hours and formed a perfect target against the side of the hill for any machine guns, but since it was mutually agreed that both sides were weak in artillery, this apparently was not " in the game." By noon, the defenders were well dug in and patrols were active. The flag had ben erected, the Generalis simo and Staff were working with frenzied speed, binoculars well to the fore. The O.C. Defence was once noted at the top of a tree, trying to fix the binoculars and peering in the direction of the supposed advance of the attack; then hasty commands to his subordinates and the wheels

270 of the defence machine were set m motion. Two of the umpires, creeping along in the shadows, were able, unobserved, to note the advance of a very talkative section. meantime the attacking party were, by numbers, camou- flaging their faces a la Red Indian style. They were also observed some time later threading their way down the hillside maintaining the gentle man's agreement of "weak artillery." And so to battle. There were some remarkable individual stalks and the one ambulance unit, being out of the actual fight, decided that the amount of noise they made was in no way a hindrance to their side. Snipers would have had a wonderful time! One entire section might have been captured while they were enjoying their considerably aug mented lunch rations: but the would-be captor was quite taken aback at the splendour of the feast and would gladly have been taken prisoner instead, hoping he might be left some of the repast. Headquarters of the Defence were kept very busy. Prisoners kept rolling in, were disarmed and questioned: some vouchsafed information quite gladly, others were grimly determined that no matter what posi tion their questioner might occupy elsewhere, here they would speak their minds or maintain a silence, as they wished. A more than usually alert guide was able to give information which changed the complexion of the onslaught. The Defence were able to recall their patrols and so placed their forces that the main weight of the attack was kept at bay. When the cease fire was sounded the attack were not far from their objective, but as the defence was entrenched in depth, it is doubt ful whether they would have got through. The day was not without its humour. Two umpires were captured, but released when it was found they were not playing: anyway—" one looked just like one of the boys." Owing to a lack of certainty about when a soldier was captured, there was a good deal of argument when captured as to whether one really was or not. A few live rounds would have settled these arguments effectively. A good time was had by all. Only one "General " was cap'ured during operations, and that right at the end when he was bravely leading a section to "procure the flag or die." We are still awaiting the list of awards. .

MAROONED

The rolling waters are washing up against this tower of solitude. The setting sun is throwing a red glow upon the walls of my sanctuary, glistening from the sheen of the spray of the lashing waves. It is lonely here as I look out of my cubby-hole, and the circling gulls are the only factors that tend to give any evidence of the proximity of those gleaming chalk-cliffs. Now and then a fish circles just above the white-caps, and then disappears in a flash of silver. As I lean out of the window my mind lies on the vast amount of time at my disposal. I am a simple being and middle-aged, and the adventurous fancies of youth do not tempt me to brave the furies of the deep. I am a recluse in my beacon of light, and the only demand made upon my time is the punctuality of lighting the light of warning and of refuelling the big lamp. My boat was washed away last night by an exceptional swell in the waters, my communications with the land are broken—but I am not sorry. There is nobody that waits for me upon the mainland. The hand of fortune has left me destitute. Yet here must I a while break off my soliloquy—I have a meal to prepare the dusk is falling. I have to light the lamp.

21] Once again I sit before the lighted hearth, a kettle sings in the flames, and the red embers illumine my retreat with a dull, blood-red glow. It is a cosy room, not the bare room it was wont to be—I am a comfortable man. A log falls and the red embers fly up the chimney in a shower of sparks. Wood—I have plenty of wood. I could make a dovecote or a home for the vagrants of the seas, the gulls. There have been many such isolations before—my evidence is the row of models that adorns my mantlepiece. "The Rover," a good stout ship— but those days are past, the bitter memories of fire and youth, the smoke of battle . . . . they are no more. Many a fishing rod stands in the corner of my store-room; shall I ply once more the sport of youth . . . yet what fish will venture into the proximity of the torrent that lashes at the foot of this giant, built upon the bleak sea-rocks—in a cloud of spray. I have my library of well-thumbed books; they are old and tattered, yet do they remind me of the pleasures of the past—not the modern life of sensation —the auiet routine of the days of courtesy and peace. A new shelf for my collection would be a useful innovation—I have plenty of wood and nails. The boat does not worry me; the steamer will bring me another in three or four months' time—yet do I grieve for my stout and faithful companion—another link with the past. A mist has enshrouded my palace of light—I can hear the battering seas, the swishing of the spray. In the distance the anxious hooting of a fog-horn. I leave the comfort of my room and wend my way up the winding staircase. I answer the summons and adjust the guiding mirrors—it is pleasing to think that a puny recluse has to be relied on by a vast floating merchant vessel. Yes! It gives me a sense of pride: I am not useless to this world yet. Once again I return to the seclusion and warmth of my little room— the mist swirls past the little windows and builds an impenetrable wall against the horizon. Yet, it is homely here—sheltered from the lashing furies. The rain begins to lash against this haven of refuge and bright flashes of zig-zagging lightning rend the sky, to be followed by the sullen, low, intermittent rumbles of thunder. . . . Secure! What care for the morrow? I may sketch the passing ships in my thick album, or the mysterious symmetry of the green waves; my life is full. I have always got something to revert to—thank Cod! All is well. The soft sheets of my bed are inviting my weary limbs. I extinguish the lamp and only the glow from the dying embers remains. The pleasant clamour of the waves sings me to sleep—" Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee, for those in peril on the sea."—^W.W.

LOOKING BACK

1929—THIRD TERM. School Notes: During this year there has been instituted a ten minutes' period of physical drill for the whole School prior to the in terval. This is taken by Mr. Medworth, and the improvement in the drill itself is striking. After nearly four years at the College, Mr. B. M. Cush has left us. At assembly, just before he left, he was presented with a gold wrist watch by the Staff and a gold mounted pen and pencil by the School. We wish him and his family every prosperity in their new sphere at Kingswood.

272 Athletic Sports: 440 yards open: P. Slabbert (60 sees.). 220 yards open: J. Barratt (28 sees.). ICQ yards open: ). Barratt (10 2-5 sees.). One mile open: K. Baleomb (5 mins. 27 sees.). Rugger: V. D.H.S. 3rd XV, won 21—0. v. EmpangenI Rail (Stewart Shield V. Old Boys, won 9—3. Final), won 9—6. V. Tech., won 19—1 1. Won 9, drawn 1 lost 1. For 208, against 58. V. EMPANGENI RAILWAY, at Empangeni. Stewart Shield Final. This game was played in atrocious conditions and on the most slippery field imaginable. Having had no rest after their long ride, the team took some time to settle down, and Empangeni scored first (0—3). We equalised through Mr. Medworth, who a little later succeeded in knocking the goal-posts down (3—3). The play was confined to the forwards, for the backs were unable to stand, much less run or turn corners, and before long the vanguard resembled the native inhabitants of Zululand. Not by any means could the game be called spectacular, though Mr. Medworth slid almost the length of the field before dis appearing from view over the line to score his third try and give us the victory (9—6).

FOURTH TERM. School Notes: Lectures this term have been given by Mr. Cummings on "Wireless " (rather above our heads), by Dr. Cawston, and by Mr. Tunmer on "Snakes." Prizes were presented at Prize-Giving by Mr. Hugh Brian, Superin tendent of Education. His speech was a model of its kind and will be long remembered by those who heard it. The evening was devoted to a farewell supper, and games this year took the form of deck games, under the able control of Mr. Oram. At the close the prizes were presented by the smallest boy in the School, Allan Raw. The Fete.—A Fete was held on November 9th to garner in money for a swimming bath (coming to fruition in 1943!—Ed.), and although the weather was unfavourable, we raised nearly £150 to that end. A week of rain was followed on Saturday by a deluge, which put an end to all competitions outside and drove visitors and stall-holders flocking into the buildings.

Cricket: Gledhow 130 (Mr. Medworth 7 for 24), Kearsney 77 for 5 wkts. (Mr. Medworth 42 not out). Kearsney 145 (Mr. Matterson 43), Umhiali 82 (Baleomb 5 for 38). Tech. "A" 105 (Hargreaves 7 for 19), Kearsney 109. Umhiali 131 (Hargreaves 5 for 32), Kearsney 126 for 4 (Hargreaves 47 not out, Mr. Reece 31).

273 OLD BOYS' CLUB

OBITUARY. The war in the air has once more taken its toll of the ablest of our lads, and in this issue we have to announce the deaths of two more exceptionally fine Old Boys. Lancelot Cyril Weir. Lancelot Cyril Weir came to Kearsney at the beginning of 1929 and left at the end of 1931. Before he left he had become a member of the first XV and was a terror in the line-out, where he made ample use of his exceptional height (6ft. 4in.). He was also a prefect and won the senior "Comradeship Medal." After matriculating Lance took up banking and was progressing steadily when he enlisted. He was just 29 when he was killed in action in Tunisia. The characteristic we remember best was his gift for friendship. There was no boy in the School at that time more loved, so that even masters found it difficult to call him to the paths of diligence when he strayed (as all boys will) from the paths of the earnest pursuit of knowledge. We can still see him in the mind's eye, sitting in chapel, almost a normal height, and then rising for a hymn and towering above the rest. We gather from reports that have reached us that the characteristics we loved in him as a boy made him as popular and successful in the Air Force, and his loss was deeply felt in the 21st Squadron of the S.A.A.F. At every gathering of Old Boys Lance will be remem bered. Derek Robbins. Derek William Tyson Robbins was also in a bomber squadron of the S.A.A.F. He came to us in 1934, and after passing the J.C. went on to the wider opportunities at that time, especially in sport, of Hilton College. He was probably the youngest Kearsney boy ever to get into the 1st XV. His courtesy and charming ways will long be remem bered, and they were combined, with a modesty that might have denied him some of the honours that he earned, had not his natural ability been so high. In the Air Force itself he was outstanding as a pilot, and was easily the best of his "school " when training. We can think of few Old Boys who could so ill be spared as Derek. He was only 21 years of age. To the parents and relatives of these Old Boys we offer our deep sympathy and share with them the sense of loss. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them.

274 OLD BOYS' NEWS

AWARDS. Lieuf. A. M. Kingon (35), M.B.E. The following Is quoted from the "Cape Times";—

HOW CAPE TOWN PILOT WON M.B.E. Sapa's War Correspondent. CAIRO, Sunday.—^Behind the award of the M.B.E. to Lieut. A. M. Kingon, aged 22, of the South African Air Force, is a story of a brave act. Lieut. Kingon, who is a prisoner of war, captured in the Western Desert 14 months ago, is the son of the Rev. Dr. J. R. L. Kingon, of the Gardens, Cape Town. On December 7th, 1941, Kingon was the pilot of an aircraft which, with an observer and two gunners, was operating over the El Adem and Acroma districts. Kingon's aircraft was pounced on by enemy fighters, one of which sent a burst of machine-gun fire into the port engine, setting it alight. Kingon ordered the crew to bale out, but the only one able to get away was the observer, both gunners being wounded. The pilot then decided to try to save the rest of the crew, so he kept to his seat and brought the burning aircraft to a successful landing. He then rescued both gunners, dragging them 100 yards from the burning machine. Although ammunition was exploding all round him, he returned again and saved the emergency water supply and first-aid kit. He then nursed his two wounded gunners until enemy troops arrived and took them prisoners. The two gunners. Sergeant Hendriks and Sergeant Lucas, were later recaptured in a hospital by our advancing troops. The citation accompanying the award reads: " For courage, deter mination and devotion to duty." The squadron in which Lieut. Kingon was serving when he was shot down is still in the field and is bombing the enemy in Tunisia.

MARRIAGES. D. K. Piper (32-37), D. H. Cilliat (31-35), W. T. Balcomb (25-32), B. C. Mumby (33), J. B. King (29-36), A. D. Wood (31-32), R. S. W. Ounster (33-36).

ENGAGEMENT. E. C. Smith (27-34).

BIRTHS. B. de F. Walter (32-33), a son; K. Balcomb (24-31), a daughter.

Pte. W. R. D. Putterill (27-28) has gone North with the 6th Armoured Division. He was previously in the Bechuanaland Police. M. F. D, Putterill (27-29) is with the Army Pay Corps in Pretoria. He has been married for nearly three years and has a small son destined for Kearsney. Sgt. W. K. D. Putterill (33-34) is about to go North with an Im perial Armoured Division, if he has not already done so. He spent a pleasant day at Kearsney, looking very fit after his years in the desert. R. Putterill 37-39) is at present doing clerical work at Addington Hospital, where he is able to have a troublesome ear attended to. We are told that he was playing brilliant hockey in Maritzburg last year and has done well in cricket circles, too.

275 L. N, D. Putferill (38-40) has passed his Civil Service Exam. A/M. C. M. Albertyn (40-42) is coxswain on a crash boat at Cape town, and is greatly enjoying life on his 60-tonner. His duty is to scour the seas for survivors from torpedoed ships, and already he has seen quite a good deal of this side of the war. Ha is sharing "digs " with I. E. Coutts (35-42), who is also serving in this same work, though not in the same boat. The latter has been playing rugby for fhe 1st XV and recently had the misfortune to drop a 61 - lb. anchor on to his foot. Luckily no bones broken. Sig. J. D. Allsopp (39-42) is with the S.A.C.S., and Sig. O. E. ■vnaggs with the 6th Armoured Division, where he has been sharing 3 ferjt with Tpr. A. H. Doidge (40-41). "Tiny" found that even in the Air Force the examiners have hearts of stone, and he transferred himself to the N.M.R., Rear Party. Now he complains that his legs are so long that he has to wake up in the night fo shake the icicles, oti. his feet. He also complains that a private's pay is not adequate for entertaining the other sex. S. N, Chaplin (37-39) has left Rhodes. University after three years, and is now completing his surveyor's course in the Army at Ladysmith! \Var-time is usually a time for bad news, so that it is all the greater pleasure to refer to its brighter side. Lieut. A. M. Kingon (35) has been awarded the M.B.E. for a noteworthy act of bravery detailed elsewhere in this magazine. Tpr. N. C. C. Poole (32-36), after spending a year and a half as a prisoner of war in Italy, has been repatriated (and we are impatiently waiting to hear his story). Capt. A. B. Theunissen (29-31) has been promoted to Major and is with the General Staff, 6th Armoured Division. He finds his work most congenial. His staff contains a number of well-known Springbok crickef and rugby players. To all three we offer most hearty congratulations. Capt. A. N. Stockil (32-36), who is with the N.E. Wing, is bringing great distinction upon himself on the sports field. We quote two extracts from the Press:— Capt. A. N. Stockil, who learnt his rugger at Kearsney College, is taking a prominent part in the game in Egypt, where he appears to have struck his best form. He captained the Springboks in their game against the New Zealanders at Cezira in February, and he was a member of the Rest of Egypt team that opposed the New Zealanders at Alexan dria. He also figures prominently in the report of a match between the S.A. Base and a team of Welsh soldiers, who won 7—6." The other extract reads:— " Servicemen packed the Farouk Stadium in Cairo and saw South Africa win a big triangular athletic contest between teams representing New Zealand, Britain and South Africa. The outstanding competitor was Arthur Stockil, who, although he has seen little of the running track during the war, won the 100 metres, 200 metres and long jump. His time for the 100 metres was 10 4-5 sees., which is only 2-5 sees, outside the Egyptian record." Another Old Boy to shine in a high athletic line is C. C. |acobs (30--37). He was wounded in Abyssinia and then again, more seriously, at Cazala, where he lost a finger. Back in the Union, he was drafted to the Engineers, and last summer he was playing good class cricket on the Rand, securing a place in his side originally as a wicket-keeper, and averaging three dismissals an innings. His batting was phenomenal, more than fulfilling his school promise, for in 14 innings he scored six not out centuries, highest score 150 (In 80 minutes), totalling 960 runs; average 120! Now if he hadn't lost a finger! Old talent in another line was revealed by J. O. N. Schofield (31- 34), who broadcast from Durban an original story entitled "The Cylinder " on Saturday, February 27th. W./Op. N. H. Swale (37-39) has been 2^- years on active service, though not as active as he would wish. Owing to a local shortage of wireless operators he has not been allowed to go North, but nevertheless has been doing most valuable work all over the Union.

276 Lieut'. A. R. W. Metcalf (33-38) has returned to the Union after a long spell of operational work in North Africa. Before leaving, he had taken part in a good many bomber raids over the Mareth line. Metcalf was in the same squadron as the late Lance Weir. He does not expect to go North again, but to be given coastal command work. M. J. Christie (29-35), who is a P.O.W., has written to say he is well. Sig. A. E. Raw (28-38) has passed his B.Sc. (Engineering) at N.U.C., and K. B. Theunissen (34-37) his M.A. (English) at the same University. Congratulations! We have heard some fine reports of the courage and leadership of Lieut. Walter L. Hulett (21-24), R.N.C., especially during the operations about El Alamein. P. R. Charter (39-41) stayed at the College for about six weeks during the second term, studying and seeking local guidance for his Senior Certificate Afrikaans and Maths. He has already passed his S.C.C. in six subjects, so obtaining Matric equivalent, but needs the extra two for the Quantity Surveyorship which he hopes to take up. There is thrilling news of B. A. .Coventry (27-32), who cabled in June to say he has been promoted to Wing Commander. The equivalent of a Lieut.-Colonel at the age of 27. Good work! He is Chief Instruc tor, Ferry Command, in Montreal, and, while greatly enjoying his work, is certainly seeing the world. One journey is worth detailing, for he flew from Montreal to Brazil, from there to Nigeria, had Christmas in Gib raltar, and New Year in Edinburgh! His freight, in " hops" to and from England, has included such important personages as Air Marshals! While his young brother has been seeing the world and achieving distinction, D. C. Coventry (25-28) has been carrying on with the less Spectacular but equally important work of farming ,on the home front. Dbno tried to join up at the outbreak of war, but his knee, which was damaged at rugger at school, would not pass the test, and. his military activities have been confined to the N.V.B. By staying at home he has helped his father to farm on a large scale, and he is the. biggest supplier of milk to the Bergville condensed milk factory, most of whose products go to the troops. He has complete charge of the farm—stock, mealies, natives—and is undoubtedly doing a very fine piece of work. Capt. W. H. C. Aitchison (3-32) had not returned on leave from Egypt by the end of May, when the latest news was available. He had been acting C.O. for a while. Sig. L. P. Jackson (36-42) was opening bat and bowler for the 14th Signals Brigade, and on one occasion carried his bat! Lieut. R. Mark (32-40) has been on operational duties, presumably in Tunisia, for some months, but no definite news is yet forthcoming. D. L. Blake (36-42) has gone to Rhodes to take a ttiedical course. Various illusions have been smashed, e.g., that when one leaves school one does no more work! He found the Freshers' restrictions father trying and the ragging interesting, if not unduly severe. Donald hopes ultimately to specialise in children's diseases, at Edinburgh. Cnr. N. Baker (40-42) left us at the end of the year, imbued with the desire to join the Navy. But after a few months he found it not entirely to his liking, and transferred ot the Field Artillery, where he finds the work more interesting. While at Cape Town he met a large number of Old Boys, either at Varsity or in the Forces, and seemed to be maintaining his contacts better than the average. L. M. Preston (39-41) has finished his naval course, and when last heard of was awaiting a draft. 0/D P. A. Lee (36-41) is now on H.M.S. "Ceres." ■ Although we' have not heard from him, we believe that IL. Robinson (31-41) is in the ack-ack at Walv'is Bay.! A voice from the distant past, has been heard-^that'of Fj R. Baiidert (26-27), who is now on the staff of Maritzburg College.' He has a daughter aged 3. . ' '

« 277 A letter from Cpl. W. T. Balcomb (25-32) at Christmas came just too late for the last magazine. He had just come safely through the thick of things at El Alamein. Since then he has enjoyed well-earned leave after 2i- years up North, and is still in the Union. A/P J. W. Clayton (33-41) is at 75 Air School, where he Is train ing as a pupil-pilot. The training consisted of a month of regimental training and seven weeks of armoured cars; this was followed by plenty of book work and exams in the P.N.B. course (Pilot, Navigator, Bomb- aimer). Then came some gliding,' then Pilots' Dispersal Centre. Now, finally. Flying School! When last heard of (February), D. Clark (21-27) had been through some intensive training, and was posted to an ack-ack site near the head of Durban Bay. J. L. Couper (41-42) is at Cape Town University, taking Medicine. He studies till late every night and has practicals most afternoons. Interspersed with it all is the necessity imposed upon Freshers to obey the whims and commands of the seniors—an imposition which keeps them suitably humble! Although he has since been on leave, and, in fact, stayed at the College for a short while, looking well and cheerful, Cpl. J. H. Charter (33-37) wrote from the North at Christmas, and expressed considerable satisfaction at still being alive after the El Alamein ordeal. Being a sapper, he had one of the most important and most dangerous of duties to perform. He is now continuing his training in the Union. Sgt. R. H. Doidge (32-34) had had, by January, three months' leave, spent on his farm doing odd jobs and the heavier work in the butter factory, an occupation which added 30 lb. to his weight. He had hopes of getting back into his regiment, the Transvaal Scottish, now that it had returned to the Union. He remarked that L/Cpl. V. Dicks 130-33) had also put in a " beaming appearance," looking taller and broader, and altogether a difficult obstacle to tackle at rugger! We have to thank Capf. A. M. Foss (27-33) for information about the following three Old Boys, who are in the 6th Armoured Division. He himself is now up North again, attached to the Kimberley Regiment, and finds the desert unchanged during his absence. He is in fine spirits and is anticipating action. A. B. Theunissen (29-31) is now Major, our highest ranked Old Boy in the Army, and is holding a post on the Divisional Staff. Lieut. C. C. von Keyserlingk (27-30) is instructing in a training school, and hopes to be posted to a unit soon. Still the same and looking very fit. Sgt. C. G. Booth (27-34) was through the Madagascar campaign with the Pretoria Regiment, and is now contemplating somethingi bigger in the Mediterranean area. L. T. Fisher (40-41), who is studying Engineering at Howard College, declares that his exam results were disastrous; he put in six weeks' holiday work at the Congella Power Station, and was hoping for a more successful year in 1943. Air Corporal D. C. French (38-40) wrote from the Middle East last November, so news of him is not up-to-date. He looked forward keenly to pushing the last Hun out of Africa, so must now be happy in the realisation of his wish! He hoped to apply tor service overseas. Capt. Geoff. N. Hulett (21 -25) has been up North for about nine months with the ack-ack. He went through the Tunisian campaign, which he "wouldn't have missed for worlds." Having signed the new oath, he expected to go over to the Continent when the need arises. Sgt. H. G. Hackland (30-33) managed to spend a morning at the College while on leave, and looked unchanged and fit. After the desert conditions he found that the green of the grass and trees was so restful that he had little desire to do anything but lie on the hillside and gaze! Pfe. L. G. Capstickdale (31-32) also paid a fleeting visit lasting

278 roughly one minute. After a good deal of Investigation he had man aged to find the grave of R. ). Bartholomew (31-32), who was killed in an air crash in Egypt just before the war. "Cappy " is still attached as a journalist to one of the johannesburg papers. J. S. Jensen (41-42) is enjoying his medical course at Wits, finding his work made much easier by the bioiogy course taken at Kearsney. He took part in the annual "rag " and helped in the raising of some £10,000. W. John (41 -42) is in Johannesburg, working for a market agent. He has to present himself at the market at 8 a.m., daily, and see that his agent's produce is sold. At noon he returns to his office and spends the afternoon entering notes into the account sales book. His commer cial course is standing him in good stead. H. Ivory (39-42) has been hard at work since leaving school on his cane farm at Empangeni, planting, ploughing and pulling machinery to pieces. O. E. Knaggs (41-42) started Army life in the S.A.C.S., where he took the normal courses and found life much to his liking. After taking the new oath, he was transferred to the 6th Armoured Division, Rear Party, and was thrilled at the possibility of action before long. Although we have never heard from him personally, L. Bowler (27- 30) is reported to have been seen in Port Shepstone carrying papers under his arm, apparently engaged in some clerical job. P/P J. R. Lund (36-40) had eleven months at Lyttelton before proceeding to Randfontein, and thence to Bloemfontein. He finds flying a "great game," and his first solo flight gave him the greatest thrill of his life. So far he has been up in Tigers and Harvards. If he has a complaint, it is that progress is slow owing to the vast number of pupil pilots being trained. A. C. Mandell (39-41) has been seen standing outside a music shop in johannesburg, "looking really dignified—yards of flowing locks, and horn-rimmed specs perched on the end of his nose." With him was 8. P. N innis (39-41), "looking nearer earth in his sailor's kit." R. H. Theunissen (29-37), in April, was hoping to go up to Rho desia to have a shot at getting into the R.A.F. We haven't heard v/hether he was successful. L. D. Mathews (40-42) is now at Christian Bros. College, Pretoria, and complains that he has to work far harder than at Kearsney! He was made house prefect on arrival—an unusual distinction for a new boy. I. B. Marshall (32-33) has given up his work on the mines, where he recently lost a finger. He spent a day at Kearsney, while having a short holiday on the South Coast, and expressed a strong desire to take up farming. . He has now been fixed temporarily on a farm in the Free State. Ian has continued to play cricket regularly since leaving school. Cadet J. H. Hopkins (36-33) has been a very welcome visitor to the College. He is taking an officer's course wjth the artiilery, and complains that there is a bottle-neck—too many officers and not enough personnel. There is more than a possibility that jimmy may be able to resume his position on the Staff here again soon—a move which we should greatly welcome. D. J. Munro (24-39), who has worked at tremendous pressure in the Navy repair yards,, Durban, for two years, says that the opening of the Mediterranean eased the position immediately. A. N. Nisbet (40-41) came up to play scrum-half for the Old Crocks, though he is neither old nor a crock. He has found the dual task of working in a bank and studying for his Matric too much of a handfui, and has had to give up the latter. F. R. C. Groom (37-40) also claimed to be an Old Crock, and scored a brilliant try. He loses none of his speed. Eric is still working in the main branch of the Standard Bank, Durban.

279 A/Cpl. C. N. Passmore (36-38) is still on Ferry Service, appearing for a few days at Cermiston and then being gone again. Recently he had three months in Cairo. He has also been to the Cold Coast, and has had mumps and malaria—a well-varied existencel After 15 months' continuous service, he was hoping for leave this month, but his leave has been cancelled so repeatedly that he's not building great hopes. Lieut. W. B. A. Pearce (28-37) is well again, having recovered from his shell shock. After testing out his nerves in a Native training unit, he was transferred to Transport, and was expecting to be posted somewhere near Tripoli. A/M O. W. M. Pearce (24-30) is still with the Canadian Air Force, ground staff, somewhere in England, and his correspondence con sists of an occasional cable Pte. T. S. Peddle (40-42) is with the Youth Brigade, "Potch," and finds it "not such a' bad place as some people think." Sig. A. E. Raw (28-38) was successful with his B.Sc. (Engineering) at N.U.C. last November, after which he had to swot for Army exams, and expected to be posted at some station as a technical sergeant. It was good to have ]. D. Raw (28-37) with us for a short spell and hear first hand of his thrilling escape from Tobruk. He ended off his leave at Kearsney. Since then he has been rather unsettled. First of all a long delay in Maritzburg, then a transfer without notice to Piet Retief, having to leave their laundry behind and cut their "dates" without warning. Camp life at Piet Retief was comfortable compared with the desert, but there was nothing to do in the spare time. Sig. B. Theunissen (38-42) and Sig. L. Jackson (36-42) had not been in the Army more than a few weeks before they went North, a most unusual experience. D. R. Weir (25-27) has been transferred to the Brakpan branch of the Standard Bank. Few Old Boys can have kept as fit physically as Tpr. N. Reeves (31-35), who stayed a couple of days at the College. In Egypt he was doing the half-mile in 2 mins. and clearing over 22 ft. in the long jump. Neville was "in at the kill" at El Alamein and produced an album of graphic photographs. Sgt. A. P. Lowe (32-38) was stationed near the College for a while and so was able to come and see us. He was in the pink of con dition and thrilled at having got his eyesight past the medical examiner. When the war is over, Tony is keenly looking forward to resuming work near Potgietersrust, where the open-air life and interesting work on a huge stock farm is making a great appeal to him. Cadet' E. H. Lowe (35-41), ex-Pupil Pilot, has a sad story to tell. A few hours before obtaining his wings he flew off to investigate a flying crash, came below the 2,000 ft. height, was spotted by a superior officer, reported, tried and sentenced to 27 days D.B., and washed out of the Air Force completely. A humiliating and disheartening experience, and certain a very severe punishment for a common enough crime. A letter of Lowe's appears elsewhere. He transferred to the Tank Corps. Then followed another catastrophe, for while on leave near Stanger he was badly kicked by a horse, his skull being so injured that his life was even despaired of. However, he made an extraordinary recovery. Cpl. K. B. Jacques (24-31) phoned through recently from Durban, after being back in the Union for some three months. After Alamein he helped to pursue the retreating enemy to Benghazi, much of the journey being through most unpleasantly wet conditions. Being in charge of an armoured car, most of his time was spent finding Italians whom the Germans had abandoned, and whose main idea was to get to Alexandria and be fed. Ken says that little love was lost between the Axis partners, and when the Free French were present sparks flew! He has taken the new oath, and is now whiling away the time on a wireless course, and expects soon to go North again.

280 E. C. Carr (25-27) is Manager at the Coronation Brick and Tile Works, Durban. Lieut. D. Sparks (23-24) B.E.M., who is keeping very fit, has been moving round the Union a good deal, in charge of construction work, and is ar present somewhere in the Cape. Squadron-leader H. E. (Paddy) Hopkins (24-27), D.F.C., goes from strength to strength. In February he was given recategorisation tests on two aircraft on which he had never instructed before. He flew for an hour on each, and was officially up-graded to an A1 instructor category—the highest possible—with a flying assessment of "Excep tional," both as a pilot and as an instructor. Cpl. D. C. Hudson (36-38) has been out of the Union and stationed at the same place for over a year now. It is some lonely spot in mid- ocean, where he and 16 others are doing valuable meteorological work for the Air Force. A wag has suggested that he is personally able to test the upper currents of air without leaving the ground I M. J. Graham (39-42) sat for his Matric Afrikaans again in Feb ruary, but again found it a stumbling block. Since then he has sat for it in the Senior Certificate, hoping for better luck. Meanwhile he is engaged in a very full programme at N.U.C. R. le Grove Smith (26-42) is taking a one-year medical course at N.U.C., hoping next year to be able to begin the study of Medicine at one of the other Universities. This depends on his being in the top 30% of his group. W. G. Abraham (34-37) is still in the laboratories of the Sperry Gyroscope Co., New York, doing highly technical work about which he is not permitted to say anything, except that he has been up in a plane several times, testing out his stuff. P. A. Foss (38-41) is an Artificer, 1st Class, on H.M.S. Gambia, and has been seeing the world. Probably at present he is in England. Being the only South African on board, he has been adopted as the mascot and is known as "Springbok "I Cricket still has its attractions, and in a match at Mombasa he made 74 not out and took 4 for 13. Lieut. E. C. Smith (27-34), who has recently become engaged, paid us a welcome visit while on leave with the First Division. He is awaiting developments in camp at Barberton and is keeping fit with rugger. He would very much like to return to N.U.C. to complete his Diploma in Education, which was interrupted by his going to Cambridge. Bdr. L. C. Smith (31-38), who isv in Italian hands, is now working on a farm. Hard work, he says, but he keeps fit by it and get better food. Capt. E. R. Burnett (27-35) has made very rapid progress to his captaincy. He had his first real leave in April—14 days—in which he made a lightning tour of Palestine. G. S. Rosenberg (39-41), who has been very ill, is recuperating in Durban. L. N. W. Hume (39-42) was hoping to join up at Christmas, but had to go to hospital for a hernia operation instead. He hopes to make amends during July. K. Dyer (31-36) has just sat for and passed his Medical Finals at Cape Town University. He has also been playing an outstanding game of rugger at full back, and has been selected to represent Western Province against Transvaal this month. Double congratulations! Gnr. C. J. Beningfield (40-41) is in Egypt with the 6th Division as a gunner in the 12th A.A. Regt. He finds the training very inter esting. On the voyage up he contracted mumps, and had to be left at a hospital at Suez, where he found the doctors and nurses kindness itself and the food excellent. So apart from the indignity he quite enjoyed the experience! He is in the regiment's athletic team, shot- putting. D. P. Beningfield (41-42) has had a strenuous half-year at Cape Town University. They weed out all slackers ruthlessly from the

281 Medical School, so those who are earnest about their studies have to keep their noses to the grindstone. A/B H. J. C. Ellwood (40) has seen some exciting action in the Mediterranean. He took a very active part in the bombardment of Tunisia and was "in at the death " at Pantellaria and Lampedusa, where he had some thrilling moments and hairbreadth escapes. With this, his escape from Singapore and other dramatic encounters, we look forward to the day he will return to Kearsney with his story. He received the School's Christmas gift while in Bombay. Pte. W. D. J. Henry (32-36) has sent a letter-card from his prison camp in Italy, saying that he is fit, and sending his regards to all at Kearsney. The following Old Boys have been to the College this year (with apologies for omissions): A. M. Foss, R. S. W. Dunster, N. Reeves, E. C. Smith, L. G. Capstickdale, Walter Hulett, K. Irving, j. D. Raw, J. H. Charter, H. G. Hackland, T. Wyatt-Minter, A. P. Lowe, N. Swale, A. R. W. Metcalf, 1. B. Marshall, W. K. D. Putterill, j. H. Hopkins, A. H. Doidge, B. Balcomb, A, N. Nisbet, F. R. C. Groom, G. Griffin, P. R. Charter, j. D. Allsopp, C. M. Albertyn, K. W. Dyer, W. C. Hopkins, j. P. C. Hargreaves, H. H. Stott, A. T. Winship, R. le Grove Smith, J. B. King.

OLD BOYS' LETTERS

Midshipman Ceof. Ballard (39-41).—Thank God this part of the Atlantic crossing is over. We have had a pretty awful passage, and it takes a good deal to stand up to it at first, with snow, storms, fog, very rough seas and icy cold gales. At times the decks were a foot deep in snow and ice. Also, we just escaped "trouble " twice. . . . The sky scrapers of New York are a wonderful sight. To see Broadway, Fifth Avenue, etc., lit up is like Wonderland. I went up the tallest skyscraper ■—Empire State Building—and had a fine view of New York Ci:y from the top. I was also lucky in seeing and hearing a number of film stars and many of their famous orchestras. Lieut. Ken Balcomb (24-31).—After two years in the Union training camps, I am glad to be " up North " at last. The subs tried to get us on the way but, thanks to the British Navy, we had no real trouble. Now we are in the desert, and as far as the eye can see there is sand. The wind gets up occasionally, and then the dust envelops everything. It gets into one's eyes, nose, ears, and creeps in between the blankets to keep one company during sleep hours. I have been to Cairo twice. What an amazing city! Filth and poverty and disease jostle alongside oriental beauty, wealth and magnificence. . . Arthur Stockil shares a tent with me and Bill Pearce is in the same camp. Harold Aitchison is close by and Rex Burnett called to see me the other day. We have just signed the new oath and are wondering; where we shall go. Capt. J. Laurie Good (31-35).—We are now deep in the heart of Tunisia, and what a grand place it is, too. The scenery is marvellous. Miles and miles of olive-groves and thousands of acres of wheat; great fields of wild flowers, Flanders poppies and yellow and white daisies. Our present camp is in a great natural garden, covered with thick vege tation and all sorts of flowers. Near by there is a huge Roman colosseum, a grand sight, with thousands of arches and little turrets. Even the old lion pits are still intact and the arena just as it must have been 2,000 years ago. The guide told us it could hold 60,000 people. . . . I am in charge of all our communications and radio equipment, both on the ground and in the aircraft. Quite an interesting job! (A later letter appears further on.—Ed.)

282 Tpr. Neville Reeves (31-35).—Life here in the camp is quite good, especially when you look back over the hardships of the past two years. Strange how the soldier invariably retains a very vivid picture of the "good times up North" in his mind, and is inclined to push into the background his bad times. is it that there have been so few of the former and so many of the latter? This camp is luxurious, and there are games of every type. Actually I'm writing this in hospital, with water on the knee from rugger! .. . . I am going to concentrate on gunnery, my theory being that when in action and there is a lot of "muck " being slung at you, if you are behind a gun the feeling that you are hitting back keys you up. P.A.O. Frank Jex (24-26).—We are busy celebrating an Army Christmas in camp at present, and, one way and another, managing to extract a bit of fun from it all. We are studying an observer's course, and it is for all the world like being back at school, with the sad difference that the brain has grown several years older in the interim. The big idea is to make the brain work at 300 m.p.h, instead of the old leisurely pace, and to that end they set the clocks at double speed and pack on the pressure. Presumably, you either come through in the end, or get packed off to a mad-house. Also you must learn to perform the most intelligent duties quickly and accurately, whether you are upside down, rolled in a ball, tied up in knots, or in any other con ceivable attitude, in the smallest and most uncomfortable space that ingenious minds can devise. Cadet Egerton Lowe (35-41).—They say that school days are the happiest of one's life. I'm not old enough to give an opinion yet, but certainly the memory of them brings many happy incidents back to me On a cool Sunday evening I remember always the little chapel down at Kearsney; 1 think also of the unfinished prep and the untranslated piece of "Caesar." I'm beginning to realise the truth of the quotation "The child is father to the man." To have a happy home life and then be trained in a decent school teaches one to take knocks standing up, and 1 certainly received a pretty severe one when 1 was washed out of the Air Force, and think of the pals with whom 1 trained now all serving up North. This present O.T.C. at the Military College is tiresome to me, but I've decided to grin and see it through. Pte. Norman Poofe 32-36). (This is Poole's first letter home after being repatriated from a P.O.W. Camp, Italy.).—We must have caused a good deal of worry to you when we were posted missing. We were in the soup good and solid. Well, those days are over now, and 1 look to the future and try to forget all about them. You need have no con cern about my brother; he is in one of the best camps in Italy, in fact it's a propaganda camp, though we could never tell you this, for obvious reasons. We decided when we were captured that nothing would get us down, and we did not go back to the animal state, as so many did. We held our heads high and made the best of it. Thank Cod for our home training, which kept us going when others proved how weak they were. When we reached Camp 47 we watched others and could not help smiling. You know, if you want to see what a man is made of, you must starve him, and he will come out in his true colours. Believe me, it's ghastly! FIt.-Sgt. Alex Lee (36-40), S.A.A.F.—We certainly do get plenty of adventure and action in the Air Force. I have been on many raids and know what ack-ack is like. Many a time we have returned finding holes in our machine. On a few occasions we have been attacked by fighters, and once quite badly shot up; but my main worry is the ack-ack which continually "barks " beside the plane. Black puffs of smoke are all that can be seen, but there's plenty of dangerous shrapnel with it. It's all a matter of luck. . . . We are at present in Tripolitania and hoping soon to be moving forward again. We've seen many things of interest, including the Marble Arch, a strange but wonderful construction in the desert, about 80 ft. high. Am writing this by the light of an old

283 German lamp, which we have fixed up by using a Brylcreem bottle for the glass and an empty cartridge case for a wick! L/Cpl. John Larrington (29-35).—I have been in the same base workshop ever since I landed in Egypt a year last May. Our workshop repairs tanks, but as I am a fitter and turner by trade, but only a turner as far as the Army is concerned, 1 do not work on the tanks themselves. My job is to repair or manufacture tank parts. The life we lead is not to be compared with the kind of stuff the fellows in the desert have to put up with. We live in barracks and have plenty of water and all the conveniences of civilisation. They have all the rough stuff. 0/S Brian Ninnis (39-41).—My ship is a corvette of about 900 tons, mainly used in anti-submarine patrol and convoy work. She is also equipped with minesweeping gear. In the calmest of weather she rolls and pi'ches, but is quite seaworthy. The mess decks are small and crowded, and the food quite good, although the tinned stuff gets monotonous. The other night we took some on board, men, women and children. It was a pathetic sight The children were crying and the women looking about, not knowing what to expect next. A/M Keith Rock (34-39).—We had Christmas on board ship. It didn't give much scope for celebration, but the feeling was there, especially as there were some Scotsmen on board, who had already been on the ship for six weeks. The Human Being being the most adaptable animal in the world, we are managing to exist in the desert sand, after being used to the greenery of South Africa, and we are quite comfortable. So far (January) we have seen no action. Cpl. Walter Robinson (31-37).—It feels as though we have been back in the Union for years, but I am by no means aching to leave it again, in spite of the petty restrictions here in camp. We recently had four days' manoeuvres in weather so cold that our water had inches of ice on it! Unluckily we are the junior company and, apart from a dozen or so from the old First Division "Q," the strength consists of odds and ends from Sonderwater. There are two of us from the old Ammo. Coy. We were promised three stripes because we were to handle the ammunition side of the game, but that is all, so far, hot air. Have been battling for some time to get a transfer to a job more to my liking and one that will be of some help after the war. A/M Bernard Scheffer (36-39).—The new oath for overseas service is very much in the limelight at present. On the whole I think it has been accepted favourably, a large majority in this squadron having volun teered. Personally I was one of the first dozen. In most cases the idea of adventure and "in for a penny, in for a pound," was the decisive factor. The mention of patriotism in the mess brings forth howls of denial I Of late we—the S.A.A.F. Kittyhawk Wing—have received a good deal of praise from Daventry. First, at Mareth, we were the first to dive-bomb and strafe the enemy. At the same time Jerry dropped a bomb about 40 paces from me, the benefit of which caught my plane, while I hugged Mother Earth. Then Daventry gave us a big boost up when on two occasions the Wing almost completely destroyed a large formation of ).U.52 transport planes carrying petrol to Tunis. Capt. Arthur Stockil (32-36).—I have been lucky enough to get into the S.A. Base XV, and we have had a couple of interesting games against the New Zealanders and Imperials (See Old Boys' Notes.—Ed.). The Christmas festivities are over, and it is just as well they only come round once a year, otherwise there wouldn't be much work done. At the beginning of December four of us went on a fortnight's leave in Palestine and Syria. We had a swim in the Dead Sea and experienced the ridiculous feeling of not being able to sink. From Tripoli we shot off into the snow-clad mountains, and had great fun learning to ski. Having strapped the skis on to your feet, you stand up, and before you can say "Knife," you land on your seat, start sliding down the

284 slope, lose your balance and plunge head first into the snow. . . I am still with our black brethren, trying patiently to make soldiers out of them. Cpl. Douglas Steel (35-38).—I am back at my old place in East Africa again, after a most enjoyable leave. We had a wonderful trip by train through the Rhodesias and part of the Belgian Congo, then by boat across Lake Tanganyika and Lake Victoria—18 days' travelling. Unfortunately, we couldn't see the Falls, as our train had been held up by washaways, and we passed them late at night. I was real glad to get back here again with the boys, but was quite surprised to see how few South Africans are left. It's mostly Imperials now, and a good crowd. Cpl. Cliff Theunissen (32-36).—We have been taking a very active part in this huge offensive from Alamein. Ambulances are greatly in need during offensives. We have done a lot of work and a tremendous amount of travelling; we pitch camp, receive Army sick and wounded for a while, strike camp and on again, trying to keep up with our advancing columns, and, believe me, they are advancing at some speed. Nevertheless, it is a great experience, and I keep in good health. Brian Walter (32-33).—I am keeping pretty fit, although my leg worries me at times, especially during the cold weather. Last March I again sat for the Government Mine Surveyor's Certificate of Com petency, and did fairly well. Although I failed in Geology, I have just written a paper on Geology for the Mine Surveyor's Institute of S.A., and if it is passed by the committee it will be published. This paper is about faulting and its history as found on the estates where I work. I am at present senior surveyor on the mine, only the chief and assistant being above me, and if I get my certificate I will most probably become assistant chief. It was fine to receive the "Chronicle " and read what my old friends have done up North. I'd love to have gone there, but my physical condition won't let me. Still, we have to work jolly hard on the mines, as we are short-staffed. Lieut. Pat Whitelaw (32-34).—Much has happened since our first scrap at Sidi Rezegh, where Tom Collins became a prisoner and I managed to keep in the running by a series of lucky breaks. Since then we seem to have spent most of our time patrolling the Gazala line, fol lowed by a hectic rearguard action back to Alamein, where we managed to stop the rot. just before this final attack I was pulled out of the line—my first break for 23 months—to attend the Roval Artillery O.C.T.U. This has meant two pretty busy months in Palestine and rhree more in this land of glamour. Only the two of us South Africans are on the course, and it looks as though we shall be left to hold the fort while the First Division heads for home. If I do get leave I shall certainly come and see the new School, in spite of the lack of the old trees and " Beauty" and the orchard (officially "out of bounds "). Sig. Jeff Wood (35-37) (Letter from prisoner of war camp, Italy).— You need not send any warm clothing, as we are being issued with our battle dress, socks, vests, shirts, etc. But don't forget the food parcel! We have a lot of fun cooking up our tea and stuff we get sent in our Red Cross parcels. The only snag is firewood. We have made our own little stove out of tins. I wish you could see some of the dishes we turn out. It isn't much, but still it goes down pretty well. We have all clubbed in and bought some musical instruments and now we have a tip-top orchestra, and of course we have our sing-songs now and again. We're not too badly off, so please don't worry. A/Sgt. Arthur Askew (34-36).—The powers-that-be have in creased the number of pupils per course, and decreased the time available for same, without sending more instructors. Being an instructor is not the soft job I once thought it to be. But being a Link instructor can become very interesting, and after being through II or 12 courses I've reached a stage where I can almost foretell what is going to happen with a pupil. You know, fighter or bomber, etc. I'm still an Air

285 Sergeant. One of these days that commission may come through, although when It does I shall almost be sorry. I have been very happy as an N.C.O. Every now and then one becomes restless, though; casualty or honours lists come out, and usually someone you know Is there. Or One of the old pupils comes back, with wings. I'm beginning to realise what It must must be like to be a master at a place like Kearsney. There's no greater thrill than when an ex-pupll dashes back. Sgt. Alex Wood (31-32).—I have been back nearly eight weeks— and what a welcome on my return, after 28 months out of the Union. The train journey from Durban to Marltzburg 1 shall never forget. After living so long In a land where one hardly ever sees a tree or a blade of gren grass, the contrast was almost awe-Inspiring. . . . While on leave I took unto myself a wife and spent a few days of our honeymoon down the South Coast. .. . At present I am enjoying a few months of civvy life. Have been temporarily released from the Army to enable me to return to my civilian career. The step was not of my own choice, and It Is certainly hard returning to this life when one's friends are all In uniform. Late Lieut. Lance Weir (29-32) (the last letter written before his death).—Well, at last I'm back In the squadron after rather a hectic trip up. Taking off from Benghazi, our engine cut, and we had rather a bad crash. One chap was killed, but the other three of us were unhurt. We crashed through two rows of trees, through the telegraph wires and a barbed wire entanglement, and came to rest In a German bomb dump. The next day we got a lift In another aircraft, and just after the take-off the engine started spluttering, and we just got over some trees when it cut and we force landed In an open field. . . . When we got to our destination we found that the Squadron had moved, so after hanging round for a couple of days we found out where they were and they sent an aircraft to fetch us. We are In a lolly nice camp right on the coast, with palm trees and green grass around. I'll be glad to be flying myself again. I don't like travelling as a passenger. Cpl. Gerald Rosenberg (36-39).—When the new oath was brought out, I threw In my lot with the new division, so here we are In dusty Egypt once more. Within a day of our arrival I was despatched to a base camp, where I am now, and once again gathered up the reins of instructional duties. I was rather pleasantly shocked when I called the roll on the first morning parade. Such familiar names as Putterlll, Oxiand, Theunlssen and jackson appeared. I lost no time In seeking out these Individuals, and soon ascertained they were the ones I had hoped for. The last of my renewed friendships was none other than Norman Poole, back from Italy, hale and hearty, but very much grimmer. He tells us he saw Billy Henry a few days before he left. Arthur Stockll is doing great things here In the athletic line, and was mostly Instru mental in our winning a triangular tournament between South Africans, British and New Zealanders. Capt. Laurie Good (31-35).—1 was fortunate enough to be relieved two days after the North African campaign was over, and spent a few odd days here and there scrounging a lift home by aircraft. 1 struck It lucky as I flew all the way home from Tripoli. Sorry I didn't manage to see Tunis, though when the show ended we were only about 100 miles away, near Soitsse. We operated right through the campaign from Alamein onwards, so had a very Interesting time, and I wouldn't have missed it for anything. I've built up a collection of about 300 photo graphs, which I hope to have the opportunity of showing you some day. Lieut. Curt von Keyserlingk (27-30).—I have been posted from the S.W.A. to the 1st Wit. Rifles as Instructor In the 6th Armoured Division Antl-Tank School. Have been attending British Army Schools and doing quite a number of courses. Prior to the Division coming up, 1 had specialised In the 6-pounder anti-tank gun, hence my present job. At first I didn't relish the idea of instructing, but have subse quently found out that it has its compensations. Morale Is high and

286 the men are very keen to learn. What a treat to teach men who are enthusiastic! The Armoured Division should do very well when opera tions commence after the present lull. We are all looking forward to a spot of work, especialy if it is to be in Europe. London via Rome and Berlin! . . . . I often look back with pride and joy at the times I had and the contacts I made at Kearsney. I hope to see you all when I return after the completion of the war. . . . P.S.; My son is now 18 months old and is doing well! P.A.O. Jim Howarth (24-29).—At last, after 16 months of swotting and exams, we are flying! I think I told you that I was one of the unfortunate "old men" who were washed out for being over 24. Any way, I'm on an observer's course, which is pretty stiff and has too much work for my liking, but it is certainly better than being grounded, and we do sometimes have a few minutes to take an interest in the flying while in the air. The observer is the navigator, bomb-aimer, etc., and anything else they can think of for us to do. Arthur Wood (31-32).—I've been busy with ammo, for just over three years now, having spent the last 10 months at Kimberley in charge of one shift of the production of armour-piercing and tracer bullets, just before coming to the Mint I spent three or four months with the Pretoria Municipality, where I worked with Vinnicombe. He left to join up as I left to make .303's. We spent several weeks together on overhead line construction. Kimberley isn't the nicest town to live in, but at least I am fortunate enough to have a home to live in and not a tent, with my wife and 18 months old baby girl to keep me company. A/B David Beckett (34-42).-—1 was transferred to Durban in May and was immediately drafted to one of what General Smuts calls "our gallant little ships "I The first few trips out I was too seasick to take much notice of things, but now 1 have got used to the sea and am quite enjoying the life. As this is Sunday, I'm writing this in my bunk, in my pyjamas, and intend staying in them till I go on watch at 8 p.m. to-night. Sig. Noel T. Hamiyn (36-39). Now I sit amid the sands of Egypt. We have organised ourselves really well, with debating societies, etc., and we—due to the unabated energies of the Entertainment Committee (of which I am secretary)—boast our own concert party (the Decibelles), which, incidentally, is the first in this Division. Capt. Geoff. Hufett (21-25).—We started our trip from the Union to Cairo in a storm, and had it most of the way up. Most of the Rhodesian hills seemed solid granite, very grim and dry. This gave way to flat, brown country, full of thorn trees and rivers of sand. Next day we flew over huge swamps. A lake north and south, with connecting rivers writhing in agony through miles of bright green swamp. A mar vellous sight, and a place that will have to give up its secrets some day. .. . . We flew down the Nile over brown, dusty Sudan, to spend the night near Khartoum. We went into the town that night to look round —the usual pests and smells. . . . We had a few hours at Luxor and four of us went over the temple at Karnak. No-one can have any idea of the size of the place. Massive pillars, carved with the history of the builders, and painted with colours that are still as bright and fresh as the day they were placed there. The perimeter wall encloses 270 acres, filled with workmanship that has never been equalled anywhere. A/P Peter Davidson (41 -42).—Have been putting in some hard work to get through the exams. So far I haven't done too badly, but hate to think of what may happen in the next few weeks. I haven't got the "grey matter" to cope with exams. If I get washed out as a pilot I shall go as an air-gunner. The life is good here, and often I sit down to think about Kearsney and only wish 1 was still there. When leave comes, I don't think that I will be able to get back to the place quick enough! I started off by playing a lot more sport up here, but exams became too much for me, so I gave the idea of sport up. Later

287 on I can play as much as I like. I played cricket for 75 Air School and also swam for the place in an inter-unit swimming gala. As far as cricket was concerned, I only made a couple of 20's and 30's and took a few wickets. S/Sgt. Tom Wyatt-Minter (41-42).—I have an interesting job of work, training the N.M.C. band. They are very keen and anxious to learn, but they are not able to be compared with the K.C. Band. We sound Retreat every evening, and I honestly wish you could see these black boys perform. They simply love it to death, and swank is no word to describe them! I am training a black Drum-major in the mysteries of mace-swinging and he is really doing very well. However, I take the important parades like marches past and special Retreat ceremonies.

IMPRESSIONS OF MADAGASCAR

We landed in a natural harbour near Diego Suarez, among the vessels of the assault fleet lying there. The Commando troops and infantry had already landed at zero hour, and we were in time to watch part of the operations. Aircraft from the carriers were taking off from the decks throughout the day, zooming away over the hills, strafing and bombing the defences. Two days later, after Diego harbour had been swept clear of mines and subs, we steamed round the Cape and entered port. A number of enemy ships had been sunk, and their battered masts and funnels showed the effect of our bombers. A marker-buoy bobbing in the water told us where a submarine had been sunk. The country looked quiet and deserted, but the debris in the harbour gave mute evidence of what had just taken place. .. . I was at the time the only radio mechanic on our station, and naturally had to work hard, doing 12 hour shifts for the first two weeks. Antsirane has no colour bar and is a very dirty and dilapidated place, and with the weather being dry and dusty, we were genuinely pleased after four months to hear of our chance with the coming assault on Majunga. . . . Majunga fell with out any fighting and looked an interesting town. I took a fancy to the shady streets and civilised houses and hotels. Our aerodrome was six kilometres from the town, and the whole of my section encamped under a large tree. We received our daily rations, and having already hired two willing boys, cooked our own meals. We were very fortunate as far as food went, as we bartered petrol pins for poultry, eggs, vegetables and fruit. Competition with the natives was very keen, and we would not allow them to profiteer when they attempted to lower our price of eggs, four eggs to a tin. We ate like lords, and it was no uncommon sight to see six fowls served up for dinner. Operations increased rapidly at Majunga. Our aircraft were up every day, bombing enemy concentrations, aerodromes and military ob jectives at Tananarive. . . . Then came the march to the capital. We managed to see more of the interior, which is very mountainous. Every fertile valley with a decent water supply is cultivated for rice, the semi-immersed rice, in different shades of green, according to age, making a picturesque scene from above. Although the road was blocked or blown away, the Engineers had done a good job, and we arrived at the aerodrome, near Tananarive, after sunset, doing 300 miles in two days.

288 The aerodrome is a big one, well equipped, and for once we enjoyed working at ease with necessary tools and electric power. We took over the radio station and found enormous stocks of spares. . . . The buildings of Tananarive lie in tiers which cram every inch of the hills, and the business centre of the town is very modern, with parks and gardens and lovely flowers. Tamatave is the prettiest coastal town on the island, with coconut palms, boulevards, lawns and gardens. We stayed there a month, swimming, going to the bioscope and having plenty of sport.

L. D. LEE.

Madagascar proved one of those places which are good to be out of. The only time I appreciated it was when I gazed at the fast receding shoreline from the stern of the ship. The South African Brigade had the sticky end of the job, as we had to go through the heart of the swamps, which were surrounded by really thick jungle. This, of course, was ideal for the snipers, who took advantage of the conditions. The furthermost part in Our advance was about 30 miles from Majunga, which was our original destination. The actual town had two shops and a maternity home. Of all the places I have ever camped in, that, was the queerest, and of course we were the centre of attraction! G. L. ROSENBERG.

The island is very beautiful, just a mass of mountain ranges and mazed hills. We went south and invaded Tulear, where we spent a month in the lap of luxury. I produced a considerable amount of poetry. One Of my poems, "Sun Dreams," 1 consider to be about my best. . . . The most beautiful town I saw was Antsirabe, in the centre of the island. It is in a beautiful mountainous setting, and the whole town revels in a profusion of flowers. The beach front at Tamatave reminded me very much of the Esplanade in Durban. We spent four days there and had a much-needed rest, as we had travelled for eight days non-stop from coast to coast, N. T. HAMLYN

289 EDITORIAL NOTICES

The Kearsney College Chronicle is published every July and January, and costs 2/- per copy. The Editor has quite a large number of back • copies, which he will be pleased to dispose of at 2/- each. We acknowledge, with thanks, the receipt of magazines from Kingswood School (Bath), Kingswood College (Crahamstown), Rydal Mount (Colwyn Bay), Michaelhouse, Clenwood, Maritzburg College, and D.H.S.

OLD BOYS' CLUB

Membership Subscription: Life £3/3/-, Annual 7/6. Since January the following Old Boys have paid Life Subscriptions: D. Beckett, B. A. Coventry, D. C. Coventry, C. J. Beningfield, F. R. Chick, N. Baker, J. C. A. Coutts, D. C. Hudson, A., L. and P. Lee, 0. W, M. Pearce, W. B. A. Peace, W. K. D. Putterill, J. R. Lund, B. Sparks, A. D. Wood. One hundred and sixteen Life Subscriptions have been paid to date.

PROV.. OBN. 290 - i'-.

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Valley of a Thousand Hills from Headmaster's Srudy. Colour Photograph by A. H. Smith, Esq.

N'MVi'uiMb' Kearsney College Chronicle

Vol. 1 No. 9 DECEMBER, 1943

EDITORIAL

Our arrival at Botha's Hill coincided with the outbreak of hostilities. We are thus as old as the war, and have not known the days of peace. The Allies, however, have now passed through the Valley of the Shadow, and seem well set for victory. Before this Is reached we have one of the most dangerous and difficult stretches to traverse; there will be the dangers of reaction and relaxation, and the difficulties of reorganisation. In South Africa we can be ever thankful that we have touched but the fringe of the war; we have not seen the oppressor, nor the grim after math of his oppression. But we have to guard against other enemies, more insidious, if not so devastating. After a period of strain and anxiety there is bound to be a reaction—a natural reaction in the letting off of steam and an impulse to make up for the asceticism of past years. In a school this can reveal itself in the relaxing of discipline, the desire to overrule authority, the gradual infiltration of habits or crazes detrimental to individual and school, with the resultant lowering of tone. A school such as ours can provide more than work and sport: it can impart mental balance and. moral fibre, so necessary in these days. It has been very gratifying to have our Old Boys come back to see us, after years of strain and stress in Abyssinia and Egypt, and to find them so little affected and influenced by the inevitably harsh con ditions of life there. It is at times like this that men have reason to be thankful for the steadying influence of good homes and schools. If Kearsney can turn out men who will remain true to the highest ideals under all circum stances, we justify our existence for this reason alone. Let us remember this in the days that lie ahead and let us remember that the next half century of our lives depends a good deal on how we use our time at school.

291

.4c , TRIBUTES.

The coloured photograph of the Valley of a Thousand Hills reproduced in this Magazine was taken by Mr. A. H. Smith, O.B.E., of Botha's Hill, and the entire cost of its reproduction in the Chronicle was met by himself. We are deeply grateful to him. Ln fact we feel that not sufficient reference has hitherto been made to Mr. Smith's continuous interest in the school, and generosity to us. In the first place he contributed £2,000 towards the building of the school; on two occasions he has given lis a hundred guineas for the Chapel Fund; the magnificent teak cricket score board, made by Mr. Colley, was paid for by him; he has given us cricket bats when needed, paid for a large number of library books, and presented us from time to time with pictures and photographs for the adornment of our walls. In other words, Mr. Smith is a very good friend to us, and we very deeply appreciate all that he has done and is doing. Now let us render further tribute where it is due. Let us refer to the persistent drive and vision of the Chairman of our Board, Mr. W. J. Williams. In its earlier stages especially, a school's development must depend upon the courage and progressiveness of its leaders. No school could be better served in this respect than ours. Mr. Williams is not a distant, aloof, and inaccessible Chairman. He is for ever on the spot, ready to give advice, ready to listen to suggestions, keenly alive to every fresh development in the school's interests. He possesses the greatest asset a school's chairman can have—courage. In spite of our capital debt, such as might check the enthusiasm of any but the boldest, if Mr, Williams is convinced that a further expense is necessary, or at least very desirable, he says, "Let it be." Incur the expense first and find the money afterwards—an admirable theme! We suspect that now that the Chapel and swimming bath are assured, he will turn his vigorous attention to the needs of the assembly hall, which promises to be a fine feature, and which will solve many problems! Our Chairman is no mere theorist; he is a practical man. We can see him now, pacing backwards and for wards, in grass up to his knees, trying to find exactly the best site for the Chapel, or standing thoughtfully on the edge of the proposed oval, scheming out plans for getting the job done quickly and as expertly as possible. As he has himself said, he must know in advance the answer to every possible question that can be put to him. Kearsney is not his plaything; it is his passion. We are indeed fortunate in having such friends.

292 SCHOOL NOTES

Third Term: August 3rd to October 1st. Fourth Term: October 12th to December 9th. We are sorry to be losing Mr. Knubley at the close of this year, after 3^ years of faithful service to the school. Mr. Knubley was persuaded to join us after retiring from Government service, at a time when the calls of the fighting forces were making heavy inroads on our staff. Mr. Knubley has been a very real part of our life at Botha's Hill, and now that he is making way for younger blood we wish him apd Mrs. Knubley G^-speed and many further years of health and happiness. Our congratulations to Miss Geddes on her engagement to Mr. G. Buntting of Qudeni. Qudeni's gain will be our loss, for Miss Geddes has catered for the inner man in royal fashion during these years of food shortage. We wonder how one who has lived most of her life in London will settle down to a lonely Natal farm! Miss McMagh had to retire hastily to Johannesburg, at Michaelmas, for an appendix operation. Happily there were no complications and she was back at work in mid-term. No-one could have served the school better during an anxious period than Mrs. Beatty, who, in spite of having a family to look after at home, has nevertheless been carrying through with a nearly full teaching programme for three years, taking the senior science. With new men joining the staff next term, she will now be relieved of her dual responsibility, and we thank her for her energies and enthusiasm. Fortunately, being a near neighbour, she will not be lost to us! After two very happy years in our midst, Mr. W. |. Swanepoel has returned to Stellenbosch University to take a further degree. He will then return to our ranks, where we can assure him of a hearty welcome. Services this half , year have been conducted by Rev. B. Sewell, B.A., B.Sc., Rev. S. Le Grove Smith (our superin tendent minister). Canon Heywood Harris, M.A., M.C., the Bishop of Salisbury, and Rev. Howard Young, of Johannes burg. The evening services have, as usual, been taken by the school staff. The Headmaster and Mr. Reece are now taking services at regular intervals in the Durban County Circuit.

293 The Headmaster, Mrs. Matterson, and Sister Attlee are making periodic visits to Durban to give away pints of their blood, all being regular blood-donors. Apparently they suffer from no ill-effects, apart from temporary weakness, Mr. P. W. Reed, LI.B., paid us a brief visit on August 28th and 29th, and addressed the school in connection with his C.S.S.M. and Camp Work. Also, as usual, he presented one of his novel conjuring displays, made the easier for him by the fact that the lights failed and he had to work by paraffin lamp! This has been one of the wettest years on record, October breaking all figures for 26 years. Sports Day had to be postponed, for the first time; cricket was severely interfered with; and there was an unusually large crop of colds, coughs, and 'flu. In addition, one or two cases of mumps and German measles put us into quarantine for a while during the fourth term, but most fortunately there was no re-infection. The excessive rains brought excessive weeds, which proved a real trial on the playing fields and gardens. Their only virtue lay in the fact that "weeding" became an established form of punishment! We had a great surprise when N. C. C. Poole, an Old Boy, walked in on us during the third term. He had just been repatriated from Italy, and we must admit he looked very well on it! Poole stayed with us for a week, during which time he disseminated his vivid impressions of life as a Prisoner of War to some very interested audiences. Excavating for the swimming bath has gone steadily onward, though greatly slowed down by the rain. We are hoping it will be ready by the middle of next year. Mr. Grinaker, who has the contract, started work during the holidays. Laying out of the ground and planting of trees, pro ceeds apace, always with an eye to the final distribution of the school buildings. There was an interesting innovation on Saturday, November 20th, when the prefects gave an informal dance in the school dining hall. Most of the partners came frorri St. Mary's School, Kloof, for whose co-operation we are grateful. The Executive Gommittee is to be congratulated on the thoroughness with which it made the arrangements, and a most enjoyable evening resulted. The School entered whole-heartedly into the decora tion of the dining hall, which took on an appearance of

294 festivity without parallel, with bunting, greenery, and coloured lights. One of Elfrida's bands supplied the music, and not the least item in the evening's success was the smart and enthusiastic body of junior waiters who brought round an unending stream of food and refreshments— especially the latter, as it was the hottest night of the summer. On October 15th, several Fifth Form boys went to Durban to see King Henry IVth, Part I, presented by Bantu Students from Adams College. It was something of an eye-opener! The following boys were confirmed by the Bishop of Natal, on August 17th, at St. Mary's School, Kloof: D. M. Comins, H. A. Cowen, B. P. j. Duranty, J. A. Franklin, R. Maguire, C. K. Miles-Cadman, B. O. Neal, j. Redgment, H. R. Riffe, j. M. Ray, G. W. Shuker, B. L. Stanistreet, I. W. D. Stones, A. V. Trentham, R. A. J. Taylor, C. j. Weston, P. J. Wills. Money for the Thrift Club has been coming in steadily and by the end of the year a total of 245 Union Loan Cer tificates had been bought since Easter. We have just learned that the school has been awarded one of the prizes in the Wallace Soutter Thrift Competition. The award takes the form of books for the Library. It was a great relief to have the black-out lifted in mid-September. This meant the restoration of lights to the dormitories and changing rooms, and the removal of black-out paint from classrooms and other rooms downstairs. Although Sports Day had to be postponed for two days .because of bad weather on the Saturday, Monday was perfect and the Sports as great a success as ever, with numerous records broken. Once more the congratulations of all of us go to Mr. Medworth and his workers for the efficiency of the arrangements. Cadet inspection and manoeuvres took place in very summery conditions on the morning of November 6th, ail the work being placed in the hands of the student officers. Everything went without a hitch. More details are given elsewhere. The addition of a room to the junior House will mean accommodation for three more boys. It appears that 1944 will open with 169 boarders, though our maximum official capacity will be 143. We look forward to the day when further buildings will help us to ease the congestion!

295 Appoinfrnents; Promotion to school prefects: B. J. Woods, C. D. Nathan, C. ]. Davey, D. A. Rock, M. J. Crookes, E. G. L. Ayres. Athletics captains: I. I. Ives (Finningley) and I. G. McLeod (Gillingham and School). New Boys: The following new boys have joined us this half year: K. E. Rapson (Empangeni), I. E. Morgan (Durban), I. Benson (Durban). We say farewell to the following boys, the year of their arrival being placed in brackets: E. G. L. Ayres (41), A. J. Boorman (40), T. W. Barnett (41 ), J. A. Clarkson (40), G. D. D. Crookes (40), R. H. Dale (40),"L W. E. Dyson (40), B. j. -P. Duranty (42), J. 5. M. Fox (40), G. G. M. Hurst (42), K. j. C. Kelly (41), L. A. H. Lewis (42), I. G. McLeod (39), R. R. Maguire (41), J. E. M. Nasmith (40), C. D. Nathan (40), D. North (42), T. D. Pennefather (39), N. R. Paverd (42), D. A. Rock (39), I. W. D. Stones (40), j. B. Trentham (39), E. van der Schyff (40), B. J. Woods (40), C. G. j. Weston (42), D. L. Woodhead (42), J. L. B. Taylor (42), J. P. S. Turner (37).

ODE The weather is ruled by the moon, so they say. And we find that the saying is true, For at Kearsney it rains when the moon's at the full. And it rains when the moon's at the new. When the moon's at the quarter, down comes the rain. At the half it's no better, I ween. And at the three-quarters it's at it again. And mostly it rains in between. Contributed,

EXAMINATION RESULTS. N.C.C.: L. W. E. Dyson. J.C.C.: M. J. Crookes.

296 m

PRIZE-CIVINC

The year closed wi^h glorious weather. There was not a great crowd of visitors, for many parents and friends had had their petrol supplies diverted by our Carol Service a few days previously and were not able to face the journey twice! But those who were present (as far one could judge from the platform) were kept very interested and at rimes were deeply stirred by the reports and addresses presented to them. The Chairman of the Board, Mr. W. J. Williams, opened the function by welcoming all who were present, and introduced our distinguished visitor and prize-distri- bptor, Mrs. Russell, Mayor of Maritzburg. He then called upon the Headmaster to deliver his report. On the conclusion of the report, Mr. Williams declared that he was convinced that there had been divine guidance in the establishment and development of Kearsney College in its present site. Its progress had been steady and unruffled by the stress of war, and in this period of only four and a half years it had come to make its mark on the life of the Province in many spheres. Now he felt that the building of the Chapel would be the school's crowning glory. When Old Boys foregather, he said, it is the Chapel and its influences which remain their fondest memory. It is the centre of a school's life. After Mrs. Russell had presented the certificates (in lieu of prizes) she treated the audience to as delightful an address as we have ever been privileged to hear on such occasion. With humour and with vigour, as befits one who has had so many years of intimate exjaerience with scholastic life, she stressed our three great heritages: country, language, tradition. She laid particular emphasis on the second heading, language. The gift of speech is one of our greatest gifts, and the English-speaking world, par ticularly, has a fine heritage of literature, which at present faces the risk of becoming debased. Colloquialisms, Americanese, sometimes almost unintelligible jargon, are beginning to corrupt our mother tongue, and we are growing careless. "Let us," she said, " therefore always aim at preserving the purity of our English language, spoken and written." To conclude the proceedings, Mr. Williams seized the opportunity to make grateful reference to the unceasing generosity of Mr. A. H. Smith, who was with us that morning. Mr. Smith's benefactions had been so generous and varied that time prevented his enumerating them, but all who knew the school knew of Mr. Smith's interest and

297 practical support. He also felt he must stress once again the enthusiasm and self sacrifice of the Staff, not so much for the school-work put in, as for the countless other activities, attended to in their Spare time, which help to give the diversified and cultural education so. very necessary in our increasingly commercialised and practical age. After the head prefect, I. McLeod, had presented Mrs. Russell with a bouquet, and called for three cheers for the Staff, the Headmaster declared the term at a close.

« HEADMASTER'S REPORT Numbers.—Unless anything unforeseen occurs our numbers are now more or less stationary. The Houses are all full and I have had to disappoint about 60 parents who wished to send us their sons for 1944. We finish the year with 163 boarders and 3 day scholars. It appears probable that we would have no difficulty in filling another House, but apart from the high cost of the building of the House itself in times such as these, there would also be very heavy expenditure enforced upon us inT providing the additional classrooms and adequate laboratory rooms and equipment. We must therefore consider and further development as a whole and be certain that it will not impose too heavy a debt upon us. In addition it will be wise to make sure that the war will not be followed by a period of depression when parents may hesitate to send their sons to boarding schools. Health.—For another year I have to report a remarkably good health record. I do not know how long our run of luck will last, but this year we have had again the odd case of mumps, measles and chicken- pox (all occurring within a fortnight of a holiday) and yet not in a single case has there been any spread of the disease. This has been true of the whole period, 4? years, that we have been at Botha's Hill. Sport.—The progress of the School on the. cricket and rugby fields bears out all we had hoped for as regards physique from a site as healthy as Botha's Hill. We have met in open competition all the larger Natal schools and fully held our own in the majority of matches. In rugby we played 9 matches, winning 6, losing 2, and drawing one. In cricket we have played 10, winning 5; losing 2, and drawing 3.. In athletics, too, our times and distances will bear comparison with those of any school , in the Union. We are, however, beginning to feel the handicap of having only two fields. While we can just manage with these for rugby, the cricket is seriously affected, and I hope that before long we may be able to tackle the levelling of the'oval. Once again it is a matter of expense. Work has already started on our swimming bath, and this ought to be complete early next year. Cadets.—^The Cadet Corps put up a splendid performance at the annual inspection.' It was good to see the whole of the parade and the specialised work carried out by student-officers, with no assistance from the masters. The inspecting officer. Colonel Sumn'ers, was most com plimentary in his praises of the parade. Choir.—Amongst other activities, 1 want to make special reference to the Choir. The singing throughout the year has been of a high standard and there has been a willingness to sacrifice themselves for the sake of the school, on the part of the members of the Choir, that 1 greatly appreciate. The very large attendance at our Carol Service is an indication that others also appreciate the work and quality of the Choir. A Thrift Club has been started this year and since Easter 245 Union Loan Certificates have been bought by 130 members (out of our 160 boys).

298 The Debating • Society has also been active and the standard of discussion is rising steadily. Prefects.—The discipline of the Army depends mainly on the calibre of the non-commissioned officers, and so, in a school, to a very large extent the discipline and well-being of the community depends on the Prefects and to a smaller extent on the other members of the senior forms. 1 report therefore, with very great pleasure, on the satisfactory work done by them this year. They have been loyal, conscientious and, as a whole, tactful in their control. Staff.—We bid farewell this year to Mr. E. M. Knubley, M.A., and Mrs. E. Beatty, B.Sc., who came to our help when staffing difficulties were most marked. We wish to record our deep gratitude for their help and hope that both of them will not seldom be seen in our midst in the days to come. Mr. Swanepoel also leaves us for a year to further his studies. Next year, apart from the place being kept open for Mr. Hopkins, who is still on active service, we shall return to normal con ditions as regards staff, and two excellent permanent appointments have been made. I would like to pay tribute, at the end of a year that has inevitably been difficult because of the strain under which we all live, to the loyalty and co-operation of my staff in all matters making for the welfare of the school, and also for their deep concern in the future of our boys. EducaHon.—This has been a year of steady progress and we hope for satisfactory results in the examinations that have just been taken. My staff and I have been greatly concerned at the way the avenues to a variety of careers are being steadily closed to any boy who has not passed his Matriculation examination. I can think of cases in the past where boys eminently fitted for the career they wished to follow, found themselves debarred because of a failure in one or two subjects for the Matriculation. I know, too, of other cases where boys who would never have passed this examination are doing amazingly well in highly technical industries because of their natural ability; in their cases, oppor tunities have come to them which ought to be the right of all boys. Protests by teachers and by. parents bring no result. We cannot take action by boycotting the examination as that would prejudice our pupils, for more and more the professions and even trades grow dictatorial as to the qualifications of the boys seeking admission. With the knowledge of this before us we have devised a curriculum that will come into operation next year, and will give all our boys a much wider choice of subjects without in the least undermining the work already done. Boys will then have an open choice between the actual Matriculation and the Seaior Certificate (the latter being taken under conditions that will give a Matriculation exemption). This' will affect all the classes except the top' class next year. * Two years ago we made our first attempt at the introduction of the dual medium. It was not altogether a success, because too big a pro portion of the boys in the lower classes (where we made the attemp') had come to us with either no knowledge of Afrikaans at all, or else with so litle that every lesson given through that medium had to be repeated. The matter is not being left there. Where possible, sections of lessons are still given in Afrikaans. The Biology classes, though taught in English, use an Afrikaans textbook, and we hope gradual!" to develop the idea until it can be fully applied. We look for a greater measure of success when we begin to get into our lower classes the boys who have already profited by the instruction which the Natal Education Department has instituted. Chapel.—It is a matter of deep satisfaction to all of us that within the next twelve months (other things being equal) we shall have a school chapel. A friend—who wishes to remain anonymous for the present—has offered to build this for us, and wishes the work to start at once. 1 think he feels, as I do, that it is difficult to achieve the

299 right atmosphere in our services when they are held in a hall that Is used for so many other purposes during the week. In addition to this offer, I have collected about £1,000, which will go towards the organ and the furniture, and I hope that before long the amount will be con siderably increased. The Chapel is to be a memorial to the Old Boys who have laid down their lives in this Great War, and a good deal of the £1,000 I have in hand has been ear-marked for special memorials. A school is a microcosm of the great world around us, and I believe that in our religious life within this school we suffer and we gain, as does the world around us, from the perils and the strain of our times The religious have become more clear and definite in their beliefs the others tend to break still further away from the Church and its beliefs. A school such as this, where most boys come from homes with some spiritual background, gains rather than loses, and the very large number of boys who have been confirmed as members of either the Church of the Province or the Methodist Church emphasises this and is a tribute to the work being done by Canon Haewood Harris and our chaplain. Rev. 8. Sewell. ' criticism could be made on this score. It would be that this Methodist institution emphasises so little the special tenets of the Methodist Church and its founder. Indeed I am ashamed to say that we have not even a portrait of John Wesley anywhere about the College, otill in these days when the churches, as never before, are coming to understand one another, the absence of any marked denominationalism cannot be altogether deplored. General.—Thinkers the world over are facing, increasingly, the prob lem of New Orders which are to make the world safe for democracy and to take away the root causes of war and poverty and oppression. They have seen that in a matter of some ten years, education on definite arranged lines was able to weld the German nation into a united people with one narrow, unsocial, insular ttitude. They have seen what educa tion has done in Russia in binding together a multitude of nations and giving them at least a spirit of co-operation that would have seemed impossible a few years ago. So they look to educatiop to prepare the way for New Orders they begin to visualise. I can hardly venture to suggest that we are doing all we could to help but I do think we are doing what we can to preach the sacredness of the individual and the deep need to give equal opportunities to all. There is one way in which the schools might help in the difficult years that will follow the coming of peace—a way by which we might spread a knowledge of the reasons why, we believe, we are fighting If schools throughout the British Empire, in the United States, and possibly in Russia, would accept for a period of one or two years' after the war, German boys and girls up to (say) 5 per cent of their numbers then there might return to Germany a new generation in touch with and sympathetic towards, our outlook and the dire work of the Nazi regime during the past ten "years be overcome. The College suffers from the embarrassments of success. We badly need more classrooms, better laboratories, a good library, better buildings for our servants, hobby rooms, another sports field and so on—the list IS almost unending. Gradually all these must be provided. We cannot st'and still, and there is little likelihood that we shall. I think my Chairman often Compares me with the importunate widow, but actually he is as deeply desirous of these developments as am I. Our friends grow in number and I have faith that a school that has in so many ways obviously been guided throughout its career will not be forgotten in the bequests of men who see in a school, not only a possible and lasting memorial to themselves, (a noble though somewhat selfish attitude), but also a way by which wealth can be made into a permanent ladder up which the boys and girls of succeeding generations may climb to fame and honour and service.

300

a ■ Finally I wish to express to the Board of Governors, on behalf of myself and my staff, our deep appreciation of their interest, practical as well as sympathetic, in all our activities and for making it possible on occasion for the staff to meet them in a round-table discussion and in a full exchange of opinions. With this co-operation between staff and Board we need have no fear for the future, of Kearsney.

PRIZE LIST. Form 1: 1, G. F. Maclean; 2, A. N. Tytherleigh. Industry., D. McDonald; Progress, R. A. Coventry. Form II: I, ). S. M. Fox; 2, R. I. Leisegang. Industry, R. A. ). Taylor; Progress, H. A. Cowen. Form lllb: 1, ). H. S. Ayres; D. D. L. Jardine. Industry, G. de )agerr Form Ilia: I, D, W. Barker; 2, A. E. Squibb. Industry, D. G. Cominos and B. G. Woodhead. Form IVc: I, D. H. )ones; 2, V. Davy. Progress, ). A. Franklin. Form IVa: I, L. F. Forsyth; 2, P. B. Chaplin. Progress, E. Hall; Industry, C. C. Didcott. Form Vc: 1, R. C. McLeod. Industry, D.-E. Damp and I. R. Balcomb. Form Va: I, G. C. Harrison; 2, W. Wilker. Progress, G. R. Slatter; Industry, G. M. Garbutt. Form VI: I, B. J. Woods; 2, L. A. H. Lewis. Industry, J. A. Clark- son; Music, B. J. Woods. Bugle Competition; A. J. Boorman. Drum Competition: I. I. Ives. Certificates were also presented to successful candidates in the P.S.C., J.C., J.C.C., and Taalbond Examinations.

ENTERTAINMENTS

August 7th—" Leather Pushers." August 21st—" Cas Bags." September 4th—" Light that Failed." September 18th—"Love your Neighbours." October 16th—"Strange Faces." October 30th—" Gaunt Stranger." November 13th—"Four Just Men." November 27th—" Ride 'em Cowboy." December 4th—" Hunchback of Notre Dame." December 8th—" Desert Victory." On September 11th, Mr. j. Lea Morgan gave us a piano recital. The most marked characteristic of the recital was the exquisite tenderness of his touch, which was really more suited to parlour playing than to the poor acoustics of our dining hall. Besides giving us selections from classical composers, he opened with four preludes of his own, noteworthy and beautiful, and revealing the perfection of his technique even to those whose tastes run only to "swing."

301

JUt.. LITERARY AND DEBATING SOCIETY

Prc^ramme: August 15th—Debate: "That all Germans must be held responsible for the oppression in Europe." Voting: 12-20. August 29th—Lecture by J. A. Clarkson: "Social Study Group." September 12—Debate: "That it is better to know every thing about something than something about every thing." Voting: 14-14. ' September 25th—Mock Trial. September 26th—A symposium of views. October 24th—Literary Readings. November 7th—Debate: "That immigration into South Africa after the war is very desirable." Voting: 21-12. November 21st—Valete Toasts. November 28th—Lecture by B. J. Woods; "The History of Music." The standard of debate has varied a good deal^ usually depending upon the appeal of the subject^ but the average Is undoubtedly higher than ever before. Attendances have averaged 30 to 40, though some members have achieved the distinction of having attended every meeting and not spoken once! • The last debate was especially keen, and not only are speakers dispensing with notes and acquiring fluency, but they are showing a ready wit and fondness for Imitating the style of greater speakers than themselves. (" Never," said the leader of the opposition on one occasion, " have so many listened for so long to so little."). The lecures by Clarkson and Woods were excellent. The former showed how greatly he had benefited from his Social Study work In Marltzburg, and he succeeded In greatly Interesting the Society In social welfare, as could be judged from question time; the latter spoke fluently and easily on a subject with which he was thoroughly familiar, so that even the non-musical found themselves asking Intelligent questions! The toasting of those leaving produced some of the best speeches of the year, many of the speakers revealing a most unsuspected fluency and subtlety of humour, not to mention friendly leg-pulling, notably an effort a la Roosevelt on the part of Didcott, and some brotherly exhorta tion on the part of the younger Trentham to the elder. The biggest piece of work of the half year was the Mock Trial, presented by the Executive. This had Involved a good deal of earnest labour and voluminous typing on the part of Mr. Reece, being modelled on the evidence of an actual case. E. van der Schyff, chemist's assistant, was charged with murdering his wife and two children by morphine poisoning and disposing of their bodies In a trunk. The Crown Prosecutor (B. Woods) produced evidence which left the prisoner little hope; yet his persuasive powers were even eclipsed by those of the Council for the Defence (L. Lewis), and the summing up of the )udge (V, Mathlas, whose copious notes were later revealed to have only a pictorial bearing on the case!) was strictly Impartial. The Jury were called from the audience, and after a long absence returned a verdict of " Not guilty." Other dramatic personnel were: Registrar, C. H. Stein; Usher, |. B. Trentham; Owner of flat, I. Jackson; Owner of warehouse, J. Redgment; Police inspector, A. V. Trentham; Physician, .W, Wilker; Mother of deceased lady, I. Stones.

302 CHOIR

There has been a full programme of work during the half year, culminating with a most successful Carol Service on December 5th. The increased proficiency at sight-reading has been very noticeable, this being due- in considerable measure to the arrival of adequate quantities of sheet music. In fact, the tenors and basses read through their parts (albeit somewhat crudely!) of Mozart's "Gloria in Excelsis" at their first sitting, undeterred even by the Latin setting! The practices have been devoted almost entirely to sacred music, and in addition to plain carols, the choir has learned the above-mentioned "Gloria in Excelsis," "Give ear unto my Prayer" (Arcadelt), "Send out Thy Light" (Gounod), "Christ in His Garden" (Tchaikovski), and kept in vocal trim with Jackson's "Te Deum " and further new hymns. I should like to thank the members of the Choir who have so ceaselessly and enthusiastically given of their best throughout the year, and feel sure that this aspect of their work is forming quite an important part of the liberal edu cation we try to give at Kearsney. There is undoubtedly a growing appreciation for better class music, as well as a growing facility in the purely mechanical ability to read it. The following bo-ys have sung In the Choir:— Basses: C. J. Barnes, A. J. Boorman, ). A. Clarkson, L, H. Dixon, R. E. ). Fielding, C. D. Hill, I. I. Ives, L. A. H. Lewis, P. W. Slayen, A. V. Trentham, W. Wilker. Tenors: B. P. J, Duranty, C. C. Harrison, R. J. Lee, ]. E. M. Nasmith, G. H. Stein, J. B. Trentham, A, B. van Aardt, B, J. Woods, J. L. B. Taylor. Altos: H. L. Albertyn, ). H. S. Ayres, D. W. Barker, L. F. Forsyth, G. R. Foss, P. N. Carbutt, D. B. Grant, T. M. McKenzie, C. K. Miles- Cadman, B. B. Shagam, G. R. Slatter, C.- H. Smith, J. P. S. Turner. Trebles: E. Anderson, R. A. Coventry, J. H. Coombe, H. A. Cowen, L. E. L. Hallam, D. H. )ay, R. R. Maguire, S. A. Morrison, K. Shimwell, G. W. Shuker, R. A. ). Taylor, N. S. Wauchope, C. T. Weston, P. R. Young, A. H. Yuille, J. R. Suter. Solo work by J. A. Clarkson, I. I. Ives, B. ). Woods, J. B. Trentham, G. R. Foss, L. F. Forsyth, J. H. Coombe, P. R. Young. Lections by L. W. E. Dyson, C. J. Davey, E. J,-Sandeman, R. J, Evans, G. L. Ovenstone. ).F.R.

CAROL SERVICE

The Carol Service this year was quite ciur most successful one so far, and that is high praise, The Choir was trained to as near perfection as was possible—and few of our visiting friends could realise how many hours of work were put. in—the weather was exceedingly kind, and a fleet of cars, well, controlled by our "traffic cops,"

303 brought us over 200 visitors. It was a thrill and a surprise 1°urther 4.1^^ districts,niany, and the thelarger dining proportion hall was comingcrowded, from even the to the porch. The standard of singing was set in the opening chorus a most spirited rendering of Mozart's "Gloria in Excelsis" and 'n spite of the evening being hot and the programrrie long, the Choir never wilted for one moment. The Head- master gave a telling address based on the school motto, and when it was all over, a retiring collection brought iri The princely sum of £75 towards the Memorial Chapel Fund. Altogether a tioteworthy evening! The programme was as follows:— ^ Gabriels Message' ■ ... Basque Mozart Carol Shepherds,^ shake off your drowsy •:sleep" ... NormandyBesancon CarolTune The Lamb Trebles Brook "Nazareth"Christ In His .. Garden , fcha^owTkl- Brook "The First Nowell" ^adi^^na "Good Christian men, rejoice" . ••• Tr^^AiradiTional 'Cod rest ^ — itiona! "CivpGive «ear untoT my prayer" ... TraditionalArcadelt "'cnnd^l^^^ u/" C^7shTas Day" .".'.."iradhionaI "SHiioooa thef\ing Sight" Wences as ;;; i

THE SCHOOL CHAPEL

t ' —• towards the possibility of a Chapelthoughts materialising have been Withoutdirected hZ having been made, the Headmaster already hf I I I ^o^^rds the furnishing of it. The Chapel will Onu d BoysR haveMernorial indicated Chapel, a desire and to paymany for parents certain of specific fallen parts of the equipment, in memory of their sons Now comes the great riews that a friend of the school the Chapel1^'^ for us, andremain has instructedanonymous, the is architect going to tobuild go ahead with plans at once. This is indeed a grand gift and Methodism will go out to our benefactor. thanks of all We hope to amass sufficient money to cover the cost of furnishing and organ, and look forward confidently to a beautiful place of worship which will stand as the also to the sacrifice of those othergenerosity, men of oursand whoa tribute have given their lives for us. •

304 RUGBY

This halt was cut shorter than usual. Firstly there were so many crocks at the beginning of the term that we had to cancel our game against Cleriwood, and then we were not able to play Voortrekker owing to the toll the 'flu had taken of the sides. The game against D.H.S. must rank among the best this year. It was a rousing game from beginning to end, and the pace was exceptionally fast throughout. Once again the forwards played with real dash and inspiration, and the backs tackled with grim determination. This side must rank as the best aH round side we have yet had. Its performances are such as to be proud of, and the side will be able to look back with real pleasure and pride in the performances of 1943. Honours Cap to T. Calder. Colours are awarded to E. Ayres, C. Barnes, J. Clarkson, D. Damp, C. Davey, G. Gillies, I. Ives, R, McLeod, A. Trent- ham, N. Walker.

RUGBY CHARACTERS, 1943. I. McLeod (capt.) (wing): Lost a good deal of his attacking ability, but improved in defence. Did not get many opportunities and so probably the loss of thrust was not entirely his fault. - D. Nathan (vice-capt.) (full-back): Tended to be rather on the slow side, but sound in defence and usually got his touch in. «T. CaTder (forward): Exceptionally energetic front ranker, who manages to give full weight and often able to break before the flanks. Always on the ball and seems tireless. Played consistently well the whole season. D. Rock (wing and scrum-half): Has done duty well in both positions. His defence is very sound and gives most unselfish service from the scrum. Handicapped by inability to kick quickly. D. Damp (centre): One of the most improved players in the side. His attack has been good and defence very sound. Has a disconcerting run, and when he learns to give the ball when half through the gap, will be a dangerous attacking centre. C. Gillies (centre): Had the misfortune, to dislodge his cartilage in the last game of the first half. His attack is good and he has a deceptive run. With more experience will do well. . J. Davey (scrum-half and centre): Very strong running player and resolute in defence. A useful member of the side. When he learns to pass in one movement from the scrum will be greatly improved in that position. - R. McLeod (fly-half): Has settled down very well in the new position. Still inclined to hang a bit with his pass. Kicks well and possesses speed and a deceptive run. -■N. Walker (lock forward): Finds he is more comfortable there than as hooker. Is very useful in the line-out and is fast becoming a more than useful member of the side. Was invited to the Natal Schools' Trials. - G. Barnes (lock" forward): A hard working forward, always in the thick of things. Greatly improved. Handling better. • • A. Trentham (front rank): Most energetic fast forward, to be found wherever there is work to be done. Plenty of dash, and should do well.

305 . J. Trentham (hooker): In that position has served the side well, getting a fair share of the ball. A much improved member of the side. E. Ayres (flank forward): Fast and reliable in defence, and fast learning the art of being in position for attack, f. Clarkson (flank forward): His sense of anticipation made up for his lack of speed. Never shirked any of his duties, and always tried. A greatly improved player. I. Ives (No. 8): Tireless worker with plenty of determination at all times. Never for a moment during a game took things easily or lightly. A valuable member of the side. Others who have played are: M. Crookes and N. Theunissen.

August 14th. V. D.H.S. Home. Draw 3—3. The game opened at an exceedingly fast pace, which was main tained for the whole of the first half. Though it slackened a bit just after half time, the final quarter was as hectic as ever in pace. We won most of the set and loose scrums in the first half, but D.H.S., coming up fast, allowed us very little room to move in. Damp stab punted ahead, McLeod gathered in full stride, and it looked odds on his going over, but a magnificent tackle by the D.H.S. full-back saved a certain try. Calder was ever present, and on two occasions burst through on his own, but without the necessary support. The forwards had taken complete control of the game and allowed their opponents no rest. An interesting half ended without any score. The second half saw us defending desperately. D.H.S. monopolised the scrums for about ten minutes and attacked from one side to the other. It seemed as though they must score, and some heroic tackling by forwards and backs kept them out. Continued pressure brought its reward, for they got the overlap and Edwards went over in the corner. From the kick-ott we swept down, heeled, and off went the line, the ball swung in and out again, and Ayres came through to takei the final pass and crash over on the corner flag to equalise. McLeod's kick was a good effort, but short. D.H.S. were determined to go ahead, and their forwards swept down over the line and then on to the dead ball line, so losing a certain try. Next McLeod saved another sitter, and we breathed freely when we were able to work our way free. Attacking strongly we were held short of the line when the final whistle ended a most exciting game.

August 21 St. V. MARISTS, ' Away. Won 9—3. A wet day with a high wind spoilt many promising movements. Marists were first to score from a penalty for "foot up," and we equalised soon after also from a penalty, by R. McLeod. Marists forwards were getting the lion's share of the ball, but their backs made little use of this fact. Once or twice there were anxious moments, but the defence rallied in time. We had two good opportunities of scoring, but R. McLeod and then Damp elected to go back into the forwards. In the second half, with the wind behind we soon attacked and a really glorious movement with forwards and backs taking part was held up on the line.- Marists cleared, but once again there was a sweeping movement and only a final forward pass prevented a score. It had to come, and after the forwards had worked their way downfieid. Rock broke and sent Theunissen over in the corner. Instead of our using a high kick, the touch line was usgd far too frequently, with the result that opportunities were missed. We scored again from a penalty near the end, R. McLeod converting from near in. The forwards did not seem to relish the strange conditions.

306 SPORTS DAY

For the first time in history, the weather was unkind to us and on the Saturday when we were to have had the Sports, it drizzled. We cancelled the Sports, but so many parents and friends arrived that we entertained them to some of the events, and made it a dress rehearsal for the competitors. We had well over a hundred visitors, in spite of petrol restrictions and the bad weather. They enjoyed what they saw of the boys' running, and there is no doubt, that the boys benefited a great deal from this outing. Monday was a glorious day, if a trifle hot in the middle of the day. We had our full programme of events and quite a number of guests again. Those who were able to come were indeed fortunate, as the standard was exceedingly high, and no less than 10 records were broken. This was somewhat unexpected in view of the large number broken last year. In those events where new figures were not set up, the times and distances were also very good. In the Open, the two outstanding events were McLeod's quarter and Ayres' mile. The former always looked likely to break the record; the latter had clipped a few seconds off the record on the Saturday and then pro ceeded to better that time. This was largely due to Ives making the running in the third lap. Crookes, just behind in both the half and the mile, made the running most interesting, because there were never more than a few yards between these two. R. McLeod was the outstanding athlete in the Under I62- division, where there seems to be some good material. Theunissen and Walker also broke records, and Simmonds ran well for his first appearance. In the Under 15, van Aardt showed much promise and great improvement on last year. His mile was really a fine effort. In the Under 13, Isralls had things much his own way, and if he had been extended in his half mile would have set up new figures. We said that it would be difficult to repeat last year's performance, and that it was unlikely there would be as good a day. This year came very near to being as good and that is praise, indeed. Rear-Admiral R. Scott, R.N., very kindly gave away the prizes at the conclusion. Trophy winners were;— Open: Hulett Trophy; jointly I. McLeod (440) and E. Ayres (mile). Under 16^; Les France Trophy; R. McLeod (Long Jump). Under 15: Grant Weston Trophy: A. van Aardt (mile). Under 14: Pennefather Trophy; P. Young (880). Under 13: J. H. Hopkins Trophy: B. Isralls (880). Inter House: Oliver Pearce Trophy: Gillingham.

S07 Athletic colours were awarded to: M. Crookes, I. ives, J. Davey. Congratulations to E. Ayres on running 3rd in the inter Schools Mile at Estcourt. (M. Crookes ran 5th.)

RESULTS: 75 yards, Under 13: 1, B. Isralls; 2, Butterworth; 3, Coventry. Time: 1 O k sees. 75 yards. Under 14: 1, RItz; 2, Brass;'3, Young. Time: 9i sees. ICQ yards. Under 15: 1, Hurst; 2, J. Brown; 3, MeKenzie. Time; 12 sees. 100 yards. Under 16i: 1, R. MeLeod; 2, A. Trentham; 3, D. Jones. Time: 1 1 sees, (reeord). 100 yards. Open: 1, I. McLeod and E. Ayres; 3, D. Nathan. Time; I I 1/10 sees. 220 yards. Under 13: 1, B. Isralls; 2, Butterworth; 3, Woodhead. Time: 30 sees. 220 yards. Under 14: 1, Ritz; 2, Young; 3, Rapson. Time: 28 k sees. 220 yards. Under 15: 1, Hurst; 2, MeKenzie; 3, van Aardt and Brown. Time: 27 sees. 220 yards. Under 16i: 1, R. McLeod; 2, A. Trentham; 3, Theunissen. Time: 25 sees. 220 yards. Open: 1, 1. McLeod; 2, Nathan; 3, Dyson. Time: 24i sees. 440 yards. Under 16-k: 1, R. MeLeod; 2, Dale; 3, A. Trentham. Time: 55i sees, (record). 440 yards. Open: 1, 1. McLeod; 2, Dyson; 3, Rock. Time 52% sees, (record). 880 yards. Under 13: 1, B. Isralls; 2, Mundell; 3, Lander.* Time: 2 mins. 38-k sees. 880 yards. Under 14: 1, Young; 2, Rapson; 3, P. Taylor. Time: 2 mins. 29 sees. 880 yards. Under 15: 1, van Aardt; 2, Wedderburn; 3, Hurst. Time: 2 mins. 23-t sees. 880 yards. Under lO-k: 1, Simmonds; 2, Theunissen; 3, Slayen. Time: 2 mins. 13 sees. 880 yards, Open: 1, Ayres; 2, M. Crookes; 3, Ives. Time: 2 mins. 5-2- sees. Mile, Under 15: 1, van Aardt; 2, Wedderburn; 3, j. Ayres. Time: 5 mins. 161 sees, (reeord). Mile, Under I6-2-: 1, Simmonds; 2, Dale; 3, Slayen. Time: 5 mins. 8-f sees. Mile, Open: 1, E. Ayres; 2, M. Crookes; 3, Ives. Time: 4 mins. 52 sees, (reeord). Long Jump, Under 13: 1, B. Isralls; 2, Butterworth; 3, Woodhead. Distance: 14 ft. 6 ins. (record). Long Jump, Under 14: 1, Ritz; 2, Brass; 3, Rapson. Distance: 16 ft. 0-k in. Long Jump, Under 15: 1, Wedderburn; 2, Forsyth; 3, Hurst. Distance: 16 ft. 7 ins. Long Jump, Under 16-1-: 1, R. McLeod; 2, Theunissen; 3, Jones. Dis tance: 20 ft. 2 ins. (record). Long Jump, Open: X, Davey; 2, 1. MeLeod; 3, Nathan. Distance: 19 ft. 91" ins. High Jump, Under 13: 1, B. Isralls; 2, Woodhead; 3, Coventry. Height: 4 ft. O-4- ins. High Jump, Under 14: 1, Rapson; 2, Brass; 3, H. Metcalfe. Height: 4 ft. 4-1 ins. High Jump, Under 15: 1, Foss; 2, Forsyth; 3, Metcalfe, Doveton, Poole. Height: 5 ft.

308 • -

High Jump, Under 16i: 1, Jones and Theunissen; 3, R. McLeod. Height; High jump. Open: 1, Nathan; 2, Davey; 3, Calder. Height: 5 ft, 6i- ins. Discus Under 15: 1, van Aardt; 2, Poole; 3, ]. Ayres. Distance: 71 ft. Discus, Under 16^: 1, Walker; 2, R. McLeod; 3, jardine. Distance: 1 10 ft. 3i ins. (record). Discus, Open: 1, Davey; 2, Rock; 3, Cole. Distance: 100 ft. 3 ins. Shot, Under 16i: 1, Theunissen; 2, Walker; 3, R. McLeod. Distance: 33 ft. 3i ins. (record). Shot, Open: 1, 1. McLeod; 2, M. Crookes; 3, Davey. Distance; 35 ft. 2-J- ins. Cricket Ball, Under 15: 1, P. Carbutt; 2, van Aardt; 3, Ritz. Distance: 76 yds. 1 ft. Cricket Ball, Under 161: 1, Walker; 2, jonsson; 3, A. Trentham. Dis tance: 98 yds. 2 ft. 11 ins. (record). Cricket Ball, Open: 1, Davey; 2, Rock; 3, 1. McLeod. Distance: 81 yds. 0 ft. 51 ins. Parents' Walk: Mrs. Jonsson and Mr. Forsyth. 880 yards, non-Finalists: 1, Pope; 2, Paverd; 3, Fielding. Tirrie: 2 mins. 221 sees. Relay, Under 13 Gillingham. Harriers, Under 13:, FInningley. Relay, Under 14 Gillingham. Harriers, Under 14: Finningley. Relay, Under 1 5 Gillingham. Harriers, Under 15: Gillingham, Relay, Under 161: Gillingham. Harriers, Under 161: Gillingham. Relay, Open; Gillingham. Harriers, Open; Finningley. Tug-o'-War; Gillingham.

CRICKET, 1943

The results achieved during term were excellent, especially in view of the fact that weather conditions were always difficult. The bowling has made great strides. The bowlers are creating opportunities, not always accepted in the field. The batting has been less consistent, the early batsmen failing too often. In Schools' Week it was the batting which let us down, the bowling was good, would have been excellent if the catches had been held. With the majority of the side back next year, the experience gained ought to be of great value, provided they profit by their mistakes. The batting must be less negative and there must be more determination to hit the ball rather than to have it hit the bat. Colours have been awarded this term to C. M. Gillies, I. I. Ives, and T. D, Jacobs.

309 CRICKET CHARACTERS. McLeod, I. (capt.): Left arm slow bowler and forceful bat. His bowling has greatly Improved lately and has helped to give badly needed variety. Has good control of his side and his Interest has done much for the school, Sound field. Nathan, D. (vice-capt.); Right hand medium-paced bowler and steady bat. Bowling and batting have not maintained the standard set earlier in the year and he appears to have lost interest. Sound field. Jonsson, P.: Wicket-keeper anct very promising batsman. His keeping Is sometimes excellent and sometimes lacking in concentration. Batting steadily Improving and will bring many runs if Interest and promise Is maintained. Gillies, C.: Medium-paced right-hand bowler, and left-hand bat. The most promising bat In the side, and, with care, should go far. Bowling at present lacks accuracy. Very safe field. Dyson, L.: Stylish ba*, with some good strokes to the off, and a very fine ground fielder. Ives, I.: Has become a useful opening bat, with plenty of determination, but, as yet, few scoring strokes. Exceptionally safe field. Jacobs, T.:' At the end of the year develop^ rapidly Into a most useful opening bowler, with good command of length and direction. Batting began to reveal some of his earlier promise at last. The only player to do himself justice during cricket week. Very safe fieid. Stei.n, C.: Has plenty of determination and Is very willing to learn., Patient batsman and may become a useful slow bowler. Walker, N.: Will be a useful fast bowler when he learns control. Batting lacks smoothness, but at the end of the season showed considerable skill In keeping his wicket intact. Davey, C.: Forceful left-hand batsman, and a very keen and smart fielder. Theunissen, N.: Promising batsman and bowler who should do well next year. Jones, D.: Has cricket ability and good batting style. With greater enthusiasm will do well. McLeod, R.: Has a good eye, and could be more than useful slow bowler. Very safe field.

AVERAGES

BATTING. lings. Not Out. Highest. Total. Average. Gillies 18 2 82* 320 20 Jonsson 16 1 71* 268 17.9 Dyson ...... 13 2 58 175 15.9 Nathan 18 3 52* 232 15.5 Jacobs ... 14 3 37 168 15.2 McLeod, I 15 0 50 146 9.7 Jones 8 0 22 75 9.4 Stein ...' 10 1 28* 81 9.0 Also batted: Ives, 1 J -0-27-70-6.4; Theunissen, 9-4-14-3 ?-6.2; Walker, 8-0-18-48-6- Davey, 1 1-1-11-45-4.5; McLeod, R., 8-3-6*-20-4.

BOWLING. 0. M. R. W. Average. Theunissen 30 3 91 1 1 8.3 Jacobs 24 433 40 10.8 McLeod, 1 122 20 408 36 1 1 .3 Gillies 68 5 206 17 12.1 Nathan 30 535 44 12.2 Walker 56 8 143 5 28.6

310 MATCHES. November 6th, v. CLENWOOD, Home. Lost by 13 runs. Stein and Walker, in a spirited last wicket stand, almost snatched the game from our opponents. Apart from these two and Nathan, the batting looked poor. Kearsney; Gillies, b Martin 1; Ives, c Moxley b Little 2; Nathan, b Martin 22; Jonsson, b Martin 0; McLeod, c Dyer b Martin 0; Dyson, c and b Nicolson 5; Jacobs, b Foster 10; Stein, not out 28; Theunissen, b Foster 3; Davey, c Lang b Foster 11; Walker, c Nicolson b Foster 8; extras 13. Total 103. Bowling: Martin 4 for 26. Glenwood: 1 16. Bowling; Nathan, 8—0—24—1; Walker, 1 1 — 1—26—2; Theunissen, 1—0—5—0; McLeod, 9—0—31—3;' Jacobs, 6—1 —16—4; Dyson, 1—0—4—0.

November 13th. V. D.H.S. Away. Drawn. It looked as though we would be dismissed for a very small score, being 5' down for 22. Gillies and Jonsson, however, settled down and playing delightful cricket added 120 runs, undefeated for the 6th wicket, batting for just on two hours. It was a splendid performance. Kearsney: Stein, c Kaplan b Donaldson 2; Ives, c Kaplan b Deane 3; Gillies, not out 49;.Nathan, b Deane 1; McLeod b Deane 4; Dyson Ibw b Donaldson 3; Jonsson, not put 71; extras 9. Total 142'for 5 wickets. Jacobs, Davey, Walker and Theunissen did not bat. D.H.S.: 170 (Barber 72). Bowling: Nathan, 19—4—51—3; Walker, 6—0—17—0; Jacobs, 13—4—38—5;'McLeod, 8—1.—36—1; Stein, 2—0—25—0.

November 20th. V. HILTON Maritzburg. Drawn. Unfortunately a wet wicket delayed play until after lunch. Early success was not taken full advantge of, and two lapses in the field cost us dearly in runs. Left with 90 minutes to get the runs, we played patiently against very accurate bowling, without having any chance to go for the runs. Kearsney: Ives, not out 17; Jones, Ibw b Dinkleman 7; Gillies, c Walker b Dinkleman 6; Nathan, c Salvesen b Smith 16; Dyson, not out 6; extras 6. Total 58 for 3 wickets. Jonsson, I. McLeod, Jacobs, Stein, R. McLeod, and Walker did not bat, Hilton: 167 for 3 declared (Dinkleman 59 not out, Salvesen 38 not out, Greene 35). Bowling: Nathan, ICL—I—53—2; Jacobs, 10—2—43—1; Walker, 6—2—12—0; McLeod, I., ' " "" " Stein, 1—0—16—0.

November 27th. v. ST. CHARLES. Home. Won by innings and 67 runs. ■ Dyson's innings was lucky, but brave. Jonsson batted quietly and correctly. I. McLeod bowled exceedingly well in both innings, and Jacobs gathered much extra speed in the 2nd innings. The side fielded very well indeed. Kearsney: Jones, Ibw b Boys 0; Ives, b Kirby-Smith 10; Gillies, b Boys 0; Nathan, b Steenkamp 15; Dyson, b Gibson 58; Jonsson, run out 26; McLeod, I., b A'Bear 7; Jacobs, b Gibson 2; McLeod, R.," not out 4; Stein, b A'Bear 1; Walker, b Boys 6; extras 25. Total 154. St. Charles, 1st innings: 55. Bowling: Nathan, 9—1—22—2; Jacobs, 7-2-13—2; McLeod, 1., 5—5—0—4; Walker, 1 — i—0—0; McLeod, R., 2—0—9—0.

31.1 St. Charles, 2nd innings: 32. eowiing: Jacobs, 7—1—18—7; Walker, 2—2—0—0; McLeod, I., 4—3—5—3.

December 12th. v. MICHAELHOUSE. Maritzburg. Drawn. Only time robbed us of an almost certain victory. Several possible catches, one particularly, proved expensive, and the bowlers suffered as a result. A splendid fighting innings by Ives and the best knock to date by Gillies ably assisted by Nathan and Jonsson, nearly brought us victory. Kearsney: Ives, b Harsant 27; Stein, Ibw b McBride 6; Jacobs, b Brunskill 2; Gillies, not out 82; Nathan, b Arkwright 21; Jonsson,. not out 18; extras 14. Total 170 for 4 wickets. I. McLeod, Dyson, R. , McLeod, Davey and Walker did not bat. Michaelhouse: 199 (Price-Moor 54, Harsant 42). Bowling: McLeod, 6—1—68—4; Jacobs, 11—0—56—2; Nathan, 12—2—63—3; Walker, 3—1 — 12—0.

December 13th. v. HILTON. Track. Lost by 4 wickets. Our display on a wet wicket was a very creditable one. Had catches been held, Hilton might have found our total too big for them, but too many chances were not accepted. Kearsney: Ives, Ibw b King 2; Jones, st Salvesen b Dinkleman 5; Walker, b Smith 7; Gillies, b Salmon 26; Nathan, st Salvesen b Dinkle man 2; McLeod, I., c Davies b Dinkleman* 0; Jonsson, st Salvesen b Dinkleman 3; Dyson, run out 0; Jacobs, not out 31; McLeod, R., Ibw b Dinkleman 1; Davey, c King b Dinkleman 5; extras 3. Total 85. Hilton: 96 for 6. Bowling: Nathan, 6—0—17—-1; Jacobs, 1 1-2-27-2; McLeod, 9—1 — 19—1; Gillies, 9—0—27—2.

December 14th. v. MARITZBURG COLLEGE. Kingsmead 2: Lost by 150 runs. We were completely outplayed by a very sound side who gave nothing away. Weather conditions did not favour us, but this does not detract from the excellence of our opponents' performance. Kearsney: Jones, c Orchard b Hay 5; Ives, c Parton b Hay 10; Nathan, b Hay 3; Gillies, b Hay 9; Jonsson, run out I; Walker, b Hay 3; Jacobs, c and b Keith 0; Dyson c Hall b Keith 3; McLeod, I., b Keith 0; McLeod, R., not out 2; Davey, b Hay 9; extras 9. Total 55. Maritzburg College: 205 for 4 wickets (Lamb 66 not out, Ruther ford 52 Bestall 42). Bowling: Nathan, 14—0—45—2; Jacobs, 21—3—71—2; Walker, 12—1—25—1; Gillies, 5-0-26-0; McLeod, 4—0—21—1; Dyson, 2—0—8—0.

December 15th. v. MICHAELHOUSE. Kingsmead 2. Lost by 87 runs. After we had dismissed our opponents for a reasonable score, our batting collapsed after a sensational start. A little more punch in^ the middle of the innings might have been to our advantge. Kearsney: Ives, b McBride 0; Walker, Ibw b Henderson 0; Gillies, b McBride 0; Nathan, run out 5; McLeod, b Henderson 0; Jonsson, c Deavin b Brunskill 7; Jacobs c Pennington b Brunskill 13; "Davey b Brunskill 5; Stein, run out 3; McLeod, R., not out 6; Theunissen, b Brunskill 3; extras 6. Total 48. Michaelhouse: 135. Bowling: Jacobs, 21—4—58—4; McLeod 14—2—34—3; Nathan, 12—3—21—2; Walker, 3—0—12—1; Gillies, 2—0—3—0. 312' December 16th, v. CLENWOOD. Tiack. Lost by 8 wickets. ' The batting once again failed, and two bad run outs when we seemed like settling down swung the balance again. Kearsney: Ives, b Martin 0'; Jones, c Moxley b Martin 4; Walker, b Martin 4; Gillies, c Dyer b Martin 0, Nathan, c Moxley b Nicolson 2; Jonsson, run out 37; Jacobs, b Alexander 24; I. McLeod, Ibw b Foster 14; Davey, run out 0; R. McLeod, Ibw b Foster 0; Theunissen, not out 1; extras 2. Total 88. Clenwood: 170 for 7 wickets (Little 51 not out). Bowling; Jacobs, 12—1—39—1; Nathan, 8—2—13—1; Walker, 9—0—23—1; McLeod, I., 9—0—31—0; Gillies, 6—1—15—1; McLeod, R., 2-0—15—0; Theunissen, 7—1 —19—3.

December 17th. v. NORTHERN DISTRICTS. Kingsmead 2. Won by 67 runs. Although we won this match comfortably, nobody attacked the bowling with any vigour except Jacobs, who also put up the best bowling performance of the week. Kearsney; Jones, b Vermaak 22; Stein, b Guthrie 3; Walker, c Cuthrie b ^mclair 18; Ives, b Guthrie 5; Gillies, c Tedder ij Borain 22; Nathan, Ibw b Vermaak 14; Jonsson, Ibw b van Schalkwyk 1; McLeod, I., b Sinclair 5; Jacobs, not out 31; Davey, b Sinclair 1; Theunissen, b Sinclair 0; extras 1 1. Total 133. Northern Districts; 66 (Borain 22 not out). Bowling; Jacobs, 14—4—25-—7; Theunissen, 4—1—7—3; Nathan, 6—C7—14—0; Walker, 2—0—5—0; McLeod, 3-0-8-0; Gillies, 1—0—2—0. •

JUNIOR CRICKET.

V. GLEN WOOD Under 15: Kearsney: 48 and 101. Glenwood: 53 (Davy 6 for 10), and 42 (Henochsberg 6 for 5). Won by 54 runs.

V. D.H.S. Under 15; Kearsney: 73 and 73 for 6 wickets. .D.H.S.: 62 and 138 for 7 declared. Lost on 1st innings.

V. ST CHARLES Under 15; Kearsney; 169 (W. Jacobs 52, Henochsberg 41, Whlteley 43). St. Charles; 92 (Friday 6 for 19). Won by 77 runs.

V. ST CHARLES Under 15; St. Charles; 63 (Henochsberg 3 for 6, Friday 3 for 8), and 63 (Shagam 5 for 18). Kearsney; 79 (Whlteley 32), and 57 for 5 wickets (Davy 21 not out). Won by 5 wickets.

Under 13'v. HIGHBURY 2nd; Highbury; 51 (Shuker 7 for 19), and 9 for 3 wickets. Kearsney; 39 and 19. Lost by 7 wickets.

313 CADEt CORPS

The Detachment has been most fortunate in having an exceedingly capable set of Student Officers this year. They have set a high standard in efficiency and keenness. Their work has been well done, and I would like to take this opportunity of expressing my appreciation of their able assistance. The Annual Inspection was outstanding in every detail. The Inspecting Officer, Lt.-Col. Sumner, M.C., M.M., V.D., was greatly impressed with the steadiness on parade and the smart manner in which the Detachment moved. Each Student Officer demonstrated, with a section, some specialistic work: 2nd Lieut. I. McLeod "The Individual Stalk." 2nd Lieut. L. Dyson "Camouflage." 2nd Lieut. J. Davey ' "Compass Reading." 2nd Lieut. D. Nathan "Section Formations." 2nd Lieut. J. Clarkson , "Recognition of Targets." Visiting officers enjoyed seeing Section Leading done, and were able to see the ability of the Detachment to per form other than merely ceremonial work. Greater emphasis is being laid on Field work. The Band put up an exceedingly good performance in the Bugle Band Competition in Durban this year. Not many points separated the first three Bands, D.H.S., Glenwood, and ourselves, in that order. Unfortunately Capt. Goldstone had not been available to us this half year, owing to illness. We missed him very much and are pleased to see he has made such a good recovery. He was able to judge the Bugling for the Nasmith Trophy (a new trophy presented by jarries Nasmith for Annual Competition) and the Drumming for the Colley Drum (a miniature drum presented by Mr. Colley for Annual Competition). The Band has worked hard again this year and their improvement is most ■ marked. They assisted In the Annual Inspection of the Highbury Cadet Detachment, and later performed the Retreat Ceremony. It has been a highly satisfactory year all round. We are now to become an Ambulance Unit. More boys are being sent to Ambulance Courses so that this branch may receive more attention in the future. Our sincere thanks go to Mr. Colley for so kindly presenting a very fine minia ture drum for Annual Competition, and for his ever willing help to the Band in keeping their instruments in good repair. We also wish to thank James Nasmith for presenting a handsome trophy for Bugling. This will be an added incen tive to the Band.

314 Results in Nasmith Bugling Floating Results in Golley Drum Competi- Trophy: tion; 1. Boorman 30 27 2. Hill 29 26 3. Forsyth 28 3. Friday 25 4; Trentham 27 4. Rock ... 22

CADET MANOEUVRES. On 4th September, we went out on manoeuvres for the day in the direction of Shongweni. 2nd Lieut. J. Clarkson was in charge of the Western Force, while 2nd Lieut. J. Davey commanded the Eastern Force. The first obective was a knoll. The umpires adjudged the Western Force the winner here, as they occupied the hill in strength and could not be dislodged. After lunch a second operation took place further inland. A section of the Main Road leading to Shongweni was the objective. Here again the Western Force was given the verdict, as they were early in position and controlled the approaches on both sides. There was a really splendid outflanking movement in this operation, which deserved better results. Some, useful lessons were learned from these manoeu vres . The details of the operations wer eexceptionally well worked out, and full credit must go to the two commanders of the respective forces. The difficulty of maintaining con tact with H.Q. was well illustrated in both operations. The keenness of the Corps and their work in the Field will stand them in good stead. There were sqme amusing situations. Once a fine hold-up was staged and a cross fire went on. In the end the three who were stalking one another found they belonged to the same side! The wisdom of two operations instead of one long one was amply demonstrated. Those taken prisoner were able to profit by their experiences early on and they were deter mined not to be caught napping twice in one day. Some were successful. C.O.M.

SHOOTING. We are to obtain a trophy for Inter-House Competition on age basis lines: Open, Under 1 bi, and Under 15. Each House is to be represented by 6 boys in each division. A spoon will be presented to the best individual in each division This will take place in the final term of the year. In the Imperial Challenge Shield this year, the whole strength of the Corps was required to shoot and the per cent of scores to count was 70 per cent, as against 50 per cent, previously. Two boys, 2nd Lieut, j. Davey and C.S.M. G. Gillies qualified as Empire Marksmen. Nine others, 2nd Lieut. Nathan, Drum-Major R. McLeod, Cpl. Theunisseh, Ptes. Didcott, Poole, D. Woodhead, C. Brown, Paverd, and D. Metcalfe, qualified as first class shots. The average score for the Detachment was 71, but the figures as revised by Defence Headquarters have not yet been received.

315 A VISIT TO ADAMS' COLLEGE

By the indulgence of Dr. Edgar Brookes, and the kind invitation and hospitality of Dr. and Mrs. K. H. Wilker, I was able to spend several days at Adams College during the last Michaelmas holidays, and was fascinated, and indeed thrilled, by the experiences which came my way during those few days. To begin with, the layout of the grounds, or Campus, was very reminiscent of our grounds at the old school. Winding avenues of blue-gums, dripping in the rain, clumps of mangoes, citrus, bougainvillea, amatungulu, intermingled with numerous varieties of other trees .and flowering shrubs, bore pleasing testimony to the energies and foresight of Dr. K. R. Brueckner, who for 30 years now has tended to the local flora, The college buildings—teaching blocks, music block (a fine building), dining hall, dormitories, hostels for white and Bantu teachers, married quarters, chapel—are dotted about In such seeming profusion that the newcomer has great difficulty over the first few days in orientating himself, and "but for the guiding hand of friends I should often have lost myself! In my all too short stay, I not only met most of the European staff, and had meals with many, but also had the pleasure of speaking per sonally to most of the Bantu staff, including tfie Head Teacher of the High School, Mr. D. G. S. Mtimkulu, M.A. (whose wife, daughter of a Basuto chief, recently spent two years in London studying music), the , Acting Head Teacher of the Training College, Mr. R. Cuma, B.A., and the Dean of Men, Mr. S. D. B. Ngcobo, B.Econ., M.A. It is sufficent proof of the brotherhood that exists, and the complete absence of any colour bar, that these Bantu Head Teachers have the white staff' subordinate to them, and that the system works without a hitch. My contacts with the non-European section were especially novel and enjoyable. I chatted in their staff common room for some time one.morning, and found that my interest in them was even exceeded by their interest in Kearsney and like schools; on my last evening, I spent an hour and a half in the Bantu teachers' hostel, where the choir-master, Mr. Cele, the history teacher, Mr. Mbatha, B:A., and I discussed the teaching of choirs, the progress of the war, the geography of the eastern Mediterranean, finally ending up with a long effort to find a solution to the colour bar problem; on another occasion. Dr. Wilker had to tea a number of the senior students, and once again the conversation raced on along interesting and intelligent channels. Wherever I went, I found both staff and boys always ready and glad to pass away a few minutes in general discussion. Everybody was as friendly as possible. I confess that the standard of education surprised me. Listening to a psychology lecture to the T3's on the first night, a lecture couched in language which would have left our senior boys gasping, I was amazed to find the class not only understanding, but asking questions which showed that terms such as Psychosis, Paranoia, Schizophrenia nd Hypo chondria were not mere words, but conveyed a full and proper meaning. Later on I sat with Standard VII through a lesson on the applica tion of the rules for compound interest, and with standard IX on the theory of indices and meaning of logs, and no lessons could have been more clearly delivered or followed with greater concentration. A homely touch was introduced by such remarks as "You silly donkey" and "Cross-multiply my foot, this is a proportion sum, not a fraction."

316 Incidentally the teaching medium is English, as the only language which all the students understand. In fact, even in some of the Bantu homes, the language spoken is English, as husband and wife do not always speak each other's tongue! Hours of work are long, starting at 6 a.m., going right through the morning, through most of the afternoon, and in some cases till 9.30 at night. But the boys are keen to work, and enjoy it, one Matric boy telling me. that he found his Cicero not too hard, and veVy interesting The music department thrilled me. I knew well the Bantu flair for harmony, but their singing was wonderful. Sunday morning's hymns were in the vernacular, and I joined in the lusty singing without understanding a word. On Sunday evening we had community singing for over an hour, a mixture of vernacular and English, secular and sacred: 75 girls' voices, with a voluminous and harmonious substratum provided by 300 tenors and basses. "Still the night" was a favourite. On Monday night there was an S.C.A. concert, which lasted for an hour and a half, during which we were entertained by a series of anthems, part-songs, and solos, good and indifferent. The solo work is not so Impressive as the combined parts, and is obviously influenced by the current American " musical" talkie^; yet there was one girl with a voice and personality worthy of the Operatic stage—spoilt by the fact that she chose to sing " I saw stars"! On Tuesday afternoon I attended a choir practice (there are several choirs) at which they sang "Trust ye in the Mighty God" (Palmer) and " What are These" (Stainer), almost faultless performances, though Mr. Cele told me that it was only the third time they had looked at the latter. The singing is all the more remarkable inasmuch as it is done without any piano accompariiment whatsoever, so that there is* nothing to guide the waverers at the more difficult spots. • All these impressions are merely incidental to the great fact that here we have the solution to our colour bar problems.. There was never a suggestion of differentiation between black and white in the normal life of the college.* One and all worked together, listening to and under standing one another's interests and problems. Each race finds that the other "isn't so bad, after all." That is putting- it mildly. Personally I found right from the start that I was equally welcome in the company of European or Ban*u, and was equally happy. Nothing but this close personal contact can break down the barriers which have been set up elsewhere. I was very glad to find that Adams have a system of exchange with Mijchaelhouse, two boys from each school spending a while at the other, and taking part in classes and. all normal school activities. The system has worked well and is proving of high educative value to the boys of each school. I sincerely trust that something of the sort may be introduced at Kearsney. It will prevent some of us looking down upon our black brethren. As a T3 student has said;."We have genii, we have stalk-borers, we have clowns, we have sober men, we have prefects, we have musicians and actors, we have librarians, we have S.C.A. mem bers." These categories are not confined to schools for Europeans. J.F.R.

317

' V FAME

Fame comes to but few of us. It is achieved in a variety of ways, as Shakespeare has reminded us. It often comes unbidden, unsuspected. Often we are famous without realising the fact. Sometimes it embarrasses us. Sometimes it merely amuses. Would that we could read the thoughts of our Headmaster, who has unwittingly had greatness thrust upon him. Having for some time been father-confessor and adjuster-of-disputes at the local native school, he has now been presented with the following comparatively illuminated address;

PRAISES TO MR. MATTERSON. . You were once young, Mr. Matterson, but to-day You are a "cock " at Kearsney College. Thou who blowest these horns of yours Till the aged are pleased. And the sound of your horns is heard as far as Cillitts,

Thou medium in height Between the tall ones and the short. Thou who makest full use of everything, , As a bull swallowing every herb of the field. Thou lover of those who wish to learn. Thou who lovest natives. Thou mighty one. Thou who puttest thine hand in thy pocket. And when thou drawest it out. It comes out with a coin. Which isn't "too bad for Standard II, in spite of the anti-climax (or is it a climax?). Students of literature will observe the Hebrew parallelismt

LOOKING BACK 1930

FIRST TERM. School Notes: During the term we were paid a visit by Dr. T. C. Loram, Chief Inspector of Schools for Natal. Dr. Loram spent the best part of two days with us and saw our work from every ^ngle. His report to the Department was most complimentary. A few nights before the end of the term the staff gave Sister Edwards a farewell party, at which most of the friends of the neigh bourhood were present, and on the last day they presented her with a silver chain bag, while at the same assembly O. Pearce, as head prefect, on behalf of the school presented her with a silver cigarette case. After

318 eight years at the school, all wished her success In the new sphere she was entering. Her place has been taken by Sister Lindsell. Cricket; Kearsney 42, D.H.S. 2nd XI 1 1 1. Lost by 79 runs. Kearsney 125 for 5 wickets declared (BaiiMtt 30 not out, Mr. Med- worth 24), Darnall 33 (Balcomb 6 for I I), and 54 (Balcomb 5 for 19). Won by innings and 38 runs. Kearsney 109 (von Keyserlingk 23), Eshowe School 93 (Balcomb 5 for 21). Won by 16 runs. Kearsney 100 (Mr. Reece 26, Bertram 22), Darnall 103 (Mr. Reece 7 for 19). Lost by 3 runs. Kearsney 90 for 6 wickets declared (Mr. Reece 34), Old Boys 48 (Jex 25, Mr. Medworth 5 for 17), and 73 (Mr. Reece 3 for 6, Balcomb 3 for 10). Cadet Notes: The Corps has changed from Mounted Infantry Drill to Infantry Drill, and parades are held twice a week, under Mr. Purdon. On Sunday, 13th April, a very successful Church Parade was held, inspecting officer being Capt. R. H. Matterson.

SECOND TERM. School Notes: During this quarter the College Council met at the College for the first time, at least since 1923. The innovation gave both councillors and staff an opportunity of getting into closer touch with one another. As a result of this meeting the Council have now decided to hold at least two meetings per annum at the College. The annual Play was more ambitious than ever, Goldsmith's comedy "She Stoops to Conquer" being chosen for the performance. The hall was crowded and all went away well .satisfied. As usual, the whole preparation was in the hands of Mr. Oram and Miss Ellis. Mr. Medworth is captain of the Zululand XV which opened its fixture list with an excellent game against Southern Districts. Mr. Reece and Mr. Purdon also played in representative games. Rugger: Kearsney College vs. Technical College "A" 18—0 Kearsney College vs. D.H.S. "A" 3—3 Kearsney College vs. Eshowe School ... 38—0

Kearsney "Babes " vs. D.P.H.S." Babes." Seldom can two more formidable teams have opposed one another than on the first meeting of the giants of Kearsney with those of Durban. The importance of the occasion was, in fact, too much at first for the home players, who gave the ball a wide berth and the opposing backs a wider one. The result was that while the Kearsney forwards were becoming accustomed to the electric atmosphere, the Prep, boys were scoring, and indeed piled up 23 points before we replied.' Our passing movements, originating with the forwards, saw the ball go back, further back, and still further, then while the wings finally handed the ball off on our own line, the Prep, would scqre. Only E. Smith seemed able to stop their right wing, who did most of the scoring. In the second half, sparkling runs by MacNeillie and Christie, and the good kicking of Lar- rington were repeatedly driven back, till Dicks, to his utmost surprise, found himself over the line with the ball, and sat on it. MacNeillie converted. Final score: 5-23. Tennis: It is now nearly three years since any tennis matches were played-at Kearsney, and after years of care-free play in the Wednesday afternoon style, we have suddenly realised we are losing our Wimbledon form. The arrival of two tennis teams here has resulted in the slaughter of the innocents. So with the prospect of more matches to come there seems nothing for it but to practise harder, in the hopes that some day we may be able to put an occasional ball over the net. Although visiting teams were too strong for us, we had the pleasure of Introducing two Springbok cricketers to our courts, in Jack Siedle and Eric Dal ton.

319 OLD BOYS' CLUB

\^AR CASUALTIES. Eoll of ?|onour

GRAHAM SAMUEL BOYD. Graham Samuel Boyd, who came to Kearsney in Feb ruary, 1937, and left in December, 1940, has been reported missing from an operational flight near Dakar on the West African coast. Further information has reached his parents that the 'plane Graham was piloting received a full burst from a submarine, and that next day a submarine near the same spot was sunk by another 'plane. In view of these facts, we cannot but presume that this magnificent young airman has given his life in defence of his country. Few Kearsney boys have left a finer record on the sports field than did Graham Boyd. He was a member of the 1st XI for four years and was a member of the 1940 Natal XI for the Nuffield Tournament. He was an out standing forward in the rugby XV, and won an honours cap. He was a marksman and a splendid tennis player, and with it all went a natural modesty that endeared him to everyone —to the small fry in particular, who recognised in him a senior boy who did not look down upon them, but did all in his power to give them a helping hand. As a Flight Lieutenant, this same gift for sympathy made him one of the most popular members of his squadron, and we have it on good authority that he was marked for rapid promotion. Only last October, Captain Fox, the parent of one of our juniors, told us how Graham had piloted the 'plane that had sunk a submarine close to the spot where his vessel had been torpedoed only two days previously. Kearsney has lost, in the Air Force, some of its finest and best Old Boys, and far from the least of these we count Graham Boyd. South Africa has lost yet another of the type that she can ill afford to lose. A clean, honest sportsman, with a real love of his fellow man, a " mixer" in the best sense of that word. To his family we offer our heartfelt sympathy, knowing as we do what a gap his passing will make in that excep tionally united family. At every gathering of Old Boys Graham will be remembered with love and affection.

320 OLD BOYS' NEWS

Marriages. J. C. A. Coutts (31-35), E. C. Smith (27-34). Engagements. C. P. Balcomb (30-40), J. R. C. Drummond (32-37). Birth. To Mr. and Mrs. C. Hopkins (22-26), a daughter.

The following Old Boys have been seen at the school during the past half year: P. R. Davidson (41-42), N. Baker (40-42), 0. R. Baumann (40-42), L. M. Preston (39-41), N. C. C. Poole (32-36), H. C. Corbishley (36-41), B. L. and C. S. Vowles (39-42), E. C. Carr (25-27), W, H. C. Aitchison (31-32), F. R. C. Groom (37-40), G. E. Griffin (23-27), E. C. Brown (35-40), R. le Grove Smith (36-42), F. R. Chick (37-41), L. T. Polkinghorne (21-2?), ). H. Charter (33-37), H. N. Ashwell (24-27), j. H. Hopkins (26-33),.L. N. W. Hume (39-42), J. R. Lund (36-40), D. G. Kelly (39-41 ), A. T. Winship (23-24), N. Bowyer (33). 2nd Lieut. |. R. Lund (36-40) received his wings early in October. While at advanced training practice at Isipingo he paid the school several visits, most of them over the roof tops, but the last one on foot. He looked very fit and enjoyed the' prefects' dance! Sig. |. D. AHsopp (39-42) is at Potchefstroom. There he has been having some varied training: morse-flag, semaphore, heliograph, and lamp. At buzzer work he reached 20 words per minute. In between his studies there was plenty of sport. D. L. Blake (36-42) ended his first year's medical course at Rhodes with the profound conviction that he was not good enough to pass his examination. So he has decided to do the course again before passing Qn to Wits. F. C. Bentley (36-37) has been discharged from the army and is back at Estcourt, farming. He was right through the Abyssinian campaign. M. H. Bechett (25-28) writes cheerfully from Middelburg, where he has invested in some property, and hopes the Bank will not move him. Houses are very scarce and some people are even living in others' garages, but his two children now have plenty of ground to play in. The N.V.R. work is rather slackening off. F. R. Comins (41) was ready to join the army in March, but had to be rushed to hospital for an appendix operation at the last moment. D. H. Cilliat (31-35) finds married life very good. Apart from his spell overseas with German P.O.W.'s, a knee injury has prevented much military activity and he has continued with his work at the E.P. and Commercial. W. D. I. Henry (32-36) has sent a card from his P.O.W. camp in Italy, taking six months to reach us. He keeps well, but bored. 'That was long before Italy's capitulation, of course. H. F. Ivory (39-42) is with the S.A.N.F., near Cape Town. His mother has sold their Zululand farm and is now living near him. Ivory was passed 100 per cent fit, and in October was hoping soon to be seconded to the Royal Navy. He had met J. Nasmith and D. Beckett, the former having just had mumps. Both are in the Navy. A/Sgt. A. Lee (36-40) has joined Squadron 16, in which his brother Laurie is serving. Lieut. R. Mark (32-40) has joined the Eighth Army in Italy, and is now with a Spitfire Squadron. He has been in the thick of the fighting, but is not able to tell us very much.

321" L. N. D. Pufterill (38-40) is In the Deeds Office, Pietermaritzburg, R. Putterill (37-39) has been working at Addington, and at the same time getting treatment for a troublesome ear, but is now back in Pietermaritzburg. Spr. A. W. Paul (38-4)) has joined up and is with the Survey Depot, S.A.E.C., Ladysmith. S. N. Chaplin (37-39) has finished a similar course, and has sailed North. Lieut. D. Sparks (23-24) was called to Pretoria, early in December, to be invested with the B.E.M. which he gained a year ago. Sig. N. Vinnecombe (30-31) is a signaller in a construction platoon touring the Union. He has been up North with the'Corps of Signals. After serving for years up North, Tpr. D. P. Stone (27-29) returned to the Union and put in a good deal of training in the Armoured Cars. He found there was much to learn! He has now gone north again, Sgt. V. L. V. Ash (23-27) is sergeant, and Capt. Ceof. Hulett (21-25), Adjutant in No. 2 Squadron, S.A.A.F., with A/M. B. C. Scheffer on the ground staff. C. H. Smith (41 -43) has gone on to Durban Tech. J. D. Raw (28-37), K. B. Jacques (24-31), W. K. D. Putterill (33-34) have gone north again, and O. T. S. Tedder (31-36) and H. L. Robinson (31-41) for the first time. All on the same ship. C. W. Theunissen (S2-36) is now a Transport Corporal, last seen in Tripoli. He has been kept very busy with the wounded from Sicily. Sig. B. Theunissen (38-41) and Sig. L. P. Jackson (36-42) are together, doing well in their training as wireless operators. They have ■been posted to the same vehicle, which pleases them both. Corp. A/M. K. B. Theunissen (34-37) doing clerical work in the Aptitudes Test Section of the'S.A.A.F. at Lyttelton. A/Sgt. A. Askew (34-36) is now at Wonderboom. Capt. A. R. W. Metcalf (33-38) has received his third pip and is on shuttle service. Union to Egypt, and occasionally over to Italy. Capt. A. M. Foss (27-33), D. Foster (36-37), Sigs. N. Hamlyn (36-39), L. P. Jackson (36-42), C. L. Rosenberg (36-39), and B. Theunissen (38-41) are with the N.M.R., 1st Armoured Division, and N. Baker (40-42) with the Artillery. 0/S P. Lee (36-41) broadcast in " Songtime in the Laager," from Daventry, on November 8th. A/M. O. W. M. Pearce (24-30) has also broadcast to his parents and to Kearsney. Since the capitulation of Italy, we have learnt that J. A. Chick (33-38) is safe in Switzerland, but that M. J. Christie (29-35) has unfortunately been transferred to Germany. We have no news of our other P.O.W.'s. Rfn. J. P. C. Hargreaves (28-29) has recovered from a spell in hospital, and is back in the desert. A/M I. Coutts (35-42) finds work hard and plentiful, but is getting rather tired of Gordons Bay. Sgt. C. L. Rosenberg (36-39) likens the Chronicle to a light in the dark. He finds life good—plenty of hard work, with plenty of recreation. 2nd Lieut. J. H. Hopkins (26-33) has obtained his commission and when last heard of was on the water somewhere. L. M. Preston (39-41) has sailed away and does not expect to be back till the end of the war. He called in at the school while awaiting a draft. Tpr. F. R. C. Croom (37-40) found himself sailing north with the R.D.L.I, within a few days of the Bank allowing him to join up. He did not know his destination and could only judge by the position of the sun. The journey was hot and rather monotonous. On his shio he met A. N. Nisbet (40-41), Tpr. L. N. W. Hume (39-42), Tpr. D. P. Stone (27-29), and Lieut. W. C. Hopkins (22-26).

322 I

|. B. King (29-36) and Inis wife have both passed their medical finals at Cape Town University. He now has 60 beds under his care at King Edward Vl ith Hospital, Durban. • . A/M J, H. Worth (31-32), S.A.A.F.. is c/o R.A.F. Camp, Shandur. Lieut. C. P. Whitelaw (32-34) had a short leave in the Union, but is now back in Egypt with the 42nd Light A.A. Regiment. 2nd Lieut. A. J. Munro (34-38) has obtained his wings. Cpl. D. C. Hudson (36-38) whose very interesting letter (from, as we guessed, Tristan da Cunha) is quoted elsewhere, is back in Durban on leave. R. |. Crawford (28-33) has moved about Rhodesia a lot during the past few years. He has taught at Nkana, Mufulira, Luansl^, often acting as Headmaster, and is now beginning a period as resident master at Lusaka. He wishes he could leave Rhodesia, but is not allowed to. Crawford watched the cricket most days during our disastrous cricket week. R. H. C. Jenkins (32-35) is back in "civvies," and in the Bank, Johannesburg. O. T. S. Tedder (31-36), who is with "Q" Services, says he has recently met Bob Foss, Lin Jackson, Bernard Theunissen, and Jimmy Oxiand. H. C. Hackland (30-33) is no longer in the Army, but has been" released to take over farming once more, owing to the ill-health of his father. It is a big change. The quietness .was very acceptable at first, but he greatly missed the companionship. And when one is one's owp boss, it is easy to become lazy. With the help of a neighbour's tractor, Hackland has been ploughing hard. Tpr. A. H. Doidge .(40-41) sends the following information about Old Boys he has met: Bob Fbss, Dss Foster, and himself in the N.M.R.; Ossie Tedder in "Q " Services; Noel Baker and Earle Smith with the Field Artillery; Lin Robinson and Chimp Beningfield with Ack-Ack. The latter charms snakes with a new clarinet. Also Gerald Rosenberg and Noel Hamlyn with Div. Signals. He met Sam Boyd (now missing) in Alexandria, having flown up from the West Coast, and he visited Alex, and Laurie Lee, when in Tripolitania, both in No. 16 Bomber Squadron. Peter Lee had just passed through Alexandria. E. A. Hagemann (22-25) has not often been seen since leaving school, but he watched one day's play during schools' cricket week. His son is due for Kearsney before long. M. B. Eaton (34-37) has been seconded to R.A.F., Italy. B. J. Eaton (35-37) has obtained his wings. Sgt. A. E. Raw (28-38) celebrated his promotion by losing all his kit, dumped in a guardsvan while starting home on leave. He lived for a month on what he could beg, borrow, or steal. When last he wrote, early in December, he was due for a move, possibly north. After serving for Qi years in the Durban Central Circuit, Rev. C. E. Wilkinson (25-27) has now been stationed in Pietermaritzburg. During this period he has done great work and brought great credit upon himself, by his preaching, lecturing, pastoral work, and broadcasting. As organising secretary of the Wesley Hall Canteen and Rest Room for four years, he has attended to the needs of nearly two million men. Durban's loss is Pietermaritzburg's gain. We wish him, his wife, and family, happiness in their new sphere. Sig. D. Beckett (34-42) writes from Saldanha Bay, where he had just completed a signalman's course. While Saldanha Bay itself is a very dull and drab place, with nothing to see but sand-dunes and rocks, Beckett found the life "not too bad." While off duty, they could sleep, read, write, sunbathe, swim, or go fishing. Quite a heavenly place, in

323 ifs way! In Cape Town, Beckett met H. F. Ivory (39-42), now on a gunner's course at H.M.S.A.S. " Unitie," and also |. M. Nasmifli (40-43), recently recovered from mumps, and now seconded to the Royal Navy, on H.M.S. Hawkins. He also met C. M. Albertyn (40-42) in Cape Town. W. P. Bromlly (22-25) has left Sterkstroom to take up a teaching appointment in Port Elizabeth. Cpl. L. D. Lee (36-40) is happy with his brother, Alex., in No. 16 Bomber Squadron. In spare time he plays a lot of rugger. Dr. K. W. Dyer (31-36) is working at the Frere Government Hos pital, East London, and is kept very busy, especially when he has night shift. J. C. Ellis (29-30) is now an Insurance Agent with the Southern Life, Johannesburg. After two years "in the Middle East, largely connected with aerial photographic work, A/M W. M. Oliver (35-37) has returned to the Union for a while, and was seen watching the first eleven playing cricket at Kingsmead. N. C. C. Poole (32-36), undaunted by his experiences as a P.O.W., is working with Intelligence, Durban. When last seen, he was tracking down a suspected informer. C. C. M. Hurst (42-43) is now at the Technical School, Bulawayo. Corp. J. H. Charter (33-37) is back in the Middle East with the 13th Coy., S.A.E.C. J. P. S. Turner (37-43), our oldest Inhabitant, if not in age, at least in years at Kearsney, has had to leave unexpectedly, on docror's orders, and is now going to.farm at Estantia. Sgt. J. H. Bourne (23-26) has been with the S.A.M.C. (Hygiene) throughout the war. After spending a long time in Abyssinia engaged on malarial investigation and research work, he was then sent to Kenya, then to Potchefstropm, and finally to Maritzburg, where he is chief hygiene inspector at the Imperial Hospital, and is kept very busy. Flight Sgt. F. C. Bourne (23-27) has his official postal address Germiston, but it is thought that he is on a secret mission engaged in highly skilled work connected with Air Ferry Service some thousands of miles away. P. H. Hind (25-30) is managing director of Hind Brothers, whose Nutrine is building the bonny babies of South Africa! His father made him start from the bottom and work through the various departments, refusing to give preferential treatment even to son and heir, so that he now understands, from first hand experience, all the problems with which he is likely to be confronted. We understand that he is con templating building a factory at Underberg for extracting sugar of milk from the by-products of the butter factory there. Hind is a great worker, and a man whose advice is sought' and taken. Besides being on our Board of Governors, he is on more Durban committees than one dare begin to enumerate. We have just learned that P. H. (Tim) Jackson (22-24) has been transferred to Stalag 8A, Germany, and is in good health.

A LETTER FROM MID-OCEAN We are rather isolated here, getting a mail when the chance occurs, usually about once In three months. This is the first place in the wor|d I have ever been to where there is positively no money, no motor cars, no tram cars, or trains—in fact there is absolutely nothing to look out for when crossing streets—and" there are no streets. An occasional mad bull is our only - excitement. Not even a pub. So my advice to any Old K.C. Boys in the Meteoro-

324 logical Section is: do, not volunteer for this place I have already had a full year here. It is an experience I shall never forget; if mails were more frequent it would be ideal, if there were more to drink. My first impression was not very enthralling. It seemed as if no human being could possibly live here. High, precipitous, stark cliffs rising a couple of thousand feet, the tops often buried in thick cloud. Here and there small plateaux were visible, green with close-cropped grass. On landing I was pleasantly surprised. Nestling down fairly close to the cliffs was the village. Sturdy little cottages of rough-hewn, weathered stone, mellowed by age. An attractive sight on first appear ance, the combination of colours, brown, green, black, with a splash of more vivid colouring from the few isolated flow;ers. The inhabitants are a strange people. A small community, very isolated, with no inter course with the rest of the world, have' become to a certain extent a race on their own. Superficially they are shy and timid, but on better acquaintance become a bit too forward at times. They are uniearned, but shrewd, as far as the business of bartering is concerned. The fact that they are physically very fit seems to refute a lot of present-day theories about food. Their staple diet is potatoes, heiped out with fish, and very rarely beef or mutton. Very often their potato crop faiis and they are reduced almost to starving point. Then they have to .depend entirely on fish and are very much at home on the sea in their boats. One marvels at their dexterity in these flimsy boats in rough seas or raging surf, for they consist only of wooden frame-work and canvas. The inhabitants' only amusements consist of simplified forms of cricket and football, and old-fashioned dances modelled on the barn dance. I have played a few games of football with some of the men and if I am still here next year I shall try to find myself a suit of armour. We have told them time and time again that the object of the game is to try to kick the bail into the goals and not to kick their opponents there. We have also tried introducing a fevv of the well known dancing numbers such as "The Lambeth Waik" and "Palais Glide." They have picked them up rapidly and are getting along fine. Music is supplied by concertinas or an occasional fiddle. All the ladies and young giris knit. They get the wool from their sheep—this is cut, washed, dried, picked, carded and spun by themselves. My wash-lady has already knitted me two jerseys, one puliover, and eight pairs of 50cks. The jerseys and puilover, you will no doubt be pleased to hear, have been knitted with Kearsney College colours. Even though I've left school, I'll always be proud to wear its colours. GPL. D. G. HUDSON (36-38).

OLD BOYS' LETTERS . Owing to paper restrictions the Editor regrets he can quote only from Old Boys who are up North on active service. J. S. Bertram (26-32) (Prisoner of War): I went to a rugger practice the other day arid ifound that the rib i got damaged when my truck was blown up by a mine in the desert stil worries me a bit. Basketball is the chief sport in these P.O.W. camps. My time is spent reading, doing a iittle maths., and smoking the old pipe. Capt. N. L. Blaine (25-28): On arrival in the M.E.F. I was sent into the blue, joining an M.A.C. We went back from Knightsbridge to Aiamein, remaining in the line during those critical months. Here I worked with the Springboks, Aussies, N.Z.'s, and our famous Armoured Divs. Then the unforgettable 23rd October, 1942. What a night! On 4th November we were off, finally reaching Tripoli. On ali these moves I was attached to the N.Z.'s. Grand boys! From Tripoii we made for Tunis. It's over now and we are resting for the next stage.

325 Cnr. C. |. C. Beningfield (40-41); I find life in the desert as charming as it is widely known to be, and I must say that the most barren part of the Karroo would seem a garden of Paradise by comparison. Have been to Cairo twice since arriving here and have found it dis appointing and very expensive. Last time I was there I spent £10 in less than two hours on articles I had no intention of buying. These Arabs and Cyppos have the art of salesmanship absolutely "taped." Lieut. J. C. A. Coutts (31-35): With the passing of September I have been away from the Union for over a year. Since 1 have been with the Squadron we have twice moved further away from civilisation. We don't do so much stooge stuff these days, and in fact live quite an exciting life. In my opinion (perhaps prejudiced!) this squadron is quite the most interesting in the S.A.A.F. Pity 1 can't tell you more about it. You may be surprised to hear that I have |ust returned from my honey moon. On 4th September I was married in St. Mark's, Alexandria, to a Wren. We spent our honeymoon in Syria and Palestine and had a grand time. Tpr. A. H. Doidge (40-41): Left Cairo on 10th August, driving a three-ton truck, destination Tripoli. The journey along the coast was an eye-opener. Debris everywhere, mostly Jerry or Italian; German aero dromes, with aircraft ready for the ta.ke-off and straffed beyond recog nition; lines of enemy convoys, burned out, lying overturned by the roadside, and each with a story to tell. After Derna there were densely forested areas, with great passes and ravines. Tripoli after fourteen days of travel. Things are spotlessly clean there, with great avenues of trees lining the roadways. Camped on the beach, swimming all day, very pleasant, and plenty of rugger. Could have stayed there longer. Then Malta for three days. What a dump! Iti fleet in full force, and more Iti destroyers coming in every day. Now back on thei troopship: loathsome things, but always inclined to broaden one's outlook. Sig. O. Knaggs (41-42): Have just come back from a wonderful leave in Palestine. We were entertained in Jerusalem by the Jewish Hospitality Committee; very decent to us and insisted on paying for everything. We had a witty guide, who knew Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Jericho inside out, and during these few days I learned more about my Bible than during the past 19 years! I swam in the Dead Sea—a most extraordinary and novel experience. A/M L. 0. Lee (36-40): I'm now up in the desert for the first time, after a very lazy sea voyage. I was struck by the size of Cairo. The modern part is very striking, with its tall buildings and heavy traffic. I don't think business ever ceases, night or day, and our pay books felt the weight terribly. I was very surprised and pleased to find, three weeks ago, that my brother Alex, had joined the squadron. R. Mason (34-35) (Prisoner of War): Bertram, Jeff Wood, Pers- house, Olivier and Chick are here. Life is very dull, naturally, and patience is one's biggest asset. N. C. C. Poole (32-36) (Recently repatriated): After spending 18 months in Italy with my eyes open, I decided that under the fence, through the drains, or even "digging for victory " were not worth it. So I put on my thinking cap (don't laugh, I can think if I want). I decided that the easiest way out was through the main gate, with the full consent of the Italians. I had managed to keep my pay-book well concealed on me throughout the days of my captivity, so 1 set to work on it with the help of my brother, Brian. We wrote all sorts of queer things in it to the effect that I was protected under this section, that section, and all the other sections that ever came out of Geneva, and to this we put everything but the General's signature. But woe was me! The powers-that-be took a quick look at it, gave two snorts and handed it back. But a few days later they sent, not for me, but for my pay-book. This was then sent off to Rome. It was handed back to me three weeks later with a further two snorts, a third snort was added and I was out of the door. Before leaving I

326 managed accidentally to spill some bottles of red, blue and green ink over the Commander's desk, where his military map of Italy began to look much more attractive. I don't know why he got so mad, but he was screeching so much that he couldn't even move himself from the fast-flowing cascade. Sgf. W. K. D. Putterill (33-34); The days of leave are over, and we are once , more on familiar ground, where the flies and sand have not diminished. Have been kept very busy, making up for our easy time in the Union. I was surprised to find how soft I had become. That is being remedied rather drastically now. Apart from our parade ground work, we have Wednesday and Saturday afternoons for sport, and every other afternoon P T., which takes the form of a three or four mile run. Lieut. A. N. Stockil (32-36); I am now attached to the S.A.A.F., my job being that of Welfare Officer, general adviser and disciplinarian, and almost every other thing concerned with the 250 natives attached to 3 Wing. The boys are doing a good job, but what a handful, and what a struggle it is to keep them on the straight and narrow. 3 Wing were in Sicily when I joined them. Was lucky in being able to fly over via Malta, Syracuse and eventually to Catania. We were camped not far from there, directly under Mount Etna The hills, olive trees and vineyards were a pleasant change from the desert. Then we pulled across to the mainland. We came to our present place by road and it was a grand trip. Coming up the coast, you have the mountains towering upon one side and the sea on the other. Then when we crossed the mountains to Monty's side, it was like the Berg again. It was interesting, too, seeing the people and watching their varied expressions. Some looked pleased, others sullen, others unconcerned and resigned. On the whole pretty miserable. A/M. B. C. Scheffer (36-39): Talking of Sicily. we saw quite a considerable portion of the island. Palermo, its capital, is a very impressive city, but the others aren't up to much, and the smaller towns 3te nothing more than a conglomeration of hovels Inhabited by peasants living in filth and squalor. At one time we were right under Mount Etna. Now we are in Italy. Just over a month ago I spent a day at Bari, by far the finest town I've come across yet. Haven't seen Naples, but I don't suppose there's much of it left now. Major A. B. Theunissen (29-31): I often allow myself the luxury of thinking back on grand days at College, as student, student teacher, and old boy. I owe much to Kearsney, and if in the prosperous days of peace which lie ahead I may achieve any degree of success, I shall always be proud to tell folk that I went to Kearsney. 'My job is both a busy and interesting one. My travels sound rather reminiscent of Smuts or Churchill than of the G.S.O. II of an Armoured Division. In two weeks during September I visited Algiers, Philippeville, Tunis, Tripoli, Cairo, Tel-Aviv, Haifa, Beirut, Damascus, and Jerusalem! I keep 100 per cent fit and consistently happy. I like the work, my colleagues are grand chaps, and we're all looking forward to action again. A/C 2 R. H. Theunissen (29-37): Last year at Varsity passed happily enough, like some distant Elysian dream. I was President of the Men's Residence, Vice-Captain of Rugby, Captain of Athletics, and President of the Badminton Club—how I obtained the last pseudo-honour still remaining a mystery. At the end of April Professor Petrie approached me on behalf of the Girls' Collegiate to teach Latin (?) there temporarily. He phrased the proposal so flatteringly that I accepted, and so, with my limited knowledge of Latin prose-form, and my non existent conception of Syntax and Grammar, I was led to expatiate to adolescent Matriculation girls on the glories of classicalism. In July, I suddenly realised I had the most difficult Law Examination in Africa to study for, and after 3-2- months confinement in my own room I managed to persuade the examiner to pass me. I came up to Rhodesia in March this year and there is little to tell as yet of Air Force life. Discipline is not too harsh, work fairly interesting, and the food, though not quite

327 a la Playhouse at least edible. A week ago I passed our Primary Exams by a margin so narrow as to be virtually breathtaking. We sit for our Secondary Exam, in a month's time, after which, if we are successful, we are permitted to see an aeroplane. Lieut. C. C. von Keyserlingk (27-30): Just a short note to let you know I am now serving in the U.K. forces and enjoying every minute of it. I seconded to the Wiltshire Regiment a couple of months ago, and was in time to take part in the Big Show. I am very proud of the fact that I was in the vanguard and that 1 am the first Kearsney Old Boy (if not'the first South African) to have landed on the European mainland' in this war. . At first the devastated towns of Italy were depressing, but fortunately we were so busy that we had no time to think much. I still have not got over the backwardness of the Italian people—I did not realise that a European people could be so behind the times. The scenery is beautiful and this part of the country very like the Natal Midlands. Well, these West Country men are grand, especially in action. Imper turbable isn't the word. I am gradually learning to know their mannerisms—it won't be long before I know how to sing " A Farmer's Boy" with all the fervour and expression of a Wiltshireman! It is a grand experience which I wouldn't have missed for worlds. Cpl. J. D. Raw (28-37): Once again I find myself in the shade of imaginary palm trees, dotted about this fly-infested land. Same old countryside, a yellow pancake without a blade of green to be seen. Nothing to look at, but the sunset. It seems to be my lot to spend the whole war here. On the trip up I met Lin Robinson, Ossie Tedder, Theo Knottenbelt, and Ken Jacques, who is at my elbow now as I write. Sig. B. Theunissen (38-42): I have just been issued with winter battle-dress, as the nights are getting much colder. Had the misfortune to land up in hospital with enteritis, and missed my leave. Gnr. N. Baker (40-42): Life in Cairo is quite crazy. Road rules and bye-laws appear to be quite forgotten. Every conceivable type of trans port surges along, hooting, shouting, and the din is terrible. Except for their massiveness, I found the pyramids disappointing, but the mosques are wonderful. S/Sgt. D. C. Steel (35-38): At last I have got a long-awaited move, and am about 1,000 miles away from the Union. One of the many places taken in the 1940 campaign. All the way by road—three weeks— and a grand trip. The camping out suited me fine and I was sorry when it was over. I am the only South African in the depot, all the rest being Imperials and a good crowd of fellows. We all get on very well together.

EDITORIAL NOTICES The Kearsney College Chronicle is published every July and January, and costs 2/- per copy. The Editor has quite a large number of back copies, which he will be pleased to dispose of at 2/- each. We acknowledge, with thanks, the 'receipt of magazines from: Kingswood School (Bath), Kingswood College (Crahamstown), Michael- house, Glenwood, Maritzburg College, D.H.S., Blundells, Felsted, Stoney- hurst, Rydal Mount, Shrewsbury, and St. Peter's, York. Membership Subscription: Life, £3 33, Od.; Annual, 7/6. Since July the following Old Boys have paid Life Subscriptions: O. R. Baumann, F. C. Bentley, D. N. Johnson, A. P. Lowe, J. E. M. Nasmith, N. C. C. Poole, H. L. Robinson, 0. T. S. Tedder, A. B. Theunissen, K. B. Theunissen. One hundred and tweny-seven Life Subscriptions have been paid to date.

328 PROV.. DRM, 7226-1-44