Saltus Grammar School - Yearbook (Hamilton, Bermuda)

Text from Pages 1 - 32 of the 1943 volume:

Boys like them Parents like them Our Khaki Shorts For the lad of from 8 to 1 8, we offer our usual high grade, long wearing sanforized shrunk khaki shorts. Right for school and for the summer holidays. 9 6 up According fo size Keep on buying War Savings Triminghams The Saltus Year Book, Summer 1943 Editor: F. B. Rogers Contents Page Governing Body, Staff, etc 3 Review by Headmaster 4 Editorial 5 Roll of Honour 6 Visit of H. E. the Acting Governor 7 Empire Day Celebration 7 Cricket and Football 8 1st XL Football Results (1942-43) 9 Athletics 9 Sports Results 10 Swimming 11 Swimming Results 12 Boxing 13 School Notes 14 Old Boys News 15 Day at the Office 17 The Debating Society 19 World Today Club 20 The Musical Society 21 Art Exhibition 21 Cult A 21 Tennis 22 Gymnasium 23 Cadets 23 Governing Body H. D ButterfieJd, Esq., Hereward Watlington, Esq. Eldon Trimingham, Esq., John W. Cox, Esq., M.C.P. C.B.E., M.C.P. N. Bayard Dill, Esq., M.C.P. Headmaster R. E. E. Booker, Esq., M.A., M.R.S.T., F.R.S.A. Secretary-Treasurer John J. Bushell, Esq., M.B.E. Staff H. J. Hallett, M.A. H. Richardson, B.Sc. (Econ.), F.R.G.S. J. H. Kerry, M.A. F. B. Rogers, M.A. W. B. Welch, M.A. S. Gascoigne, B.A. H. C. E. Masters Mrs. W. J. H. Trott, Jr. Miss Edith Smith J. R. Bridge (Music) Miss K. Cook (Art) School Bursar J. H. Kerry, M.A. School Officials Captain of the School H. A. Leseur (until Christmas) P. N. Spurling Captain of Football H. A. Leseur (until Christmas) P. N. Spurling Captain of Cricket P. N. Spurling Captain of Athletics P. N. Spurling House Captains: Butterfield C. R. Browne Darrell R. H. Motyer Saltus J. H. Cochrane Watlington P. N. Spurling Additional Prefects: R. L. Barnard A. C. H. Hallett M. D Taylor F. W. Williams J. T. Gilbert Librarians: P. E. Goldsmith E. C. Bromby Review A glance through the pages of this Year Book will show that work, games and activities are continuing as well as may be ex- pected, and better than I hoped, under wartime conditions. I should like to give credit for this satisfactory state of affairs to the Staff and Prefects, who assist me unflaggingly in maintaining the standards and morale of the school; good fortune, also, has been with us m as much as we have been most lucky in replacing those members of the Staff who have left us. In this connexion it is to be noted that Mr. Frewen, after years of useful work at Saltus, left us rather unexpectedly at the end of last Sumrner Term: he is engaged upon essential war work in Canada. In September, 1943 there joined the Staff Mr. Stanley Gascoigne, who is universally popular in the school and than whom I never met a better schoolmaster, and Mr. Hugh Masters, whose excellent character and equable disposition is admired by us all. Both these gentlemen are Old Boys of the School, and Mr. Masters was here as a boy under the present regime. Under the Presidency of Mr. Robert Thompson, who has now handed over to Mr. Morris Cooper, the Old Boys Associatio n took on a new lease of life; a committee of Old Boys has been formed to collect funds to provide us with an essentially needed Gynmasium. The anxieties of a time of war for the upbringing of present boys and for the safety of Old Boys are, of course, always wdth us; it is not without some justifiable pride that we may look at the record of service, sacrifice and distinction of Saltus Old Boys in this war. R. E. E. B. Editorial Our readers may remember that two years ago we published a list of the old boys of the school. This work was compiled by Mr. George Hutchings, and, since no records were kept before 1934, the labour involved was monumental, much more so than may seem apparent to those who have had no part in such a task. Naturally there were a few omissions and inaccuracies. Now Mr. Duncan Gosling has undertaken a revision of this list and is bringing it up to date. He admits that the work is much greater than he had anticipated. May we, on his behalf, request the help of all the older members of the Association before publication of the list? Will those who have access to copies of the 1941 Year Book look through the section dealing with the years when they were at school and let him have in writing a note of any mistakes which thev can find? There were many who did so communicate with Mr. Hutch- ings in 1941, but there were also a few who offered unmerited criti- cism and this can best be obviated by taking the necessary action first. When all is said and done, it is not merely a deserving, but almost a necessary, work, and every assistance is due to anyone who is prepared to undertake the labour. Once again the Editor thanks the contributors, more especially the boys who have given him assistance. Quite apart from the benefit which he derives from the lightening of his burden he feels that it is a good thing for the boys to have as large a part in the production of their Year Book as possible. It is, after all, a record of their activities, which one day it will give them pleasure to h ' ve again. We also thank those old boys who still maintain an interest in the School and buy this record. It is flattering, even if the flat- tery is undeserved, to realise that the last three editions have been completely sold out. Roll of Honour F O H. Francis Ede, D.F.C. Missing at Sea 8th June, 1940 F O H. J. A. Linton, (Asst. Master 1934-36) Missing on Flight 25 April, 1941 N. L. Meyer, R.A.F. Missing at Sea 19th January, 1942 P 0 W. C. Hollis Hallett Killed in Action.... 21st March, 1942 P 0 John Brewer Killed in Action. .. 31st May, 1942 Sgt. Geoffrey Welch, R.A.F. Killed in Action. .. 11th December, 1942 7 Visit of H E the Acting Governor On Aprl 17th we were honoured by a visit from His Excellency the Acting Governor, Mr. W. L. Murphy. He was accompanied by Mrs. Murphy and the A.D.C., Lieut. D.C.A. Goolden, R.N.V.R. After inspecting the Cadet Guard of Honour drawn up to receive him, His Excellency made a tour of the school, visiting each class room. In his address to the boys he began by asking whether the school acquired its name from the Latin word ' saltus, ' a derivation which would appropriately imply that their education progressed by leaps. He then passed to some reminiscences of his own vschooldays in Tipperary, and commented with regret on the death of many of his school friends. The headmaster of his old school had himself been killed in a raid on the school. The boys here were fortunate to be away from the neighbourhood of the war, and should take advantage of their opportunity. He stressed the value of tradition in a school, saying that Old Boys of Saltus Gram- mar School had already attained a distinction that should serve as an inspiration to the present boys, and mentioned the career of Sir John Waddington as an example. After the address the boys went down onto the field and His Excellency watched a display of physical training. Empire Day Celebration Empire Day was celebrated at Saltus Grammar School on Friday morning by a service conducted by the Headmaster, Mr. R. E. E. Booker, in the School Hall. Vice-Admiral Sir Alban Curteis, Commander-in-Chief, At- lantic and West Indies Station, was present with the Flag-Lieu- tenant, Lieut, the Hon. A. L. Hood, and Mrs. Leon Powell re- presented the I.O.D.E. Prior to the assembly in the Hall the Commander-in-Chief inspected a Cadet guard of honour. In the course of a brief introductory address, the Headmaster reminded the boys of the significance and objects of Empire Day. It had been officially recognised since 1902, when Lord Meath inaugurated it for the purpose of emphasizing the necessity of training young people in citizenship, and the day thus set aside was Queen Victoria ' s birthday. Each part of the Empire had its own method of celebration : in Bermuda it had been kept up in the schools by the efforts of the I.O.D.E. He had great pleasure in welcoming the Naval Commander-in-Chief, whose work was so largely responsible for the security in which they had lived, and in welcoming Mrs. Leon Powell, representing the I.O.D.E. 8 The Admirars Address Vice-Admiral Sir Alban Curteis first spoke of the great extent of the British Empire; for them, hVing in a small island, it was not easy to grasp its immensity. At the beginning of the war the Em- pire had been intact, though perhaps not so strongly entrenched as before. That Empire could be a great power for good, a League of Nations in itself, but it entailed responsibilities, and in order to stand it must be strong enough to ward off the attacks of enemies. For centuries England had stood at the centre, the main base, and at one time ships alone were sufficient to protect it; but with the development of air power in the hands of neighbouring nations England had become very vulnerable, and a determined attack by the enemy at the beginning of the war would have been difficult to withstand, and might have dealt a crippling blow. Stretching throughout the Empire was a chain of bases on whose adequate defence the integrity of the whole depended. Bermuda was such abase. It was a very important place in the At- lantic, and though it has so far been remote from the buffets of war, it could be a very important and essential base. The island of Malta had demonstrated what could be achieved in the face of great odds by an island base. There were few powers that could have held Malta in like circumstances, but its resistant power had been largely due to the part played by its population, and that in turn was to be attributed in great measure to the affection which they felt for the Empire to which they belonged. The recent campaign in Tunisia also had shown the import- ance of adequately protected sea communications. It had been a tremendous campaign to keep supplied. Those supplies had gone mainly by sea, and the victorious conclusion of the campaign was in itself a great tribute to the integrity of the naval power and its associated bases. In conclusion the Admiral spoke of the importance of self- discipline, and of the importance of organised games in inculcating the right spirit. Cricket was such a game. It was not everybody who could bat, but let them bear in mind that teamwork in the field was equally essential for winning the match. Cricket and Football Last year ' s cricket season was again hampered by the lack of suitable opposition for the 1st XI. The School, however, had some very useful batsmen and bowlers and they will undoubtedly be heard of in local cricket during the next few years. Six matches were played during the season, of which two were drawn and the other four lost. As usual, on Founder ' s Day the 9 School 1st and 2nd XI ' s met the Old Boys ' XI ' s and some excellent cricket was witnessed. The Old Boys won the 1st XI match by 56 runs, whilst the 2nd XI game ended in a draw. The Senior House matches provided some very interesting games, the shield being won by Watlington House. The Colts had some very promising players and won all three matches played against other schools, but lost to Mr. Gor- ton ' s XI. The Junior House Matches were again quite successful although Saltus House had by far the best side and won easily. The football season was also successful, the 1st XI. winning four games, drawing two and losing two. The team was fairly well balanced, the defence being sound and the attack was usually dangerous, but often guilty of individualism. The Colts again played very good football and won all six matches in the Junior League competition, scoring 29 and only conceding 3 goals. Consequently, they easily retained possession of the B.S.S.A. trophy. In the House competitions, Darrell House won both the senior and junior shields in the Christmas term. In the Easter term, Darrell House lost the senior shield to Watlington House, but re- tained possession of the junior shield. H. J. H. 1st XI Football Results (194243) Oct. 29, 1942, 1st XI v. S.G.S. Old Boys ' XI won 4-3— Home Nov. 9, 1942, 1st XI v. Admiralty House won 5-1 — Home Nov. 19, 1942, 1st XI v. S.G.S. Old Boys ' XL... draw 2-2— Home Dec. 11, 1942, 1st XI V. Admiralty House XL... draw 3-3— Home Feb. 2, 1943, 1st XI v. Admiralty House XI lost 3-6— Home Feb. 12, 1943, 1st XI v. One of H.M. Ships lost 0-3— Home Feb. 20, 1943. 1st XI v. S.G.S. Old Boys ' XI won 5-2— Home Athletics The Field and Track Sports were held this year on March 18th, when an interesting programme was staged. Previous to this, nine events had been completed, so as not to overtax the competi- tors with too many contests on Sports Day. The standard of performance in most events was good, and in five events new re- cords were established. In the senior House competition, Watlington House were easily the winners with 73 points, their nearest rival being Saltus House with only 28 points. The junior competition was closer, Darrell House bettering Butterfield House by 31 points to 23 points. 10 The senior point cup was won by the Captain of Athletics, P. N. Spurling, for the third year in succession, an accomplish- ment unprecedented in the history of the cup. W. J. Brewer won the junior point cup. H. J. H. Sports Results GROUP E 50 yds. 1 Hill 11, 2 Ford, 3 Goldsmithlll. Time 8 1-5 sees. 100 yds. 1 Hill 11, 2 Goldsmith III, 3 Ford. Time 15 3-5 sees. Long Jump. 1 Hill 11,2 Venis, 3 Ryan II. Distance 10 ' 6 . GROUP D 100 yds. 1 Oatham, 2 Collis, 3 Cooper III. Time 14 1-5 sees. 220 yds. 1 Oatham, 2 Collis, 3 Cooper III. Time 32 4-5 sees. } 2 mile Road Race. 1 Collis, 2 Butterfield I, 3 Oatham. Time 3 mins. 9 1-5 sees. Long Jump. 1 Butterfield I, 2 Oatham, 3 Collis. Distance 11 ' r High Jump, 1 Anfossi II, 2 Dill I, 3 Whitney. Height 3 ' 7 ' ' . GROUP C 100 yds. 1 Sayers, 2 Gosling, 3 Critchley. Time, 13 4-5 sees. 220 yds. 1 Cooper II, 2 Wingate, 3 Nelson I. Time, 32 3-5 sees. } i mile, 1 Cooper II, 2 Hutt II, 3 Goldvsmith II. Time, 1 min. 13 3-5 sees. % mile, 1 Hutt II, 2 Hutt I, 3 Cooper II. Time 4 mins. 26 3-5 sees. Long Jump, 1 Critchley, 2 Trimingham I, 3 Gosling. Distance, 13 ' High Jump, 1 Johnson, 2 Trimingham I, 3 Curtis. Height, 4 ' OM ' ' . GROUP B 100 yds. 1 Brewer, 2 Seymour, 3 Cox I. Time, 12 sees. 220 yds. 1 Brewer, 2 Cox I, 3 Harrison; Time, 27 4-5 sees. }4- mile, 1 Cox I, 2 Harrison, 3 Mercer. Time, 1 min. 6 3-5 sees. } 2 mile, 1 Cox I, 2 Harrison, 3 Mercer. Time, 2 mins. 41 sees. 1 mile Road Race, 1 Harrison, 2 Leseur, 3 Petty. Time, 5 mins. 37 1-5 sees. 11 Long Jump, 1 Brewer, 2 Seymour, 3 Harrison. Distance High Jump, 1 Brewer, 2 Seymour, 3 Smith H. Height 4 ' 9 - Throwing Cricket Ball, 1 Brewer, 2 Bromby I, 3 Seymour. Distance 81 yards 0 ' 1 . GROUP A 100 yds, 1 Spuding I, 2 Spurling H, 3 Motyer I. Time 11 2-5 sees. 220 yds. 1 SpurHng I, 2 Spurling H, 3 Pantry I. Time 26 sees. 34 mile, 1 Spurling I, 2 Spurling H, 3 Motyer I. Time 59 3-5 sees. ■ } 2 mile, 1 SpurHng I, 2 Spurling H, 3 Motyer H. Time, 2 mins. 28 2-5 sees. 1 mile, 1 SpurHng I, 2 Younger, 3 Anderson. Time, 5 mins. 28 4-5 sees. 2 mile, 1 Younger, 2 Spurling H, 3 Spurling I. Time 12 mins. 6 3-5 sees. 120 yds. Hurdles, 1 Spurling I, 2 SpurHng H, 3 Motyer H. Time, 19 1-5 sees. Long Jump, 1 Spurling I, 2 Spurling H, 3 Browne. Distance 18 ' 4 ' ' . High Jump, 1 SpurHng I, 2 Browne, 3 SpurHng H. Height, 5 ' 43 -. Putting the Shot, 1 Spurling I, 2 Spurling H, 3 Anderson. Distance, 31 ' 0 . Throwing Cricket Ball, 1 Spurling H, 2 Beardsley, 3 Browne. Distance 89 yds 4 . Standing Long Jump, 1 Spurling I, 2 SpurHng H, 3 Hallam. Distance, 8 ' S% . Junior Inter-House Relay. 1 Darrell, 2 Saltus, 3 Butterfield. Time, 2 min. 12 1-10 sees. Senior Inter-House Relay, 1 Saltus, 2 Darrell, 3 Butterfield. Time, 1 min. 51 3-5 sees. School vs. Old Boys Relay, 1 Old Boys, 2 School. Time, 1 min. 42 1-5 sees. Swimming The Inter-House Swimming competition was held at the Langton pool on September 25th of last year. Some excellent races resulted and three new records were established. Competition was very keen in the senior group where Saltus House defeated Watlington House who had won this competition for the five pre- vious years and Butterfield House was placed third. The junior 12 competition was also close and excking, Butterfield House defeat- ing Watlington House, and Saltus House was in third place. There was much disappointment when it was announced that the B.S.S.A. were not going to hold their annual Inter-School competition. It is hoped that it will be revived again this year. H. J. H. Swimming Results GROUP A Diving, l(Pearman and Cooper V), 3(Trott and Trimingham.) 25 yds. Freestyle, 1 Gibbons III, 2 Peniston IV and Pearman II. Time, 20 1-5 sees. GROUP B Diving, 1 (Lancaster and Shanks), 3 (Gray and Pearman I.) 25 yds. Freestyle, 1 Lancaster, 2 Shanks, 3 Hutt 11. Time, 16 2-5 sees. GROUP C Diving, 1 Harrison, Smith 11 and Brewer. 50 yds. Freestyle, 1 Seymour, 2 Petty, 3 Harrison. Time 33 1-5 sees. (Record.) 50 yds. Breaststroke, 1 Brewer, 2 Petty, 3 Conyers II. Time, 44 1-5 sees. 25 yds. Backstroke, 1 Hutt I, 2 Seymour, 3 Adderley II Time, 18 4-5 sees GROUP D Diving, 1 King, 2 Spurling II, 3 Motyer II 50 yds. Freestyle, 1 King, 2 Spurling II, 3 Chiappa Time, 30 sees 50 yds. Breaststroke, 1 Chiappa, 2 Pantry I, 3 Motyer II. Ti e, 42 sees. 25 yds. Backstroke, 1 King, 2 Pantry I, 3 Spurling 11. Time, 16 3-5 sees. (Record.) GROUP E Diving, 1 Tucker I, 2 Anderson. 100 yds. Freestyle, 1 Spurling I, 2 Anderson, 3 Leseur I. Time, 62 2-5 sees. (Record.) 200 yds. Freestyle, 1 Spurling I, 2 Tucker I. Time, 158 2-5 sees. 13 100 yds. Breaststroke, 1 Tucker I. Time, 1 min. 40 sees. 50 yds. Backstroke, 1 Spurling I, 2 Anderson. Time, 37 4-5 sees. Junior House Relay (100 yds. Freestyle), 1 Butterfield, 2 Darrell, 3 Watlington. Time, 63 4-5 sees. Senior House Relay (150 Medley), 1 Watlington, 2 Saltus, 3 Darreil. Time, 1 min. 50 3-5 sees. Boxing This year we tried an innovation in disposing of the prelimin- ary fights. In previous years it has been the custom to work them off after school for two or three weeks before the night of the finals, always a difficult and uncertain task, which interrupts the games and sports practice, and is interrupted by them; nor has it been easy to persuade competent judges to attend regularly over such a period. This latter difficulty has been more than doubled by the death during the year of Mr. Floyd, who has always taken the greatest interest in our boxing and given up hours of his time not merely to judging the fights, but to coaching the boxers also. So, to avoid this trouble and uncertainty, the various weight limits were published early in the term, but the preliminary fights did not take place until the Monday before the finals. On this day we disrupted school from nine o ' clock onwards and disposed of all the fights in one day, sending for competitors as they were required, and returning the battered remains afterwards. For the prehmin- aries the officials were as follows: the referee was Lieut. D. J. Wil- liams, B.V.R.C., O.S., and the judges Lieut. L. Smith of the Pic- tou Highlanders and P.c. M. HilHer. These gentlemen spent a very arduous day deciding something over forty fights and our heartiest thanks are most certainly due to them. This system, apart from being fairer, in that a boxer is weighed a few hours only before he has to fight, is also productive of better boxing. There is little enough opportunity at best to give any useful amount of tuition in the school, but, under the old system, if a boxer was beaten in his first fight early in the term, he probably fought only the once during the year; for there was no incentive to go on practising when once he was out of the competition. Now, on the other hand, there is ample opportunity for practice before the first fight takes place. The standard of boxing showed the effects of this, and one or two boys who had been persuaded to enter the competition only with the greatest difficulty did sur- prisingly well. There was still a tendency for those with little experience to enter the ring convinced beforehand that they were going to be beaten, and at least one fight was definitely lost for this 14 reason alone. Confidence is a very great asset, and it is wortli re- membering that Jimmy Wilde has said that he never entered the ring with any doubts about winning; the only question was, how long it would last. In several hundred fights he lost only four. The finals took place on the night of Friday, March 5th, when H.E. the Governor honoured us with his presence and gave the Cox Shield to P. N. Spurling, captain of Watlington House, the winners of the competition. His Excellency made a short speech and amused the spectators by suggesting that they were expecting him to announce a bout between himself and the Headmaster, who were in the ring together; he regretted having to disappoint them. Here again the standard of boxing was very creditable and it is an invidious task to pick out names for particular mention, but the fight between Skinner and Peniston was very close indeed with both boxers displaying praiseworthy skill and determination, while Adderley H deserves a pat on the back for the way in which he overcame the handicap of his build to beat an opponent much taller than himself. The referee for the finals was Major B. T. Johnson, R.A.O.C., the judges were Mr. Harry Williams and Mr. Frank Peniston and the timekeeper was Mr. W. F. Hayward. We thank them all for their interest and support, and Major Johnson in addition for the coloured lights at the corners of the ring to mdicate the winners. The competition was won very easily by Watlington House with Darrell House second and Butterfield House third. The results follow: — Mosquito weight: Shanks beat Hutt H. Moth weight: Hayward beat Curtis. Bee weight: Critchley beat Lan- caster. Flyweight: Harrison beat Wingate. Bantamweight: Adderley I beat Barnard. Featherweight: Skinner beat Peniston H. Lightweight :Terceira beat Tucker H. Welterweight: Adderley H beat Ingham. Middleweight: Tucker I beat Taylor. Cruiser- weight: Spurling II beat Anderson. Heavyweight: Spurling I beat Pantry 1. School Notes In last year ' s issue we announced the departure from the school of Mr. Gorton and Mr. Pruden. During the holidays came the additional and unexpected news that Mr. Frewen had also left the Staff and was doing war work in Canada. We were sorry to lose him and we wish him success in his new job. In their places we wer lucky to get Mr, Stanley Gascoigne and Mr. Hugh Masters, both Old Boys of the School. We ofier them a hearty, though belated, welcome and, after a year ' s as- sociation with them, we can add that the School, as a whole, is aware of its luck. 15 We announced in our last issue, as a forthcoming attraction, the production of a French play by Mr. Pruden, a sort of swan song on his part before he finally left us. It was produced as advertised and was a great success. Most of the characters spoke surprisingly intelligible French, a real tribute to their teacher and producer; but the most striking part of the performance was the attractive appearance of the boys who Were playing feminine parts. Many of their friends had never realised how pretty they were. Last autumn Lieut. D. C. A. Goolden, R.N.V.R., who is still familiar to most of the boys as a former master here, was appointed Naval A.D;C. to His Excellency the Governor. He has our hearti- est congratulations. On Dec. 17th. the choir presented the Christmas Carol Con- cert. The Hall was, as usual, packed to overflowing and the audi- ence gave every indication of enjoying the performance thoroughly. On Jan. 29th. there was a dance in the School Hall. Last year on a similar occasion the blackout regulations prevented adequate ventilation, but this year some relaxation was permitted and there was nothing to mar a very successful show. The Headmaster was away from school for the first half of the Easter term, in hospital most of the time. We are glad to see that he seems to have made a complete recovery. The House Tennis Competition was held, as usual, at the end of March and was won by Saltus House. In April the Staff beat the School at Tennis, winning four out of the six singles and all the doubles. During the year we have heard the following speakers in the series ' Progress of the War ' talks: Major T. O ' Connor, G.S.0.2, Lieut. Balfour, R.N., Sir Stanley Spurling on War Savings, Pay- master-Commander Strachan White on the Malta Convoy, and Professor Richardson on the Beveridge Plan. The Cambridge Exam, results are very late this year and noth- ing has been heard up to the time of going to press, so that we can- not make our usual boast that all our candidates have passed. Old Boys News Our congratulations are extended to the following: — Lieut. - Col. J. Carlton Astwood who has assumed command of the B.V.R.C. P 0. H. F. Watlington on being awarded the D.F.M. Flight Lieut. Edward Nicholl who has just been awarded the D.F.C. Scarritt Adams who is now a Lieut.-Commander in the U.S. Navy. ' Bill ' Wilson promoted to the rank of Captain, in the 13th Field Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery. Patrick Purcell now Captain in the Royal Artillery. Francis Gosling on his appointment as Flying-Officer, R.A.F. Cadet Lieut. J. R. Gibbons who has completed his training 16 with a class of British students at Maxwell Field, Montgomery, Ala. Malcolm Gosling who attained top marks at the completion of his training for the R.C.A.F. R. S. Biggs now P 0. in the R.C.A.F. Sir Henry Watlington died during the year. His services to education both in the Colony as a whole and to this School in particular are well known. Our sympathy is extended to his family, and especially to his son, Mr. Hereward Watlington, who is now on our Board of Trustees and has been Chairman of it. Sgt. Geoffrey Welch has been killed in action. His name ap- pears elsewhere in this issue on the Roll of Honour. H. J. Tucker has been appointed to the Executive Council. The Headmaster has already written to him congratulating him on behalf of the school. C. H. V. Talbot has been appointed Temporary Assistant Director of Education. W. R. Kempe has gained his Bachelor of Laws Degree at Edinburgh University. P. S. Welch was awarded the Bermuda Teachers Training Scholarship last year and is now in Canada. Henry Vesey has been appointed Cadet 2nd Lieut, in the Bermuda Cadet Corps. D. McC. Critchley has been awarded a scholarship at Mount Allison Academy for having the best standing in English. S. M. Paschall was married in England to Evelyn Nesta Proom. S. A. Thompson was married in Bermuda last November to Gwendolyn Blackman. M. A. Gibbons, Jr., has joined the R.C.A.F. Graham Powell was voted the best boxer at Ridley College and is also their swimming champion. A hospital bed at Malta has been dedicated to the memory of P 0. W. C. H. Hallett. The Saltus Old Boys ' Association Annual General Meeting was probably better attended this year than ever before. After the business was over, hot dogs and drinks were provided, and the proceedings terminated with an excellent conjuring show by Mr. Roy Grant. Officers for the coming year were elected as follows: — President: H. M. Cooper. Vice-president: George Gorham. Secretary-treasurer: Duncan Gosling. Committee: H. St. G. Butterfield, Archie Brown, Thomas Vesey, Jack King, H. C. Adams, W. H. Freisenbruch. At this meeting one decision was made of the very greatest interest to the School. The Old Boys have definitely promised to find the necessary funds to build a gymnasium. We shall owe them an immense debt of gratitude when this is accomplished. 17 Just before going to press news has come to hand of three more Saltus Old Boys. E. A. Benevides has gained his B.A. degree at Queen ' s Uni- versity, Canada. He is now undergoing training in the Canadian Armoured Corps. H. R. Outerbridge has been chosen Class President for 1944 at Mount Allison University. Ernest Petty, Jr., is now in England and has passed the neces- sary exams, qualifying him for instruction as a P 0. in the Fleet Air Arm. Finally the Editor would like to thank all those who have written during the year. There is no space here to acknowledge all the letters, but the writers can rest assured that both the Head- m.aster and the Editor appreciate their efforts sincerely. Day at the Office, Winter 1942 43 By R. T. Gorton There is really no excuse at all; it is just a question of getting up earlier. Other Experimental Officers, Scientific Officers and Experimental Assistants greet me with a stony silence, apparently having been engrossed in many, vital, secret Chemical Warfare problems since sunrise. This form of silent rebuke is quite effective and I make up my mind, for the hundredth time, to be earlier in future. The scene of all these labours is laid in Savoy Hill House, between the Strand and the Embankment, the original home of the B,B.C. Historic considerations, do not, however, quite make up for the fact that one corner has been blown off by a bomb, and the whole place, though full of people, has a deserted and rather derelict air about it. My office looks out over the Savoy Chapel. With grim humour we have decided that this has one advantage, that, if a bomb should utterly destroy us, we shall be thrown into well prepared graves. When finally I settle down, there are the four trays on my desk, filled, as usual, with typewritten sheets of all sizes. The first tray is marked ' Urgent, ' and the papers it contains have to be dealt with at once. I struggle to understand the incomprehen- sible Civil Service language, which, when translated, may mean something after all. The second tray is just marked ' In, ' and has been well filled by the messenger, who brings the mail in from the Registry, where all the papers are sorted. The contents of this tray have to be divided between the urgent tray and the third tray marked Tending. ' This latter tray is a very useful one and is always overflowing with a mixture of papers which can wait or papers which I cannot understand. Quite a number of the latter variety get hidden away in this manner, and surreptitiously 18 brought out later and scrutinized with an air intended to convey that it is their first appearance. It is difficult to fool oneself even this way I find. Lastly there is a tray marked ' Out. ' This is to receive the papers I have dealt with, and always seems to be empty. Lest the messenger who clears it should think I have been idle, I transfer to it a few of the papers from the ' Pending ' tray. He happily takes these out to the Registry for disposal, and, since they, of course, are still marked up for my attention, back they all come an hour later. I have not been found out in this once yet, since, as nobody has the time to read them, nobody is any the wiser. Thiis all are happy, and this act of subterfuge is all part of the war effort. My painstaking mental efforts are constantly being inter- rupted by the telephone. It rings yet again. I snatch up the receiver and mumble my department and name ungraciously into it. Will I be in at four o ' clock? Doctor X. would like to see me about this and that. I reply that I shall be delighted, and replace the receiver realising I must look up the answers to his problems before he arrives. After a fruitless search I ring up the laboratories for ex- pert advice and find that, as usual, there is a two hour delay on the trunk line. On these trunk calls one is only allowed six minutes conversation. This is all very trying, because, once having made connection, we ' ll suppose, with Leeds, one minute is spent in get- ting the right extension, another in finding the particular person you want, who wastes yet another minute in trying to understand who you are, and another what it is you want. There is thus never much time for sensible conversation and very often the call is entirely wasted. I have now thought out replies to some of the bits of paper which, by this time, seem to be all over the desk, so I ring for a typist to come and take some dictation. Here again there will be a long delay. The day drags on, my head aches and I am very bad-tempered. As I fully expected, Dr. X. and the typist both arrive together, just as I am in the middle of my call to the laboratories. I hastily finish the call without, I hope, letting Dr. X. know that I am talking about his problems, and tell the typist to come back later. The worthy doctor and I talk back and forth for some time, and then, finally, I bring out the answer I have just extracted from the laboratories, as if it were my own sudden and original brilliance. H departs satisfied and, I think, impressed. I call back the typist, but there has been such a long delay that I find that I have now forgotten all the neatly worded answers that I had previously prepared. I get all tied up with the dictation, and get hot and em- barrassed, but finally it is done. I shall be spared seeing it in black and white till the next morning. We clear up. At last all the ' Confidential, ' ' Secret ' and ' Most secret ' papers are locked safely away. We stagger out into the 19 inky ' black-out ' saying ' Good-night ' to persons we can no longer see, at the same time feeling for the edge of the pavement with our umbrellas. The Debating Society During the past season the Society has given much of its attention to some of the problems exercising the minds of those in another place. There may be those who consider that the ponderous has predominated; but it may be observed that the motions have been argued with cogency and understanding, that the debates have yielded their lighter moments, too, and that it is perhaps a good omen for the future that the younger generation chooses to interest itself in weighty matters. The activities of the season have included: — 15th October, 1942. — General meeting for the election of officers, followed by a Debate on the motion: ' ' That the electoral system of Bermuda is obsolete, and should be drastically reformed. Proposer: J. T. Gilbert Opposer: R. H. Motyer This was a keenly contested debate, and well argued. The Constitution quivered, — but survived. The motion was defeated. 5th November. — Hat Debate. Each member is called upon for an impromptu speech on a subject drawn from the hat. This method is found to be effective in opening lips which might otherwise remain sealed, and sometimes induces a surprising flow of eloquence from unexpected sources. Among the subjects were these: — The Bermuda onion is the best in the world. Homework should be rationed. What is a spiral? Ignorance is bliss. There is a tide in the affairs of men which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune. Should Bermuda have an Income Tax? Spare the rod and spoil the child. Why does a wheel turn? 26th November. — Debate on the motion That the Cinema provides a complete entertainment. Proposer: M. D. Taylor Opposer: H. A. Leseur Third: J. T. Gilbert Fourth: M. C. Misick Movie fans rallied strongly to defend their weekly solace, and the more austere of the brethren succumbed to the frontal attack of Abbott and Costello. The motion was carried with gusto and a touch of whoopee. 20 28th January, 1943 —Debate on the motion That the un- restricted use of motor traffic would be in the best interests of Bermuda ' s future development. Proposer: P. B. Seymour Opposer: M. D. Taylor Third: K. G. R. Hallam Fourth: J. T. Gilbert This resulted in a distinct triumph for the charms of good, honest manure. The Opposition spoke with dust in the eyes, and secured the defeat of the motion by a very substantial margin. 11th February. — Another Hat Debate. 4th March. — Debate on the motion That the women of Bermuda should be given the vote. Proposer: M. D. Taylor Opposer: R. H. Motyer Third: J. T. Gilbert Fourth: K. G. R. Hallam The majority seemed inclined to the opinion that Votes for women is ' ' a good thing, — but not in Bermuda! The motion was defeated. OFFICERS FOR THE YEAR 1942-43 President Mr. J. H. Kerry Secretary R. H. Motyer Committee: J. T. Gilbert, A. C. H. Hallett, H. A. Leseur, M. C. Misick. World To-day Club The Club continued to flourish, and the usual weekly meetings were held, at which discussions took place on various subjects of topical interest. At one of the meetings held in October the Club was privileged to hear an address on Taxation by Mr. F. C. Misick, M.C.P. On another occasion Mr. Richardson, President of the Club, led us through the intricacies of the Beveridge Plan. To both we are very grateful for their instructive and interesting ad- dresses. At the beginning of the Christmas Term, it was decided to combine the senior and junior sections of the club, and this arrange- ment has been found to work quite well. The secretary, G. D. Phillips, left Saltus at the end of the Summer Term, and his place has since been filled by J. T. Gilbert. The club at present has, fifteen members. J. T. G, 21 The Musical Society The Musical Society meets on Wednesday afternoons to listen to gramophone records. We strive to have a concert given by musicians once a term; up to date we have been very successful. At the close of the Christmas term we invited many guests to hear a concert given by a Wind Quintet from the U.S. Army by kind permission of Captain Tilton and Mr. F. L. MacMillan. During the Easter term when Smith I was elected secretary we enjoyed a recital by Mr. Jacobs and a talk by Mr. Dalby. In the Summer term the Society was invited to attend a lec- ture at the English Speaking Union given by Mr. Jacobs on How to understand Music. The Society sustained a great loss on the departure of Mr. Pruden. His interest and energy founded the Society by which he hoped to encourage in the older boys of the School a real ap- preciation of good music. We have continued without him and have received the co-operation of the old er boys in carrying on the work which he had founded so well. A. C. H. H. Art Exhibition The Annual Art Exhibition of work done both in school, under the direction of Miss K. M. C. Cook, and at the Nicholl Institute, under Mr. Jones was held on November 12th in the Assembly Hall, and Library, and was a great success. The work in water colour, chalks, and pencil of over a hundred boys comprised designs suitable for pottery, textiles, lino, wrapping and end papers. Object and Memory drawings, original composi- tions and brushwork. Potato printing, cut paper work, modelling and wood and metal work. We are most grateful to Mr. Will Onions, A.R.I. B.A., for judging the exhibits. Eight prizes were awarded. Cult A The name of the society, ' Cult A, ' is an abbreviation of the words ' cultural activity, ' and the object of its foundation was to encourage an interest in any activity that could claim to have cultural significance, from play-acting and play-reading to the cinema and local industries. The society consists of fifteen mem- bers, selected from the Sixth and Upper Sixth forms. Owing to the occupation of our time we have had little opportunity for acting or reading plays, and so we have devoted most of our time to the local theatre and industries. 22 On Novenber 19th we attended, through the courtesy of Mr. Storey of the Imperial Censorship, the performance by the Censorship Players of ' Youth at the Helm. This three act comedy was appreciated by all of us and we are very grateful to Mr. Storey. During the year we have officially visited two films; the first was ' Mrs. Miniver, ' which everyone enjoyed, for the acting was superb and the film itself showed what England endured during the fall of France and the ' Blitz. ' The other was ' Major Barbara, ' from the play by G. B. Shaw, and this too was much appreciated. Several members of the society were privileged to hear a lec- ture by Mr. Ford Baxter at the E.S.U. on ' Public Speaking. ' This lecture proved extremely interesting and instructive to all who heard it. We have had a very successful year and, under the leadership of Mr. W. B. Welch, we are confidently expecting next year to be equally successful. R. L. B. Tennis When the Saltus Tennis Season is in full swing everyone shows a great deal of interest. Unfortunately, however, the tennis season at Saltus lasts but one week each year. Thus, each year during the last week of March, we find the Saltus tennis players searching among mothballs for their tennis equipment, which having been found, is aired during the Annual S.G.S. Tennis Tournament, but then lost in closets or dusty corners until next 3 ear ' s competition. Nevertheless, in the tournament this year Saltus House cap- tured the House Tennis Shield. In the finals, which were played on the excellent court of Mr. Edmund Gibbons, Harry King won a close match from Bill Brewer, and King and Brewer defeated Conyers 2 and Robinson. Both players and spectators were served a delicious tea by Mrs. Gibbons. Saltus Tennis was brought back to life for a Saturday morning late in April, when the School Staff defeated the S.G.S. Team of King (capt.). Brewer, Robinson, Spurling 2, Gilbert, Goldsmith 1, Conyers 2, and Seymour. Refreshments, through the kindness of the Headmaster, were enjoyed throughout the match. Considering the many opportunities that are offered to the young tennis players, far too few of them take this advantage. Thus, we find the standard of tennis among the boys, not only of S.G.S., but of all Bermuda, much lower than it should be. In future, it is hoped that more young Bermuda boys will make a greater effort to cultivate their tennis ability. H. C. M. 23 Gymnasium In spite of the lack of a gymnasium at Saltus, we have managed not to neglect gym altogether. We have as equipment two ' ' horses, parallel bars, a suspended rope, and a spring-board. Even with so little and but one period per week allowed each class for gym, the boys have made great strides in their gymnastic abilities. There are many exercises, for instance, on the parallel bars, that but one or two boys could perform at the beginning of the year; yet now there are only a few who are unable to do these same exercises. The boys are very enthusiastic about the gym and are eager to go on to further accomplishments on different equipment from that which we already have. Bermuda boys on the whole have well- developed legs from playing football, and running and jumping in track events; but, in too many cases, the development of the arms, shoulders, and torso, is deficient. Gym is all-important in counteracting this deficiency. H. C. M. Cadets Promotions : C.S.M., Sgt. Spurling, P.N. Sergeants, Cpls. Browne, C.R., Barnard, R. L. Corporals, L. Cpls. Pantry, L. G., King, H., WilHams, F. W. L. Corporals, Cadets Motyer, R. H., Hallett, A. C. H., Tucker, R. G., Thompson, B. S. Efficiency Badges obtained by Cadets Gibbons, J. D., Selley, D. C, Thompson, B. S., Misick, M. C, Robinson, R. G., Spurhng, D. L., Williams, F. W., Motyer, R. H., Hallett, A. C. H., Davis, H., Barber, J. C, Younger, H. Strength 85. Camp. Held at Whale Bay from July 5-14th, 1942. Two platoons represented the School, No. 2 platoon (Sgt. Leseur) consisted of the band whilst the remainder were in No. 3 platoon (Sgt. Spurling). In spite of the lack of facilities, such as a shooting range and sports ground, everyone enjoyed himself immensely. No. 2 platoon won the drill and guard mounting competition, whilst the Officers ' team won the softball league. The camp was visited by His Excellency the Governor and by the O.C. British Troops in Bermuda. Demonstrations of P.T. and Field Work were given by the cadets on each occasion. Inspection. B Company was inspected by the CO. of the Cadet Corps on November 24th, 1942, who expressed himself as very satisfied with the work of the Company. 24 Field Day. The full Corps Field Day was held on May 12th, 1943, in Devonshire and Smith ' s parishes. Dellwood, Mt. St. Agnes and Saltus comb ' ned ' n an attack on the Whitney Institute via the Middle and South Shore roads. Opposition was provided by the remainder of the Cadet Corps. Saltus Company performed their task efficiently, their inter-communication working smoothly. After lunch the cadets saw some Ministry of Information films together with some comedies in the Whitney Institute As- sembly Hall. Night Operations. Last November the whole Cadet Corps attacked Government House at night, the Home Guard providing the opposition. The cadets very efficiently worked their way past imaginary outposts and all surrounded Government House at the appointed hour. However, the final attack was somicwhat dis- appointing to the Cadets for, whereas the Home Guard blazed away with blank cartridges, the cadets were unable to retaliate in like manner, not having been provided with ammunition. Air Training. This section of the cadets was divided into two groups — senior and junior. The junior syllabus covers all the work necessary to enable the cadets to proceed to the senior group the next year, whilst the seniors prepare for and even go beyond the requirements for entrance to the R.C.A.F. Instruc- tion in aircraft recognition, wireless, mathematics, navigation and meteorology is provided. Several very interesting lectures have also been given by men from the Fleet Air Arm at Dockyard. Shooting. Shooting this year has been seriously handicapped by a shortage of .22 ammunition. Every senior cadet, however, had the opportunity of firing at least five rounds during the last two terms. Cadet Nugent turned in the best card for these early rounds with a score of 78%. A present of 200 rounds of ammuni- tion made it possible to hold the Annual Inter-House Competition. Darrell House finally won the competition with a score of 250 points. Watlington and Saltus Houses tied for second place with 220 points and Butterfield House socred 208 points. Summer Clothes For Boys! Serviceable pieces of substantial summer wear for active boys. Each useful piece has been procured with a view to providing the maximum amount of wear at a modest price. Your boy will like, : and you will appreciate their value and good appearance. WHITE SHORTS 5 6 KHAKI SHORTS 5 6 ANKLE SOX , 1 9 POLO SHIRTS.. 4 SUMMER TIES. .. .2 6 BELTS 3 - RAINCOATS 30 - SHOES 11 9 WHITE DUCK TROUSERS 8 6 GIBBONS COMPANY QUEEN STREET store Hours to 5.30 p.m. 12.30 p.m. Thursdays. 9 p.m. Saturdays. With The Compliments OF The Bermuda Book Store THE BRIGHT BOY USES Fountain Pens AND PENCIL SETS FROM THE PHOENIX ANNEX STOCKS LIMITED Bermuda Trading Company For Your Home Requirements ond Stylish and Quality Clothing for the entire family Somerset Hamilton St. George ' s A complete foreign and local news service every morning keeps you abreast of the world events. Today no one can afford not to be well informed. The largest circulation in Bermuda. Your choice of Radios ZENITH WESTINGHOUSE PYE Will give you excellent performance See them at Wadson s Radio Dept. Front Street PRINTED BY THE BERMUDA PRESS. LIMITED Saltus Boys Shop at Smith ' s Because part of a Saltus boy ' s upbring- ing is a pride in his good appearance, the fine, well fitted English clothes in our complete Boys ' Dept. have always been favoured. Everything from polo shirts and shorts to sport jackets, suits, top- coats — in sizes 3 to 20 years. Special ottenfion has been paid fo selecting clothes that comply with Soltus rules.