Royal Naval School Tal Handak Malta Magazine 1952

Another development has been the selection of an Editorial Committee as forecast in our December issue. The members of the Committee are : —

Dorna Bayliss — Lower Vlth. Railton Williams -- Lower Vlth Anne Bickerstaff — V Grammar

David Peters — V Grammar Susan Stoneham — IV Grammar Tony Davies — IV Technical

While summer routine at the school has made the work of this Committee difficult in preventing frequent meetings, the members have worked hard at many of the tasks necessary for the production of this issue.

It has been most gratifying to receive so much material for publication this time. We should like to thank ail those who have written. To those whose efforts are not published in this issue we must say "The Editors regret .............

...!" We have made what, in our opinion, is a selection of the best entries for publication. On no account, however, be discouraged from submitting your efforts for the next and future issues.
We have received some anonymous material for publication. This we do not publish. Please remember to sign your contribution, and if for any reason you wish it to be published under a nom-de-plume, or even unsigned, remember that the Editors are entitled to know who wrote it even if they do not publish the author's name. A case in point is the article "Calling all Spies" in this issue.

We should like to offer our thanks to those parents and friends of the school who helped us balance our accounts by buying copies of our December issue whilst visiting the school for some other purpose during the Spring term. We, like most other people, cannot afford to make a loss on the magazine, and if we make a profit it helps to swell the School's Amenities Fund which goes to provide the hundred-and-one odds and ends which help to enrich school life and for which, frequently, official grants are not available.

Judging the best entries for this issue of the magazine was no easy task. The Judges have decided, however, that the entries of Irene Davies and Jacqueline Bills in the over 12 class, and those of M. J. Morgan and Malcolm Croft in the under 12 class were of equal merit. To each of these a book prize is awarded. Congratulations !

For our December, 1952 prizes we make the following offer. Class A for those over 12 on 31st July, 1952, and Class B, for those under 12 on the same date ; we offer one book prize in each class for the best Scrap Book of Malta or having Malta as its background. Closing date 21st November, 1952. After judging, entri3s will be returned to their owners.

P.S. We had hoped to publish this copy of the magazine at the end of the Summer term but printing difficulties have made this impossible. References to next term are to the Christmas term. We hope that everyone will make a happy start to the term by buying a copy.

Joseph Palmer, Rosemary Davenport, Raymond Fewtrell, David Palmer, Jean Elford, Railton Williams, John Mallon, Jennifer Cock, Sheila Hall, Dorna Fayliss, Pat Carpenter, Joan Hopkins, Keith Livingstone, Anthony Overton, Susan Burt, Ann Henderson, Cyril Dudman and Margaret Davenport.

After five years valuable service to the school we said farewell at the end of the Spring term to Instructor Lieutenant and Mrs Parr. Lieutenant Parr joined the staff on 1st December,, 1946, in the very early days of the school's post war existence. Mrs Parr joined the staff on 16th January, 1947. They were our "oldest inhabitants" and must be known to many hundreds of old pupils of the school who, without exception, have reason to be grateful to them for the excellence, patience and thoroughness of their teaching, their wise counsel, their 100% interest and participation in everything they undertook. No couple has done more to enhance the prestige of the school and to build up the reputation which, by hearsay, we hold today.

Ironically enough, Mrs Parr came to the school to teach Domestic Science. Although she was never allowed to teach it, at least she was able to advise on equipment for the new Domestic Science Room and to see it in operation just before her departure. Lieutenant Parr had charge of the school football and the swimming. Mrs Parr ran the school hockey. Both will be missed very much on the sports field next year, as well as in the classrooms, and in Stephenson House. They and their family take back with them to England our very best wishes for a happy new commission, and, we hope, some happy memories of the hard work and hard play they did for the school.

The Domestic Science Room opened in January, and this new subject has already become a popular one in the girls' timetable. So much so that we hear of one class staying on one of the hottest days of June for a voluntary cookery lesson. Miss Ethel Clark has come out for three years to teach the subject. By September we hope to have for her a fully equipped centre.

As is usual there have been a large number of staff changes. In the Secondary School, Mrs Meredith left at Christmas to return to U.K. Her place was taken by Mrs Hobbs, b.a., until June, when we welcomed back to Tal Handak, Mrs Carey, b.a., Instructor Lieutenant Page relieved Lieutenant Parr in May and he will become second master when Lieutenant Wren leaves at the end of the term. Also at Tal Handak we welcome Mrs Martin and Mrs Aylett in the Junior School, Mrs Shaw, already departed, and Mrs Roberts in the Infants Department.

At Verdala newcomers include Miss Irene Pirie and Miss Dinah Jessup (an old girl of the school) on three year engagements, Mrs Seaward, Mrs Lorrimer, Mrs Knight, Mrs Skinner, Mrs Mowlam and Miss Jane Seaward.

We have been visited by a number of Admiralty lecturers who included : —

Professor Bullocke talking once more about "Life at Sea in Nelson's Day".

Dr Childs with his box of tricks to illustrate his talks on "Experiments with Light", and "Optical Illusions".

News came during July that the Admiralty had approved the school's name being changed to the Royal Naval School, Malta. We feel that the added dignity of this name is more indicative of the growing reputation and prestige of the school, and we trust that all will do their best to live up to it.

The unreformed Scrooge would have had plenty to complain about at Tal Handak on the afternoons of December 18th and 19th last. On both these cool afternoons a large gathering of parents and friends of the school witnessed the antics of their own (and .other people's) children on the stage of the School Hall. We use the word "antics" in the kindest possible way, of course, since, although much of what occurred on the stage was far from being frivolous, it is probably true that the occasions when we are made to laugh loudest are those we remember best. If we were not filled with mirth it was perhaps with feelings of pride, of admiration or of just plain contentment that we were warmed at the Christmas Concert of 1951.

The Infants Department created a Christmas atmosphere by opening the programme with a musical Nativity Flay. Their polished and well co-ordinated performance could not have been enjoyed more by the audience than it evidently was by the large number of infants taking part.

The Junior School then converted the stage into an Old English Fairground. There followed in quick succession a maypole dance, country dances, a number, of national dances, nigger minstrels and much else besides. After this breathless orgy of music and colour had come to an end we were left amazed at the number of boys and girls attending the Junior Department of the school!

The Secondary School could not have done otherwise, we feel, than continue the decline from the sublime to the ridiculous. We were exhorted to exchange our old lamps for new. But Marzipan was a wicked magician, according to the programme, so we knew there must be some catch in it. Indeed there was a catch in it and we did not have to wait until the three acts of the pantomime "Aladdin" were completed before finding this out.

Out of a cast of 57 in "Aladdin" it would be difficult, and perhaps a little unfair to single out just a few names for special commendation. So let us be content in the knowledge that the pantomime was generally agreed to be a first rate piece of entertainment and that the efforts of all who took part merited high praise. The production of Mr Wren gave us no time to tire of one scene before we were on our way into the next. We were left with a feeling that we should have liked a little more of this or of that, but never with the feeling that we had had enough and wanted to get on with the next scene — surely the secret of success in the production of a piece with so many digressions from the main plot.

What else made its impression? David Palmer's composition "Green Goblins" was a first class "number" of comic nonsense, which would have done credit to the professional composer of such ditties. It is always more difficult to be successful with nonsense of this kind than with something more serious, and those who sang it did justice to David Palmer's words and music.

Our astonishment at seeing Aladdin's pagoda turn suddenly into a London gas holder cannot have surpassed the surprise written in the face of the form master of 2.G. on his discovering that so many of the girls of his form were really dancing girls in disguise ! This troupe of dancers was drilled to a high state of precision by Jean Redford of 3.M.

No one would have thought that the old comedy was written nearly two hundred years ago for it was as fresh as on the day it was first produced. Most of the play is rollicking farce rather than comedy and it was played as such.

There were no highlights in this production or rather it was all highlights for no sooner had we finished laughing at the high jinks in The Three Pigeons with its jovial, rotund host (Railton Williams; and convincingly hilarious topers (Masters Williams, Fisher, Smith and Wright) than we began sniggering at the awkward squad of servants led by Michael Nettlefold and Donald Alder and thus it went on till the narration of the misfortune of the ladies in the chaise when they were drenched in the mud, overturned in a ditch, stuck fast in a slough and jolted to a jelly, brought us to a climax.

Anthony Overton was alternately shyly diffident and saucily rakish and convincing both ways. He and his crony Hastings (David Palmer) made as elegant and debonair a pair of rattles as ever conquered maidens' hearts. How beautifully these two spoke their lines !

Angela Norman as Miss Hardcastle took us on a conducted tour from charmer to minx (stopping at most stations in between) with a competence that would have graced many an actress twice her age. I have it on the authority of at least twenty of the more juvenile memb3rs of the audience that they would have been as susceptible as Marlow had not the equally attractive Miss Neville, charmingly played by Angela Small, placed them in the enviable position of Mac Heath. 'How happy could I be with either, were t'other dear charmer away'. Perhaps for once the producer slipped when he cast Suzanne Buick and Diana Hodges as the maids. Surely such a couple of flirts would have engaged a plainer pair, brooking no rivals. Mrs Hardcastle played with all her tantrums, her slyness, her avarice, and her glorious humour by Dorna Bayliss should have made the young blades of the audience remember the saying of the Victorian with 'All women become like their mothers. That is their tragedy'.

The ingenious and charming semi-period sets and costumes made by the pupils were always in keeping and never got in the way. Mr Colsell, the producer, has given us an abundantly satisfying performance of a delightful play. The headmaster, Commander Bellamy, in a few well chosen words told' us that the cast enjoyed it as much as the audience. I hope they did, they certainly deserved to do so.

Verdala Christmas Concert was held in the School Hall on Friday, 14th December. The hall is a very large one but it was packed to overflowing with parents all eager to see the second Christmas Concert to be held in the hall.

The Infant items which opened the programme were typical of certain aspects of the work of the school. The naive charm of the children soon captivated the audience ; the enjoyment and enthusiasm of the children taking part was equalled by the pleasure and admiration of their parents.

The main Junior item was ambitious -a free adaptation of Walt Disney's 'Snow White and the Seven- Dwarfs'. The delightful way in which the children played their parts, the evident enjoyment of the audience, was a fitting climax to the sustained staff team work involved in the production.

8. The Night before Christmas 2CJ, 2BJ
' 9. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs 1BJ, 1AJ, 2AJ, 3J, 4J

He says we are comical, isn't that twaddle? Makes .fun of the diet that we find in mucks,

Not weasel nor stoat do we dillies fear, But Harvey would quake if a lion were near. Our fanlike feet make triangular tracks, But we need no cobblers, leather, nor tacks. To say what they mean, men chatter a

Harvey may criticise our mothers' mien But could he lay eggs of nice cloudy green?

It was a warm day in Mid-May. I had spent a tiring morning searching the shops in Valletta for a birthday present for my sister, and so I sat down to rest awhile on a bench in a secluded corner of St. Mark's Street. The other end of the bench was occupied by a man who appeared to be a priest of some order. His dress wasa long black gown, embellished with a white linen eight pointed cross, formed ,by four barbed arrowheads point to point on the left breast. He could be no priest, though, I thought, for his head was uncovered, and his hair long and curly; unlike a priest's cropped locks ; and he also had a well trimmed beard and moustache.

This singular character was obviously not used to traffic, for he was violently startled whenever a vehicle passed. Eventually my curiosity got the better of me and I decided to start a conversation with the gentleman.

"You seem unused to traffic—" I began He interrupted, "Traffic? is that what you call that?", pointing in amazement at the passing cars and buses. I looked at him with surprise. He smiled at my incredulity, and went on — "You see, I lived over 400 years ago —". He must have noticed my look of disbelief, for he continued, "Dont go away, for I assure you that I am Grand Master La Valette."

There was a conviction in his voice that was impossible to disbelieve; perhaps this was La Valette. His costume and manner did nothing to dismiss these thoughts. "Tell me," I said, "Why do you wear that white cross on your gown?"

Ha answered, "The white cross formed out of arrow-heads symbolises that I am a soldier-monk, while the eight points are to remind me of the eight Beatitudes which were recorded by St. Mark."

"Certainly," he replied. "Those were disastrous, dangerous days. When I assumed office in 1557 the question was not if, but when the forces of the Crescent would strike. The blow fell on the 18th of May, 1565. Our guns in St. Elmo rent the air, announcing the arrival of the Ottoman Armada — a formidable array of 130 galleys, and 50 transports, carrying 40,000 troops. Our army, a mere 8,000, was concentrated in defending the Three Cities, Borgo, Senglea and Bormla ; and we also had garrisons in St. Elmo and St. Angelo. Often, during an attack, the Turkish commanders would let the mutilated, swollen bodies of Christians float across the harbour to us, in an effort to shake our nerve. When this happened, I retaliated by firing the heads of Turkish prisoners back to them.

As the rest of the island was undefended, the Turks had no difficulty in landing troops at Mellieha or elsewhere. Throughout July and August we were assailed, until at last, our reinforcements arrived from Italy. On the 7th of September they landed at Mellieha, and marched towards Notabile. The Turks did not even wait to join forces ; their bugles sounded the retreat, and the Eiege was lifted.

I was presented with a jewelled dagger from Spain for my part in the Siege. Yes,

1 know Napoleon stole it. It is now in theGalerie d'Apollon in the Louvre."

"Thank you," I replied. "Now will you tell me how you started the construction of Valletta?"

"I laid the first stone of the 'Humilis-sima Civitas Vallettae' on the 26th of March, 1566, 6 months after the Great Siege. The need for a new city was very great as the Three Cities, Borgo, Senglea and Bormla had been considerably damaged by the Turks. An Italian architect, Francesco Laparelli, drew up the plans.

Then we started to construct the fortifications of Valletta. With the aid of almost 8,000 slaves, and every able-bodied Maltese male between 12 and 60, the deep moats were cut down to sea-level, and the 2 miles of fortifications finished within five y₍ears. Plans were originally made for levelling off the uneven ground, but this was stopped by the threat of another Turkish invasion."

"Yes," I remarked. "Hence these streets of-steps. There was a very famous poet, Lord Byron, who visited Malta in about 1801. He, in one of his poems wrote: -

'Adieu, ye curse'd street of stairs,' 'How surely he who mounts you swears.'

"Very apt," returned La Valette with a dry smile.

"Tell me," I asked, "where did the knights live?"

"They lived in Auberges, or inns, in which the knights lived according to which Langue (tongue) or nation they belonged. Each Langue had a section of the fortifications to defend. The Head of each Auberge, the Conventual Bailiff, had his own particular duty in the administration of the Order."

"How would you like to go with me for a walk round present-day Valletta?" I asked.

"I should enjoy it very much," replied my companion.

Rising from our bench we turned left, passing a large, plain, building decorated only by a coat of arms.

"Ah," said La Valette. "Our stables. They look very derelict now, though."

Turning right, we entered Marsamuscetto Street, which confronts the recently demolished site of Manderaggio.

"Now this is where I was to have my harbour," said La Valette. "Yes, I was going to cut a shelter for small craft on this side of Valletta. Therefore I ordered that all the stone needed for building was to be cut from this site. After my death I suppose the project was abandoned?"

"Yes," I replied, "and the hole became filled with small houses. Also, after a time it became the most densely populated spot in Europe ; and consequently the houses were pulled down to permit building on more hygienic lines."

Turning into Old Theatre Street we went past St. Paul's Church into Queen Adelaide Square.

"Ah, thats' the Auberge d'Allemagne, which was occupied by the German knights and the Grand Bailiff. They were assigned the defence of St. Sebastian's Bastion."

Crossing Old Bakery Street (where my companion pointed out the site of the bakery of the Order), we came to Strait Street. Here La Valette told me that Strait Street was the only street where the knights were permitted to duel. He pointed out crosses on the wall which denoted fatalities. We visited next the Palace Square.

La Valette recognised the Palace immediately. He told me that in 1531, Henry VIII had sent a shipment of artillery to the Order.

Finally I took La Valette to see his statue on Kingsway, telling him how, on every feast-day, the statue was illuminated and decorated with flowers. At this, his face broke out into a happy smile, and he shook hands, and walked away, back through time.

Once long long ago there lived a rich farmer who had two sons, one Rupert, the other Oliver. They lived in a big farm in the middle of the country.

Now it came to pass that when Farmer Oatish was getting old (for he was eighty-seven) he asked his boys how much they had saved. Oliver's money-box was full but Rupert's was empty like the spendthrift he was.

His father said, "Oliver, you take over the farm. Rupert, I will give you one hundred gold pieces. You will go and seek your fortune but soon you will make- ducks and drakes of the money."

It was a clear morning. Rupert's mother was weary with grief, when she heard the clip clop of hooves and a handsome carriage drew up outside and out stepped a familiar figure.

Then they reached a spot where there were fields containing countless ducks and drakes.

Rupert said, "These are all mine. It is how I made my fortune. I did what you told me — made ducks and drakes of the money."

In the cool breeze of the early morning by the drinking pool in the heart of the forest, the deer came out, his long antlers shining in the sun. His soft brown skin and delicate ears quivered with excitement. He was old now and he knew that soon a young buck would challenge him to be king of the forest. He stooped to drink and for a while all was silent except for the gurgling of the deer and the rustling of the leaves. Suddenly he started. He smelt his worst enemy — man ! He darted away into the forest and as the sound of breaking twigs and rustling leaves died away, all was silent once more.

Our school buses must be a source of curiosity to all newcomers, and an equal source of amazement to anyone who is interested in the working of mechanism. There must be a number of perfectly ordinary buses, but I have never seen them. I have come to the conclusion that any bus with a slight deformity is labelled "number sixteen".

One of our first buses swayed from side to side as it moved, like a huge crab, and had no bonnet so that the engine was on view to all onlookers. Later on, it appeared minus the driver's door, and the driver was in full view. What would have happened if we had not broken up, I do not know, but we never saw it again as it was scrapped later on.

For a period after this, we were given a new bus, and revelled in comfort. There came a time, however, when we were presented with another freak. Not quite as bad as the others, admittedly, as the only thing we had against it was its engine. The driver proudly boasted that it had a ship's engine, and could climb a hill at thirty knots with no trouble at all. He was quite right — we had to stop thirty times going up hills, while the driver unravelled the 'knots'!

We were then blessed with a bus which threw a smoke screen around us, while travelling up hill, and upon our coming, all traffic and pedestrians cleared from our path with amazing quickness. This also boasted a faulty engine, and it was no infrequent sight to see six boys pushing the bus into a start, while the exhaust pipe belched forth thick clouds of black smoke. I have since seen this bus in the school playground. It seems that one day the exhaust pipe fell off, and it is now tied on with a piece of string.

Our latest bus is a decided improvement. The only deformities it has are a shaky chassis, seats with steel bands ornamenting the middle of their backs, and either a faulty engine or a faulty driver. We find it increasingly difficult to sit down in comfort, when steel rods are being imbedded into our backs, and when every time the bus goes over a bump in the road, we have to clutch on to our seats to avoid being thrown into the air. The driver also, has to bring the bus practically to a standstill before changing gear, and very often the engine has to be wound up before it can start again.

It seems a great pity that Mr Emmett cannot see some of our school buses, for I feel quite sure that they would prove a great source of inspiration to him.

He who lives in an invisible house, He who is as quiet as a mouse, Never tears up his books, nor breaks

I'm so sorry, I thought I was writing to my old friends, and as you are not spies, you would not be able to read my letter if it continued in code. Would you like to know the code so that you can write secret letters too? I thought you would. Well it's really very easy and there are hundreds of different ways of making secret codes. Of course, to be a professional spy, like myself, you have to know all of them but ycu can quite well make up a secret code of your own. Let us take one of the simplest codes. It consists of writing down the alphabet from left to right. Now write the alphabet again underneath but this time from right to left, so that A goes under Z and B under Y and so on until you finish with Z under the A.

What you have to do now, is take the letter underneath the one you would normally use. So, if you want to write A you write Z instead! Try it and see how it goes. Here are a few examples.

NZOGZ for MALTA. HXSLLO for SCHOOL and of course KVKHRXLOZ for PEPSICOLA, but dont try this one on the shopkeeper!

Have you got the idea now? Then see if you can decode this simple little message without my help.

Of course this isn't true, but because I am a spy I am always thinking about war.

Try to make up some messages of your own and see if your friend can decode them.

Another easy code is to write the letter before the correct one, so for G you write F, for X you write W and of course for A you will have to write Z. Thus instead of DEAR you would write CDZQ. You can have lots of fun writing secret letters to your friends in code. More fun, of course, can be had by trying to break a code, that is to read a coded letter when you dont know what the code is. Perhaps someday I will tell you how to do it. If you would really like to know, tell your editor, for he alone knows the identity of

HE XNT GZUD ZMX OQNAKDLR, NQ MDDC ZMX ZCUHBD, OKDZRD VQH3D SN LD. ZCCQDRR XNTQ KDSSDQ SN ZFDMS W ZMC GZMC HS SN SGD DCHSNQ.

Is it worth the effort ? You've got no brains but you don't care, You ain't affiguring on getting nowhere,

Just one durn thing after t'other. The old school clock it sure is sick, You check it through with a pin on a stick, It looks all right but it will not tick,

Plow unusual - for this is first night! The silence is horrid (you could hear a cat purr);

As is usual with even great casts; They must be as perfect as those Bordeaux wines

Or stage-manager fuming with rage. But suddenly, the stage is splashed with white light,

And a giant form looms over all! It takes up some strings from the left and the right,

Whilst the lights go out in the main hall. The curtain arises, and the show begins now,

At first, his mind was a complete blank, and he could see nothing at all; then his senses gradually returned and he tried vainly to remember where he was. His vision was slowly becoming clearer, and he could see a light, far away, revolving at a terrific speed - and yet lessening speed slightly as each second slipped by.

Several heads, apparently swimming around in thin air, appeared to be continually rebounding off the light, like may-bugs darting around an electric lamp in the heat of a tropical summer. Gradually, these heads diminished in number, until only one remained - but it was completely unrecognisable.

The light, by this time, had become fairly still, and seemed to be square in shape; from it a gentle breeze was drifting towards him, hurrying-along the misty clouds that were before his eyes.

Suddenly he burst out laughing - not that there was anything to laugh about. On the contrary, his situation seemed quite precarious - but he just could not help himself; and to make matters worse, a warm liquid now began to trickle from his mouth. He put up his hand to check the flow, and in doing so, was able to discern the colour of the liquid - RED!! In spite of a great fear rising inside of him, he opened his mouth wide and roared helplessly.

Then, everything became quite clear : he stopped laughing. The square became an open window, and the face took on a human appearance lean, sallow bespectacled, and blue-chinned, Suddenly, the face spoke - "Well, thats all for today sir; the gas seems to have affected you a little more than is usual, so we'll have the" other one out next week - by cocaine!" The nurse closed the door after him.

On the 14th of April, 1952, my mother and father, my sister and I were waiting by the Customs House in Valletta to go on the long journey to Germany. About 5-30 p.m. that day we were on board the boat, the S.S. Celio. I had a look round the boat and found it very interesting. The Captain let me go right into the engine room.

The Celio left Malta at 7-25 p.m. I watched the green light of St. Julian's Tower fade away into the distance. The sea was not very rough but was bad enough. When we arrived at Syracuse it was 8-0 a.m. and very hot too. At the railway station we had to wait thirty-five minutes for the train to come from Catania. In that time I watched a lot of local trains arrive and depart, and bought seven Italian magazines. When our train arrived we boarded and settled down for the long journey to Rome. I got so hot that I had to take off my blazer. My sister fell asleep as soon as we were out of Syracuse. The Country was very boring because it was all mountains and pitch-black, horrid, dirty tunnels. On one mountain I noticed a lot of foxes slinking around a farmhouse. They were after the chickens.

When we arrived at Rome the sun was shining right on the dome of St. Peter's. The train stopped for half-an-hour at Rome for the engine to re-fuel. My sister woke up as soon as we were out of Rome because I stuck a drawing pin in her. She started to cry. From Rome to Milan the country was very beautiful because it was all valleys and forests. In one large forest I saw a lot of wild deer eating grass. When we arrived at Milan it was dark but the moon was full so you could see quite clearly. The train did not stop at Milan but it had to go very slowly through the station. About 20 miles from Milan we went through the first of the Alps and once you get into the Alps you think you can never get out.

The mountains were enormous and I felt quite dizzy looking at a very high mountain. Quite soon the train entered the St. Gotthard tunnel which is two and a half miles long. It was pitch black outside but as the train went through it lit up with the lights in the train. When the train burst out of the tunnel there were no mountains to be seen but green fields and small hills. Twenty miles from the tunnel I could see the Alps disappearing into the distance and the city of Coblenz quite near. As soon as the train entered Coblenz railway station the engine was changed and a big German engine took its place. When the train left Coblenz it was hot and stuffy so I read a magazine. When I had finished the magazine the train was in the suburbs of Cologne. It was strange to go through such strange cities. Five minutes later we were in the railway station. We had to leave the train and board a local train which takes you right to Adenau. As the train approached Adenau the sun was just setting.

I was thinking over the long journey as we drove to the hotel but being very tired I was glad to have some sleep in a bed at last.

It was a very hot sultry day, of the kind which one finds in June, when I was lounging on a mossy bank, on top of which grew hosts of many coloured hollyhocks.

The weather had made me drowsy, and I fell into a deep sleep in which I was transported to a stone jetty beside a calm blue sea, with seagulls circling overhead. I imagined myself to be in France, by the little stone houses, with typical fishing boats bobbing gently on the waves. I sat down, swinging my legs over the water, as I surveyed the horizon out to sea.

A little yacht was coming rapidly towards land. Soon, I saw that there was one person on deck - a dark-haired broad-shouldered man, about forty years old. He smiled and waved, and I waved back, with a strange feeling that I knew him.

He ordered a couple of men to tie up to a rusty iron ring on the jetty, then lightly jumped from the craft with the vigour of a man half his age. He was richly dressed in the costume of the mid-nineteenth century. He had very black hair, and flashing dark eyes. The emerald ring on his finger sparkled and danced in the sunlight as he came towards me.

The yacht glided off, after instructions from the master to wait for him round tne next point. This order met with the approval of the ship-hands for it would mean a quaff or two of excellent wine at the village inn.

"You've been staring at me so. I was sure you must have guessed who I am. I'm the Count of Monte Cristo. You must have read about me at least three times," he answered.

Why had I forgotten ? Now I had been enlightened as to his identity I wondered why I had failed to recognise him. He was so like the image I had conjured up in my mind countless times.

"In the last few years I have been in the East, but mostly in Greece. Haydee naturally likes it there best," he replied.

"It must be strange to be able to travel as you please, after having to stay so long in Paris on your mission of vengeance," I remarked.

"It is a beautiful feeling though," said he, idly plucking a daisy from a crevice in the stones.

"I left her in Greece while I came for a short trip. I wished to see Marseilles again, and of course Valentine and Morrell."

"Could they be anything but happy ? They delight in making each other contented."

He came to his feet, and stood gazing wistfully out to sea in the direction of Greece, where Haydee impatiently awaited him.

"Will you leave me a memento, to make sure that our meeting is more than a dream ?" I asked.

From a jewelled box he placed in my outstretched hand a tiny ball, no bigger than a pea.

"Yes," he replied carelessly. "Goodbye," and was gone, while I rolled the drug between my fingers.

At last I arose, still with my eyes on my treasure. Missing my footing, I fell headlong into the calm waters below me, and sank down and down, still clutching at my gift. Omnious-looking jagged rocks rose up before me. I crashed into them, and knew no more until I awoke on the mossy bank, with the bees humming around me. Squashed and sticky in my hand was a little ball about the size of a pea - it was a hollyhock seed !

Once again the non-participation of the school 1st XI in the local Secondary Schools League meant that all matches this year were friendly, and of the eight played seven were won, two lost and one drawn. Therefore we can look back upon the season as being quite a successful one, in view of the fact that there is a very limited choice of players. It is not often realised how few boys we can draw upon from the senior school and therefore our performance, although not brilliant, was quite satisfactory.

The team on the whole played fairly good football but lack of training facilities and little practice were the chief reasons for poor ball control and rather wild shooting. If regular training could be introduced next year the standard of play would rise appreciably. However the actual standard of play throughout the season was consistent and special mention must to to Fewtrell, Palmer and Hammond for whom this was unfortunately the last season. Others who caught the eye were Wilson, Owen, Bowyer, Hayston, Calcutt, Wilks and Mallon who were all awarded their colours.

There has been a definite improvement in the quality of the football this season especially in the defensive positions. Our pressing need is for goal-scoring forwards, players with speed, dash and accuracy of shooting.

Football at Manoel Island on Saturday mornings was mainly confined to the boys of 3J and 4J. Consequently numbers were such as to make inter-house games impossible, so houses combined to play each other and numerous inter-form games were played.

Three inter-school games were played against Tal Handak. After losing the first of these by a goal scored in the last minute of the game, Verdala had no difficulty at all in winning the next two games. In games against a Maltese Youth Club the opposition was very much stronger. After doing quite well in the first half on each occasion, the team was overwhelmed by an avalanche of goals in the second half and lost 0-7 and 0-8 respectively.

These games showed clearly that whereas our players had quite a high degree of individual football skill and ball control, as a team the players lacked the rudiments of positional play and were far too easily drawn from their positions. Of the individual players Robert Garty, Jeremy Davies, Stewart Fyfe, William Cass and Nigel Hansell were outstanding. Robert Garty was a most efficient sports monitor.

All in all the games were splendid exercise and were much enjoyed by those who took part.

This year for the first time, we were able to play matches against a number of ladles' teams in Malta. This in itself led to a higher all round standard of hockey and the most successful season we have had to date. The valuable coaching of Mrs Parr produced some excellent results. Our opponents included the Naval Officers' Wives and the Sailors' Wives, Luqa Ladies, Wrens, H.M.S. Phoenicia, Wrens Hal Far and the Women's Staff. Our best match of the season was with the Luqa Ladies. At half-time the score was 3-3, but in the last few minutes the more experienced opponents scored two more goals.In general the form of the team was better than results would indicate. Frequently we had the better of the play throughout the game only to lose by snap goals through the opponents taking advantage of mistakes by our defenders. The school team lacked a reliable goalkeeper. Had we been able to find one, we would have won at least four games which were lost. At the beginning of the season the forwards could not score goals, but a rearrangement which brought Jennifer Cock to forward added scoring power, and from that moment we began to win matches.

Stick work improved greatly during the season, and the push, scoop and lunge shots were used to advantage. Useful discussions on tactics took place with Mrs Parr, and by the end of the season the first eleven was playing well together as a team and keeping their positions well.

Jennifer Cock, alone of last year's colours remained. She captained the side well and was the leading goal scorer. Colours were awarded during the season to Sheila Hall, right wing, Anne Goodger, centre forward, Sheila Morris, centre half, and Jean Elford, left wing. Others who played regularly in the first eleven were Susanne Buick, Margaret Davenport, Susan Burt and Pat Carpenter. Few of these will be here next season so there are ample opportunities for the younger players to win places in the first team.

As a whole, the school is disappointingly apathetic about hockey. The houses managed to complete their house teams with difficulty, and the house matches, though keenly played, did not produce good hockey. Drake, largely due to the dash of Marie Fyfe and Pat Beamiss were house champions. We need many more girls to turn out on Saturday mornings and we need spectators to watch the house and school games. Watching good hockey by others cannot fail to improve one's own standard.

Next season we shall greatly miss Mrs Parr who has had charge of school hockey for the last five seasons. In coaching and umpiring, she has been unstinting of her time. We are grateful for all she has done for school hockey and hope she will carry back some pleasant memories of her stay here.

The netball club has enjoyed a full season, and has maintained its standard, inspite of the loss of several good players at the end of the school year.

The house matches were played with keen rivalry, and Drake House showed its superiority by never losing a match. The final positions were : —

Our first team had 2 matches against Whitehall Wrens and won both, but it was not the same story when we took three teams to play the Convent of the Sacred Heart; all three teams were defeated. Nevertheless they enjoyed the games and learned how quickly and accurately a ball can be passed to the goal. More practice is needed for improving the co-operation in the team. This may now be possible with the provision of late buses.

Several hundred parents and many .friends of the school visited the Athletics Ground at Manoel Island for the twentieth Annual Athletic Sports on Wednesday, 21st May.

They were entertained by a very full programme of forty-one events, in which chidren of all ages between 8 and 18 had an opportunity of showing their skill and paces.

Training for the sports had been going on for some weeks and there had been much competition among the children for the honour of representing their houses in the various events. This healthy spirit of competition among the houses was the keynote of the day's sport.

White House, who had had a long run of successes, were considered out of the running, and those who thought they knew forecast a keen struggle between Nelson and Stephenson for the house championship.

At the half-way stage only two points covered the three leading houses, but from then onwards Nelson, with success in team events, established a lead which they managed to retain until the end, despite a gallant effort by Stephenson to overhaul them.

The excitement reached its climax in the Tug-of-War final between the two teams. The first pull was won by Nelson after a ding-dong struggle lasting nearly five minutes. Stephenson retaliated with a straight pull, and after another long pull of three minutes in the decider, an exhausted Nelson team had to succumb to the heavier Stephensons.

Some excellent performances were given by the two leading athletes in the open events. Joseph Palmer, who was joint champion athlete last year, won five events, retaining his championship, and Raymond Fewtrell won three. Four new records were set up in the open events, three of them by Fewtrell. Fewtrell's performance in the high jump was judged to be the best performance and followed his success in the Inter-Schools meeting. The competition for champion girl was much more open and Jean Elford eventually proved successful.

Throwing the Cricket Ball (Boys - Open) 1. J. Palmer; 2. M. Cooper; 3. C. Dudman 223 ft. 6 ins.

Putting the Shot (Boys - Open) 1. J. Palmer; 2. R. Fewtrell; 3 C. Dudman 39 ft. 104 ins. (new record)

Netball Shooting (Girls Open) 1. Joan Hopkins; 2. Mavis Wilson; 3. Pat Carpenter.

Long Jump (Boys - Open) 1. R. Fewtrell; 2. J. Palmer; 3. M. Calcutt. 18 ft. 6 ins. (new record)

75 Yard (Girls - 10 to 12). 1. Carole Buick; 2. Susan Jeffrey; 3. Araminta Cooper.

Obstacle Race (Girls - Open). 1. Maureen Swayne; 2. Shirley Kimber; 3. Patricia Beamiss.

Plantpot Race (Girls - 12 to 144). 1. Jennifer Pitt; 2. Valerie Fogden; 3. Patricia Bade. -

100 Yards (Boys - Open). 1. J. Palmer; 2. J. Mallon; 3. P. Hoare. 11.0 sees, (equals record).

100 Yards (Boys - 12 to 144). 1. G. Stubbs; 2. M. Livingstone; 3. R. Shepherd.

Throwing the Discus (Boys Open). 1. R.Fewtrell; 2. J. Palmer; 3. A. Overton. 91 ft. 6 ins. (new record).

High Jump (Boys - Open). 1. R. Fewtrell; 2. G. Cave ; 3. M. Calcutt. 5 ft. 14 ins. (new record).

100 yards (Girls - 12 to 14.5). 1- Susanne Buick; 2. Ann Bulbeck; 3 Tessa Dudman.

Mothers and Fathers Race. 1. Mr and Mrs Austin ; 2. Mr Adams and Mrs Synott ; 3. Mr and Mrs Andrews.

50 yards (Girls under 8.5). 1. Margaret Polkinghorne ; 2. Patricia Wilson ; 3. Valerie Redford.

High Jump (Girls 12 to 14.5). 1. Susanne Buick ; 2. Ann Bulbeck ; 3. Valerie Attrill.

220 Yards (Girls 12 to 144). 1. Susanne Buick ; 2. Tessa Dudman ; 3. Penelope Hopkins.

After the trophies had been presented to the winning competitors by Lady Margaret Hawkins, the Headmaster thanked the many people who had worked so hard to make the afternoon a success for both parents and children. He paid a special tribute to the Sports Master, Lieutenant Wren, whose fifth school sports meeting this had been and who would be leaving shortly. In conclusion he thanked Lady Margaret Hawkins for presenting the cups, and the Head Boy then had the last word in leading three cheers for Admiral and Lady Hawkins.

Verdala Sports were held on Tuesday. 15th May, on the Sports Ground of St. Edward's College, kindly lent by Father Louis, the Rector.

The Sports Meeting was highly successful and a large gathering of parents and friends including Instructor Captain and Mrs Gracie spent an enjoyable afternoon watching the events.

Perhaps the highlight of the afternoon was the parents' Three-Legged Race which was won by Lt.-Commander and Mrs Haig in great style.

The children's races were closely contested and eventually Nelson House ran out winners of the Inter-House Competition with 94 points.

There were 20 infant races and the whole programme of 50 events was completed in under an hour and three quarters.

The organising and marshalling of over 600 children was in the hands of the members of the staff. Mr Evans, R.N. was a sympathetic and efficient starter. Instructor Lieutenant Winterbottom, R.N., Surgeon Lieutenant Watson, R.N., and Mr Hotting acted as judges, while Lieutenant Smith, R.N., not only rigged the public address apparatus but also proved to be an excellent commentator.

Mrs Gracie presented the House Trophy at the end of the meeting to Diana Hill and James Tippetts, Captains of Nelson House. She in turn was presented with a bouquet by Althea Longbone. Three hearty cheers for Captain and Mrs Gracie brought a warm but highly enjoyable afternoon to a close.

3J. Wheelbarrow Race. 1. D.Stewart and Kay Purkiss ; 2 H.Armstrong and P. Taylor ; 3 R.Nethercott and P. Pimblett

2cJ. Three Legged Race. 1. M. Stevens and A. Splaine ; 2. D. Mason and Julie Warman ; 3. S. Mahony and B. Coggon.

IbJ. Skipping Race. -1. Virginia Johnson; 2. S. Johnson ; 3. Jacqueline Brewerton.

1. Lt.-Commander and Mrs Haig ; 2. Lt.and Mrs Roberts ; 3. Commander and Mrs West.

FINAL HOUSE POSITIONS 1. Nelson — 94 points ; 2. Stephenson -78 points ; 3. White — 71 points ;

As the Marsa Stadium was not fit for use this year, owing to flood damage, the venue for the Annual Inter-Schools' Sports was changed to St. Edward's College track.

Among the distinguished guests present were H.E. The .Governor and Lady Creasy, the Director of Education, Mr J. Vassallo, and the Headmasters of several of the 10 competing schools.

These guests and the big crowd of spectators present were treated to a fine display of track and field events and a keen struggle between St. Aloysius and St. Edward's Colleges for supremacy in the points aggregate. Among the outstanding performers was R. Cassar Torregiani of St. Aloysius who won both senior sprints in close finishes with Joseph Palmer and also fought a grim battle with Raymond Fewtrell in the closing stages of the senior high jump. Well as Cassar Torregiani jumped, Fewtrell was invincible on the day and turned the tables for last year's defeat by the same boy, as well as setting up a new record of 5 ft. 2 ins. Cyril Dudman did well to win the junior long jump, but the most exciting event of the afternoon for us was undoubtedly the senior relay which we won for the first time. Our victory was largely due to a magnificently judged two laps leg by John Mallon, who turned a deficit of two or three yards into a lead of ten yards which Michael Cooper just managed to hold over the last 220 yards.

At the conclusion of the sports, Lady Creasy presented the cups and medals to the winners after short speeches by Mr G. V. Parker, Chairman of the Combined Secondary Schools Sports Association, and Father H. B. Louis, Rector of St. Edward's College.

The following boys who formed the School team are to be congratulated on their efforts by which they upheld the reputation of the School at this meeting :—

J. PALMER - 100 yards (Group 1)—2nd. 220 yards (Group 1)—2nd. Shot (Senior) —2nd.

The winning Senior Relay team was E. Shepherd (220), J. Palmer (440), J Mallon (880) and M. Cooper (220).

The Junior Relay team which finished Second was composed of C. Dudman (110), M. Livingstone (220), P. Hoare (440) and W. Wilkins (110).

The School was represented in Inter-School Relays at the sports meeting of St. Edward's College and St. Albert the Great College. Our teams finished second in each of these events and in both cases they were deprived of victory by only a very narrow margin, with the luck going against them.

At St. Edward's College— R. Fewtrell (220), P. Hoare (440), J. Mallon (880), J. Palmer (220).

A word of commendation is due to Mallon whose excellently judged half-mile legs contributed so largely to the team's successes.

Congratulations to the following boys who have been awarded Athletics Colours this year for their performances in the Cross Country and Athletics teams : —

John Mallon (6G, White House) Peter Hoare (4T, Nelson House) Cyril Dudman (5G, Drake House).

The other holders of Athletics Colours are :— Raymond Fewtrell (Nelson House) Joseph Palmer (Stephenson House).

The annual Cross Country Run was held on Thursday, February 23th., over the usual circular track of approximately two and a half miles, starting and finishing at the School. Each house was represented by a team of ten boys, all of whose positions counted in the Inter-house competition.

The race resulted in a win for P. Hoare of Nelson house, who came home 15 seconds ahead of M. Cooper of White house, in a time of 17 minutes 28 seconds. Third and fourth places were filled by W. Wilkins and R. Fewtrell, both of Nelson House.

With three runners among the first four to finish, Nelson House had a good foundation for victory in the team event. Their leading runners were nobly backed up by E. Thomas (7th), K. Livingstone (9th), D. Alder (llth) and D. Peters (14th), with the result that Nelson were easy winners bf the Inter-House Championship.

The points scored were :— , 1st. Nelson — 139 points. 2nd. White — 201 points. 3rd. Stephenson — 219 points. 4th. Drake — 261 points.

On the following Wednesday, the Combined Secondary Schools race was run over our own course with an extra mile added to the circuit. Each of the ten schools competing was allowed to field a team of 8 boys, with the first four home to count for the team competition.

Fifty-nine runners took part and the race resulted in an overwhelming victory for St. Edward's College who provided the individual winner in A. Schranz and had four runners home in the first six to total 14 points. Schranz's time for the 3i miles course was 21 minutes 35 seconds. Our own school finished second with 51 points.

After the race the medals were presented by H.E. The Governor, who was accompanied by Lady Creasy. His Excellency has since offered a cup for annual competition in this event.

The school team for this event was :-W. Wilkins (8th), P. Hoare (13th), R. Fewtrell (14th), M. Cooper (16th), J. Mallon (17th),J. Burden (25th), R. Shepherd (26th), J. Todd (30th).

To exchange the green fields of England for the sandy wastes of Manoel Island must ever be a source of real regret to our cricketing enthusiasts. Yet the game flourishes here just as lustily as it does in the parks of Putney or the meadows of Mirfield.

At the beginning of the season six trial matches were played between the Houses, so that any likely talent might be discovered. Of these games Drake House won three, Stephenson two and White one.

Three School matches were also played. That against St. Michael's College was won by the School. But matches against St. Angelo and a Fathers' XI both resulted in defeats for the School.

Several stalwart performances were witnessed during the season's games, amongst them being two very fine bowling feats by Calcutt when in one match he took seven wickets for twenty-two runs and in another eight for thirty-three. Fewtrell, who topped the batting averages, had a not-out innings of ninety on one occasion and a very pleasing sixty-three against the Fathers' XI.

Our thanks must also be offered to the scorers - and in particular to Williams of 6G - whose carefully compiled records of the games make it possible to give the following averages :—

As we draw towards the end of our first year of Scouting together, it is with mixed feelings that we can review the back trails ; a mixture of pride and regret.

We regret that well-known faces have disappeared from the flicker of our camp fire. They will not go unremembered, for Scouts, like Ernie the Bulldog, can never be forgotten, their contribution was too great. Wherever they are we send them greetings with best wishes for fair winds and a safe haven.

Within the troop much has happened. Thirty Scouts have been invested and the following badges gained : —

FIRST CLASS : E. Wright, A. Baylee. SECOND CLASS : E. Wright, H. Brill-Edwards, J. Burton, D. Kennedy.

PROFICIENCY BADGES : Swimmer : A. Baylee, H. Brill-Edwards, D. Kennedy, C. Turpin, B. Humble. Cook : G. Gough, B. Humble. Philatelist : A. Baylee. Jobman : E. Wright. Cameraman : E. Wright.

Boatwork has started in earnest and soon we shall see badges for Cox'n and Bosun. Possibly the highlight of the year was when H.M.S. Tal Handak sailed on "Operation St. Leonard". This expedition proved very successful in training the crew in the

Much good work has been done, but little would have been possible without the generous support of our many friends.

We extend most hearty thanks to Commander Bellamy for all his support ; to Captain Kennedy for a wonderful day at sea ; to Surgeon Lieutenant Wyndham-Davies for boating facilities ; to Mr Plant for his help, and last but by no means least, to those parents who have supported us, particularly our very hard-working Parent Committee who have given so generously of their time and energy to raise funds for the troop. To these we say a Scout's Thanks and may the rafters ring with our cries of "Jolly Good Show".

Let us now go forward to bigger and better things, to new adventures in H.M.S. Tal Handak. Let us make her a truly happy and efficient ship, the pride of all who sail in her.

THE FIRST MALTA GIRL GUIDES

I little thought last November when only six stalwarts come to our first meeting that the Guide Company would become so vital. Even when we increased our numbers somewhat, some of our senior Guides were whisked off home, and we began to look like "the ten little nigger boys". However, we soon put that rhyme in reverse and have now over 30 Guides arranged in five patrols.

We say farewell and good guiding to Company Leader Cynthia Seymour and to Patrol Leaders Patricia Beamiss, Susan Burt and Elaine La Croix as well as to others of less exalted rank.

On the occasion of the death of H.M. King George VI we attended a memorial service at Floriana Methodist Church and later laid a wreath in the Palace Square.

On Thinking Day (the birthday of the Chief Guide, Lady Baden-Powell) we broadcast a programme of camp fire songs on the local Rediffusion.

We were asked to form a Guard of Honour at the War Memorial for the annual Anzac Day ceremony. The celebration of the feast of St. Joan of Arc, the patron saint of Maltese Guiding, was marked by a service in St. Paul's Anglican Cathedral, followed by an inspection of all companies by Lady Creasy in the Palace Courtyard and then a March Past in Kingsway, Valletta. When the First Home Rover Crew had their colours rededicated by the Rev. Owen Roebuck, honorary chaplain to H.M. The Queen, in the presence of the Flag Officer, Malta, at Floriana Methodist Church, we were invited to take part with our own colours.

The company has mixed pleasure with education in visiting the Armoury and State Rooms at the Palace, Valletta and the Naval Bakery in H.M. Victualling Yard.

Highlights of our social occasions have been visits to a Scout and Rover Camp Fire to Hassan's Cave and the Guides' Annual Easter outing to Ghain Tuffieha, where we won a sand-castle building competition.

Despite the hot weather we still meet regularly on Wednesday afternoons and intend to keep meeting regularly throughout the entire summer.

We are known as the 1st Malta Company and our aim is to be first not only in name but also in smartness and efficiency.

Good Luck and Good Guiding always. joan M. crofts (Captain)

BROWNIES

During the past four months, many new members have joined the school Brownie Pack, so that there are now four full sixes, and also quite a number of names on the waiting list.

Fourteen Brownies have been enrolled, 8 have passed their Golden Bar (i.e., Second Class) Test, and two, Jill Burton and Anne Johnston have passed their Golden Hand (i.e., First Class) Test.

The Pack took part in the Annual Guide Handwork 'Exhibition and Demonstration held on April 26th, by entering various pieces of handwork and performing a sketch to illustrate the Golden Hand Message Test. This sketch was also performed on a Rediffusion programme on May 17th and at a Guide concert held in the Orpheum Theatre on May 31st. Other events in which members of the Pack have participated are the Annual Church Parade and Inspection held in honour of St. Joan, and the Annual Sports, in which Heather Maggs won second prize for the Shoe Race.

We have been very pleased to see so many parents and friends at Brownie enrolments, and also enjoyed a visit from Mrs Denaro, Island Commissioner, and her Deputy, Mrs Borg Dingli, who inspected the Pack on May 15th.

Finally, we are very glad to welcome Mrs Roberts and Miss Jocelyn Cock as new Brown Owl and Tawny Owl of the pack.

H.S.J.

All Brownies wish to express their thanks to Mrs Johnston for her good work as Brown Owl during the last 6 months. We are very sorry she is leaving us..

TAL HANDAK CUBS

During the last year we have managed to cut down the Cub Pack to 4 sixes, which have been renamed Grey, Brown, Black and Tawny. Fourteen cubs have been granted their first star, and the four sixers are well on their way to the second, and by the end of next term we hope they will have both eyes open in the jungle.

The pack will be sorry to lose two sixers, John Knight and Michael Hawkins, who are going up to the Scout Troop. They have been sixers for nearly a year and we wish them both good hunting as they leave the jungle to go to the wider world. Good scouting.

akela

VERDALA CUBS

January saw the inauguration of a second cub pack at Verdala. It consisted of ten boys of whom only four had previous experience, but what might have been lacking in experience was soon made up by enthusiasm.

The Pack was honoured by having a mass investiture conducted by Captain Formosa, District Commissioner, assisted by Mr Dye, Assistant Commissioner for English Cubs. The investiture took place at Scout Headquarters, and by this time the pack had grown to twenty-six. We very much enjoyed the ceremony and welcomed many parents and friends including Commander and Mrs Bellamy.

The highlight so far was a picnic, to Boschetto Gardens. The camp fire set a seal to a very happy day.

We are now rolling up our sleeves to undertake any kind of job to make our presence felt in the first 'Bob-a-Job' effort in Malta.

The keen interest shown by the parents towards the cubs' well-being is most encouraging and we look forward with confidence to a happy and expanding future.

Good Hunting Cubs, pearle P. A. livingstone

"AKELA"

DRAKE HOUSE NOTES

(September 1951 - June 1952)

House Masters — Mr Edgell, Mr Ruoff

House Mistress — Miss Hind

House Captains — Dorna Bayliss, D. Palmer

House Prefects — Margaret Davenport,C. Dudman

Once again this has been a "Girls' Year" for this house, these members of the fair sex showing a good deal more enthusiasm than the boys. They came a very good first in both hockey and netball, with Dorna Bayliss and Margaret Davenport giving valuable encouragement and support to the younger members, as well as playing convincingly for the school hockey team.

In football and cross-country running, the boys did their utmost to save the house from sinking into the depths of obscurity, but only just managed to keep their heads "above the water".

In athletics we were most unlucky. We seem to be the only house without an outstanding individual who can help us along the road to victory ; but in spite of this fact, Drake put up a very commendable show on Sports Day ( as witness the sports results), and those taking part by no means let the house down.

For the inter-school athletic team, we can boast four members from this house (four characters who are very prominent in all sporting activities), most notably Cyril Dudman, who won the Junior Long Jump, thus procuring a record (and a silver cup) for the school. The other members were the Shepherd brothers, each running well in their respective relay races, and Peter Davies, our long-distance runner.

Considerable keenness from this house has been shown for the 'dramatic' societies.
Valerie Attrill, Patricia Gerry and David Palmer, all helped to make the pantomime the success it waa; and Dorna Bayliss, Angela Norman and David Palmer played leading parts very effectively in the school play.

With more enthusiasm from the boys, and consistent effort from the girls, we could pull ourselves "out of the rut", so "buck up Drake - lets show the others what we can do ! "

NELSON HOUSE NOTES

House Masters — Mr E. J. Green, Mr T. E. Knight

House Mistresses — Miss J. Yule, Miss Farmer, Miss Rowe

House Prefects — R. Fewtrell, J. Cock, A. Henderson, K. Livingstone.

The introduction of an under 14.5 age limit considerably weakened our football team ; our best players being over that age. Although the team played well together the forwards lacked goal scoring ability and our final position was bottom in the House Championship. We occupied a similar position in the Netball House Championships,

On the other hand enthusiasm at hockey has increased greatly and the full team turned up regularly every Saturday for practice. We'were fortunate to have three members of the School Hockey Team ; Jennifer Cock, Ann Goodger and Susanne Buick in our House Team and were successful in gaining second place in the House matches ; only missing the House Championship by one point. We are sorry that many of the team are leaving this term, but hope that next term the enthusiasm will continue and we shall bs able to win back the Hockey Trophy from Drake.

In the School Cross Country, five members of Nelson House came home in the first ten places, so that the team gained a decisive win and were 80 points ahead of White House. We congratulate P. Hoare who was first, W. Wilkins who came third and Fewtrell who came 4th. These boys were also selected for the Inter-Schools Cross Country and again we congratulate W. Wilkins who was first home on this occasion.

On Sports Day the House was again successful and won both the Boys and Girls House Championships. Enthusiasm and keenness in turning up for practice was remarkably good. There were several outstanding individual performances; Fewtrell won the Open High Jump and Long Jump and made a new school record. For this performance on Sports Day and at the Inter-Schools Athletic Meeting where he also came first in the High Jump and Long Jump, he was awarded the Headmaster's Cup. Suzanne Buick we congratulate for winning the Junior Girls High Jump, 100 yards, and 220 yards races Both Junior and Senior Relay teams did very well and gained a first place. We were perhaps unfortunate in losing the Tug-of-War after a most determined and long first pull.

The number of points obtained for School work has not been very good so far this year. In the first term we gained least of all the Houses. In the second term there was an improvement and we did manage to obtain a third place ; but we are still a long way behind Drake and Stephenson and it is hoped that the effort of last term will be maintained so that we shall be able to give as good an account of our school work as we have done in our sporting activities.

STEPHENSON HOUSE NOTES

Housemaster — Mr. Walker House Mistresses -- Miss Shaw, Miss Candey. House Captains — J. Palmer, Jean Elford

House Prefects - - Rosemary Davenport, Sheila Hall, Patricia Carpenter, R. C. Williams, A. Overton.

At the end of last term we received the extremely sad news that Instructor-Lieutenant and Mrs. Parr, our House Master and Mistress and the oldest inhabitants of. the school, were leaving us. Mr. and Mrs. Parr had, during their time at the school, worked especially hard in the interests of sport and, under their guidance, the House made great progress. Mr. Parr will always be remembered for his sympathetic interest in the problems confronting many of us during our school career, and we trust that both he and his wife will be very happy in their new appointment in England.

At the beginning of the school year we welcomed Mr. Walker to the House and, now that he is House Master, we hope that he will have a good time with us, and that, with his hand at the helm, the House will continue the progress which it made under the rule of his predecessor.

With the able assistance of Instructor-Lieutenant Wren, Miss Shaw and Mr. Walker coached the House athletes for the Annual Sports held at the beginning of this term. After a hard fight we finished second to Nelson, with the House Captains gaining the trophies of Champion Girl and Champion Boy. Our points were gained mostly by the Team Events and one of the most thrilling of these was the Tug-of-War. We won by two pulls to one, the winning pull being a great strain on all taking part. It lasted for nearly five minutes.

This year saw the introduction of under 14| years football which gave the younger boys an opportunity to show their ability in this sport. The team, under its Captain, Peter Baker (who also played in the school team) played very well and ended the season in the second place of the Championship table. The senior team also played consistently well and again we were second. J. Palmer must be congratulated on gaining his School Colours. With the assistance of a regular coach the standard of play would be greatly improved.

Neither the girls' hockey team nor the netball team claimed any great victory. The teams do not lack enthusiasm, but something more than this is required. Both teams gained a third place in their respective championsnip tables. We had three representatives in the school hockey team, and Jean Elford and Sheila Hall are to be congratulated on gaining School Colours.

At the time of writing the cricket season has only just started, but we have won two of the friendly matches played. One House Championship match has also been won and we should do well in this sport this season.

In the competition for the top House for points gained for work the House has been in the lead for the last two terms, and it should be possible to remain in this position.

At the beginning of the school year, two of our number, Rosemary Davenport and Joseph Palmer were appointed Head Girl and Head Boy. They have both worked hard for the School and the House and we shall be very reluctant to bid farewell to them at the end of this term. Palmer especially has worked well in the realm of sport and his efforts had much to do with our coming second in the Sports. We hope that they will both be happy and successful in their future careers : and we trust that next year, under its new leaders, the House will continue to progress so that we may retain our lead in the points gained for work and improve our position in the realm of sport.

.WHITE HOUSE NOTES

House Master and Mistresses — Mrs Wren, Mrs Coisell, Miss Leppard, Mr Colsell.

House Captains — Joan Hopkins and John Mallon

The House gave a good start to the year by narrowly defeating Stephenson for first place in the Football Competition. In the Junior leg we were defeated only once, whilst in the Senior leg, lead by Hammond,

we were undefeated. Together with Mallon, Hammond played regularly .for the School, and hence not only the House but, also the School lost a good footballer when he left. It was unfortunate that we lost him. just before the cross-country, for with him we might have come first ; even so we managed to secure a good second place. Cooper, Mallon and Woodacre were all in the first ten, as Burden would undoubtedly have been had he not found, three-quarters of the way round the course, that running and school lunches just do not mix. However, with Mallon and Cooper he was picked for the School team in the Inter-Schools cross-country.

In Athletics, although dislodged from our pedestal by Nelson, we came a close third. Our Juniors did remarkably well, Burden and Livingstone deserving special praise for their outstanding successes. The Junior Relay team (Burden, Turpin, Wood, Livingstone) ran a grand race to carry off the trophy. The Seniors, although weak in the field events, were quite strong on the track and did not fail to have at least one and sometimes two in the first three. Cooper (running in plimsolls) did well to come second in the 220 yards and also ran third to Palmer of Stephenson and Mallon in the 440 yards. In the open and Junior 100 yards Mallon and Livingstone respectively secured second place, while Burden, after winning the Junior Long Jump, and Wood third place in the Junior 440 obtained first place in the Junior 220 yards Livingstone did particularly well to carry off the Junior High Jump.

On the girls' side the House has not been very strong in sports this year, largely through a shortage of girls in the Upper School. We were, however, placed second in the Netball championship, and though our results in the Hockey tourney were disappointing there was a good deal of hard work and keenness which we hope will provide better results next year. In the Athletic Sports, Joan Hopkins won the Netball Shooting for the House, Prudence Morgan won the Senior High Jump and Tessa Dudman secured third place in the Junior 100 yards and second in the 220 yards. Moreover, our mixed team carried off the Shuttle race in fine style.

Our Junior School athletes secured valuable points for the House, R. Latimer and K. Rundle coming second in the 50 yards under 10, Diana Baker first in the Girls' 50 yards under 10, P. Clay second in the 50 yards under 8i, Valerie Redford third in the Girls' 50 yards under 8J and our Boys' team winning the under 10 Relay while the Girls came second in their under 10 Relay.

All things considered, it has been a reasonably successful year for the House so far, as a result of the combined efforts of Staff representatives and pupils.