44Q1 - THE QUINTINIAN, SPRING 1944

PROBABLY the event which has made the biggest impression on the minds of all our readers since the last issue of the Quintinian is the death of Sir Kynaston Studd. Even a casual observer could see at all times his keen interest in the School, and we knew that in Sir Kynaston we had a firm friend who was always appreciative of our efforts and who did all he could to encourage us. He and Lady Studd on more than one occasion spent a summer holiday down here, and were always given an unmistakable welcome by the School. Sir Kynaston's visits to the Chairman and Clerk to the Minehead U.D.C., when he thanked the Council for its help, was appreciated in the Town and the Council sent a very sympathetic letter when they heard of his death.

Whenever a cricket match, a sports meeting, a Cadet or A.T.C. parade was held during his stay he made a point of being present, and I feel sure that it was this whole-hearted participation in our life which made such an impression on our affections.

Much could be written, but with us it is not necessary, and we will cherish the memory of a friend.

The last occasion the School met Sir Kynaston was at the Speech Day, which was held in London on the 1st January of this year. In the chair, he said he did not know who would preside over our assembly next year, but he certainly presided most charmingly and efficiently at that gathering. An interesting address was given by Sir E. V. Appleton, and a full account of the proceedings of Speech Day has already been given in the Polytechnic Magazine.

I made one remark in my report which some parents took to heart (for which I thank them), namely, that the prizes given that day could not be paid for out of public funds, and I appealed for subscriptions from parents. Subscriptions varied from £5 downwards and a total sum of £11 has been received. This leaves me some £8 or £9 to find to pay the bill.

The Speech Day itself was very successful and we were glad to see Mr. Gibbs there; we did appreciate the fact that he came up from Portsmouth with the sole object of joining our meeting. As usual, he gave us a witty and amusing speech.

Among the new arrivals on the Staff, additional to Mr. Clarke, who joined St. Katharine's last term, we now have (at last) the services of Mr. Hill at Minehead, where his work with the medical set in Biology, and Chemistry in some of the other forms, is very much appreciated. He has already, like Mr. Clarke, settled down to the full activities of the School and is equally at home refereeing a football match, being a full unpaid private in the Home Guard, or a Lieutenant in the Cadet Corps! He changes role with perfect freedom, and has found a place, in consequence, in the School life, which is just what I expected he would do.

Old Boys continue to write, I am very glad to say, and in this issue a record of a large number of them is very briefly set out, together with some extracts from letters that have been received. I should like to have asked the Editor to print one or two letters in full, but even now I am not quite sure that the censor will agree to some of the extracts. I shall be only too glad at any time to re-address or forward letters to Old Boys if they are sent C/o Head Master, Polytechnic Secondary School, at Minehead, Somerset. It is a pity we cannot have an address register, but paper economy,&c., rule out the scheme, which at first I thought would be a good one, of circularising all Old Boys, giving recent addresses and information about their fellows.

Those whose names do not appear on the list would help me very much if they would just drop me a line to say what they are doing nowadays. There are still a few who are very diffident about writing, but I would ask them most earnestly to let me know where they are and what they are doing.

I have just heard of the death of F. R. Walker, who left us only a couple of years ago. This is recorded elsewhere in the Magazine, but I am sure all will join in the expression of sympathy to his parents and to his brother still in the School.

The mother of P. E. King has let me know that Peter is missing after a Mediterranean sortie and we are hoping that some good news will be heard of him soon.

I am sure that readers of the Quintinian would like to congratulate Mr. Sambrook on the excellent December number, the first issue since he became full Editor. From what I have seen of the material now going to Press, it is obvious that the standard is going to be fully maintained, and I would like to add my praise of his success in taking over the difficult task after such an efficient editor as Mr. Eckersley.

The London branch at St. Katharine's goes well, and I am always impressed, when I go up, with the cheery greetings I get from the boys there. They really do appear to be pleased to see the Head Master when he arrives. I hope it has nothing to do with the hour's holiday that was given on the last occasion! I must, however, give them credit for the fact that the feeling of pleasure at meeting was obvious before this sordid incident!

On my last visit the Staff seemed to be happy and satisfied with most of the work going on. I was able to congratulate Mr. Robinson and his colleagues on the ship-shape order of everything I saw. Mr. Lambert has taken up the football of the School in London just where he left it after much similar activity at Minehead, and Mr. Clarke has introduced several items noted in the letter from St. Katharine's, which this term comes from Mr. Broodbank (that is why no mention is made of the Master in charge of National Savings in London!).

Many inquiries are coming in as regarding the possibility of the School opening fully in London in September, To all such inquiries I must say definitely that I don't know yet. It might be that after September there will be a Minehead branch and a London School. This naturally depends not only on the premises but on the war situation, and many people who were clamouring for their children back some time ago now see the wisdom of a little extra delay in the return of the School to London. The chance of more classes in London in September seems to be very good, and if the War situation is as some of us expect it to be, there should be a good chance of allowing many of the boys to return. I am afraid at the moment the only safe thing to do is to quote that very annoying catch phrase, "Wait and see!"

The Education Bill is still being considered in Parliament, and it might have an important bearing on the School - especially in view of the fact that we are hoping to expend money on improvements. It is just possible that the commitments of the Governors might be a heavy burden, in which case if they or the Head Master had a fund on which to draw for help from time to time it might make all the difference between keeping our "aided" status or becoming a controlled School.

I have already talked to a few parents and Old Boys on the subject, and they are of the opinion that, if at the proper time some appeal is made to them, they might be able to assist in the matter of establishing such a fund. It is just possible that a communication will be sent later to parents of present boys and to Old Boys themselves to see exactly what can be done in this matter. Certainly I have very strong feelings about maintaining the independence of the School.

Just as I am looking over these notes I have had information that the end of term might be altered to meet the requirements of the Board of Education, so that the Dramatic Club's three-day presentation of the comedy-thriller, "Someone at the Door," is going to be advanced as well as the arrangements for the House boxing competitions. Certain Masters have arranged to go on A.T.C. courses and several things of this kind are rather in the air due to these changes, but I have no doubt that as usual, everyone will be able to fit in with the necessary alterations. During the course of the past five years we have grown accustomed to having all cut and dried schemes upset without notice and for reasons which are not always clear to us.

I hope all the boys taking their general School Certificate and Higher School Certificate in the coming term will have even more luck than they deserve, and that the results will maintain the high standard of the past.

THE qualities of the verse of H.O.C. are so considerable that any estimate of them must be on the plane of real poetic values. To accept any other standard in mistaken and misplaced friendship would be distasteful to and rejected by the author.

No complaint should be made about the fragmentary nature of the work, nor of its incomplete reflection of his thought. His mind was too hasty and impetuous, and his hate too short-lived for the working out in careful detail of a great subject. Verse did not absorb the whole man: nothing could. The verse reflects this delightful many-sidedness, his firm views on so many and so varied topics - amusing, infuriating, sensitive, brutal, scholarly, pedantic, childlike, and always stimulating.

The general impression left by his work is one of pessimism born of frustration; a frustration arising from his failure to find satisfaction in religion, love, work, or society. Yet his courage was such that he never gave up the struggle. His emotions were as strong at the end as at the beginning.

In view of the fragmentary nature of the work it is not possible to see a coherent system of thought. It would appear that he never formulated a comprehensive view of life. His restlessness was always reaching out and was often side-tracked. He was conscious of his own power.

He was a wide reader of newspapers and reviews and he turns a trivial reported incident into a fine expression of human failure. ("Nothing," "Sans Everything"). He was always conscious of this less than the finest use of his talents and gave it direct expression in "Forgiveness."

One feels that the God of his youth was anthropomorphic, and his mature mind expressed this God more easily than the God he was seeking. Perhaps he never really got away from the picture of God as a puritanic dispenser of justice. It is not his failure to use his talents for his fellow men, the gaps he might have filled in the treasure of human wisdom which haunt him, but his dread of facing a heavenly headmaster with an inadequate excuse. Yet for a moment we get another aspect in "Tommy in Clink."

Nor has he solved in "Body Addresses Mind" the old problem of the relationship between the two.

This problem of body and spirit is implicit again in the love poems ("Honeymoon"). Here in more than one poem is a completely realised emotion - "Spiritual in Poet's Wife" - behind and above the intensity of body ("The Lees: Farewell a l'Anglaise"). At one time love is all ("Love Song: On finally leaving her"). He can occasionally see woman sympathetically - as mother, for example, in "In Seeing Off" (incidentally, and rather surprisingly, the only expression of his love for children) - or again, "The Lonely Woman."

His language is spare, taut, economical, concentrated, full of effective, caustic and wounding lines. He rarely attempts decoration; his figures are rare and lack colour; there is no straining for effect but the unexpected, individual turn of phrase is not there. His verse must be clear, natural, and colloquial. Hence, perhaps, the noticeable absence of great poetic topics handled with breadth - in a word, patient and searching composition on the large scale was not within his scope. Verse is a dynamic, pungent means of expression and not an end in itself.

His rejection of the traditional poetic diction was deliberate and follows logically on his insistence on current colloquial English in other spheres. His refusal to use the traditional poetic vocabulary and effects was not followed by the development of a personal idiom. His work gains as a result in directness, but is less subtle, more immediately felt and understood, less elusive and allusive. The appeal is immediate and leaves little for the mind or emotions to gestate. It is infertile. The subjects are those of the 18th century satirists or the Hugo of Les Chatiments. Yet we miss the verbal felicity of the one and the thunder and colour of the other. The free verse, for example, often has the effect of first sketches, thrown off and then forgotten, for poems never written.

His subjects are found in the life and society immediately about him: topics cause an explosion of distaste, anger, hatred. There is no happiness and no serenity. Beauty as an experienced emotion has no place.

He had firm control of a wide variety of verse forms. He ranges with equal facilities through technically complicated forms like the sonnet, the ballade and the triolet. He commands many varieties of strophe and rhyme. In none of these, nor in the widely-varied rhythms of the line does he appear to fumble. High achievement. When the poem seems to fail or flag it is generally the poetic idea which is at fault and not the technical instrument. He is at his best in the heated, splenetic expression of a satiric idea.

(David Gasgoyne is an Old Boy of the School who left in 1933. The following two excerpts are from a review which appeared in "The New Statesman and Nation," January 22nd, 1944 - ED.)

Poems, 1937-1942. By DAVID GASCOYNE. Poetry, London and Nicholson & Watson. 8s. 6d.

Mr. David Gascoyne has a remarkable talent. Until the appearance, long delayed, of the present volume, it was not possible to say quite how remarkable. His "Miserere" had become familiar from anthologies and revealed the distance its author had travelled since his surrealist days; a poem here and a poem there, usually of a Baudelairean tinge, caught the attention; but they were so few, and Mr. Gascoyne himself so elusive, that one could only guess appreciatively. Here was a dark horse, whose instinct it was to remain dark. At a time when anyone capable of putting half-rhymes on paper could get himself published, one poet at least felt the need of holding back. "Poems 1937-1942" - note the more recent date - would seem to justify him.

The book is divided into five parts: religious ("The Miserere"); metaphysical or "metapsychological" (mostly poems of sex and surrealism); elegiac (stanzas written in French to the memory of Alban Berg); personal; and poems of time and place. This grouping has obviously been made with care and, though the progress is not autobiographical, it represents in some degree cycles of experience . . . . . . .

Pessimism, nausée, the search for a salvation, sexual ambivalence, war - all the ingredients are there for a career that would retrace, once again, the steps of Rimbaud. Yet, though he derives from modern French poetry, Mr. Gascoyne has a pressure and originality of his own. Occasionally what he writes is cryptic but never fashionable or loose; and with an opaqueness of subject matter there goes an astonishing purity of diction and a command of the long swift line.

THE House Concert which was held at the end of last term in conjunction with Broodbank-Stevenson was the most successful for many years, and all those who helped to put the show over must be heartily congratulated on their outstanding performance.

Unfortunately, in the Football Competition, over the half-term break, our Junior XI. lost 1-4 to Hesters in the first round. Nevertheless, it was a very spirited game and the team gave an excellent account of itself.

There have been no other Inter-House activities this term, but by the time these notes are published the Boxing Competitions will have taken place; so I am taking this opportunity of wishing all boys concerned the best of luck in their respective bouts. The House officials remind all boys now that early training for the Sports next term is essential if the results are to improve on, or even equal, those of last year.

The House has continued to make the highest contributions to National Savings, for which a good deal of the credit must go to Jones, who, with the guidance of Mr. Andrews, has maintained a uniformly magnificent standard.

I am sure the whole House will join me in congratulating Stanley on being made a School prefect. Finally, we offer our best wishes to all candidates for the Matriculation and Higher Schools Examinations in the summer, as this will be our last opportunity of doing so.

LAST term ended on the happy note of the House Concert. The concert, which is usually good, was this time outstanding; several Masters named it the best House Concert they had seen. We have largely to thank M. Rosen and S. Sklaroff for this, as this unique pair besieged the House with ideas and schemes as well as giving a spirited performance on the night itself.

The forthcoming term will be largely a sporting one, and may I advise the House that the earlier we begin to practise the better performance will we give when the time comes. The response to the call for aspiring boxers was disappointing. I hope that by the time the Club has assimilated the other new members those of our House will have changed their minds.

The War Savings have maintained their usual good standard, and in football we lost in the finals after a good fight to a team which was superior in age and weight. Congratulations to S. Sklaroff on his being made a prefect.

WE are delighted to welcome Mr. Hill and hope that he will be happy amongst us. With his wide interests we are sure that the House will be grateful for his help in many ways.

The House Concert, which was held at the end of the Christmas term in conjunction with Russell-Matthews, was a great success. We would like to take this opportunity of thanking not only the boys whose hard work made the concert such a success, but also the House Masters for their attendance at rehearsals.

At half-term the Junior House football competition was held and in this the juniors showed great keenness and enthusiasm. After beating Andrews-Hough 4-1 in the first round, they met Lambert-Newman in the second round. A hard match ensued and they were unlucky to lose 2-3 after extra time.

The Inter-House boxing competition takes place before these notes are published, but judging by the number of entries, the House is well represented and we should do very well. We would like to remind all the members of the House that the annual School Sports will be held early next term. Everybody in the House should take this matter seriously, for it is only by a large number of entries and hard training now that the House can be assured of success.

It is pleasing to note that the House is well represented in the A.T.C. and J.T.C., as well as other School activities, and there are three members in the School Junior XI.

In conclusion, we would like to take this opportunity of wishing all those who are taking the General and Higher Schools Examinations in the summer the very best of luck.

THE House Concert, which was held in conjunction with Lambert-Newman House at the end of last term, was not quite up to the standard of previous years, but this was mainly due to the absence of some of our members through illness. Nevertheless, we would like to take this opportunity of thanking all those Masters and boys who made it possible.

In the Junior House football competition, which was held at half-term, our Juniors were unfortunate in losing 1-0 to Lambert-Newman in the first round after a very enthusiastic game. We may find consolation in the fact that Lambert-Newman later proved to be the winning team. We have a fairly large number of entrants for the boxing competition, which is being held at the end of the term, and we hope to uphold our past standard.

Congratulations are due to G. F. Knights on being made a School prefect. The House is also well represented in other School activities. Five of the 14 Cadets who recently passed Certificate A were from our House, and we also have four members in both the Junior and Senior football XI.'s.

The annual sports will take place, as usual, early next term, and it will be necessary for everybody to do their utmost if we are to maintain our position at the top, where we have been for five or six years. In conclusion, we wish good luck to those taking School Certificate Exams. during the next term.

SINCE the last House notes we have had the pleasure of another concert in conjunction with Kerridges and, in spite of several members of the cast having to fall out through illness, it proved a very creditable performance. Thanks are due to the boys whose untiring attendance at rehearsals, under the supervision of Mr. Newman, made the concert possible.

I'm afraid I omitted last term to congratulate Whiteson on his election as House football captain, with Sinzheimer as his deputy. Warmest congratulations go to Wilton on his appointment as a sub-prefect, and also to young Ray in the L.5's, who obtained a special mention in an Empire Poster Competition - a very creditable achievement.

The fine performance of the Junior football team during the Inter-House knock-out competition, over the half-term holiday, is to be noted. After defeating Kerridges (1-0) in the preliminaries, and Hesters (3-2) in the semi-ftnals, they met Broodies for the final round. A hotly-contested game ensued, but, for the second year in succession, Lamberts emerged the victors, the score being 1-0. Mr. Lambert has written to congratulate the team on their fine performance. It is gratifying to note that three members of the House are in the School Junior XI., whilst Sinzheimer has played in several matches this term for the 1st XI.

A considerable improvement has been witnessed in our National Savings contributions, but, as Ansell points out, this should not be taken as a signal for any relaxation of effort. I'm also pleased to report that the conduct of the House has considerably improved,. although one Junior member still contrives to get a detention each week.

Early next term we will have the athletic sports and success can only be attained by a large entry and hard training. Although we have lost Smith and Sheardown, there is no reason why the House should not improve on last year's result if Mr. Lambert's words of wisdom on "fourth and fifth places" are heeded. The time to start training is now.

Finally, I would like to wish the best of luck to members of the House who are taking University exams. next term.

FIRST we must congratulate G. B. Maund on being appointed a prefect. Since the last notes were written there have been few activities apart from the football at the end of last term. Then our Juniors fought very hard, with 50 minutes overtime, only to lose to Broodbank-Stevenson 2-1.

The concert at Christmas was enjoyed by entertainers and entertained. Thanks are due to those who worked so hard on the preparation of scripts, &c.

Beck still tells me that the House Savings are very low indeed. Let's have more support, please! At the moment preparations are being made for the Inter-House boxing competition, which is coming off soon. Here's wishing best of luck to our entrants.

Before I close these notes I must remind the House that the sports are held at the beginning of next term and everybody must try his best to get in some regular training before then.

ONCE again we are approaching the end of another football season, in which the School 1st XI, although not creating any outstanding records, has successfully maintained the Poly's football standard in Minehead. Up to the time of writing the School has played 16 matches, of which it has won 10, lost 5 (all against Army XI's), and drawn 1. In all these games 56 goals have been scored - Reding 13, Calder and Tugwood 11 each, O'Neill 7, and Sinzheimer 6 - while only 22 goals have been scored against, a fact which reflects highly both upon the defence's staying power and the steady persistency of the attack. Towards the end of last term, still having trouble with the centre forward position, we beat Huish Grammar School 4-0, Calder scoring a hat-trick, and the Wireless Wing 2nd XI. 2-0, both on our own ground, but playing away the next week we lost to the Wireless Wing on their ground. During the Christmas vacation we played the Polytechnic Senior Schools on the Poly. ground at Chiswick, decisively beating them 8-0, thanks to the six goals Reding scored at centre forward.

On our return to Minehead we played very badly the first week, once again losing to the Wireless Wing, but since then we have won every match. Against a vastly-improved County School team we won 2-1 and 3-0; we defeated Huish Grammar School 5-0 on their own ground, at Taunton; and have beaten our old rivals, the Minehead A.T.C., 3-1 on our pitch and 5-3 on theirs. This last match was fast, exciting, and extremely robust. Although the A.T.C. scored first, we soon drew level, through Reding at centre-forward, but just before half-time the A.T.C. drew ahead again. Early in the second half the A.T.C. netted yet a third goal, but instead of falling to pieces the School team continued to press, and Reding soon reduced the lead, while Tugwood equalised a little later, after a centre from Wardlaw. A penalty kick by Calder then put us ahead, while a fifth goal, a few minutes from time, made the result certain. I sincerely hope that the team will continue to play in this improved style for the rest of the term, and I must add here a word of appreciation for the splendid support given us from the touchline by both boys and Masters alike.

This season the Junior XI. has been revived, thanks mainly to the work of Franchi and Bawden. Ably captained by Vanstone, it has met with varied success, in its first match against the County School last term drawing 1-1. During the holidays it played the Juniors from St. Katharine's House, London, and walked off the field easy victors at 10-1. On its return to Minehead it defeated the County School 3-1, but against a much heavier Huish's team it lost 2-6 at Taunton. In its final match so far, with both the captain and centre-half missing, due to injuries, they lost to the County School 1-2, but before the end of the season they hope to avenge both these defeats, despite their deficiency in weight. The chief goal-scorer is the centre-forward Price, who has got seven goals so far, whilst Coulter, M., one of the most promising footballers in the Junior School, has scored three.

Inter-Form football is still flourishing, with three or four matches being played each week, while Inter-Unit games are played, too. So far the Air Scouts have beaten the Land Scouts 2-1, whilst the A.C.F. beat the A.T.C. 5-1. Over half-term a House Junior football competition was held, and after several very good and interesting games, Lambert-Newman House beat Broodbank-Stevenson House 1-0 in the final. Thus it can be seen that there is no lack of enthusiasm in the School for football, which certainly augurs well for future School matches on our return to London, whenever that may be.

LESSER, F. (Goal) - Confident and generally safe. Sometimes uncertain with a low shot. He has a strong kick and remains cool under pressure.

GREGORY (Captain, Right Full Back) - He is at his best in the halfback line and has never developed a powerful first-time kick. His tackling is good and he plays a hard game to the end. A very good captain, who always has the confidence of his team.

WINKWORTH (Left Full Back) - Has played regularly since the first two or three games. A robust and somewhat unorthodox player, but a difficult obstacle to opposing forwards.

BAWDEN (Right Half-back) - Tackles well and has a good understanding with his full backs. Somewhat slow perhaps, and tends to leave a gap between his forwards.

FREEDMAN, K. (Centre Half) - A fine defensive player who plays strongly to the end. A real stumbling block to any forward line. His tackling, heading, and distribution of the ball are all good. A tendency to hang on to the ball too long.

LESSER, M. (Left Half-back) - Clever with feet and head, especially in constructive play. He feeds his forwards well, but his stamina has not been so good in recent games.

O'NEILL (Left Wing) - A clever dribbler with a fine sense of judgment. Perhaps the most powerful shot in the team, often from an acute angle. His centres and corner kicks have been particularly effective, but he does not last well in a hard game.

TUGWOOD (Inside Left) - Great natural football sense, with many delicate touches. A hard worker who is lacking in weight and the necessary strong kick to score many goals.

REDING (Centre Forward) - The handy man of the team, who has played in a number of positions. In the centre he has proved hard working and untiring. Against heavier teams he has proved to be a tower of strength. Although never sure where the goal is, he is not afraid of trying a shot.

CALDER (Inside Right) - Fairly fast and keen. An unselfish player with a good shot. He fits in well with the other forwards.

SINZHEIMER (Right Wing) - Very fast, energetic, and keen. He has improved considerably, and when he has learnt to head the ball and centre with more judgment he will be good. On several occasions he has cut in and scored with a good shot.

WARDLAW (Right Wing) - Young and enthusiastic. Fairly fast, but holds on to the ball too long.

ONCE again the end of term is approaching; one in which the number of boys regularly attending the Boxing Club at the Methodist Hall was certainly greater than in previous terms. The majority of our members are still Juniors, however, as the Senior boys seem extremely reluctant to display their boxing prowess. Forthcoming examinations are probably one reason for this, but we should like to see more of them attending at least once every few weeks. During the term several of our members entered for the A.T.C. "Silver Wings Boxing Competition." All of them won through in the first round at Weston Zoyland, while from the second round at Exeter, which includes the whole South-Western Area, Hentschel and Sinzheimer returned victorious.

Perhaps of more general interest to the School as a whole is the forthcoming Inter-House competition, which is due to be held in the Methodist Hall on the evening of March 23rd. From all reports there will be an exceptionally large number of entries, and it is hoped that there will be many close and entertaining bouts before the competition is finally decided. I hope the majority of boys in the School will watch these bouts and that they will be encouraged to join the Club.

SOME 30 Cadets are now completing the rather elaborate preliminaries for proficiency, and by the time these notes appear will have sat for the written papers.

We have some boxing successes to record. In the Somerset competition Hentschel, Manners, and Bawden won their bouts; Sinzheimer and Vinten were unopposed. In the South-West Command competition, held at Exeter, Hentschel and Sinzheimer were successful. We are very proud of all these successes and congratulate the winners most heartily.

WE have been very fortunate this term in obtaining the services of Mr. Hill, who is replacing Mr. Elgood in the Corps. His presence will relieve Captain Smith of much of the great amount work which had been thrust upon him in the absence of another officer. Mr. Hill has had much experience in the Home Guard and the O.T.C., and his arrival promises well for the future. The Corps has had a roll, to date, of about 60 Cadets, and possesses a keen Platoon of Juniors who will form a strong basis for the future.

A hard term's work has been done by all and the keenness of the Cadets and the quality of the N.C.O.'s are reflected in the result of the Certificate A Examination, held on the 26th February, 1944. Out of the 15 candidates entered for Part I. (Individual) 14 of them passed, and out of the 14 candidates for Part II. (Section Leading) the entire 14 passed!

Next term's work will be of a mainly topical nature, and an interesting post-Cert. A programme has been made out.

Very valuable practical experience was gained on the Field Day, which was held at half-term. Also at half-term the Corps played the A.T.C. at football, and after a very good game, managed to beat them, thus making up for the defeat which they inflicted upon us last time.

The usual P.T. courses were attended at Christmas and every Cadet passed his tests. About a dozen Cadets attached to the Battalion H.Q. of the local H.G. went to Wiveliscombe just before half-term, in order to aid a Travelling Wing with their demonstration to H.G. officers and N.C.O.'s. One or two of these Cadets have rather painful memories of an incident which occurred in the defence of a sewage farm. L/Cpl. J. J. Gaylor played a prominent part in saving the situation at a critical moment by gracefully leaping into a nearby "lake." He covered himself in glory (up to the neck), and was rescued by two N.C.O.'s, the Quartermaster and the Armourer. (N.B. - L/Cpl. Gaylor was wearing a valuable uniform and carrying a valuable rifle). These N.C.O.'s were afterwards put into Coventry. They would like to know why.

Lastly, there is good news of many of the Cadets who are ex members of the Corps. We have only to stress the fact that many London Cadet Corps have consequently gained many efficient under-officers and N.C.O.'s.

TROOP meetings have generally been well attended this term. New members have brought the four Patrols up to full strength, and this has made new opportunities for the Troop. It is hoped that most of the new members, who have started well, will get their Tenderfoot and ultimately their 2nd Class, and become useful Scouts. We are looking forward to more outdoor activities as the evenings become longer.

Useful contacts have been made with other Troops of the Local Association, both at the socials which have been held and at other more especially scouting activities. The visit to Exford to help in a show for the benefit of Exmoor Scouts was a success from many points of view!

THE formation of the Troop during the last term has been somewhat altered. Now it is working under Coles, Curtis, and Sutherland as Patrol Leaders. Under these P.L.'s we have 12 other chaps, some of them newcomers. We still have room for more.

During half-term we had a "camp" (it might better be described as a picnic) in our den at The Dene. It made a change for some of the lads, and was enjoyed by all.

On the 4th of March there was a rally at Exford to which some of our number went. The knotting games which we put on seemed to be appreciated by the audience.

WITH several new recruits this term the Troop is now at full strength. Indeed, the work of Patrol Leaders is difficult, for they have to help along beginners with Tenderfoot tests while endeavouring to obtain proficiency badges in new subjects themselves.

Everyone enjoyed the two Scout socials and dances, and we were very pleased to act as hosts along with the Sea and Land Scouts to other Minehead and Alcombe Troops on the second occasion. Mr. Parsons and his P.L.'s are to be congratulated on the hard work they put in to ensure the success of the evening. Another high light in the term's activities was the Scout Rally at Exford, on March 4th. A number of boys journeyed there on bicycles, and I am still hearing of the good things provided at tea-time.

We are grateful to Mr. Checkley for his interesting series of talks given to beginners in aircraft recognition.

THE Club has settled down well under its new management this term. Most of our Monday evening meetings have been devoted to instruction for the 3rd Class test. The 3rd Class test entails a knowledge of 65 aircraft.

A 3rd Class test was held recently and five out of nine candidates passed. This is not a particularly good result, but the failures were due to a misunderstanding. They prepared for the new 3rd Class, while the test was on the original set of silhouettes. In future all tests will be held on the latest test cards and, as there can be no mistake, we expect a 100 per cent. pass when we hold a test next term.

As we have not had a description of the training methods an outline summary should be of general interest. A beginners' class is taken by Mr. Checkley, in which the rudimentary details of aircraft recognition are taught. The candidates then pass on to 3rd Class instruction, held by Winkworth and myself, with the aid of the epidiascope. They then pass on to 2nd Class instruction, and ultimately, we hope, to 1st Class.

The Inter-Services Journals and Government issue models continue to arrive and are put to good use.

The monetary problem has been acute and we seem to clear up one debt just in time to discover another. It has been the treasurer's thankless task to collect threepences first for one thing and almost straight away another on top of it. This is due to the fact that it was decided not to collect the subscription all at once as the exchequer of the average member can rarely be relied upon to supply more than 3d. at a single time. However, Litvin has done very well at, to say the least of it, an unpopular job. I will take the opportunity of appealing to members to help make the treasurer's job easier by paying when asked as soon as possible.

Now that we have got things straightened out in the main it is hoped that the Club will go forward to further successes.

TWO outstanding events have marked the activities of the Society this term. The first was a visit of a select party to the Marshes between Minehead and Dunster, under the guidance of a local naturalist, Mr. Cornish. The occasion was a remarkable one as a list of observations of exceptional variety and interest was made. Early in the walk good views were obtained of moorhen, goldfinch, and cock red bunting with their black heads and white collars. An aeroplane started up about 40 white-fronted geese, which flew directly over our heads, uttering their wild cries. After obtaining an unusual close-up of a redshank and seeing a flock of some thirty teal fly by, the party was fortunate enough to see several dozen snipe, which flew from their resting place among the reeds in small groups, giving their harsh call and twisting and turning in their characteristic manner. These interesting observations were only the beginning of an amazing series. Near Dunster large numbers of wild duck were seen, including numerous scaup and widgeon. Along the coast many excellent views were obtained of oyster-catchers, black-backed gulls, turnstone, ringed plover and sanderling. Numbers of curlew were seen on the water's edge. To crown a morning of exceptional interest about a couple of hundred of that rather uncommon bird, the golden plover, came to settle on the rocks within 20 yards of us. The party left Mr. Cornish at the Alcombe footpath, thanking him for his kindness in leading the expedition.

The other event of note was a lecture by Mr. Bennett, another local naturalist, on Fungi. From Jack Walsby, who took the minutes of the meeting, I learn that the main theme of the talk was how to distinguish between the edible and non-edible fungi. There are only three inedible fungi found locally: the death cap, the fly agaric, and the purple agaric. Amongst the edible fungi that Mr. Bennett mentioned were the tufted mushroom, the bleeding mushroom, the beefsteak mushroom, the shaggy cup, blewito trichloma, and boletus. The chief distinguishing feature is that edible fungi easily peel while the poisonous ones do not. All the fungi mentioned had one common structure, the velum, although in size there was considerable difference, the tufted mushroom barely reaching 3ins. in height, while the giant puff ball may exceed a foot. The lecture was both interesting and instructive and Mr. Bennett was warmly thanked.

It is hoped that in the near future Mr. Hibberd, of Williton, will come along and give us a talk on Bird Photography, illustrating his lecture with lantern slides.

WE have had so far two meetings this term and we hope to have a third before the Easter holidays. The first was held over half-term, when Presky gave a very interesting and entertaining talk to his small audience which, nevertheless, resulted in lively discussion. He first pointed out the fact that he intended to talk mainly on home affairs and then went on to say that Socialism only could really solve the trouble of the post-War world. He proceeded to suggest practical plans for a better world. The talk then ranged into many varying fields - land, the location of industries, housing problems, education, a State medical service, and the main details of the Beveridge Report were all competently dealt with. The speaker resented the delay of the Government in tackling the problems. As for the new Government White Paper on a free medical service for all, Presky said that this was a step in the right direction, but that it did not go far enough. It was a compromise between the present system and a State medical service, and it was very likely that all the progressive proposals were likely to be whittled away by vested interests, such as the B.M.A. In conclusion, the speaker made a few remarks on proportional representation. He pointed out there were two ways in which this might be achieved - the alternative vote or the quota system - the latter being the better. The difficulties were many but not insurmountable, and until we had some kind of proportional representation we could not call our Parliament democratic.

At the second meeting we had a very much more satisfactory attendance. Mr. Smith talked on "Common Wealth," and he gave an extremely interesting paper. He opened his discussion by saying that throughout our life we should maintain the idealism of youth and that we should regard the world as an oyster we have to open. Mr. Smith then drew a comparison between the economic fundamentals of the present system and Christian ethical teachings. The talk then turned to the part of Common Wealth in society. Common Wealth proposed to right the wrongs of our economic system, while maintaining the rights of a democratic constitution. The principles of Common Wealth were:- (1) To utilise the achievements of the individual for the good of the community; (2) there would be no rewards except those assessed as your deserts by your fellow man; (3) no property would be owned by the individual; (4) society would be run under a planned economy.

The talk-concluded with a few words on the Labour Party. The Labour Party was drifting from their original ideals and had now no desire to break with the capitalist order of society. It was the policy of Common Wealth to correct this misdirection of the energies of the working people. It had nothing against the Trade Unions and had no desire to impose a dictatorship upon society. In the discussion two important questions were brought up. The attitude of Common Wealth towards the small shareholder and whether he would still be allowed to invest under Common Wealth. The second point was that Common Wealth was defeating its own ends by splitting the "left." This was answered by the fact that Common Wealth was working for a united progressive front.

BY the time this notice appears our annual play, a comedy thriller in three acts, will have been produced. Rehearsals have progressed smoothly throughout the term and attendance at rehearsals has been good. A special word of praise is due to the highly promising newcomers to the society. It is to be regretted, however, that all the present members will be leaving at the end of the year and if no-one comes forward the Dramatic Society, one of the oldest Clubs in the School, may become extinct.

In our present production we have only had one minor hitch, as our leading lady left us; but we have been fortunate in obtaining the services of another young lady who has kindly come forward at short notice to take the part. From the frequent conferences between the stage manager and technician - Mr. Webb and Mr. Merrills - something appears to be "cooking" in our technical department, but at the time of writing exactly what no-one but they appear to know!

THE Annexe having now settled down to routine a short description of our work and conditions may be found of interest. The roll includes about 120 boys, arranged into four Forms, viz., 3A, 3B, 4, and Lower 5. The "House Full" notice went up some time ago and a waiting list has already been opened. Hours of work are:- 9.45 to 11.15, break (with milk distribution) to 11.30, 11.30 to 12.50, and 2 to 4. A rest centre within fairly easy reach provides lunch at the usual prices; during the lunch interval, too, many boys play football on a pitch in Regent's Park. The Minehead programme of subjects is followed closely, Chemistry and Physics being taken at the Polytechnic in Regent Street. Although enemy visitations have been more frequent of late, there has been no consequent absenteeism among the boys. As in the old days, Saturday morning is given up to sports, Mr. Lambert being in charge. Form matches have been played, for the most part on one of the pitches in Regent's Park and, to give more variety to the encounters, temporary "Houses" are in course of being arranged. It is to be regretted that, with few exceptions, the whole enthusiasm in football seems to be centered in the Third Forms, where a large proportion of the boys play, many of them with much ability. So far it has been difficult to get the necessary interest aroused in the Fourth and Fifth Forms. Nevertheless, some excellent and exciting games have been played. Perhaps the best of all was that played on February 26th, when the Fourth Form played the combined Thirds. Although short of one of their best players, the latter were only one goal down at half-time. Weight and stamina told in the end, of course, and the final result was 7-0 in favour of the Fourth Form. It is much to be hoped that in the near future the upper part of the School will emulate the zeal and enthusiasm of the Thirds. Among out-of-School activities the Aero Club, the Dramatic Club, and the Library - all under the care of Mr. Clarke - deserve special mention. The first-named has met regularly since the beginning of the term and has held two recognition tests, one model exhibition, and one talk on solid model making. There are about 40 members, and they show keen competition, especially in model making. An exhibition of solid and flying models will probably be held in the summer term. The Dramatic Club has two plays under rehearsal, viz., "In the Zone" (Eugene O'Neill) and "X-O" (Drinkwater). It is hoped to present these plays at the end of term. The Library has been well used and is particularly popular with the Third Forms, especially since the arrival of a number of Biggles books. The Library membership now totals 66. Beck, of the Lower 5th, has a very warm corner in his heart for the Red Cross. He introduced a Penny-a-Week scheme into his Form, and the first month realised 12s. and the second 18s.; other forms might copy the example of the Lower 5th. After some inevitable delay a War Savings Group was formed. Its target is £1,000 in 52 weeks. Starting with a modest contribution of £7, the first week, it has gone from strength to strength. The first six weeks produced £99 14s., at the end of our 14th week the total is £370 18s. 6d. Needless to say we are very proud of this War effort, and feel that there is every chance of our target being reached.

Old Boys continue to visit us. Among those we have had the pleasure of seeing this term are:- Officer Cadet Robertson, R.A.C., Sub-Lt. Jackson, R.N., FIt-Lt. Ingles, R.A.F., Sergt. S. R. West, R.A.F., Sergt. Rapley, R.A.F., Tpr. R. A. Bawden, R.A.C., Eng Cadet H. J. B. Eagle, and R. W. Jeffery, State Bursar King's College, London. One other visitor whom we are always delighted to see has been along to encourage us and cheer us up, the Headmaster. His visits always make us feel that we are still members of the Old School and that some happy and not too-far distant date may give us the chance of welcoming the Minehead exiles back to London.

ACCOMPANYING my father to a joinery works I was lucky enough to witness the testing of a 30cwt. Derrick Crane. The test loads were verified by means of a suspended weighing machine between the crane hook and the test loads. These loads are 25 per cent. in excess of the maximum safe working loads. From the centre of the crane to a distance of 20ft. any load up to and including 30cwts. was covered by the test load of 37½ cwts. and then from 20ft. to a distance of 32ft. the working load of 18cwts. was covered by the test load of 22½ cwts. To keep within the bounds of safety the loads were sustained within a few inches of the ground. Lowering and varying to radius and slewing within the working limits proved satisfactory, with no distortion apparent in any part of the crane. It is necessary for cranes to be tested as it is recognised by the Home Office that cranes are dangerous machines. A certificate, signed by the person carrying out the test, must be attached to the Factory Register, kept at the works.

ST. KATHARINE'S HOUSE! The name seems to call to mind either a prison with warders (armed to the teeth) patrolling long, stone corridors, or a peaceful abbey where black-robed monks are to be seen in solemn meditation. In our St. K's, to say that we are watched over by heavily-armed warders, or that we are to be found perpetually in concentrated study, is somewhat of an exaggeration. St. Katharine's is one of those big, three-storied Victorian houses which are to be found almost anywhere in the vicinity of Regent's Park. It has a fairly large garden, one lawn of which is used as an allotment by a neighbour. As he is reputed to be a policeman of great strength and perseverance he has never had cause to complain about any of the Poly. boys. At the end of the garden there is what was once part of the Regent's Canal, but which has now been filled in with bomb debris and converted into a fine open stretch of ground. Part of it is used for bayonet practice by a military unit and, judging by the ferocious yells and war cries which can be heard coming from that direction at various times, the Germans have no picnic ahead of them. Apart from the main doors leading into the hall, there is what was once a tradesmen's entrance at the side of the house, but this cannot be used at the moment as workmen seem to be engaged in digging a hole which looks like heading for the shortest route to Australia. This hole remains something of a mystery as no-one seems to know what it is intended for. There have been numerous guesses, someone even suggesting that an artesian bore is contemplated, but there seems to be very little definite information. On the whole, however, we have now settled down and School life carries on.

ONE Saturday afternoon Tom and Dick were making their way to the beach with their towels under their arms. They were on holiday with their parents. Soon they were splashing about in the sea. Then they ate their sandwiches. A dark cloud was gathering above them; it looked as if there would be a storm soon.

"We must hurry or we shall get caught," said Dick. However, the rain came sooner than they anticipated. A terrific storm.

"Run, Tom, to that cave," shouted Dick. On entering they found, to their surprise, that it was comfortable inside and quite light. They eagerly started exploring, and it was not for a long time that one of them discovered the rain had left off. Then Tom gave a cry of horror.

"We're cut off, Dick, the tide's come in!" The sea was only two or three yards from the mouth of the cave. This sent the boys right back. Frantically they searched for some means of escape. Suddenly Dick, who had been searching in the depths of the cave, gave a cry of surprise. "Why, here is a passage. I just touched that spot there and this opening appeared."

"Let's follow it, it may lead us to safety," the other replied. Hastening in, they found a flight of roughly-hewn steps. After making their way along the passage for some time Tom stopped dead. "I hear voices, I am sure," said Tom. Tom could see a thin streak of light before him, just above his head. With a motion to Dick to keep quiet, Tom tip-toed to the crack and peeped in. On a crudely-constructed table there was a wireless set which was capable of sending messages to almost any part of the world (Tom knew this because he was a Scout). Sitting on a chair, using the set, was a stockily-built man with a pair of earphones on. He was speaking in a thick guttural language, and at the same time transmitting something on the set.

"German spies!" exclaimed Tom. They both decided to warn the police at once, but how? At first it looked as if their way was blocked by this "hide out," but on closer inspection Dick noticed that the tunnel continued to their left. After some time they noticed a spot of light far ahead of them. Emerging into the sunlight they found they were on top of the cliff overlooking the beach. They went straight to the police station and told about their adventure. At once a party was formed.

The spy was caught just in time, as they found out that he was planning to leave for France that night.

ONE day my friend and I were watching the operations on an airfield in Wessex. Suddenly they wheeled out a magnificent aeroplane with blue wings. Her wings were swept back almost to the tail, and her cockpit was right up against the leading edge of the rudder, The mechanics and engineers were all clambering round putting the little finishing touches here and there. Then, at last, the pilot clambered into the cockpit and started the engine.

She began to rise. Oh, boy, what a take-off! Now she was airborne and climbing slightly. Slowly she circled the airfield four times and began to climb steeply. Wait! What is that black spot speeding towards us very high? Yes, I can make out the wings of another aircraft. Blue wings was still climbing; if she carried on she would crash into the other aircraft. She did carry on and hit the other aircraft with a tremendous and resounding crash. It was a great pity, but it was my best flying model and, on top of it all, I had thrown the plans away.

I WAS seven when I was on a holiday in Kent, during the Battle of Britain. Every day scores of Jerries came over and we very soon got used to them. Sometimes, when we were in the front garden of the cafe, after the sirens had gone, the soldiers at the road block just outside would signal to us to go inside when they saw the enemy in the distance. Once, when 250 were going over to bomb London, it sounded just like continuous thunder. The planes were so high up that you could just see glints of silver, and the fighters were weaving about like butterflies. Another time an Me. crashed on fire, just skimmed the top of the cafe, but crashed a mile away. My mother was on the 'phone at the time, speaking to my father at the R.A.F. station, and banged down the 'phone and dived under the stairs. My father said he could hear the noise on the 'phone.

One evening, when the men from the road block had been relieved and had come in for a snack, and we were all having tea, suddenly there was the drone of a diving plane, than a "whee-e-ee" of falling bombs, then, very near, a "Crump! Crump! Crump!" Three bombs had wiped out some barracks 50 yards down the road. The strange thing was that no windows were smashed. On another occasion a Spitfire, engine full on, out of control, crashed into a hen house, killing 200 pullets. The man who owned them had been standing between his house and the hen-house, but all you could hear him moaning about was "Those -------- Nazis have killed all my pullets; hatched 'em myself, I did." One day, when my sister, mother, father, and I were out on the Downs, we had to run for a ditch, as four Jerries appeared with four British planes on their tails, firing away like old Harry. Later on we saw a Ju. 88, flying sedately along, with a Spit. weaving in and out like a wasp. Finally, it had to leave off as it had run out of ammunition. After it had gone the Ju. dived steeply to earth and crashed. Once, some baling-out Jerry pilots landed near us, and the parachutes looked like mushrooms swinging to and fro with little black dots underneath. The guards in my father's camp captured them, and he saw them, and said one was only 17. During one raid the cat sat in a deck chair calmly washing itself and didn't care a tuppeny cuss about all the bombs.

THE poacher is a very sly man. He slinks about the undergrowth at night and inspects his snares and traps. Sometimes he is lucky and manages to get a hare or a brace of cock pheasants. It sounds very easy, but he always has to be on the look-out for the gamekeeper, who is his dreaded enemy. The poacher is usually dressed in brown riding breeches and leather gaiters, with a green jacket. These colours harmonise with the surrounding countryside. He has a dog, which is either a lurcher or a whippet. These dogs are suitable for rabbiting.

He also carries a ferret; a little yellow, furry thing with pink eyes, which he uses to make rabbits "bolt." He might also have a double-barrelled shot gun, but preferably a catapult, as it makes less noise. He makes a decent living, and if he is any good at his job, he need never fear being caught as the local "bobby" keeps to the high road.

AFTER much persuasion on the part of my friends, one evening found me at the "Olympic Skating Rink." How I cursed myself for not learning to skate before! After paying my entrance fee, I put on the borrowed skates and tried to stand up. This feat I succeeded in accomplishing (it should be mentioned that an iron pole had come to my aid), and peering around to assure myself I was not the centre of observation, I made for a distant pole about 10ft. away. I succeeded in placing my left foot forward when my right foot started to retire. My left foot, seeing its partner receding into the cafeteria, decided to accelerate its speed forward, which, if a careful calculation of mechanics is made, found me sitting on the none-too-soft floor.

Determined to have supreme control over my feet, I stood up and defiantly advanced two whole paces forward. When I reached my destination I stood up for a whole minute.

I then arrived at the great moment when I got on to the main rink, on which I enviously saw real skaters. "Why couldn't I skate like that?" I asked myself. Anyhow, I was going to have a good try. I reached the edge of the rink which, luckily for me, was surrounded by a wooden rail. A skating partner team was whizzing around the rink, but I kept clear of them: at least I tried to, for the last man caught hold of one of my outstretched arms and I found myself a member of the team while uttering shrill Redskin cries. Heaven only knows how I kept my balance!

Pleasant people, polite policemen, and possible poles loomed into view as round and round I spun 'till people's faces became blurs. Some people think love makes the world go around, but I think roller-skating is another solution.

However, the man's grip on me relaxed and I broke away, and the next thing I can remember is that I was lying in a hospital bed with my body swathed in bandages and my legs trussed up in the air, and at the bottom of my bed I heard two medical students talking: "I don't think he has a dog's chance of pulling through . . . . . . ."

I WALKED up and down, forced to witness these three fiends amputating various parts of this unfortunate victim's body. I wonder how it is possible for them to be so cold-hearted and merciless. The leader is now cutting off a left leg from the writhing body, whilst one of his henchmen holds it down. My nerves are nearly breaking, my stomach rolls. Oh! why can't I get out of this foul place? All of these homicidal maniacs are now standing round the operation table, with brilliant lights showing up their glinting eyes. But still the operation continues. The victim's stomach is being cut open and his intestines removed. One of the henchmen is saying, "He has not cooled off yet and his nerves are still active."

I can stand it no longer; I am going to faint. But just then Mr. Judd says I can stop sweeping up and go home. I leave, never again to volunteer to sweep the back of the physics lab. whilst the medicals are dissecting a mouse.

THE London District School of Physical and Recreational Training is situated at Hendon, in the former Police Research College. Cadets from units all over the country attend P.T. courses there, which are held all the year round. Thorough training is received by all Cadets from Sergt-Instructors of the Army Physical Training Corps. At Christmas we had a visit from the G.O.C. of Physical and Recreational Training for Great Britain.

Behind the buildings is situated an enormous span of grassland, which is used for playing Rugby and soccer, and on the far side of the grass is the assault course, which contains about 40 objects, which you either jump, run, crawl, walk, or swing over. They include scaling a 6ft. wall, jumping 9ft. of water, climbing up scrambling nets to a height of about 60ft., swinging over water on ropes, balancing on a swinging plank, &c.

Over 200 boys attended the Christmas, 1943-44 course. They came from all over the country. Two were from Scotland, some from Wales, others from the North and South of England. We did most of our training out of doors, and it was pretty tough going. We wore shorts and boots only most of the time.

Some evenings we had lectures and once we had the "Army Film Unit," which showed us "Desert Victory." Another night we had an American team demonstrate basket ball. We also had visits from American and English newspaper men, who came to make reports on the course.

Accommodation was excellent and the food very good; every Cadet was a guest of the Officers' Mess. Some Cadets slept in the College rooms, while others slept in barrack rooms in another part of the building. The training was hard, but games were plentiful and the boredom of work consequently made lighter.

"DEATH, death! God, let me die!" exclaimed Mr. X again and again on that dark, cheerless, November night in London, 15 years ago.

Mr. X had good cause for wanting death so much. His wife, who in his eyes was the most beautiful person in the world, had been killed in a recent train crash. They had been married only five weeks ago. Their love for each other was comparable to that of Romeo and Juliet, or Anthony and Cleopatra. It was complete. And now she had been taken from him. He had nothing to live for, and he wanted to join his dear one in the great, unknown world of death.

Thus he sat in his room, fervently desiring death. Suicide he would not take, for would it not bring discredit on his family? In desperation he screamed, "How can I die?" His servant, passing the room, paused and wondered. But he went on his way, for it is not a servant's duty to question his master's actions. Mr. X soon calmed down and sat thinking intently of his wife. How could he join her? No one ever desired a re-union so earnestly as did Mr. X that night. And as his mind concentrated on that one person, soon he saw his wife entering the room through the wall. She floated into the room with a spectral grace that made him stand up and stretch his arms to embrace her. But he could not quite reach her. He strained every muscle in many vain attempts to clutch her. She always seemed just beyond his grasp, continually beckoning. Finally, in desperation, he jumped towards her, only to find the elusive creature gone.

At the inquest on the body of a man who had fallen out of a window to his death a hundred feet below, a verdict of accidental death was given. But when I was leaving the coroner's court that day I could have sworn I saw a happy couple smiling at each other as they faded through a wall. But then, I don't suppose for a minute you will believe me.

THE "Old Red Barn," as it used to be called, will always remain in my memory. Overgrown with red-leaved ivy, it was one of the most glorious pictures I have ever seen. I used to sit in the cool shade in the summer by its side and look up into the sky. The soft breeze would slowly blow across the plain, striking my face and rustling the old ivy.

On other days I would go in through the old weather-beaten door and explore the inside. I would climb up the rickety stairs and look around. I found out that once the old place contained potatoes, for strewn around the floor were old, rotten and mouldy ones. There were some rats, but not many considering the age of the place. I often took out a book to read by the barn, for the solitude appealed to me.

One day I set out for the barn full of high hopes for a peaceful day. Then, as I climbed over the stile that opened into the field, I stopped dead. A crowd of men were pulling to pieces the old red barn. I sat down and thought of the good times I should no longer have. All I have are the memories that still cling to my heart.

"COME on, Earlies!" Where have I heard that voice before? Methinks it belongs to that humorist who takes such a delight in waking us poor mortals of the untouchables caste. There I was dreaming of "Sweet Rosie O'Grady," and he wakes me up. Now, why did he have to do that and ruin a chance that only comes once every Haley's Comet?

Now I must rise and face the world. Come to think of it, I'm laying tables and washing up, and I'm on first period. Look at those other figures still resting peacefully in slumberland. There are the Brahmins, who enjoy half-an-hour more than us poor untouchables. But fancy thoughts won't cure my unhappy position. Still, thank goodness, I wasn't on spuds for . . . . . . "Why haven't you got out of bed? You're on spuds for a week." The * ! * ? * ! I guess life's like that.

ACROSS the dark sky creep thin fingers of light. A dull, reddish glow begins to spread across the Eastern arc of the sky. With the coming of the light the outline of the country reveals itself. Great black ominous patches can be seen in the foreground, disfiguring the landscape like ugly scars across the face of mankind. What vegetation remains is blackened by the mark of destruction; a few trees still stand gaunt and gnarled against the horizon. Somewhere a solitary bird is singing, the only apparent sign of life in this deserted wilderness. Suddenly, great tongues of flame and smoke spring from both sides of a nearby hill, and the menacing crash of gunfire is heard. Into sight from the rear of the gun emplacements roar giant metal birds carrying loads of death. A mighty cheer issues from a thousand unseen, lusty throats, and from the dead and blackened country, as though rising from the very earth itself, surge masses of determined men. Mingled with them are tanks, great snorting, steel fortresses. Soon they are lost in the background, and the noise of battle is universal. Great armies clash, mighty air fleets battle tirelessly against the foe; the armoured forces add their weight to the conflict. But presently it is all over and the tumult slowly subsides. In the background, outlined against a glorous dawn sky of gold and red, flutters a red banner emblazoned with the hammer and the sickle. Another day has begun on the Russian front!

BID farewell to those pleasant feelings of satisfaction you conceive around mid-day. All is ended for you.. You have drunken Bacchus under the table and eclipsed the mighty Gargantua. Now the powers, with their usual disregard for human feeling, have caught up with you. There is no escape. Your fate is pre-ordained. You are trapped.

How you would like to curse the fool who suggested the idea to your landlady. But you told her yourself. Have you forgotten already? Surely you remember how she made frequent allusion to your inconvenient dinner time and you suggested the School as an alternative feeding centre. Oh, dullard! Idiot!! Dolt!!!

Do not resort to invective. Your future was in your own hands and you stepped over the brink of an abyss with it. So far you have not reached the bottom, so nothing has happened yet. While you still have time, reflect. You have dropped into a chasm. Will there be any food in it, or is it just another capitalist plot to extract money from the proletariate? Do you remember what that poor fellow said just before he slipped down that drain? He was comparatively lucky. Who knows what he may find by way of nourishment where he has gone.

Certainly you can find one consolation. The County School girls will be there, of course, and their ability to provide food for thought will depend upon your own interest. Are you going to be content with a triumph of mind over body, or do you find that life holds nothing in store for you?

WE have all seen clouds up in the air and wondered whether it will rain or not. Rain is caused by the simple harmonious fusion of integrating particles. Cross convectional currents arise due to equatorial disturbances, thus causing great local molecular anxiety and worry. Clouds form and bump each other, producing the terrifying sound=POP. The molecules become scared (they are not used to that sort of treatment) and fall or jump off, thus causing rain. Sometimes they manage to hang on with one hand, and then it looks as if it is going to rain.

WHEN we see the equation P=T do we realise the full significance of it? When P=T we may assume-that T=P, providing, of course, that P does equal T, in which case there is no doubt that T=P. But the more sceptical among you might say, does P=T? Let us extend this line of reasoning one step further:- P=T=P. Here we are faced with two variable constants and an unknown. Our immediate reaction is to integrate. But what? We know that P=T=P, therefore we can write:- P=P, always with the proviso that P does equal T=P. Correlate our facts and what have we?

By subtle equating we can show that T=T, providing, of course, that P=T=P. Extending the argument further, we can write P=T=P=T. Bring all the X's to one side and correlate the unknown, this obviates the necessity to integrate, which, as we all know, is childish. After correlation we have these facts-

which corresponds to our line of argument. My dear reader, do not whistle in amazement. It is stark, naked truth. Thus, under the theory of equations, we can write:- P=T, providing that T=P.

I AM standing on the corner of Friday Street and The Parade one night, about nine o'clock. I'm doin' nuthin'. I am as innocent as a new-born babe. Waal, mebbee, I haven't got my School cap and tie on, and mebbee it is a little after my curfew time. But, as I said, I'm just standin' on the corner, when who does I see coming towards me but a guy who usually goes by the handle of Mac. Now Mac. is a prefect, and pres. can be divided into two classes - the soft and the hard. This hombre is defin-itely in the latter class. Boy, he is poison! He's so doggoned mean that he gives you a det. as soon as look at you. Waal, Mac. gives me a big "Hello!" but I don't like havin' no truck with these tough monsters at any time, and most especial a half-hour after my curfew time. So I pretends I don't see him an' I don't answer. But Mac. can't take a hint. In fact, he don't like it at all. No, sir! He gives me another "Hello, there!" I looks round and I'm very surprised to see him. I returns the greeting.

"What do you think you're doin' out at this time?" says Mac., casual like. "What's that to do wid you?" I answers. But wouldja believe it, Mac. ain't satisfied! Instead he gets so het up you could almost see the sparks comin' out of his ears.

"Out after curfew hours. Insolence. Five demerits," says Mac., "and where's your cap and tie?" Waal, you know how things are? So I says "I lost it yesterday, Mac." But Mac. is a disbelievin' kind of guy and he just says, "Oh, yeah. Five demerits. No cap and tie."

At this I call him a certain very uncomplimentary name, but when Mac. suggests I come with him to visit a certain gent. who resides, together with a long stick, in a small room, just off the Domestic Science Room, I decides to call it a day and I beetles off home. The injustice of it! What a prefect! What a life!

SO! m'boy, you have just passed Matric! Well, well, well! What course do you intend to take up? You haven't decided yet? Come closer and listen to the pearls of priceless wisdom which may drop from the lips of the sage. First of all you must ask yourself, "Am I good enough for the Medicals?" If after deliberation you decide you are not, well there is nothing much left in life for you. You have a choice of either the Maths. mausoleum where you will spend the rest of your days playing with Greek symbols and roots of minus quantities, the Economics lot, where you will spend many a day deciding what to do with other people's money which they do not possess; or the Arts set, where you will learn to make guttural and nasal sounds and be expected to contribute poetry of great "depth" to this worthy Magazine. So you see that, apart from being a Medical, life holds nothing in store for you.

You would like to know what the world expects of a Medical? First, you must conform to rigid requirements of dress. Corduroy trousers are a necessity. If worn in a clean condition they must descend below the ankle in order that they will soon develop the diagnostic Medical look. Scarves may be worn, the louder the better. Jacket sleeves must show vast expanses of leather at cuff and elbow. Yes! the dress requirements are severe.

You must have not only a fierce array of scalpels and "cut throat " razors, but a white coat as well. It is the latter that adds the air of mystery and makes the Science set look up from beneath their chains and sigh regretfully. Your speech must also develop along certain lines. You must be able to time your speech so that when a person passes they will hear a string of bizarre and very long words coming casually from your mouth and be duly impressed. Your whole manner must change. You must be able at any time and place to join in a merry roundelay about students of "Kings" and such charming ditties without turning a hair. You will also find in time that it will be quite easy to shock people by a carefully-chosen phrase or two, and that at meal time your running commentary upon your latest dissection will act as a good anti-aperitif. Yes, your power at shocking people will improve and mature in time. True success will be achieved when people do not hold you responsible for your words.

As soon as you enter a room with a member of the fair sex in it she should be able to recognise you as a Medical straight away. Such has been my experience, at least. Possibly this is due to the fact that they recognise the upright gait and gentlemanly conduct typical of a Medical (maybe it is the smell of formalin!). As for work . . . . ? A Medical is always seen either with massive books (presumably in English), peering down a microscope, or inhaling vile odours from pickled animals in varying stages of destruction. The weaklings soon fall by the roadside; but don't let that put you off!

Oh! by the way, you are also expected to have a hobby-horse or two. At present we have some very good examples. One of us is interested in abortions in cows and the pre-Raphaelite brotherhood, another in scientific humanism and himself, another in aquaria and South American music, and yet another in the relative merits of stains as applied to bench, self and even specimens. I hope this gives you an idea of the line to adopt.

What! You're still interested? Did I hear you say that in spite of what I have told you you are going to become a medical! Good Lord! That makes 14 people to share four microscopes.

So, boys, if you see me looking distraught, demented, fermented, like a Jap riding about in one of those jigsaws, or a Free-Frenchman singing the Mayonaise; or if I bubble like a volcano emitting laager, then you know:

Hence, to continue. Now that the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th fronts are about to open, now that our short sojourn in Minehead is drawing to a close, it beheaves us to consider sundry celebrations. So I want you boys to put on your green Poly thinking caps and work out a series of festive functions to serve as an expression of our gratitude. The motif should be, "Thank you, Minehead, one and all, for that we have for nearly five years been had by you, willy nilly, ipso facto, quant suff." The latter, by the way, meaning, "Sufficient for the day was the suffering thereof."

I see, by the way, they've now removed the railings so that we can get away more easily. Mr. Gibbs incidentally has asked me to get a rota of shepherds and shepherdesses to keep the sheep on the tennis courts. Any volunteers?

Now for these functions. Firstly, we want a little je ne sais quoi as a parting gift to the County School boys and girls for keeping them away from their afternoon lessons for so long. Then we must thank the Billeting Officers, Doctors, Nurses, Policemen, and American Soldiers who have helped to entertain you. Then there's Champagne Charlie, Old Tim, the woods and streams, worts and chestnuts, bunnies and all other wild things that make up the rural scene.

I might suggest for your consideration that we could put on the following shows:-

2. Display of our scientific apparatus (perhaps the County School wouldn't mind lending it to us).

Well, boys, there are the suggestions; now you add a few more and work out the details.

1 If a School journey could be arranged to Minehead after the war, when we are in London, would you care to come? Cross out the one you don't think of.

Addresses are available to any Old Boy, but for security reasons cannot be published in this Magazine. (The year in brackets indicates when an Old Boy left School).

ALLEN, J. W. H. (1931), left England in 1943 to take up duty as a Colonial Office Assistant Auditor in the Fiji Islands.

BANNISTER, A. (1942), is in the Army and with a remote unit in the wilds of Scotland.

BARKER, J. E. (1929), was serving in the Colonial Audit Service in Malaya, where he met C. A. LARKIN. Now feared to be in Japanese hands.

BENNETT, J. E. (1936), with the R.A.F. in the M.E.F. Sent his Christmas greetings.

BIDGOOD, W. (1942), last heard of as a Sergeant in the R.A.F. After dealing with compass adjustments, has gone abroad. We have just heard that he is in India.

BIGNOLD, D. (1943) has been transferred to the Education Officer's department of the L.C.C., and says he has recently met G. DALLIMORE, H. J. SMITH, W. FORCE, and G. DYER.

BURDETT, R. G. (1942), is at the Royal Veterinary College and recently passed his second examination for M.R.C.V.S.

DENHAM, G. C. (1943), continuing training for a Technical Unit as an Engineering Cadet at Birmingham Technical College.

COOPER, C. C. (1943), with the Gloucester branch of Barclay's Bank and awaiting call-up for the Royal Armoured Corps.

CHANDLER, G. N. (1936), Flight-Lieutenant, acting as flying instructor. He was recently in Minehead on his honeymoon and visited the School.

DOSWELL, V. (1942), last heard of in an Infantry Unit, having completed a course in an I.T.C.

EASTWOOD, H. (1941), wrote recently from "somewhere at sea." Hopes eventually to have a commission in the Indian Army.

EDWARDS, G. J. (1941), now a Flying Officer in Freetown, and writes:- "Last time I wrote to you was about June of 1942, when I was a corporal instructor at Hereford. The months since then have been very eventful for me. I decided about July that the teaching profession was sadly over-rated as far as the R.A.F. was concerned, so I applied for a commission. After various setbacks and disappointments I was interviewed at the Air Ministry late in October and, to my delight, posted to O.C.T.U. just before Christmas. Then followed a very hectic eight weeks. I ran up mountains, under and over barbed wire, and through any trifles such as streams which happened to be in my way. However, it was all good fun, and when, on February 11th, I became a "sprog" acting Pilot Officer, I was fitter than at any time since my schooldays.

"Fourteen days' leave - during which I was engaged - and, to my consternation, I found myself en route for the Shetlands. On arrival there I felt very "new" and shy, but soon settled in, found that it wasn't too bad, and spent a few enjoyable months.

"Then the blow fell, in the shape of an overseas posting. I didn't mind going overseas, but I thought I should take a pretty poor view of West Africa. Again, it hasn't been as black as it is painted, and with the knowledge that the tour of duty is only 18 months, I look back with satisfaction on the few already done. The biggest trouble is the heat, or rather, the humidity. It is almost impossible to keep even reasonably cool, and after a while one gives up trying. Apart from this, though, life is much the same as on a normal R.A.F. station at home. Freetown is not in the least romantic, but only rather smelly and full of chattering natives. It is beautifully situated, though, and most of my spare time is spent bathing at a glorious beach facing the South Pacific rollers. My F/O. came through about six week ago, so that, in spite of having no leaves, I am keeping reasonably contented, although naturally looking forward to getting home. And that is the sum total of my doings to date."

FAITHFULL, S. (1941), Flight-Lieutenant, still stationed in the North of Scotland.

FOX, K. S. E. (1942), letter owing to him. Last time he wrote he seemed to be doing well in the North Country in an I.O.T.B. of the Royal Corps of Signals. Appears to be enjoying life and getting on well.

GRANT, D. (1942), in the R.A.F. somewhere in the Midlands. He, too, seems to be finding the life very much to his liking after the delay in joining, outside his control.

HAIG, P. (1943), called at School on 29/2/44, complete in sailor's rig. Training for Radio Mechanic in R.N.

HOUCHIN, G. (1943), when last heard of was doing an engineering job and working for National Certificate.

JACOBS, D. I. H. (1943), at pre-0.C.T.U. in Kent; R.A.S.C. Met BAWDEN, FOX, POWER, at York.

JONES, D. (1942), a "leading hand" and radio mechanic attached to the Fleet Air Arm.

LARKIN, C. A. (1929), left England for Malaya in the middle of 1941 on official business in connection with taxation matters, but was forestalled by the Japanese. In the last days of Singapore he joined the R.A.F. and managed to leave the island 48 hours before its surrender. After being given up for lost he eventually returned to this country.

LEWIS, D. J. (1941), is in a Para. Regiment, and writes from Italy:- "I think we were all rather glad at the time to get away from N. Africa, a land of sand and dirt, but I'm sure we had not bargained for this sea of mud, N. Italy. For the last few months we have been literally striving to stay afloat. Things have changed a good deal lately, though. The mud has had a chance to dry up a bit, owing to the change of weather, and life is becoming a bit more pleasant. We had quite a pleasant time in S. Italy for a few weeks at the beginning as the Germans had cleared out pretty fast. We stayed down near Bari for a bit waiting to go on an airborne operation, but they decided that this type of warfare was not practical in the part of the country where the fighting was taking place. So rather than let us sit around doing nothing they put us up in the front line, fighting more or less as ordinary infantry, and we have been up for over two months.

"I think Christmas this year was the worst I have ever spent in my life. On Christmas night we stood for about 15 hours in pouring rain, in slit trenches, waiting for an attack by Jerry, who was about 800 yards away from us. Luckily he did not come. I say luckily, because I don't think my limbs would have responded. After the first three or four hours I was frozen stiff. New Year's Eve was as unpleasant again, under similar circumstances, only this time it snowed instead of raining. Our patrols been very successful and have taken quite a few prisoners. We have been having quite an easy time just lately, that is for the last week or so, and if it was not for the shelling and mortaring, which goes on all the time, life would be quite pleasant. We are in very nice billets, with real spring beds for everyone; there is also plenty of food, which has just been left by the Italians in their hurry to get to more healthy surroundings."

MENZIES, N. A. (1943), is working with the Air Ministry department responsible for liaison with the French Air Force.

MILLER, H. (1943), called at the end of December on a visit from St. Catharine's College, Cambridge. He meets FISH and BRANDHENDLER at lectures.

MORRELL, D. W. (1940), has a commission in the Navy, in Cornwall, and has recently been appointed Scoutmaster of a Sea Scout Troop.

MUSGROVE (Muzikant) (1942), still working at King's College, Strand, W.C.2. When last seen was behind a Cathode Ray Oscillograph.

SAMPSON, W. J. (1940), joined the R.A.F. in 1942 and is now training for a Pilot in Canada. Out there he has met Fowler, another Pilot-to-be, and Ridley, who will be an Instructor.

SHEARDOWN, J. (1943), at the beginning of the year did a Naval Course at Trinity College, Oxford. Gives a lot of interesting details of the course, which he seems to be enjoying thoroughly.

SIM, G. (1941), writes:-"The I.T.W. course is entirely ground subjects, with an exceedingly large quota of P.T. Thanks to the efforts of some of my Poly. tutors I did fairly well in the passing out exams there. I somehow managed to get more marks than anyone had ever got at that I.T.W. since the beginning of the War, and averaged more than 94 per cent. for all the subjects put together - there were 10 subjects. After this we moved on once again.

"We eventually got to a station in New Brunswick, way up in the Canadian Maritime Provinces, and there began another period of waiting to be posted away to Flying Schools. We spent three weeks there, and since it was mainly snow all the time, we had a certain amount of fun and, of course, there was the novelty of being in a strange country. To be able to buy oranges, lemons, grapes, grape fruit, sweets, chocolates, milk, ice cream, and hundreds of other things, without restriction, was a novelty to us. We found the place very interesting, although the area is mainly a French Canadian district. At last we were on the move again, and this time it was on a three-day railroad journey. We left New Brunswick on December 3rd, and travelled on the C.N.R. through to Montreal, over the St. Lawrence, and along the northern shores of Lake Ontario to Toronto, a fine imposing city which impressed me no end. We then pushed on through Detroit into U.S.A. Chicago was the first really large city after that and we stayed there for some hours, but I think we were all pretty disappointed that no Dillinger's or Al Capone's appeared.

"Once more we journeyed on through Illinois State and across the Mississipi into Iowa. Then through Missouri State and over the river Missouri and on to Kansas City. The State of Kansas flowed past and then the Oklahoma border, and miles south thereof the final destination - the town of -------. The name had my mind all ready for a dusty street with the cowboys one end and the rustlers the other, and a saloon with swinging doors set more or less equi-distant from both parties. Imagine my dismay to see a very prosperous township of some 20,000 inhabitants, with more cars running through its streets than a town of 200,000 in Britain in peace-time.

"The camp quarters are quite luxurious by English standards, and the daily menu is beyond conception by English people now, I fear. The flying instructors are American civil pilots, but they are a good crowd and I don't think that anyone here has any complaints in that direction. There are U.S. Army Aviation Cadets here on our course with us, and they are a really good crowd, and I don't think that I have ever met such a nice lot of chaps. We get on fine together, and I understand a lot of things from the American point of view as well now. The people in U.S.A. are really grand to the British Forces over here, few as they are, and the R.A.F. Cadets in America come in for a really swell time. I think that the only one of the Poly. lads that I have come into contact with is PETE MANNERS, who crossed the Atlantic with me. Strange to think that we, who both slept in Dorm 1 at The Dene for so long, should go across the Atlantic together only two years later."

SMITH, E. (1943), reading for a specialist course in Geography at St. Catharine's, and working with the Cambridge University Air Squadron.

STOCKER, B. (1942), still at St. Catharine's College, Cambridge, and last heard of as Captain of the Athletics team of a group of Colleges. Gives interesting news of the other Cambridge contingent and of certain social activities!

WARRAN, T. (1943), called at School here on the 26th February. Is now a Midshipman, having passed through his training under the Y Scheme. He has his first step to rapid promotion, we hope.

WARREN, G. (1942), now in India. Possibly in a field regiment of the gunners. Last news by Airgraph towards the end of January.

WATSON, M. (1943), in the Army with what he calls a "good crowd" and thoroughly enjoying life.

WAY, R. G. K. (1933), is now the Principal of one of the Finance branches of the War Office. He was promoted from the Executive to the Administrative grade of the Civil Service some years ago.

WOODAGE, C. (1942), after a long delay is in an Infantry Unit now in the Midlands, and seems to have struck a good crowd - this seems to be a common experience. His brother, ALEX, joined up a fortnight before him and is doing the same training.

It is with deep regret that we have to record the death of two more Old Quintinians:-

Sgt-Navigator L. PURVIS, who was killed while on flying duties in the middle of February. The funeral took place on Thursday, February 17th, when a Service was held in Ealing Parish Church.

F. R. WALKER, who was serving in the Navy, is reported drowned in the Mediterranean at the end of February.