Saltus Grammar School - Yearbook (Hamilton, Bermuda)

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n November 9 — Bermuda has forfeited her claim to be called the Isles of Best. Proposer F. R. Snape Opposer D. W. Macky Third Mr. Stevens Fourth Mr. Maundrill The motion was carried by two votes. January 11, 1951: — Inter-House Debate. Butterfield and Darrell v. Saltus and Watlington. The Judges awarded eighteen points to Butterfield and Darrell and fourteen points to their opponents. January 25 — The poor boy has a better chance of success in life than the rich one. Proposer F. R. Snape Opposer D. E. W. Lines Third .... Mr. Maundrill Fourth Mr. Stevens The motion was carried by seven votes. There have also been held two Hat Debates, whereat all mem- bers were called upon to make impromptu speeches on subjects drawn from the hat, which yielded up such topics as Can the United Nations preserve peace, and how? Suppose you are to be shot tomorrow, what do you fancy for supper tonight? The motor buses do not make up for the loss of the railway. Are we fair to schoolmasters? Describe a corkscrew. Prices are too high in Bermuda. We are indebted to Mr. Maundrill and to Mr. Stevens for their contributions to our debates, which have given members an oppor- tunity of learning much about the technique of public speaking. Officers for the year 1950-51. President Mr. J. H. Kerry Secretary F. R. Snape Committee R. M. Constable, A. G. Marsh, C. E. Ranee, T. W. P. Vesey, and the Secretary. J. H. K.

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10 Esmeralda was suffering from flu, and could not be exhibited in court, but Mr. Justice Wisecrack asked certain witnesses to give an imitation of the braying, and the court was treated to a series of noises ranging from the 12 o ' clock siren to that of an elephant in pain. Order in court was effectively maintained by the Clerk of the Court (T. W. P. Vesey) with the aid of a wooden mallet of unusual proportions. In the course of his directions to the Jury, Mr. Justice Wisecrack said that, regarding the claim for damages, they had to satisfy them- selves that the plaintiff did actually suffer injury through being kicked by a donkey, and that such donkey was the property of the defendant, Wuffles. Having satisfied themselves on these two points they had still to ask whether the injury was due to any contributory negligence on the part of the plaintiff, Whiner: did he, for instance, place himself in such a position that it would be too much to expect any self-respecting donkey to refrain from lashing out ? Next came the question of nuisance: here they had to decide, (1) was there a braying? and (2) if so, did the braying emanate from the donkey belonging to Wuffles? and (3) was this braying of such a magnitude as to constitute a nuisance? Braying was of course naturally asso- ciated with donkeys: people expected them to bray: people would even be disappointed if they didn ' t bray (imagine buying a donkey and finding that it hadn ' t a bray in it: wouldn ' t one feel cheated?). Then, too, the world of today was a noisy world, and one must expect to put up with a certain amount of noise, even while objecting to it, but there was a limit to human endurance, and it was for the Jury to decide, as a question of fact, whether the volume of sound emitted by the donkey, combined with its frequency, was more than any ordinary man or woman living in the close neighbourhood , should reasonably be expected to suffer. After a short retirement the jury filed back into court, and the Foreman ( F. R. Snape) returned a verdict for the plaintiff on both counts, with a recommendation of mercy on Esmeralda. Mr. Justice Wisecrack then delivered judgment. For the kick- ing he awarded to the plaintiff damages amounting to one farthing. Regarding the nuisance he offered a choice to the defendant: within a fortnight he must either dispose of Esmeralda or secure for her a silencer (Model Donk Mark II) as supplied by all reputable purveyors of motor accessories. Other debates held during the past season have been : — October 19, 1950: ' ' The World of today offers to youth greater chances of success than ever before. Proposer Mr. Kerry Opposer D. W. Macky Third T. W. P. Vesey Fourth D. E. W. Lines The motion was defeated by two votes.

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12 Cadets N.C.Os. Sgt. E. L. Minugh, Cpls. Adcock, Vesey, Terceira. L Cpls. Lines, Davis, Ford, Barber, Botelho, Marsh. Cadets Strength: 43. The past year has been much the same as previous ones, in that mid-week parades have leaned more toward drills than enjoyable things, such as shooting and field-training, but we must work before we can anticipate more pleasurable pastimes. There has been little shooting on the School butts, yet we were able to shoot over the ' short range ' at Warwick Camp toward the end of the Easter Term, with fair results. At this shoot several cadets surprised themselves at the ease of snap-shooting, and shooting from the standing position, and were pleased when ' strikes ' were shown. It is hoped that this year ' s ' shoot ' will be a precedent for the future. The most refreshing news to report this year is that the Band has once more been revived, under the expert instruction of an Old Boy of the School, Mr. Harry King, now a member of the American Forces. A great deal of hard work has been put in by the Band and the instructor, and we are happy to say with excellent results. Congratulations! Mention must be made of two volunteer instructors, Messrs. Oatham and Fall, Saltus Old Boys, who have also been present to assist in instruction on the drums, and whose assistance has been very helpful, especially to Mr. King, and we appreciate all the help given. Once again we near another Cadet Camp, this year from July 1st- July 8th, and urge all Cadets to attend as a successful week ' s camp can be achieved when a sufficient number of Cadets turn out, otherwise it becomes work instead of pleasure. F. L. S. The Stamp Club The club still continues to flourish, and there is a considerable amount of keenness shown by some of the members. Proof of the general enthusiasm was given recently when a suggestion was made that the club should not meet in the Summer Term; members were so indignant that it was decided to carry on as usual. E. W.