Saltus Grammar School - Yearbook (Hamilton, Bermuda)

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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,

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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.

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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.