HEADMASTER — Instructor Captain D.E. Mannering, B.A., Royal Navy.

                                          DEPUTY HEADMASTER — Instructor Lt. Commander R.I. Currie, M.A.,R.N.

                                                                       SENIOR MISTRESS — Miss J. Yule, B.A.

                                             FOREWORD-AND FAREWELL

The Headmaster of a large school with a rapidly changing population has many problems and some worries. One of the worries used to be the production of the annual School Magazine; but this is no longer so, and I am indebted to the Magazine Committee for the willing work which they have put in throughout the year. They have done a first class job and I hope that their efforts will be rewarded by heavy sales.
As I said in my report at Prize Day last year, the success of any school depends on teamwork, and this we have in full measure; as a result we have what is, I believe, a happy and successful school. My wife and I have certainly had four happy years in Malta and we shall miss the friendly spirit of Tal-Handaq. We thank all who have made our stay such a happy one and we wish every blessing on those who remain.
We have been fortunate in having a succession of senior officers who have taken a keen interest and given weighty support to our needs. I should like to take this opportunity of thanking Rear Admiral Viscount Kelburn for all that he has done, especially for enabling us to convert an unpromising collection of buildings into a place of some beauty and dignity. When he leaves there will no longer be a Flag Officer, Malta; but I am delighted to know that our Competent Authority will then be the Commander-in-Chief, Mediterranean.
Lastly, my very best wishes to my successor, Captain Broad. I know that he will be well-supported and I shall follow the fortunes of the school under his guidance with interest and confidence.

MAGAZINE COMMITTEE
Chairman: Mr. C.V. Morris.
Literary Editor: Mr. W.M. Alexander.
Art Editor: Mr. R.A. Dickerson.
Photographer: Mr. J. Evans.
Advertisements: Mr. E. Battye.
Boys' Representative: John Passmore.
Girls' Representative: Patricia Satchell.

HEADMASTER'S REPORT - PRIZE DAY, 1962

This year's Prize Day was arranged three weeks later than usual to avoid clashing with a trip to Greece in the School ship "Dunera". "Unfortunately this trip had to be cancelled due to lack of support in the "U.K., although we were going to contribute 150 children. But at least we have the consolation that we have received both prizes and G.C.E. Certificates for to-day -- the first time that this has happened since I have been here.

The past year has been remarkable for one thing in particular; it has been the first year of consolidation since the school re-opened after the War. Hitherto the story has been one of rising numbers and consequent pressure for more buildings. Now that numbers are fairly steady and we have more or less enough accommodation (though not always of the kind we would like), it is possible to give more thought to the organisation of the school.

For some time I have thought it right to change the former Bi-Lateral structure of the school, i.e. its division into separate Grammar and Modern departments or schools. The use of the word "schools" in this connection was never really justified, as there was no physical division of any kind, but classes were all designated with either a letter 'G' or 'M' in their make-up and you will hear these old class numbers for the last time when the prize list is read out later this afternoon. The school is becoming more Comprehensive than Bi-Lateral; the word "Comprehensive" has to be used carefully, as it has political overtones, but in this school we have a situation in which we can have the advantages of a Comprehensive School without the upheavals caused by imposing comprehension upon existing schools of other types. We certainly may claim to be Comprehensive in the widest sense of the word — we have children from all three Services, of all abilities, both sexes and an age range varying from 11 to 19 — and only missing 20 by three weeks.

This year we have introduced a much wider choice of subjects for G.C.E. 'O' level courses. These are planned as two year courses and are designed to cater as far as possible for children of high and of low ability; for those with a Scientific or an Arts bias; for those with definite careers in mind or with none at all; and for those whose talents are more practical than Academic. Children coming from G.C.E. streams in Modern Schools in the "United Kingdom can be fitted into these courses without too much upheaval. Any planning of this kind can, of course, only be done satisfactorily against a stable background. Although this cannot be guaranteed in Malta, the future of this school appears sufficiently settled to justify such action. We shall soon also need re-organised courses for the new Certificate of Secondary Education or "Beloe" examination and also for children not preparing for external examinations.

First impressions of our G.C.E. results this year were that they were rather disappointing, but in fact our 'A' level passes were just about the same as last year and we had rather more passes at 'O' level. There were also more failures, but this is partly due to a relaxation on entries, which have to be made in early February each year. Much can happen between February and July and it seems right, to give children the benefit of any doubt there may be; but inevitably some are unable to take advantage of this opportunity. Another factor which undoubtedly played a part this year was the excessive heat — those of you who were here in July will well remember the two days when the temperature rose to 106°. The effect on performances cannot be estimated but there is little doubt that few candidates can have done their best in such conditions, especially in the afternoons. Nevertheless there were some distinguished performances — notably those of Paul Lovell who obtained 11 very good 'O' level passes and

LESLEY POWELL — History (Foreign), Art, Mathematics.

JOYCE PUNCHARD - - English   Language,   French,   Religious   Knowledge, Mathematics,  Physics,  Biology.

 CAROL RANDALL — Art, Biology.

GEOFFREY RANDALL — English Language, English Literature, French, Italian, History (Foreign), Geography, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology.

RONALD RICHARDS — English Language, English Literature, History (Foreign),  Mathematics,  Physics, Chemistry.

 ROSALYN ROBERTSON -- English Language.

ANGELA SALTER -- Italian.

JEREMY SALTER — English Language, French, History (British).

SUSAN SALTER — English Language, Biology.

PATRICIA SATCHELL -- English Language, English Literature, French,History (British), Religious Knowledge, Geography, Mathematics, Additional Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry

SUSAN SCOTT — English Language, French, Cookery.

MAUREEN SILLIS — English Language, French, Mathematics, Physics,Chemistry.

ANNE SKINNER — French.

SHEILA SMITH — English Language, French, History (British).

MARGARET SOWDEN -- English Language.

PHILIP STUBBS — English Language, English Literature, French, History (Foreign), Geography, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry.

JUNE TAYLOR -- English Language.

MARY THOMAS -- English Language, History (Soc/Econ), Geography, Art,Cookery.

LORNA TIERNEY — English Language, French, History (British).

MALCOLM TRIGG — English Language, French, History (Foreign), Religious Knowledge, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry.

LESLEY TURNER — English Literature, Latin, Italian, History (Foreign), Religious Knowledge, Geography, Biology.

RUTH WAGHORN — English Language.

PAULINE WARNER — English Language, English Literature, Geography.

SUSAN WAUGH — Religious Knowledge, Biology.

PETER WEDDELL — History  (British).

LESLEY WHITELEY -- English Language, Biology.

MAVIS WHITTLE — Italian.

SUSAN WILDISH — English Language, French, Mathematics.

ANDREW WILKIN — Physics.

ROGER WILKIN — English Language, French, Geography, Mathematics,Physics.

ANNE WILLIAMS — Art.

JANET WILLIAMS — English Language.

PATRICIA WOODWARD — Additional Mathematics.

MARGARET WOOLLETT — English Language, Mathematics.

G.C.E.  RESULTS — AUTUMN  1962

ORDINARY   LEVEL:   OXFORD

PETER ASHFORTH — French.PAULINE BALE — English Literature, History (Foreign), Cookery.ALLISON BIGDEN — History (British).CHRISTINE BRACEY — English Literature, History (British), Mathematics,Chemistry.SUSAN BRIERLEY -- French. ALEXANDER BROWN — English Literature. SUSAN BUNTING — History (British), Religious Knowledge. JENNIFER CAIRNS — Art.KENNETH CAUNTER — English Language, Mathematics.JAMES COOPER — English Language.SANDRA CURRIE -- French.

DEREK DA VIES -- Geography.WILLIAM DUNCAN - - English Language, Religious Knowledge, Music.DUNCAN EUSTACE -- Art, Engineering Drawing.TERENCE FELTHAM — Geography.MAUREEN FITZGERALD -- English Language.DAVID GERRARD -- Italian.DAWN HANKINS -- Mathematics.IAN HEATH -- Chemistry.SYLVIA HENLEY -- English Literature, Religious Knowledge.HILARY HILL — Biology, Cookery.STELLA HOBBY -- History (British), Art.ROGER HURRELL — English Literature, History (Soc/Econ).LESLEY KEARN — Religious Knowledge.ADRIAN LINDLEY -- English Language, Religious Knowledge, Mathematics,Physics, Chemistry. MELANIE LUSTY -- English Language, English Literature, Chemistry,Biology.ALLAN MARTIN - - English Literature. VERONICA MACKNEY - - Additional Mathematics. BARBARA MILLER -- English Language, English Literature, History(Soc/Econ).JUDITH NEWTON — English Literature, Geography, Chemistry. JOHN PASSMORE — English Literature. JOHN PAYNE - - History (British). CYRIL POTTER — French. LESLEY POWELL — English Literature. JUNE PRICE -- English Literature, Cookery. ROSALYN ROBERTSON — Cookery.SUSAN SALTER — English Literature, History (Foreign). MAUREEN SILLIS -- History (Foreign). MALCOLM TRIGG - - English Literature, Geography.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The School Magazine Committee wish to acknowledge receipt of the following School Magazines: —

THE EAGLET — St. Augustine College, Tarxien, Malta.        THE GEORGIAN — St. George's School, Hong-Kong.

TECHLORE — Secondary Technical School, Paola, Malta.       LASALLIAN — De La Salle College, Cottonera, Malta.

THE CAVALIER — Prince Rupert School, Wilhelmshaven.

It was perhaps the sight of the orderly shore-going parties in Tal-Handaq uniform which made one realize the presence of that masterly organization which gave rise to the confidence of the pupils. Once on shore what an attrac­tive programme of lessons lay ahead. As they paid rapt attention to the Guide's description of the wealth of mediaeval Genoa they were unconscious of the fact that this was the history lesson for the day. How could one think of Time-tables standing in a narrow street of fourteenth century houses or examining tapestry

worked in the sixteenth ? How could a teacher think of detentions looking at those eager upturned faces outside St. Peter's ? How worthwhile it all seemed when on first seeing Pompeii an awestruck little voice was heard to say, "This is the best !"'

There were moments of splendour and awe- and there were moments of laughter and high spirits. The veterans o<f old campaigns on rival school buses soon had the Italian coach drivers madly racing each other along these magnificent wide roads. The Senior Classics master, looking himself like some distinguished Roman senator in modern dress, led an intrigued group interested eye on the other attractions -which every modern city boasts.

There were many other memorable moments. One remembers the Concert given by the teachers, the hazards of life-boat drill, and the sight of Commander Sumnall marching round the deck all those who seemed likely to succumb to sea-sickness. One remembers the regret at leaving the ship, miti­gated however by the knowledge that so much had been gained from that all too short journey, that so many new friends had been made and that the 'Dunera' would come again.

"THE    THREE    CITIES"

Extracts from "THE THREE CITIES" prize winning essay on the 'Dunera* Cruise.

...............  We reached Genoa, which is Italy's   most   important   port   and older than Rome itself, on Friday, March 1st. The city is situated on the Gulf of Genoa in north-west Italy, pressed between the Apennme Mountains and the sea. From the harbour the city rose steeply and the houses clung to the mountain sides. Fortifications crowned the higher peaks looking down on the beautiful and busy city as they had done for many years. The Genoese have been traders since the time when Genoa was first civilised by the Phoenicians and Greeks. Nowadays her harbour can accommodate the largest vessels afloat and consists of four main basins with ten miles of quays and over a thousand across of water area.

Characteristic of the older part of Genoa are the "Caruggi". These are narrow, winding streets where one can lean out of a second-storey window and almost shake hands with a person in the building opposite. There is always great activity in the Caruggi, the rich and poor alike mill up and down the narrow streets gazing into the shop windows and doing their shopping. As we walked through these narrow lanes it was the many food shops that caught my eye. In the fish shops there was a fine display of octopus, prawns and many types of fresh-fish. In the bread shops the most delicious and mouth watering cakes and trifles filled the windows and in the sweet-shops a fine array of caster eggs in baskets decorated with fluffy chicks, chocolates wrapped in pretty papers, mints and toffees enticed the eyes of many youngsters. Here and there were gown shops displaying chic suits and dresses of Italian design. There were many jewellers' shops also overflowing with beautiful things but I particularly liked the cameos which, of course, were made in Italy.

We visited two of the palaces that were built by the merchants of Genoa, the first of these was the "Palazzo Tursi", the entrance of which is magnificent with paintings of the Doges, former rulers of Genoa, lining the walls. The "Palazzo Tursi" is still used by the Genoese Council when it meets to discuss the city's affairs. After a short time in the Palazzo Rosso we went to the centre of the city and here in the city square was the inevitable fountain. The Italians love fountains and there are many to be found in every town. Nearby was the Church of Saint Lorenzo built of the black and white stone of Genoa. It was dark inside the Church, the only light coming through some very beautiful stained glass windows. We left the Church and the Coach took us to the square where the Memorial to the men who died in the 1914-1918 war stands. It was here that we went into a cafe and I drank one of the most delicious cups of coffee that I have ever had.

................  On the following day we were taken by coach to Rome. We travelled inland passing through green countryside, the land was flat in places or suddenly hilly. It was on one of the rises that we caught our first glimpse of Rome, and on entering the city the coach took us to St. Peter's. This magnificent basilica was built over a sepulchre .thought to contain the bones of St. Peter. The basilica is full of beautiful statues, paintings and priceless, ornaments. There is a statue of "La Pieta", the only work that Michelangelo signed and the statue of Sain.t Peter is interesting because its foot has been slowly worn away by the kisses of millions of pilgrims. I wanted to gaze for hours at the beautifully painted ceilings, and the dome which is the largest in the world.

................   After eating a sandwich lunch we set off in the coaches ,to see other places of interest in Rome. We stopped to look at the great monument to Victor Emmanuel II, known as the "Wedding Cake" and which now houses the tomb of Italy's Unknown Warrior. This monument is a vast building standing on the northern slopes of the Capitoline Hill. Opposite is the "Palazzo Venezia" from which Mussolini used to talk to the people during the second world war. From here we made our way to the Forum, passing on the way a cage in which two wolves paced up and down. These animals remind the Italians of the legend of Romulus and Remus. We did not go inside the Forum but from the railings we could see the Arch of Septimus Severus, the three columns belonging to the Temple of Castor and Pollux and the Via Sacra. The coach then took us to the Coliseum, officially called the Flavius Amphitheatre. It is one of the most impressive buildings of ancient Rome and is remarkably well preserved. In parts it has been strengthened by modern methods to conserve it for many more years. As I stood within its walls I visualised the gladitorial combats, chariot races and the killing of Christians providing entertainment for the Romans nearly two thousand years ago.

Leaving the Coliseum we contined our coach tour of Rome passing the bridge and Castle of Saint Angelo, the "Quesa della Trinita dei Monti" where Keats died, the Piazza Colonna and the Piazza del Popolo. We finished our tour with a visit to the Trevi fountain into which I .threw a coin, because local superstition says that if you do this you will most certainly return to Rome.

................  On our way to Pompeii we passed over the Campanian Plain — the market garden of Italy. Pompeii is remakable in that it tells the story of Roman every-day life cut off in its heyday by an eruption of Vesuvius in A.D. 79. We walked through streets marked by the ruts worn with chariot wheels and entered some of the shops. A bakery is well preserved, and in it are the ovens and apparatus for grinding flour. In a wine shop the marble counter and containers for wine and olive oil are in good condition and the painting of a serpent can be clearly seen on the exterior wall of a pharmacy. At the entrance of one of the Villas there is an excellent portrayal of a dog in mosais with the words "Cave canem" printed underneath. Other mosaics and the lovely fountain of the Casa Delia are marvellously preserved. We entered the public baths, the walls and ceiling of which are painted, the forum, the theatre and several temples. Finally, we visited the Villa of the Two Brothers, where we saw the garden, the peristyle, the ornamental basin and the wall paintings as they were before Vesuvius brought life in Pompeii to such an abrupt end...............

SUSAN LOFT - VA.

IL   BARBIERE   Dl   SIVIGLIA

In November Mr. Wilkinson .took a party of seventeen girls to the Manoel Theatre to see "The Barber of Seville" performed by a national group of Italian opera singers.

The performance was in a foreign tongue but the acting was of such a high standard that we were able to follow the story quite well although I must admit that a synopsis of the story in English at the front of the programme was a great help.

As the title suggests, the opera is about a jovial barber living in Seville. He does all he can to help his friend Count Almaviva rescue a beautiful girl from her rich guardian Doctor Bartolo, who is determined to marry her.

The barber and the Count eventually succeed in their task, after the Count has had to masquerade as a drunken soldier and as Rosina's music teacher., and the Count and Rosina are betrothed, Doctor Bartolo being satisfactorily consoled with Rosina's dowry.

For many of us it was our first visit to the opera and this scintillating, colourful performance did much to encourage us to see more.

CONCERT AT SCHOOL

The first of the monthly concerts took place in the Music Room on the 12th February 1963. It was performed during the lunch break, beginning at 1.30 p.m. The "Celebrities" were introduced by Mr. Gerrard, head of the Music Department at Ta1-Handaq School.

MARJORIE SEWELL, L. VI Arts.

LUNCHTIME    CONCERTS

The second of the monthly serious of Lunchtime Concerts was given in the Music Room on Tuesday 12th March, with an audience of about sixty attending.

The first performer was Mr. Witherspoon, who played on the violin a delightful piece by Beethoven entitled "Romance in G major". Next on the programme were two songs from German's "Merrie England;" Rosemary "lolanthe" Dearden sang "O Peaceful England" and Mr. Tatton sang the beautiful tenor solo "Dan Cupid hath a Garden."

We were then entertained by two duets, the first one being for a rather unusual combination of instruments, the violin and guitar (!) played by Alex Brown and Christopher O'Brien. In the second duet Christopher played the violin and we heard a difficult but well p'layed piece of music. Mr. Gerrard then announced that by way of a change we would hear a "pop tune" only a "pop" tune with a difference, one written in the 16th Century!

It was in fact a Madrigal by Morley sung by Kay Robertson, Pat Sawyer, Rosemary Dearden, Christopher O'Brien, Peter Ashforth and Alex Brown. The applause showed that it had been enjoyed and considering it was sung with only one rehearsal, it was really excellent.

This item brought the concert to a finish with everyone I'm sure, both performers and audience, feeling that they had spent a most enjoyable half-hour.

Wm. DUNCAN -- VB.

THE   SCHOOL   DANCE

We feel that Mr. Moore deserves praise for his untiring efforts to create interest in the gentle art of ballroom dancing. As everyone knows the school dance is the main event of the school term. The Ballroom Dancing Club, especially the large male contingent (amounting to three after the elementary steps of the waltz had been mastered) eagerly await their chance to demonstrate their prowess.

The tickets for the last dance sold like... they didn't sell. Undeterred, we stalked our victims and forced our tickets on sixty unwilling customers, assuring them that everybody who was anybody would be there (we hope these little white lies will be forgiven). As martyrs to the cause we gave up our gym lessons in order to decorate the hall. We would like to thank the M.M.U. for their generous contribution. The night arrived.

The exclusive company assembled, determined to enjoy themselves, even if they died in the attempt. This proved unnecessary, thanks to the timely intervention of Paul Jones. The quick-steps and waltzes proved extremely popular. At one time ten dancing couples ventured onto the floor. The pasedoble inspired great ingenuity and variation. One gored matador was carried from the ring. Such decadent dances as jiving, twisting and the Madison were performed, allowing several members of the school and staff to display their ability as contortionists.

As the band struck up the sad, romantic strains of 'Now is the Hour', there was a stampede towards the buses, proving that everyone is a sentimentalist at heart.

Seriously, the dance was a great success and we feel sure that everyone who attended will join us in thanking Mr. Moore and his wife for organising it, and we hope they will run many more equally successful dances in the future.

R.A. and A.S. — VIA.

After the interval, we returned to our seats to listen to parts of White Christmas after which we all sang carols - - with the exception of the less-enthusiastic members of our community.

When the concert had finished — a very enjoyable one at that — we were driven back to school, just in time for a Latin lesson !

MARIAN FITZSIMONS — 3AI. SUSAN NORMAN — 3AI.

THE   LITERARY    AND    DEBATING    SOCIETY

After its limited programme of last year, this society has now attained a place of growing importance in the school, due to the hard work of Mr. Alexander and his committee. Its activities have covered a wide range including topical debates on subjects such as "Capital Punishment", "Notoriety as opposed to Oblivion", "Juvenile Delinquency" and "The Tyranny of Convention^;'.

Among outstanding speakers were Pamela Hinton, Susan Hammond, Rosalind Evans, Cyril Potter, John Passmore, Brian Fuller, Aline McDougall, Alex Brown and Dave Hobden.

There were many other events of interest. A Brains Trust, in which members of the staff were the "brains" was very well received. A play, "The Glass Menagerie' by Tennessee Williams, was read by members of the Vlth form. This was very popular and created a new interest in modern playwrights. Mr. Alexander gave a most interesting talk entitled: "An introduction to Robert Graves" which has helped to develop the literary taste of the senior school.

Two   well   attended   competitions   have   been  held.   The  first,   a  public-speaking competition, reached a very high standard.    It was run on a house basis,   the  winner .being Rosalind  Evans   of Hawkins.    The other,   a  verse-speaking competition, was open to the whole school. The winners were: —

1st year — ANNE   THOMPSON. 2nd year -- VANESSA REID. 3rd year — SUSAN GRANT. 4th year — KATHERINE  JEFFERSON. 5th year — PAULINE  McKINLEY. 6th year — SUSAN  HAMMOND. Many of those who took part showed promise.

The highlight of the year was undoubtedly the Mock Trial. Mrs. Emmeline Pankhurst, ably portrayed by Rosemary Dearden, was tried for "wrongly inciting the women of Great Britain to consider themselves the equal of men". The members of the staff on the jury found her guilty. Attendance beat all records although the Trial was open only to the senior school.

We hope that the success achieved this year will inspire future members of the school to continue to support this society, and we would like to thank Mr. Alexander whose interest and co-operation are entirely responsible for these successes.

ROSEMARY ANDREWS. ANGELA SALTER.

THE    MOCK    TRIAL

The afternoon of Wednesday, 3rd April, 1963, hailed the most important event so fax, in the history of our illustrious Literary and Debating Society: — The Mock Trial of Mrs. Emmeiine Pankhurst. This unusual if not heroic attempt at a difficult subject, had long been anticipated and discussed, so everyone was extremely pleased to see it actually take place.

(For the information of the unenlightened, Mrs. Pankhurst was a pro­minent member of the Suffragette Movement which endeavoured through a great variety of methods to gain emancipation for women in Great Britain, at the beginning of the twentieth century, and they did finally succeed.) The trial in question, however, deviates rather from its predecessor.

For a few days previous to the trial, (several ardent Suffragettes paraded round the school brandishing banners bearing legends such as, "Votes for Women¹', "We Hate Men" ( !). Another form of advertisement was the chaining of two suffragettes, Vera Wentworth (RO'Semary Andrews) and Jessie Kennedy (Angela Salter), and Madame Curie (Pam Hinton) to the flagstaff, this being symbolic of the voluntary dhalning to the railings sur­rounding the Houses of Parliament of the real suffragettes, to bring their cause into the public eye.

At 3.40 p.m. on the actual day of the trial, the public was all seated, the members of the jury (consisting of a small contigent of the staff) had taken their places, as had the Counsels for the Prosecution (Anthony Ashforth and Michael Armistead) and the Counsels for the Defence (Aline McDougall and Cecilia Focken). The Judge (Jon Haylock) was then formally ushered in, silence fell, and the trial began. The accused, Mrs. Pankhurst, (Rosemary Dearden) was called, sworn in, and took her place in the dock. Here it should also be added that each participant was in costume, this adding much to the atmosphere.

The Counsel for the Prosecution opened the proceedings by calling each of his witnesses for examination. These proved a motley selection and in­cluded; a "particularly intelligent" specimen of our police force (Brian Fuller); Queen Victoria (Susan Hammond), who openly told us of her incompetence in governing Britain, and was not amused; Mr. Asquith (A.E. Brown), who appeared a little harassed after a recent encounter with some of the Suffragettes; an American (Johnny Passmore) who was extremely eloquent about the ruination of his country through women; a typical clergyman (Bill Duncan), who appeared a little hesitant with his views; and perhaps the most amusing witness in the trial, although rather an anachronism, the Woman of Today (Rosalind Evans), who was a great source of hilarity.

At this point, an unseemly disturbance took place, in the shapes of Jessie Kennedy and Vera Wentworth, who rushed in through the back of the court shouting "Votes for Women", etc and throwing balloons about the court on which was daubed (in wet paint) "Votes for Women". These unseemly ladies having been dealt with by the ushers, the court proceeded with the cross-examination of the witnesses for the defence.

Mrs. Pankhurst showed herself as a fine upstanding woman of excellent ideals, if not misguided methods; a somewhat "off-beat" H.G. Wells (Peter Gettings) was questioned on his latest book advocating female emancipation; Madame Curie (Pam Hinton) with her delightful French accent, was an ex­cellent example of a woman who had proved herself equal to men; once again our two friends Jessie Kennedy and Vera Wentworth (who shall be nameless)

   came forward to support their cause in a rather bombastic manner; a wounded soldier of the Crimean War (Dave Hobden) was particularly profuse in his praise of Florence Nightingale, and caused a stir by the loss of his wooden leg; the last witness for this side was Emily Davidson (Nicola Newton) who, swathed in bandages having recently thrown herself beneath the King's horse at the Derby, was borne in on a stretcher, to gallantly give a few words in support of Mrs. Pankhurst. The Counsels then summed up, and there was a short adjournment to enable the jury to decide a verdict. The final decision was unanimous:— "Guilty", and the Judge awarded 'Mrs. Pankhurst the punishment of bowing to each male prefect for the last three days of term. The court was then dismissed, and broke up amid": a wave of applause and indignant calls from the female members of the audience.

This must surely have been the most entertaining enterprise of the year, and all participants are to be congratulated on their performances. Especial praise is due to our two revolutionary members of the sixth, Angela Salter and Rosemary Andrews, who were the inspiration and driving force behind this particular performance. Thanks must also be given to Mr. Alexander for his assistance.

PAULA GOODALE U.6.A.

IOLANTHE  

Perhaps lolanthe has been one of the most remarkable Tal-Handaq performances of G. & S. that has been put on to date. (It has been so to me at any rate).

Looking back, it seems that the principals and chorus, producer and "maestro" put in a tremendous amount of work, and much of it, no doubt, was quite laborious to those of the company who are well past their youth. But for those who are still in their teens, (and I speak with practical experience !) there was little time for boredom. (It is a strange fact that the only people who ever got annoyed were the members of staff - is there a moral somewhere ?)

I remember how eagerly we awaited going "on stage" after a month or two of work in the music room, and after many lunch hours also had been spent, on the words and music, which still needed much polishing. However going on stage provided some more headaches for Messrs Moore, Dickerson and Barraclough, together with Miss Cater who painted the excellent sets.

However, it doesn't sound like much fun, and, despite what Mr. Gerrard may say, it wasn't - - that's until the last tense fortnight before the actual performances, where dread of them provided excitement and an inspiration to "learn the words off by heart," (a phrase oft quoted by the maestro!)

However, all our industry would have been for nothing had it not been for the innumerable host who made it possible for us to perform the opera on the stage and it is to them as well as to our kind and patient teachers, that we owe our thanks.

I wind up by saying that it is perhaps a tribute to our work that my most prominent memory is of Mrs. Gerrard expending much energy on the curtain calls after each performance !

CRITICISM   "IOLANTHE"

When listening to recordings by the d'Oyley Carte Company of Gilbert and Sullivan operas, I have often been dismayed by the mangled vowels and ''plummy" enunciation of many of the  cast, notably, I regret to say, the ladies. If then, these trained professional singers can so spoil (for me, at any rate) the enjoyment of a good song, how can amateurs — young, mostly untrained persons at that - - hope to please their audience ? Fortunately for the audience at Tal Handaq, the freshness of these young people's voices, their attack and their good diction made "lolanthe" a delightful evening's enter­tainment.

The two pianists played their overture with zest and feeling, communicating their enjoyment to their listeners; the curtain opened, and on came the fairies. Considering the splendid physique of all young people nowadays (it is be­coming increasingly difficult to find a naturally graceful "fairy" once she is over the age of ten !) and the small stage on which so many of them had to deploy themselves aerily without getting in the other's way, our fairies succeed­ed remarkably in creating the illusion that they were creatures from another world. They were very pretty; their petal skirts, wings, pastel colour schemes, matching or contrasting slippers, antennae, make-up, and all combined to pro­duce a charming array. They sang well; and particularly, two of the principal fairies, Susan Grant as Celia, and Pat Sawyer as Leila, "put over" their songs with aplomb.

The Queen of the Fairies (Anne Williams) was convincingly authoritative and splendidly in command; the heavy gold brocade gown ,which she wore was perhaps more in keeping with an earthly, rather than an ethereal Queen?, but, of course, a production such as this to be run to a budget, and pro­bably good material already to hand must needs be used. Although her range is not large, she sang very well indeed, sincerely and movingly, making every word tell. lolanthe (Rosemary Dearden) was called from the depths. Miss Dearden has a most pleasing voice, and her experience in other parts stood her in good stead on this occasion; her singing in this little scene made us eager to hear more later.

Strephon (Harry Wilkinson) made a most effective entrance; his costume of brown velvet cord, matching broad brimmed hat set off with yellow, mauve waistcoat, white stock and other trimmings was arresting; he sang clearly, pointing his words well as always. When he was joined by Phyllis (Kay Robertson) beautifully costumed in panniered candy-striped dress and white flowered bonnet, their duet blended delightfully. They held their audience with ease as they sang "None shall part us"

Tan-tan-ta-ra heralded the approach of the Peers and their stirring song, "Loudly let the trumpet bray".

Again, we were presented with a powerful colour-scheme, the peers' red robes and white ermine "sang" as the men's chorus moved round. One would have wished for a little more fulness in the robes; having said that, the general effect was splendid and worth all the considerable effort which must have been expended upon it. The peers were obviously enjoying them­selves enormously, which contributed to their success. The Lord Chancellor, Brendan Breslin, had a most difficult task; the fast patter songs with which he had to cope are a strain for the most experienced performer. All credit to him then, for the manner in which he attacked his songs and acted the part of the "very susceptible Chancellor" His costume was admirable, hisstage movements   good,   and   a   lot   of   thought  had   obviously   gone   into   the humorous touches which characterised all his songs.

Alexander Brown as The Earl of Mountararat and Andrew Wilkin as the Earl of Tolloller made fine foils for each other; as with all the cast, they made their words ring out, and their drollery was very well received.

Later, the Lord Chancellor sang "Go away, madam" to the Queen and her Fairies, who answered, him forthrightly: this was a fine lively scene, vivaciously sung and acted.

The curtain opened on Act Two to a spontaneous burst of applause from the audience: a spot played on the guardsman, Private Willis (Keith Holmes) resplendent in red tunic, towering bearskin and gold braid and looking like a red and black tree against his background of sentry-box and backcloth depicting the Houses of Parliament.

Taking his time admirably, and using a powerful voice, Pte. Willis sang his satire on the Houses of Parliament with great aplomb; he thoroughly deserved his encore.

Lord Mountararat (Alexander Brown) was another young man who sang strongly "When Britain ruled the Waves': his naturally ascetic counte­nance accentuated by a neatly-pointed beard, he pointed his comedy well. He was followed by one of the most interesting of the choruses, the mood con­stantly charging, "In vain to us you plead — Don't go !" Movement, melody, words, expression — all in this were very satisfying.

"O foolish Fay" with its well-known chorus "O amorous dove" was nobly sung by the Queen; the quartet "Though perhaps I may incur your blame" of Phyllis, Lord Toller, Lord Mountararat, and Pte. Willis was very well received by the audience, as was the patter song "Love unrequited" sung by the Chancellor,

The action moved on smoothly through the trio ". .in for a penny, in for a pound", the lovely duet sung by Phyllis and Strephon, "If we're weak enough to tarry", lolanthe's moving "My lord, a suppliant at your feet I fall" and so on to the finale with all on stage to sing "Soon as we may", providing a splendid pattern of colour: fairies' costumes against peers' robes, and the principals' extravagant costume of the period showing up well against them.

To sum up: enunciation was extremely good; your correspondent was unfamiliar with the text and scarcely missed a word, the sets were well designed and painted in traditional manner and the bold costumes "sang" against them.

Great effort and ingenuity had gone into the making of the props to en­sure the maximum richness of effect with the minimum of expense. They were good. Overall effect of makeup was very pleasing. Costumes have already been mentioned, but I must repeat that they were worth every bit of the considerable thought and effort that went into the making of them.

The producer and musical director should be justifiably proud of this production of "lolanthe".

J.L.

SPRING    FEVER    1963 

Spring Fever finally went into production on the nights of 8th and 9th May. But not without overcoming several obstacles. The Spring Term was one of much sickness and there were several sudden home-goings. The Royal Naval Drama Festival involved the School rather heavily too and rehearsals could not begin properly until after half-term and sheer lack of preparation time finally made a postponement inevitable. Further sickness and a change in an examination date caused a last minute abandonment of one item and a sudden change in the cast. It was little short of miraculous that the show achieved the standard it did at the public performances.

Like Easter Parade a year ago the show consisted of short items, but this time longer and more ambitious. The show was presented before a curtained setting but a good deal of research had gone into the decor, costumes and lighting, for which Miss Reed, Mr. Dickerson and Mr. Moore are to be congratulated along with many members of the staff and pupils who contributed in this direction. The programme was as follows: —

The Little Nut-Tree by T.B. Morris.

Colombine by Reginald Arkell. Interval

Richard II, Act 3, scene iv by Shakespeare.

The Pencil Seller by Robert W. Service.

White Queen, Red Queen by T.B. Morris.

Miss McGuiness produced The Little Nut-Tree and Mr. Barraclough arranged and directed the entertainment as a whole. Both are to be congratulated on the high standards they achieved. The evenings were marked by some excellent diction, very fine team work throughout, and a few very good performances. Pauline McKinlay, Jeanette Taylor and Rosalind Evans in White Queen, Red Queen, and Susan Brierley in Richard II were outstanding. Roger Glover as Pierot in Colombine, strangely static and sad, was quite in character and had a good speaking voice.

The cast of The Little Nut-Tree, which was drawn mostly from the Junior forms of the school, worked as a enthusiastic team and obviously enjoyed the play as much as the audience.

On both nights enthusiastic audiences were lavish in praise of what they had seen. There is no doubt about the benefits to be derived from dramatic work of this nature. Let us hope that the work will continue next year.

SCOUT NOTES

Miracles do sometimes happen though unless one takes place very shortly, these will be the last notes you will see under this heading for our Scout­master is leaving the island and so far no relief has been found to continue the good work. The Royal Naval School Troop of Sea Scouts has had a good run of twelve years uninterrupted Scouting on land and sea.

It was revived by the present skipper in September 1951, soon blossomed into a first class, troop, and proved its worth by winning every competition open to it on the Island. In these twelve years no less than 385 boys have passed through the ranks, many reaching 1st class and a few gaining the Queen's Scout Badge before they in turn had to leave the Island. In 1954 the troop gained Admiralty Recognition and was the first troop in the world outside U.K. to do so.

Here in Malta, and in Sicily, the troop has spent no less than 112 nights under canvas - - not always the same boys but always the same skipper. (He must be thick skinned after all those nights on the rocks).

But now, what of the future ?  Our colours rest in Holy Trinity Church.

Let us hope that the day is not far distant when they will be carried on St. George's Day Parade once more with as much spirit and pride as in the past. Good-bye Skip - - good luck - - and thanks a lot.

  TAL-HANDAQ - ROUND THE WORLD

CHRISTMAS    IN    AUSTRALIA

One of the big differences that the new English settlers find in Australia is that Christmas falls in the middle of summer instead of in winter.

The shops at this time are gaily decorated with Christmas trees, coloured lights and scenes of the Nativity. Many hundreds of people crowd the shops to see the displays and to buy presents for their relatives and friends. Chris­tmas is also the end of the school-year and all the schools hold special cele­brations such as concerts and speech-nights.

Over the last few years many people are now having a cold Christmas dinner, instead of the traditional hot Christmas dinner. Many families spend the day at the beach or in the bush and country. They pack a picnic hamper with either a cold chicken or turkey, salad and all the other Christmas goodies, and then set off to spend the day in the open-air enjoying the bright sunshine.

JENNIFER   HENDY — 1A2.

LEBANON

Lebanon is a small country at the eastern end of the Mediterrenean, with Israel to the south and Syria to the north and east.

Over half of the land is more than 3.000 ft above sea level; the highest peak which is a little over 10,000 ft. is named the Cedars. At one time, cedars covered the mountains and were used to build King Solomon's temples and Egyptian temples, until today there are only four hundred left, and it is said that Queen Victoria paid to have a wall built around them to prevent the goats destroying them.

The Lebanese climate differs, in different parts of the country. On the coastal land the weather is hot and humid, so they are able to grow tropical and sub-tropical fruits, such as oranges, lemons, bananas and olives. In the mountains and the Bekka Valley it is more of a temperate climate so they are able to grow temperate crops such as wheat, maize, apples, pears, grapes and water-melons. While Lebanon was under French mandate — the French taught them how to make wine; some of the wine is very good.

Beirut (the capital) is a port used by Jordan and Syria. It is a city of old and new. The old city with its souks and mosques and the old buildings shows the history of the place. The new city has high blocks of flats, ultra­modern hotels., big departmental stores, large cinemas, night-clubs and casinos. The other main towns are Tripoli, which was once the capital, in the north and Saida in the south. Also in Saida is a Crusaders' castle a little way out to sea; to get to it you have to walk over a high stone path-way. The other town is Tyre, which is farther south.

Lebanon has its place in history; the towns of Saida and Tyre are men­tioned in the Bible. In the Bekka Valley is the site of the Phoenician town of Baalbek containing the ruins of what were once magnificent temples to the Greek Gods Jupiter and Bacchus. The town itself takes its name from the Phoenician God Baal. Lebanon has other connections with Greek mythology, as the Greek God Adonis was supposed to have been born in the mountains to the north of Beirut.

'If I ever had the chance to return to Lebanon, I'd certainly like to go; to see some of the many places I missed while I was there last year.

ANGELA CARBJNGTON — 4CI.

A    CYPRIOT    CHRISTENING.

While I was living in Cyprus, my mother and I were asked to a chris­tening by our neighbour, who was Cypriot.

When we entered the church, the priest shook hands with us. Inside, was one of the most beautiful scenes I ever saw. From the roof shining glass chandeliers were hanging, reflecting the light in the most glorious colours. The windows were of stained glass made into pictures of Jesus and other holy people while the altar was covered in silver and gold candle-sticks.

We sat down in the pews among about twenty other Cypriot people. A few minutes later the father and grand-parents came in with the baby. The custom was that the mother did not go to the christening. The baby was laid on a side altar while a woman came round the pews and gave everyone a candle and lit it. The baby was then undressed and anointed with warm oil. All the service said in Greek; after it was anointed by baby was re­dressed in new clothes while the old ones were burned.

After this everyone stood up, still holding the candles, but only the men sang. When the singing was finished, everyone walked to the altar and the priest chanted in Greek. We then walked round the altar and placed the candles in holders. Everyone was taken to the baby's parents' house and given tea and cakes. After this we went home.

Would you like to have been there?

JOHN MACDOUGALL - - 1A2.

THE   HAW — PAR   VILLA

One day while we were in 'the hot, dusty country of Singapore we visited the Haw — par villa. In the gardens of the Haw — par villa there are hundreds of carved figures and statues. All the statues are of Buddhas or animals.

Every year a great feast is held in the villa. Thousands of Malay people come from all over Malaya for the feast. The main part of the feast is held at night were the people carry incense sticks which give off a beautiful smell.

When the blessing of the huge Buddha, which weighs over one hundred tons and has huge pearls for eyes, takes place no foreign person is allowed in the villa. The blessing takes about an hour and a half and involves hundreds of priests. For three days after the blessing nobody, including the Malays is allowed in the villa. This is because the priests are praying and fasting.

After three days the priests come out of the villa and open the gates. This ends the feast.

ANDREW McPHERSON — 2B.

THE    KENYA    NATIONAL    GAME    PARK.

The National Game Park is a reserve for most wild animals that live in East Africa. They roam the park in complete freedom, consequently no one is allowed in unless in a closed car. On entering the park one sees an elephant's skull though no elephants exist in the park. We visited the park many times; on some occasions we saw hardly anything but at other times we saw:— lions, baboons, deer, ostriches, giraffe, hippopotami, alligators, wildebeest, zebras and many types of birds..

On one occasion a monkey strayed into a garden of a house near the reserve, and a leopard managed to get loose and was roaming about the streets. Many a night you could hear the laugh of the hyena round your house, and foot-prints could be seen the following morning.

HELEN RUSHMORE — 4Cl.

A      FUNERAL    IN    HONG-KONG.

This is usually a far from morbid affair.

In front of the procession come huge decorated red 'boards, usually fifteen to twenty feet high. In the middle of these boards big Chinese letters are painted in silver. Around the outside, they are decorated with white and yellow flowers. These boards are wheeled along on bicycle-like contraptions. The richer the person, the more of these there are. Between each one, there is a small brass band, making as much noise — musical or unmusical (usually the latter) — as they can. This is supposed to drive away the devils.

After these come the mourners, and the coffin. The mourners walk the streets dressed in sack-cloth. If the deceased had been particularly unpopular, and had no mourners, they had to be hired to make it look good.

About a week after the funeral, models of all the dead person's possessions are made out of paper and bamboo, and then burnt.

They do this, because they think that they will need all these things in the next world.

After the funeral, the bones are put into pots and buried in the hillside. Each year the relations come and polish them up.

LINDA FAIRHAL3L 3A1.

EL   AQSA   AND   THE   DOME   OF   THE   ROCK

From many miles above the domed skyline of Jerusalem can be seen the Dome of the Rock. This magnificent architectural achievement was built in the part of Jerusalem called the temple area, over the rock from which tradition says that Mohammed rose into heaven. From the city, a long flight of stone steps lead up to a huge courtyard in the centre of which towers the Golden dome of the mosque, its gold-leaf covering reflecting the sun and making everything appear golden. On closer view, the building appears immense, and as one enters through a relatively small door the splendour of the sight takes one's breath away. The walls are completly covered with brilliant mosaics, each stone its natural colour. It takes a little while to absorb the splendour of the building. Around the rock there is a black railing and from this the whole building appears to come stretching up high above to the dome. There are no words to describe the feeling that this building inspires.

Also in the temple area is an older mosque, "El Aqsa": "the furthest from Mecca". The entrance to this is, like the rest of the building, large. The two or three acres of floor space are covered in luxurious Eastern carpets on which no shoes are allowed to tread. Supporting the massive roof are flawless marble pillars; the walls are marble slats. This has beauty in size and proportions. El Aqsa was once fifty yards or so wider but with such a large roof to support it was made smaller to detract from the possibility of the roof collapsing. In one wall there is a beautiful window, which is out of place in that it has a crusader's cross in it. This is the last remnant of the crusader church which once stood on the site. To walk round the perimeter takes a number of minutes due to the size of the mosque. Around the perimeter of this temple area are four minarets from which the muezzenin call the faithful to prayer.

It is hard to describe the beauty of these two mosques but I trust the reader now has some idea of the beauty amidst which the Moslems worship their God. Though it is hard to compare these buildings with European architecture, I am convinced that these mosques are two of the most beautiful churches in the world.

C.M. O'BRIEN — 6S.

CANADA    AND    ENGLAND

Canada is the second largest country in the world. Its area is just under four million square miles and its greatest breadth is about three thousand six hundred miles. Canada is made up of ten provinces; British Columbia, Alberta Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, and Prince Edward Island; the Northwest territory and a host of islands, Baffin Island being the largest.

There are high mountains in the west called the Rocky Mountains, vast prairies in the interior and prospering industries in the east. There is much to see if you have travelled across Canada as I have.

I have lived in England, and one of the most striking differences between England and Canada is in the residential areas. In England houses are made of brick and are built right up against the street while in Canada houses are made of wood and have a lawn between them and the street.

Also money systems are different. Canada uses dollars and cents One dollar is worth about seven shillings and one cent is worth about three and a half farthings. The products in a store also vary slightly but England has most of the same products as Canada. Canada's cars are larger and tend to have fins and other decorations but cars like the Volkswagen and Mini-Minor are also popular. Buses are different because they are all single deckers and do not have a conductor to collect fares. Schools in Canada and England are similar except that in Canada you are allowed to wear what you like and the hours are shorter; 9 a.m. - - 3 p.m. Summer holidays last about nine to ten weeks, Christmas, two weeks, Easter ten days and there is no Whitsun holiday. The schoolrooms are practically the same as in England except that you are not allowed to have a pair of desks together. In Canada you have to pay for your school equipment such as books (not text books), and any other equipment necessary an education committee provides.

When I finally arrived in England and settled down, I noticed many con­trasts, England had a different atmosphere; old-fashioned, nice, country parishes, brick walls lining the street and all the other things that make England so different. I was sorry to leave England and come here and I still miss England right now.

DONALD HAMILTON — I.C.I.

ADEN.

One of the main things which tourists always look at when they enter the harbour of Aden is the famous "Barren Rocks of Aden". Their name describes them very well.

As soon as you land, you notice the filthy streets. No one seems to sweep them, and the litter just lies about on the pavements. There are always goats wandering in the streets, and so the place has an unsavoury smell.

There are hardly any shops, but those which you do find are old dusty and dim inside.

There are few buses but the one we saw looked as though it would never reach its destination. The natives had their bed springs, mattresses and petrol cans all piled into the bus. The roof was cluttered with a lot of different objects, including some natives who had had to sit on the roof of the bus as it was full inside.

BARBARA WILSON 2A2.

A TURKISH  WEDDING-FEAST

The isun was at its highest when we arrived at the little village of Mesaoria, Mamud's home "town". Since it was still spring there was a little colour left in the landscape. We came upon Mamud's father, Yasuf, having driven through herds of goats and round right-angled corners. He led us to where the mar­riage feast was to begin.

Rows and rows of tables were placed across the courtyard. People were waving gigantic fans to keep the flies and insects off the food which was placed on the tables. We were given a table and told to eat. Foods such as sour-milk Rebub and sweetmeats w-ere laid on the table. These were traditional Turkish foods.

Some time after, the bride appeared, and Mamud, whom we had not seen before that day, went to meet her. She had her hair covered in a shawl, her face was heavily made up so as to disguise her features and she had on a dress of embroidered lace. Pearls hung in rows all around her. These were the only jewels she was allowed to wear in accordance with custom. As she ascended the platform where she was to stand, people ran forward and pinned money, gold and silver on her and her husband, for they were now married. The marriage ceremony had taken place in a mosque before the feast. As much as five hundred pounds might have been paid for this ceremony. A drum began to beat majestically; the feast had begun.

The bride  and bridegroom served their guests throughout the  ceremony.

A Turkish dancer danced on a brandy glass, balancing several -more on his head. With a jerk of his head he would upset one of the glasses making the liquid fall into his mouth. After this everybody began to dance. It was plain to see that everybody was happy.

The feast ended after twelve hours. As the guests left the children and old men and women of the village streamed in and began to eat and drink the remains.

•We thanked our hoist and set off home, having thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.

G.  RUDD — 3A2.

CARNIVAL

During my stay in Germany I went to a number of carnivals but the best ones were the carnivals held on Saint Martin's Day. The German people would invite the English in Germany to attend the carnival.

You could either buy or make a lantern which you would carry in the procession; hundreds of people wore fancy dress though I did not.

The procession would start at the head of Ranke Strasse and wind its way through the streets of Dusseldorf until one a.m. Nearly all the time people would sing, accompanied by the banging and coloured lights of the fireworks as they fizzed through the air.

At the end of the procession the children would line up and receive a "buntatella", which is a bag of nuts and sweets, to take home with them.

These carnivals were always a big success and I hope to go back to Germany again after my stay in Malta.

M. HOLLIER — 2B

Our luxury liner, RFA Fort Duquesne, lay in the beautiful bay of San Remo, a picturesque town less than 30 miles from Monte Carlo. Early one morning as we prepared to leave the ship to visit the fabulous gambling town, a helpful member of the crew suggested that as we would be crossing the Franco/Italian border, it would be advisable to get our passports stamped in San Remo.

We arrived at the quay and searched for the port authority. In our halting Italian we demanded of several locals "Parla Inglese?"

"Yes! Yes!" cried an eager old fisherman.

Our problem seemed solved. We explained that we wished to visit Monte Carlo and wanted our passports stamped.

"Yes! Yes!" cried our friend.

"Where do we have to go?"

"Yes ! Yes!" was our only answer. So leaving the helpful Italian, we went to look for ourselves and eventually located the office about twenty yards from the landing stage. Our party of nine filed into the minute room and flourished our passports. The young man knew a little English — we knew a little Italian.

"We have come on the ship, anchored in the bay, the "Fort Duquesne", we wish to visit Monte Carlo and need to have our passports stamped," we explained slowly.

"You wish to visit ship?"

"No, no we have come on the ship, we want to go to Monte Carlo."

"Passports, no stampa (frantic stamping motions) to visit ship."

Keep calm, let's take this slowly.

"We Inglesi -— we come on ship - - Inglesi ship. We go Monte Carlo — Monte Carlo. We want passports stamped."

The man's face lit up.

"Ah, you from Monte Carlo, you wish to see English ship."

The conversation continued along these lines for some minutes until eventually it was decided that we should see the "boss". Picking up our sunhats, sunglasses, towels, costumes, beachbags and still frantically clutching our passports we walked along the waterfront to another larger office. Our official said to the large man confronting us, "Ingles'.", and gave an expressive shrug of his shoulders.

"Ah," replied the boss, and nodded wisely. He asked politely, "Parla Italiano?"

"Non!  Non! Non parla Italiano. Parla Inglese?"

"Non!"

There was a pause, suddenly broken by, "Parfez-vous francais?"

"Oh oui — um — urn —un peu."

So we tried again in halting French.

"Nous venons sur le grand bateau anglais." A long pause. "Nous desirons aller — um — um (was it a la, en, or au?) um —well — Monte Carlo."

The man appeared puzzled. Was it our French? Or his? Then to our relief an interpreter (one of about six people who had gathered by this time to help the Inglesi), a local] from the quayside, who spoke Italian, a little French and a little English, appeared. Our request was repeated, and repeated. All we wanted was to have our passports stamped so that we could visit Monte Carlo. At last this simple request was understood. The "boss" poured out a tirade of Italian at our poor defenceless young man, the only word of which I understood being "stupide". We gathered our belongings once more, returned to the passport office and emerged triumphantly five minutes later with a stamp on our passports declaring "Porto — San Remo".

With minutes to spare we caught the coach to Monte Carlo. We arrived at the Franco/Italian border. The douaniers boarded the coach but when offered our passports they merely glanced at the blue and gold cover, muttered "Inglesi" and passed down .the bus. We never re-visited the young man at the passport office. Officially, we are still in San Remo.

ROSEMARY ANDREWS — 6A.

 EASTER    IN   SPAIN

Easter is an interesting time in Spain. Eight days before Easter some of the men who had sinned, walked barefoot through the streets carrying giant crosses. Over Easter you would see the hooded priests in black, men carrying the cross, still barefoot, carriages drawn by black horses with large statues in them, nuns, bishops, girls from the convents and lots of others.

Though they had these large processions they still had all the Easter activities.

After the Holy Week of Easter comes the fair or feria as it is called there. For about three hundred years, this has been an event to look forward to. Small places called "casitas" are built of wood and gaily decorated. Here families get together, many not having seen each other from one year to the next, because they live in the country places. They drink and dance, and have a merry time, much as we do at Christmas time in England.

The fair-ground is behind these casitas. The brightness and noise of it is wonderful; there are giant gas balloons to buy, candy floss, or castanets. All types of roundabouts and hoop-la to try your luck.

Now and then you would come across a small group of dancing Flamenco; the swish of skirts and click of the castanets, the beautiful coloured dresses the girls wore, their long black hair and laughing faces w>ere unforgettable as they danced at this feria time.

CORAL GLAYSON - - 4C8.

SUMMER

Summer Comes again each year, For us to make some pretty wear, While Children play upon the sands, Making castles with their hands.

Sometimes the Children catch some fish, Which makes a very tasty dish, Sometimes they catch a crab or two, Or sometimes they catch you.

Then when it is time for bed,

The children rest their weary head,

Until the morning comes once more,

Then the children again run down to the shore.

JILL FRAMINGHAM.

THE 1957 ECLIPSE

In 1957 I was in Scotland. One day I picked up a newspaper and glanced at the headlines. The first thing that caught my eye was these words, "Total Eclipse Tomorrow". The article went on to describe the last eclipse and give further details of the coming eclipse, such as how much of the world would be affected, and for how long.

Next morning I woke early. It was obvious this morning was no ordinary day. The light was very dim. As the day wore on the light slowly faded till at noon total darkness had cloaked Britain. As the eclipse was completed the corona shot out from behind the shadow of the moon. The .moon continuing its orbit soon disappeared and by late afternoon the light was back to normal.

R. SIMPSON -- 2A2.

FILFLA

High on a rock of barren state, which far

Outshines the cliffs of Malta and of Goz,  Or where the wealthy West with grudging hand

 Show'rs on the peasants tomato paste and oil,  Lizards exalted sit, by rareness rais'd

And their antiquity;  with their red spots And unique bodies old and green, aspire

Beyond  their height,   insatiate  to pursue Vain war with Man,  and by defeat untaught

Their  proud imagination  still  proclaims, "FREEDOM  FOR THE  LIZARDS".

R.A. and A.S. -- Upper VI Arts

(with apologies  to Milton)

'

THE COURSE OF THE DAY

Our golden companion for a day

His course being run — slips slowly away,

And as his chariots leave the sky

We see the Evening Star on high.

Silver  against the velvet gloom

Like a single thread on a massive loom,

&he is the messenger of the night

And the pure new moon, whose brilliant light

Shines upon this half of the world,

Upon the  land   and oceans  pearled

To a creamy whiteness 'neath her eye,

And as she shines the night goes by

And the earth feels, nor knows, no fear

Sensing her watchful eye is near.

So she nightly vigil keeps

While the lowly world of mortals sleeps,

Until the sun's most glorious ray

Welcomes again another day.

ROSEMARY BENCE — 2A1.

THE   DREAMERS

Mr. Bodkin sat at the breakfast table. He was trying to decide whether to
buy his wife the electric blanket or the pressure cooker. Hieratica would like
both, but....

"James, you haven't been paying attention. I was telling you about my dream." These dreams! They were always about money, money, money!

"...... yes, a very rich Indian. I was his most beautiful wife; I can't

remember the rest, but it may come."

Mr. Bodkin got up from the table, and quietly went out. As he walked, he thought, "Perhaps, no, definitely. Yes, she didn't love him. All she wanted was money. Now, if he died, she would receive nigh on a thousand pounds. But, if she died, he would be free, free, free!

As he was late for dinner, Hieretica waited. She began to think. "He's been
looking queer lately. Perhaps he's got a bad heart. Yes, he's been very pale
lately. If he died....... There must be a fortune in his account."

He came in, sat down and placed the cooker on the table.

"The blanket will arrive on Monday. This cooker is marvellous. It'll reduce bones to jelly in two hours," he explained.

The blanket came on Monday. James went upstairs, on the excuse of mending the plug beside the bed.

That night, as she got into bed, George switched on the blanket. Hieretica quivered and went into a perpetual sleep.

Mr. Bodkin wrote to the makers of both the blanket and the cooker to thank them.

Six months later, Mr. Bodkin was in the garden. The neighbours asked James where Mrs. Bodkin was.

"She's still overseas. I think she intends to stay away for a long time," he replied.

"How," said the neighbour, "Nice show of roses this year. How do you do it?"

"Bone manure," James replied, "Bone manure!"

JOHN PETO — 4A1.

NIGHT

The night came on like a bird of prey, Covering the sun and devouring the day, Wayfarers all moved on their way, And toddlers on their pillows lay.

Old gaffers and babes like frolicking sheep, All must at last take .their sleep, Nought can be heard but silence deep, And things of night from shadows peep.

Each child lays down his sleepy head,

Hungry, full or over-fed,

All living men are tucked up in bed,

For the world at night is a world of the dead.

STUART CARTER — 2A1.

MONDAY   MORNINGS

I find Monday mornings the most difficult of the week for getting up. At 6.30 our huge dog invades my bed, descending upon me with a series of licks. Pushing him off, I turn over with full intentions of having an extra half an hour, but my hopes soon vanish when I feel the dead weight upon me once more. After twenty minutes of fruitless wrestling with the dog, 1 decide to rise. Throwing off the bedclothes, where they land on the floor in a disorderly heap, I normally succeed in catching my big toe in the sheet and finish up in an uncomfortable position on the floor. After collecting myself I stagger to the door in a hazy world of my very own. Amongst the swirling mist of sleeplessness I barely find the bathroom door. After running my   finger under   the tap,   I decide   er -er.........    not to wash.   After a   mad search for my blouse which I find on the bottom rung of the clothes horse under a  collection of  holey socks,   I go   to the   breakfast table   to find   a bowl of steaming hot porridge,  awaiting me. The times I have burnt the end of my nose after missing my mouth on such a morning. Halfway through breakfast I hear the pips for eight o'clock. From then on it is one mad crazy mix-up, I usually end up with my sister's sandwiches. While I am closing the front door to get away from it all, I hear the plaintive cry of my Mother, "Margaret, did you make your bed, dear ?" "Sort of, Mum, is my answer."

I often wonder (how I ever do manage to catch our bone-shaker of a bus.

MARGARET TERRY 5Cl

ODE TO A SUNFLOWER

Pretty golden Sunflower in an old beer bottle !

Fresh -beauty picked at your best in the sunshine,

Gleefully, with triumph in her eyes my sister brings you in,

"Where shall I ,put it ma?"

"Find an old bottle dear,"  Minerva cries from the back stairs.

Plucked in your moment of triumph,

Aeons of time have you spent in growing,

Oh well, a year or so, what difference is there?

You have striven,  battled  with the elements that you                                                    Patterned Fish                Yvonne Wignall

•Might live till your fertile seeds be scattered;

And in your hour of glory,

With one light sweep of sister's grubby hand,

All your strivings, your fervent wishes and prayers

Cut short;   dead;    and rendered

Useless before the bee could even fertilise your seed !

Sadly, your pretty golden head is (bowed with grief,

Your slender body broken, and you

Fade away and die in a beer bottle

Behind the kitchen sink and

no-one ever to look again on your face so beautiful.

You are dying, pretty one, you are

Slowly dying.   In your agony, no-one comes,

I look on, but what use am I ?

Your life is done now, you are

Dying  and  useless,   you have  left  no  legacy  to the  world;

No young family of seedlings. You who were once so proud, So elegant in your slender youth, So pregnant with joy and vitality, Gently waving in the warm sunshine;

Behind the kitchen sink now your dark face,

Once sunlit, hangs in shame and grief.

You fought with nature successfully,

Or, let us say, the elements.

But there was one force too strong for you.........

Hush !  The bell is tolling...........

She is finished, it is all over............

Nature beats mournful taps on silent drum,

A cloud hides the sun,

And all is ended in darkness............

Wretched sister!   Come, I am

Going to pull your hair until you scream.

In pain, as the flower you killed

Could not do!

Wretch!   Wretch!   Wretch!

A.E. BROWN — 6A.

LOGIC !

He followed the main road out of town for about half a mile, until sud­denly it came to a dead end on the bank of a swift-flowing river, with only a sign bearing the words "It's quicker by Tubs" to stop sleepy travellers from falling in. Our bold young prince was just about to turn back when he heard the thunder of silence. He turned around to see an army of ants advancing on him. The leader of these addressed him thus:

"You, I  take  it,  wish  to  cross the river."

"Yes, I do,"  replied  the Prince,  "in  order to gain the opposite bank."

"In  that  case,   why  don't  you  cross?"

"Because  there is  no  bridge,   and  I cannot swim."

"Nonsense!" retorted the ant, "you've no confidence."

"Confidence in what?"

"Confidence in the fact that there is a bridge,'' explained the ant. "If you had confidence in that fact you could actually walk over the bridge."

"Cross on an imaginary bridge ?    Why,  that's impossible!"

"Well, my friend, has it not occured to you that it is also impossible that I, an ant, should be talking to you?"

"I hadn't thought of that," said the Prince, a little taken  aback.

"Therefore," continued the ant, "if what is happening is impossible, what is impossible can happen."

"Very well," said the Prince, quite confused,   "I'll give your idea a try."

He edged his horse towards the edge of the stream, repeating to himself, "There is a bridge, I — I know there is," and reluctantly, the horse stepped out. For a second the Prince thought he was going to fall; the next second, he did. After a few bubbles, he and his horse re-appeared above the surface.

"It didn't work!" he spluttered.

"I didn't think it would," sighed the ant, "after all, you can't defy the law of gravity, can you?"

Then he and his army disappeared down a subway.

"Hey!" called the Prince, "now where are you going?"

"To the other side of the river by means of the subway, of course," replied a small ant who was bringing up the rear.

D.  RABFORD  - - 3A1.

CAREERS

The importance of integrating a Careers Service into the normal life of the school was one of a number of issues raised as a result of the visit of three of Her Majesty's Inspectorate in March 1963, and it is hoped to provide a more extended service in the coming year.

In October 1962 we had our second visit from a Careers Advisory Officer. Mr. Trounce interviewed some fifty pupils during his stay, providing advice on a variety of careers.

Mr. Trounce also addressed a Sixth Form audience on "The Interview", and I am sure that all present derived great benefit from his amusing presentation of what not to do as well as his deceptively simple advice on how to conduct oneself at an .interview.

It is very pleasing to know already that Mr. Trounce will be visiting the echool again next October, this time for a fortnight.

In the course of the year, we have had a number of visiting speakers who have given interesting talks dealing with both Careers and Current Affairs.

In January, Mr. Colin Jackson outlined very clearly to the Upper School problems involved in British participation in the European Common Market.

In March, Mr. Gillow, Horticultural Adviser gave an interesting talk on agricultural and horticultural work in Malta and discussed the career prospect* in these fields.

In May, there were three visitors. Mr. W. Willman, who left us two years ago to join the R.A.F. paid a surprise visit while in Malta on training and gave an informative and amusing talk on the training of a pilot.

Dr. Focken, UNESCO Director of the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology, spoke to Sixth Formers on the range of UNESCO activities with particular reference to new developments in Malta.

Miss West from Congleton Hospital, Cheshire, gave a talk on prospects for State Enrolled Nurses.

The Careers Service which the School now offers can be broadly divided into

(a)    a section which provides information on all forms of training, and on
entry  to the  professions  and the  Services, on  requirements  and  methods  of
application for Courses at Universities and Colleges of Advanced Technology,
Training Colleges   and   Technical   Colleges:   largely   for   those   who   will   have
achieved G.C.E. Advanced Level standards in particular subjects — in short,
information about the world of further study.

(b)   Another section offering opportunities and suggestions for those about
to earn their living: starting to work at a particular trade or profession, while
continuing part-time some form of further education.

Some may be surprised that no mention is made of jobs for those who consider that study will stop when they leave school — for the good reason that training is required for most kinds of worthwhile employment in this technica.' age.

For example, in the past few months of 1963, detailed programmes of study and training have been drawn up for occupations in the branches of Catering, Office Studies and Home Economics, whereas, until recently school leavers were merely interviewed by an employer and gained some form of experience while working at a particular job.

Nowadays employers demand some form of training or qualification for almost any type of job, though not necessarily in terms of G.C.E. passes; for qualifications of any sort provide an employer with proof of previous effort and of some self discipline.

There are many types of employment among the 240 "careers" we list, which do not always require G.C.E. passes. Here are a few examples selected at random: Advertising, various jobs involving Selling to the public, Interior Decoration, Dressmaking, Printing, Dental Technician, Post Office, Child Care, some Hotel and Catering Occupations, Company Secretary, and all sorts of work with people, from Dairyman to T.V. Salesman. While we do appreciate that a stay in Malta does not create in pupils a real awareness of their future in the world of employment, we feel that many more could make better use of the careers service available.

It is quite natural that a great number of pupils have few, if any, clear ideas of what they would like to do; likes and dislikes change after the age of fifteen, but this cannot be an excuse for doing nothing about the future and its prospects if you pause .to remember the frighteningly high figures for unemployment in Britain at the end of last year (800,000).

There are books on how to approach this problem of sorting out likes and dislikes and the Careers staff are available to give advice.

The school library holds a number of general books on Careers, all the "Careers for Girls" pamphlets and periodical careers literature.

One point, however, cannot be stressed too strongly: boys who wish to start Craft or Industrial Apprenticeships must begin training at the age of sixteen.

Full information is available concerning Maintenance Grants for those returning, independently of parents, to U.K. to start such apprenticeships.

Senior pupils intending to make application to Universities and C.A.T.s for places in October 1964 should write during the summer months for the detailed syllabus of study to the University Faculty which they hope to enter.

The school has a lot of general information (prospectuses) about practically all Universities and the courses they offer, and this should be consulted in the first instance. UCCA Application forms will be available in school next term.

Prospective applicants for Training College places in October 1964 should also write for detailed information this summer. Many T.C. prospectuses are available in school ,together with a complete list of the official addresses of these institutions.

Finally to those who feel that school (any school) is not assessing the qualities which will help them to earn their living — a certain practical know-how -- being "good with money" - an instinct to hoard, and who can talk themselves out of all sorts of situations, have the true spirit of adventure and have enough of the gambling instinct to take a risk (and bear the consequences), then your occupation is Self-Employment — whether as bookie, politician, newsagent, free-lance photographer or writer, scrapmerchant or else manager of a cafe or fish and chip shop, or as an undertaker, not forgetting the second-hand car business.

You start on you own — your success depends on patience with people and plenty of common sense — AND the best of luck!

A.F.G.

At .the beginning of the Autumn Team 1962, the School Sailing Club found itself with only five coxswains:— Cdr. Des Clayes; Lt. Cdr. Harper; B.C. Fuller; Pam Hinton and myself. Three new student coxswains joined the school, however, in the form of M. Armitstead, P. Ashforth and A. Ashforth and W. English moved up from the 4th Form and these, with the new member of staff Mr. McGillivray, helped to increase the numbers of the club.

By the end of the Autumn term, 'Curley' Martin; A. Lindley and Jon Haylock qualified as dinghy coxswains and during the Spring Term 1963, D. Gerrard, Malcolm Trigg and A.K. Holmse qualified also and just before the Easter Holidays A. Lindley qualified as a whaler coxswain.

During the Easter Holidays Brian Fuller led an expedition from the Club round the island in two 27ft Whalers. The crews were: —

K.3. — B.C. Fuller (cox'n); W. English; A. Ashforth; A.K. Holmes; C. Dunn; Mr. Ratcliffe.

K.4. -- J. Passmore (cox'n); J. Payne; J. Salter; P. Mannering; G. Dearden; D. Hobden; Mr. McGillivray/Cdr. Des Clayes.

The trip took four days in all and the first was spent in reaching up the coast to Paradise Bay where we camped for the night. On the second morning we sailed from Paradise Bay to Mgarr in Gozo via the South and North Comino Channels.

After lunch at Mgarr we reached down to Golden Bay where we said adios to Cdr. Des Clayes and camped for the night. On the third morning we were joined by Mr. McGillivray and Mr. Ratcliff and ran down to Benghisa Point (via Filfla) and then we pulled up to the R.A.F.S.C. at Marsaxlokk — a mere 11 miles. After a relatively peaceful night under a real roof, we tacked out of the bay to Delimara Point and then ran up the coast to Grand Harbour which we reached just after lunch.

After the Easter Holidays Brian Fuller has qualified as a yacht helm, William English as a whaler helm and D. Hobden, C. O'Brien, J. Payne, J. Salter, R. Dearden, R. Andrews, C. Dunn, G. Atkins and J. McGonigle have all qualified as dinghy coxswains.

With numbers now exceeding 50 in the Club, it is hoped that a substantial nucleus of experienced coxswains and crews should remain to form the Club next Autumn.

JOHN PASSMORE -- VI Sc.

(Sailing Secretary).

FAMILY REUNION

A cold morning nip in the air made me snuggle deeper into the fur lining of my coat, as I stood on the platform of a quaint country railway station in Devon. A small porter with a face as round and as red as an apple hustled me off and deposited both me and my baggage firmly in the waiting room. I glanced round the grubby, off-white walls. Ye-s, it was just the same as it had been several years before when I left home. On one wall a vividly coloured poster, looking most inviting, beckoning to me to spend this yearns holiday in France. -With that intriguing little trot of his the plump porter came back to inform me that .he had a taxi waiting outside. I gathered all of my hand baggage, thanked this jocular fellow and stepped into the taxi.On the way to my home I had plenty of time to think. Time to re-live those ten long years I had spent away from home. My name is Nancy Stevens, and at the age of eighteen I had realized my ambition. I had become secretary to an American businesss tycoon, and had flown to the United States, where I had lived for ten years. In America I had been extremely happy. I had everything I wanted, and had saved enough money to return home at the ripe age of twenty-eight. Only one thing marred my happiness, and that was that I very rarely received mail from home. In fact I received one letter a year, strangely enough, and that was on the same date, but I brushed this aside with the thought that maybe my family had fallen into this routine, and to them it was perfectly natural. Now I was coming home ten years older, wiser and wealthier. The taxi driver jolted me back to the present, unloaded my baggage, and after being paid, whisked away leaving me standing before the wrought-iron gates of Lifton Park Manor, my old home. I picked up my luggage, and ambled towards the manor house.

Soon I was standing before the huge oaken door. I raised my gloved hand to knock. No, I'd surprise them. 1 turned the tarnished, brass door-knob, and pushed the door, it creaked and groaned as it swung back on its hinges. I entered the hall, dropped my hat and gloves on the hall stand, and ran into the lounge. There they all were, sitting comfortably around the glowing log fire. My mother had not changed at ail, she was just as plump and cuddle-some as ever. Her face curved into a warm, welcoming smile, and she came and pressed me close to her. Father stood before the fireplace, just as tall and distinguished as he had always been. The .Sherlock-Holmes-type pipe hung from the corner of his mouth. His ice blue >eyes stared hard at me from beneath their shaggy brows. Then, as if he suddenly recognised me, he took me into his arms, and I sobbed for sheer happiness on his broad chest. His smoking jacket smelt strongly of tobacco. What a homely smell that was. Then there was Terry. Just the same as ever, with his round impish face and wide grin. His questioning blue eyes, and that snub nose of his. making him look adorably cheeky. He bad uncontrollable ginger hair and his face was a mass of freckles. During the course of the evening my mother handed me her uniquely shaped cameo, as a welcome home gift. I took it gratefully and pinned it on to my jumper. At last I retired to my room, utterly exhausted but happy.

I slept long and peacefully that night, and woke up late the next morning. Shafts of light fell across my bed through the tears in the curtains, and the room smelled musty. Dust clung to everything. I dressed in old slacks and a jumper and ran downstairs shouting cherry 'good mornings' to all. Suddenly I stopped in my tracks. Cobwebs hung from the ceiling and a thick layer of dust encased everything in sight. It was so different last night, so fresh and alive, or was my memory deceiving me ?

I touched the dusty banister knob and it fell to the floor, causing me to start foolishly. A tabby cat, all skin and bone, let out a petrifying cry, and darted across the hall. The wind rattled a stained glass window, and I reeled round to face it, my hands gripping the banister so tightly, that the knuckles showed white.

I ran upstairs from room to room. The beds were covered in dust and the bed-spreads hung in threads. Everything was decaying and lying in ruins about me. Then, utterly terrified I ran downstairs and made my way to the lounge. The plush drapings hung covered in cobwebs, everything was so dusty, so entirely dead. Suddenly, I felt something touch my arm, and looked down, alarmed, to see an old .gnarled hand. I looked up to the old lined face above me. It was the face of Percy, the gardener. He was an old man, with a mass of greying hair. He was tall and (had kind, dark eyes that also had a bewildered, strained look about them. His face was covered in stubble and his greying hair was covered with an old brown trilby, distorted and dirty. He wore green corduroy trousers and knee-high, buckled gaiters over them. Also a white shirt and a large baize apron, covered in soil marks.

I opened my mouth to speak, but no words came out, and then I heard Percy saying in his pronounced Devon accent, "I met Tom, the taxi driver in town, Miss Nancy, and he told me as to how he brought a young lady here. I knew 'twere you and came as fast as I could. Yes, dear, it is hard to lose the ones we love."

"Lose them, what do you mean?'' I asked numbly. "Only last night we were here together."

Then Percy told me how, soon after I left home, a fire enveloped and devoured the whole of the west wing of the manor.

"Everyone did their best, but it was no good.    I'm sorry."

As the old man told his story, tears Welled up and stung 'my eyes and I noticed him brush a tear from his lined cheek.

"I keeps the roses nice 'cause I knew your mother, 'God rest her soul, liked 'em. I tends the garden just the -same as when they was alive."

"I wandered across to the window and looked at the charcoal black ruins of the west wing,. Why hadn't I realized be-fore? When I went to bed last night the sheets were crisp and white ,and the room was clean, but in the morning it was musty, closed in, dirty and cold. Of course Terry would have been grown up, not the little boy he had always been. Both my parents were unchanged, no older and greyer. Why didn't all this occur to me?

"When did the fire happen, Percy?    Tell me."

"I remember it well, Miss Nancy, it was on the fourth of March."

His words struck home hard and cold.    That was the date on my letters,

which I received from home every year. I looked around the room feeling closed in. I wanted to scream but I couldn't, I just sobbed bitterly.

Later that day I packed my belongings and on taking one last desperate look at the lounge I saw a few sheets of lemibossed note paper and a pen lying upon the dusty bureau and beside it a Sherlock-Holmes-type pipe. Unconsciously I picked it up and fingered it. It was still warm so they had been here with me I rushed out of the door looking it behind me with a huge dust — covered key. I took my leave of Percy at the gates. The old man's eyes looked dark and soothing as he once more offered me his sympathy. He took my hand in his old hard hand and it felt strangely comforting in this time of year.

I then took a taxi to the station. Just as before my jolly little porter was there to help. He settled me in a cosy compartment and left. I un­buttoned my coat and my hands went up to my throat; I felt something pinned to my jumper. Yes, there it wa6, that exquisite canoe. With the strange premonition that I would receive my usual letter the following year, I settled down to my journey. That is why I believe in ghosts.

GLENDA CONNING — 3A2.

A FAIRY TALE

Ex-king Blissful, of a country called 'Goodoldays', had been deposed by a party named "Have-it-better-than-good" and was reduced to owning a .small concern manufacturing and selling potato crisps in the benevolent state, Hasbeen, where he had gained asylum. He was assisted in his enterprise by his lovely daughter called Happiness

The salt for his packets of crisps was supplied by a very wealthy and mean Director of many business concerns and at a "salty" price. Blissful was charged too!

Unscrupulous, as was the director's name, having changed upon and fallen for the beauty and innocence of Happiness, asked Blissful for his daughter's hand in marriage, never thanking that with all his wealth he would be refused. However, Blissful, being lifted from ignorance by the toil of his new life, was most pointed in telling Unscrupulous that no amount of money would buy Happiness.

Salt supplies were instantly cut off, and Blissful's business began to fail. But as Blissful and Happiness began to give up hope, they chanced to meet a young ex-prince who was very handsome named "Ivan-not-so-terrible," who fell in love at first sight with Happiness.

He, having worked a few yeans in the Sighberian Salt Mines, had made many contacts there and knew all about the production of salt.

Love blossomed between Happiness and Ivan, and the young man arranged a trade agreement with the country of Hasbeen, and the people running the salt mines, who offered salt at a cheaper price.

Blissful was able to sell his packets of -potato crisps at a reduced price, and he prospered.

Ex-prince and princess married and joined Blissful in his (enterprise while Unscrupulous was left to (gnash his teeth.