North Bay Collegiate Institute and Vocational School - Northland Echo Yearbook (North Bay, Ontario Canada)

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THE NORTHLAND ECHO I9 doubtedly Tchaikowsky had made an impres- sion that would remain. An account of what some call a romance, and what others refer to, simply as an intimate friendship, now consumed part of Tchaikow- sky's time. Although Nadedja Von Meck, a rich, cultured widow, never once spoke to Tchaikowsky, and saw him only once as a spec- tator at one of his concerts, she came to be an admirer of his works and persuaded him to ac- cept, as an act of friendship, an allowance of 52400.00 a year so that he might devote all his time to composition. She even allowed him the use of her usually unoccupied villa. So regular was their correspondence, that these records now serve as a biography of Tchaikowsky's life. During Tchaikowsky's period of friendship with Madam Von Meck, his life was relatively happy. He was then freer than he had ever been to travel and compose. In March, 1884 he was received and honoured by the Tsar on the completion of his Fiftieth Composition. Four years later he was granted a pension of 51500. a year for life. In 1891, on a tour of America, he conducted concerts in New York, Baltimore, and Philadelphia. Tchaikowsky finished his Sixth Symphony, called the Pathetique, shortly before he died on November 6, 1893. Many believe that this was intended to be a farewell to life. An attack of cholera, caused by infected water, killed him in three days. Many of his melodies, if not his symphonies are familiar to the average radio listener. Those who are familiar with the Waltz of the Flowers, or the Third Movement of the Fifth Symphony know that they are waltzes which equal any- thing from the pen of Strauss. The main themes of his justly famous Romeo and Juliet Overture , of the Fifth Symphony and of An- dante Cantabile are well known as the popular selections, Our Love,'7 Moon Love and the Isle of Mayf, ANSCHLUSS . . . Have you ever been in the woods at night, listening, while a dog howled far away, to the sound of a branch cracking somewhere in the pitch blackness around you? just think what those sounds might have meant to you if they could have been the deep bay of a blood-hound and the heavy step of an S.S. Man. Then you will have some idea of my feelings as I stood in the darkness one night trying to find my way to the frontier from Austria-now a province of the Greater Reichn. In front of me, some- where, was Switzerland, the symbol of freedom and light: behind me might have been an S.S. man, machine pistol in hand, and a blood- hound . . . But I reached the frontier unharmed. Unharmed, I say, but there are things engraved in my memory which I can never forget. Six months had passed since Austria had been peaceably occupied by the Germany Army: six months of terror and everlasting fright for those of my race regardless of their political beliefs, their educational attainments or their value to the world. There was no pos- sible legal way of escape from this living night- mare. We had to steal away if we intended to leave the country. Austrian passports were de- clared valueless without certain stamps and sig- natures which might take months to get-if they could be obtained at all. Press reports about the conditions do not even approximate the actual facts. Cold blooded murder is a daily fact in the country which Germany chose to liberate . Money, position, ideas, home, all lose their old values. One doesn't care any more. To save oneis life is the only thought. Even the living envy the dead in a country once reputed to hold the happiest of peoples. Body and mind are tortured in ways of which it is impossible to give account. No one should be surprised if hundreds, thou- sands flock to the frontier and possible freedom. Some make it safelyg others fail . . . Believe me, I was happy to make good my escape from a country that has become a prison to many: happy to be able to come to a coun- try, a city, a school where-at least-there is sanity and decency. Here in North Bay I have found almost everyone helpful and understand- ing. To adjust oneself to new customs and new ways of thinking is very hard. The great- est help can come only from those with whom one lives and works and laughs. I hope that all of those who have shown kindness towards me, will have the opportunity of preserving these qualities all their lives: kindness, con- sideration, understanding. I know what these can mean because I have seen with my own eyes the worst that human cruelty can do. Let no one take the things you have away from you. Remember that what happened over there must not happen anywhere, ever again. Liao. LAZAROWITSCH. 5 1 Q ' :is p l j mlm' D , ll ' ' 5 : 5 .dj LLL : .1 2235

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l8 THE NORTHLAND ECHO We review in thought, not without emotion the years we have spent here. They are a fact, and cannot be looked at through the coloured glasses with which we may view our future. Yes, the years we have spent here are what we ourselves have made them. True, we cannot plead for ourselves a nearly perfect response to our opportunities: but allow us, while admitting of imperfection. to dwell in grateful retrospect and grant us a little pride in having a diploma as evidence that we have aspired towards an ideal. We are emerging from a field of preparation in mind and in body in many phases of work and play, into a field of action, and we hope that the confidence which this school has placed in us will never be betrayed. We do not know what the future holds for us, but the world to- day tells us that the road winds uphill all the way. We wish to play our part as Canadians in an Empire, whose contribution to the wel- fare of mankind must be an inspiration and a challenge to us all. We hope that we will be worthy of the citizenship which is the heritage of every Canadian, Several of our fellow stu- dents have already shown their pride in this heritage by enlisting with the army, navy, or air-force, and have found their bodies better fitted and their minds keener for the part they have to play, because of their preparation here. Many of the boys have already distinguished themselves overseas, while a vast number are busily completing their training in Canada, an- ticipating the day when they may strike their blow for a democracy they have been taught to value. One of the careers we are following most closely is that of Major Troy who, as one of the most popular teachers in the North Bay Collegiate Institute and Vocational School, left his lengthy and loyal following in North Bay to serve us in an even greater capacity. We pause a moment, remembering yet another of our teachers, Mr. Cleland, who passed away this summer. We extend our deepest sym- pathies to his wife and daughter. And now, we say to you students who are entering this school-Be worthy of your privileges here as you Learn to Live . It will be your task, as it is ours, to remove from our world cruel wars between nations and to pro- mote a better understanding among all men. Tonight, we of the graduation class take leave of this school, but before we go, let us again re- fresh your memories with those grand words which our King quoted in his Christmas mes- sage of 1939 and which are a clarion call to us as we stand on the threshold of a New Year: I said to a man who stood at the gate of the year-Give me a light, that I may tread safely into the unknown. And he replied-Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of God-That shall be to you better than light and safer than the known way . ARTICLES TCHAIKOWSKY J. RosBoRoUGH This is the story of a man whom it is said, no one understood, not even he himself. Yet in him, on the one hand, we find a great master of music, on the other, in his life story a tragic struggle, almost futile, against his own moral weaknesses and against poverty. Since all great music represents something of its composer's personality, we must know something about this manis life to understand his music. Peter Ilitch Tchaikowsky was born on the 7th May one hundred years ago, at Kamsko Votinsk, Province of Viatka, Russia. During his youth he received the customary piano training of middle-class children. Most of his time was, however, spent in the study of law. Do not make Peter's career music, said his teacher one day. Frankly, I have no faith in his gift for music. When Peter reached the age of twenty-three, the eminent Russian Pianist and Composer, Anton Rubinstein, remarked that in spite of the fact that Peter was careless, he did display certain talent in his exercises. From that day his course was set. Tchai- kowsky was to be a composer. After holding a government clerkship for four years, Peter re- solved to give this up and devote all his time to music, regardless of the poverty he might endure. In 1863 he became Professor of Harmony in the Moscow Conservatory. In spite of the title, his income was quite small. This post did, however, give him opportunities to meet the established musicians and to make friendships which later greatly helped him in promoting his works. Because of his duties at the conservatory, Tchaikowsky could spare little time for com- position. His First Symphony, as well as se- veral religious anthems, were written at night. The resultant physical and mental strain caused him to suffer a nervous breakdown which af- flicted him so seriously that he was unable to conduct an orchestra for ten years. Tchaikowsky, despite the grudging praise of doubting contemporaries, soon acquired a re- putation as a composer. His first opera, Eugene Oniegin, although disliked at first, later became well known and properly appreciated. Un-

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20 THE NORTHLAND ECHO CHRISTMAS EVE IN EAST END LONDON It was Christmas eve in London, but such a different London all scarred and torn by the German air-raiders, who come each night, in moonlight or darkness. The guns roar and the bombs fall but all this cannot dampen the spirit of the British people. In the east end of London in a small tene- mant house live the Miller family, Mother, Dad, Maggie, and George. The house is all in dark- ness but as we enter the front door merry laughter reaches our ears. The family is en- gaged in decorating a small scrawny tree set in one corner of the dimly lighted room. Suddenly Maggie very seriously turns to her Mother saying, Oh Mom what if those nasty Germans keep St. Nick from visiting us to-night? Tosh my child the R.A.F. will clear the way for him to-nightf, I'll say they will, says George indignantly as he hangs his stocking upon the mantel. At that moment the wailing cry of a siren is heard throughout the district giving its old familiar warning. Come children, says Mr. Miller very calmly. We'll finish this later on. Tearfully Maggie and George follow their parents to the shelter at the end of the block where people from the neighbouring houses gather. Pity they couldn't leave a body alone one nightf, says a fat man waddling down the steps with his load of blankets. Cheer up Buddy, replies another. By this time next year we'll have ,em wiped right off the mapf, In the centre of the low room is a small charcoal stove which provides heat for the shelter. Around this are bunks and benches, and the Miller family take their accustomed places. George hauls out a grimy comic strip and begins to read aloud to Maggie. Most of the women are knitting while the men discuss af- fairs of the war. The children can't seem to settle down as they wonder if Santa Claus will pay them a visit. A white-haired old lady says. Come everyone, sing Christmas carols while I prepare a pot 0' tea. This suggestion is accepted by everyone and soon the shelter is filled with the familiar strains of Silent Night. There goes the all clear, calls the A.R.P. warden. ' Mr. Miller rises saying, I'll toddle on ahead, F lossieg you bring the children. His voice sounds happy but his heart is heavy as he wonders if his house is the target to-night. No, there it stands unharmed. When the children burst in the door, they are over- joyed to find their stockings bulging with candy, fruit and nuts. Hoorah, St. Nick fooled Hitler's airmen. He must have magic reindeerf, says George. The parents smile happily at one another above the heads of their children. GWEN DARLING IN DEFENCE OF LAZINESS FRED WEST FoRM IVA I have finally taken on myself the duty of writing in defence of laziness and then I expect to relax and with my views in the hands of the world to spend the rest of my life being lazy. Yes, I am going to write a long, long story in its defence although to tell the truth I feel too lazy to defend it. No doubt you have sat in the woods on a Sunday and listened to the birds chirping and the leaves rustling. If so you understand how I feel, as though I were a part of all that, the rustling leaves, the swaying trees, the slow drowsy sun creeping across a feather bed sky, the slow drowsy, slow drowsy, drowsy Cyawnj ZZZZZZ. Ouch, darn that bee. Oh yes, my story. I must have dozed off. I was talking about the sun, was I not? and how I resembled it drifting across the sky. Now if you have my point of view I will give you some facts. Why do people hurry all the time? The business men are always hurrying to eat break- fast and catch the bus and consequently most of them die of acute indigestion. I want to ask you another question and please answer it truthfully. Have you ever seen an unhappy lazy person? Undoubtedly the answer is no, but you will find many unhappy hard-working people. Lazy people have very pleasant natures. They never want to argue and are usually very generous. They never have rings under their eyes from lack of sleep. If all people were lazy there wouldn't be any wars because no- body would want to fight. The trouble with some people is they have never really been lazy and don't know how it feels or I am sure they would never work again. Of course some have taken vacations but al- though their bodies rested, their minds were always busy figuring out how they could make more money. There will always be however, a majority of people who were just born to work and who like it. They will keep business and war going. But as for lazy people they should just leave us alone and then everyone would be happy.