Saltus Grammar School - Yearbook (Hamilton, Bermuda)

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sets on the British Empire, and it might equally be said that wherever in the British Empire a man set foot he was free, and might expect to receive fair play. Not only was the Empire great, but also it had char- acter, so that they felt proud to belong to it; but let them beware of becoming boastful and conceited in their patriot- ism. Finally, everyone, small or big, young or old, had the opportunity to make his contribution. Their great men of the past had shown that they were disciplined and capable of self-sacrifice; it was up to them to show that they had that same capacity. They could show it in loyalty to their school, to their masters, to their side; they could practise self-dis- cipline, and try to play the game. To them, the young Britons of today, the Empire was entrusted: let them rise to show themselves worthy of the trust. Following the addresses the boys sang a verse of the National Anthem, and cheers were accorded to the speakers. o Visit of Mr. Patterson In the middle of February we enjoyed a most interest- ing talk by Mr. Patterson, H.M. Commissioner of Prisons. He started by saying that he would have liked to write up two sentences for all to see: first, If you are downhearted, remember Drummond, and, secondly. Noblesse oblige. Drummond had been weak and a chronic invalid as a boy, and, when the Great War came, he was rejected by the fighting services, but later his opportunity came and he fin- ally won the Victoria Cross for a courageous performance at Zeebrugge. Mr. Patterson then gave us from his own ex- perience several examples of consideration for others at the expense of one ' s own convenience. He pointed out that these two ideas of consideration for others and that you never can tell how a man will develop, even in the face of almost insuperable handicaps, had effected a great reform in the attitude of the community to its crim- inals, and that nowadays many a man who had spent years in gaol had found the opportunity to change his ways and lead a decent and useful life. 13

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Empire Day Address By Archdeacon Marriott Empire Day was celebrated at Saltus Grammar School by a service conducted by the Headmaster, Rev. R. E. E. Eooker, in the School Hall on Friday. Addresses were given by the visitors, Mrs. C. G. G. Gilbert, representing the I. O. D. E., and the Ven. Archdeacon Marriott. The service opened with the singing of the School hymn, and the Lesson, Let us now praise famous men . . was read by N. H. Williams. The School then joined in singing two verses of the song, ' Land of Hope and Glory. Introducing the speakers, the Headmaster said that it was especially gratifying to know that each had had a son at Saltus. Mrs. C. G. G. Gilbert said that she came as the bearer of Empire Day greetings from the I. O. D. E. She explained the aims and objects of the Order, and gave some account of the work which they had done, and were still doing in the educational sphere in Bermuda. Mrs. Gilbert then presented a small flag which was sent by the I. O. D. E., and with it a handsome cedarwood stand to receive it, given by her son Glyn, at one time a pupil of Saltus. Archdeacon Marriott said that in his boyhood Empire Day was not known, though the Queen ' s Birthday was kept on May 24. Empire Day was instituted in 19 02 as a day on which British boys and girls might be instructed in the meaning of Empire; and it was an impressive thoiiglit that at that moment thousands of schools all over the Empire were gathered together in the same celebration. Why? — Because it was so important that when young they should think of what the Empire was, and of what it stood for. The Empire consisted of hundreds of territories, small and large, supporting peoples of diverse races and creeds, scattered all over the globe, and held together by the Crown. The great Dominions were all equal partners in that great Commonwealth of Nations, and they were partners of their own free-will. They looked to the Old Country as a mother, and to the King as their King. It was said that the sun never 12

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We were very grateful to Mr. Patterson for a talk that was not only instructive, but the most interesting that we had heard for a long time. — o The Fall of the Bastille By David S. NichoU The streets were quiet, The sky was clear. And then came a sound, A sound came near. A babble of voices, A rushing of feet, And a ruthless army Surged up the street. An army of ruffians Then came into sight. With all kinds of weapons, Prepared for a fight With the tyrants who ' d taken Their possessions away, This was their reckoning — This was the day! And yells of defiance Arosfe from the crowd. And the gendarmes who saw them Could not but be cowed. They wanted the King, And they wanted the Queen. Such a terrible sight Was ne ' er before seen. And before all those people The grim Bastille loomed, A yell of mock laughter came When their gun boomed. 14