Saltus Grammar School - Yearbook (Hamilton, Bermuda)

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26 Later, however, we watched the Bermuda Clipper being hauled up the slip and were able to get a glimpse of the luxurious interior fitting of a long-distance commercial plane On Thursday, December 16th, 1937, the Society, met in the School Assembly Hall where Mr. Goolden gave a brief resume ot French Literature in the Nineteenth century leading up to an outline of the aim and work of Emile Zola. We then proceded to the reno- vated Mechanics Hall, which had been officially reopened the previous night, to see a film dealing with the life of that famous man. The Life of Emile Zola was a truly excellent film, .and the fine acting was especially appreciated by the older members of the Society. Zola ' s rise to fame as a novelist was vividly portrayed by the actor Paul Muni, and his magnificent crusade on behalf of Captain Dreyfus waF. to s ay the leiast, inspiring The first meeting in 1938 was held in the School Assembly Hall on Thursday, January 20th. Mr. Goolden disKJUssed the play which was about to be read, and reminded the Society that the reading of plays should be one of the principal activities of Cult. A. The thing that made it impossible to do this more often, he said, was the almost insuperable difficulty of obtaining sufficient copies of a suitable play. Journey ' s End , although by no means the most gtuitable play for the Society, was the only one of which enough copies had been pro- curable. Journey ' s End , however, had the merit of being regarded by many as the best war play ever written. The play was well liked and appreciated by every members of the Society. The activities of Cult. A. have been considerably curtailed this year owing to the work that has been put into the production of a play. Unfortunately, all this work has been in vain. The play had to be called-off owing to the impossihility of fitting in enough rehear- sals. Our aim was to put the play on in June, but it was found that in order to do this, ordinary School activities would have to be inter- fered with to the extent of putting it out of the question. It was with much regret that it had to be put off for, although slow, the pro- duction was progressing reasonably well and considerable talent was being shown by some members of the cast. THE LIBRARY. Since the Magazine was last published the Library has been en- larged by an addition to its shelf space and by a large number of books generously given by the O. S. Association. We should like to take this opportunity of again expressing our thanks to the donors.

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25 When the weather has permitted, our evening meetings have been varied by ' night-ops ' on the field. Th«se have proved very successful and a most welcome change from the limited number of activities possible in the School building. Great credit must be given to Sixers King, Booker, Cox, Hallett, and Tatem 2 for the efficient way in which they have taken over the leadership of the Cub Pack, since the beginning of the year. With no exception the standard of discipline, smartness, and attendance of their Sixes ' has been fully maintiained. Grey and Brown Sixes respectively succeeded in winning th-e Pack competition for the last two terms, the former Six being re- warded by la visit to Scaur Hill Fort, followed by a Camp fire sup- per in the grounds of Bridge House. Recently Proficiency Badge Tests have been tightened up by the authorities, so it is to their praise that the following have at- tained badges: King — Collector, Artist, House Orderly: Cox — Team- player: Tatem 2 — House Orderly: Booker — House Orderly: Mot- yer — House Orderly: Athlete Badges have been earned by Vesey» Chiappa, Bridge, and Spurling 2. On April 23rd. St. George ' s Day, The Saltus Cub Pack was well represented when the Scouts and Cubs Associations were enter- tained at St. George ' s by the Mayor and Corporation. The Pack took part in an enjoyable and instructive trip, and were entirely responsible fOT enlivening an otherwise torpid railway journey by their enthusiastic rendering of numerous part-songs. CULT. A. (Extracts from the minutes of the Society.) On Thursday, October 21st, 193 7, the Society visited Darrell ' s Island to see the Air-base. We were met by Mr. M. Stuart-Shaw, Station Superintendent, who conducted us around. In his office, Mr. Stuart-Shaw explained how the Base kept in constant communication with the planes. We were shown speci- mens of weather foreca ts obtained from Meteorological Station and then proceded to the store room and saw multitudes of individual parts kept as spares for the machines. The Cavalier occupies about half the space in the huge hangar which has been built to withstand gales of well over hurricane force. We viewed the engines with interest, but unfortunately, at that time, the interior had been laid bare for the installation of a heating system.

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27 Recently the Library has been capturing more of the true at- mosphere of a library asi its use for extraneous purposes has gradu- ally decreased. It is at last becoming a recognised haunt for those in search of reading matter and of a quiet retreat in which to read. There are still, however, several pressing needs to be filled. The three most urgent are books, more books and still more books. May we hope that those who have booksi they no longer want can take a hint and act while the mood is on them. THE GARDEN CLUB. The Garden Club suffers from one severe disability which at present seems irremediable. It has very little cultivable land. However there has been a marked increase of interest — occasion- ally sustained for a few weeks on end — during the last few months and one or two excellent gardens have resulted. Much of this improvement is due to the residence of so many boarders on the spot. In this connection mention must be made of Shaw who has done excellent work in his own garden and has assist- ed with several others. THE DEBATING SOCIETY. The infusion of new young talent has been a notable feature during the past year, and we now have ready and able speakers from the Third Form up. The inter-school debates have continued to pro- vide a popular and successful part of our programme. Oct. 28. Debate on the Motion, That the Cinema has been one of the greatest influences for good. Proi osier; — F. G. Lines Opposer:— F. Duffey. Third: — H. P. Malloy Fourth: — N. H. Williams The Motion was carried. Dec. 2. Hat Debate Each member made one or more im- promptu speeches.