Saltus Grammar School - Yearbook (Hamilton, Bermuda)

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6 Admiral ' s Empire Day Address at Saltus The boys of Saltus Grammar School were again privileged to hear an address by Vice-Admiral Sir R. V. Symonds-Tayler, Com- mander-in-Chief, America and West Indies Station, in connection with their Empire Day celebrations on Wednesday morning. Ac- companied by Lady Symonds-Tayler and the Flag Lieutenant, the Commander-in-Chief inspected a cadet guard-of-honour prior to the assembly in the hall, where the Headmaster, Mr. H. J. Hallett, conducted the service and introduced the distinguished guest. The Admiral said that it gave him great pleasure to be with them for a third time on that great occasion. Speaking first of the significance of Empire Day, he said that Queen Victoria ' s prestige and greatness had done much to bind together their family of nations, which had emerged as the British Commonwealth; and so it was very fitting that Lord Meath should choose Queen Victoria ' s birthday as the day to be set aside for the inspiration of loyal citizenship. Loyalty was the central and the essential idea. It was some- thing which was born in them all, but it had to be developed too; and for those born under the British flag it was a duty to develop it so that they might become loyal citizens of the Empire. Loyalty started from an early age at home, loyalty to parents and family. It continued through school; it was of the greatest importance in their games, for loyalty was the foundation of the team spirit. In fact, the sense of loyalty was being built up and strengthened throughout their life, and it was epito mised in loyalty to King and Country. At school they learned to be loyal to the superior authority. The spirit of emulation could also be a powerful influence in their lives; they would do well to choose some national hero of the past and to take his life as a pattern to be followed; but he wanted them at the same time to think for themselves. While remembering the great part played by the heroes rof the past, let them bear in mind that they too had a part to play, fo they were all links in the chain that bound the Empire together. One and all they could help to mould the Empire by being loyal members of the team. J. H. K.

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Editorial It is a little difficult, and possibly also a little presumptuous, to attempt to write an editorial after so short a time at the School. The Headmaster in his Foreword, has, in any case, referred to the main events of the past year, notably the completion and opening of the gymnasium. There is, however, one matter connected with the Year Book itself, which appears to call for a certain amount of explanation and comment. The Headmaster suggested last September that it would be an excellent idea if the magazine, as is the custom at other schools, contained articles and poems by the boys themselves, not written in school time but composed for their own amusement and because they felt that they had something worth while to say. Unfortunately the response to an appeal for such effusions has been very poor and we have received only one article which has been considered worthy of inclusion. We hope, however, that the signal honour accorded to this solitary contributor will fire others to follow his example and that in future the Year Book will contain numerous contributions, written by boys of the school, for the delectation both of admiring parents and also of their more critical contemporaries . In conclusion, I would like to pay tribute to Mr. Maundrill for the help and advice which he has rendered in preparing this edition of the Year Book for the press.

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7 An Interesting Trip to Canada Last summer, my father, a Presbyterian Minister, decided to take a vacation, the first for many years. We were to meet my two sisters so that there might be a family reunion. Accordingly my father wrote to an old friend of his, a Doctor Glenn, and asked him if he knew of any Canadian Presbyterian Minister who would be willing to exchange pulpits, and at the same time enjoy a vacation. After the usual letter writing, an exchange with a minister living in the small but beautiful city of Guelph, was arranged. Any one who has travelled knows the feeling of excitement and expectancy which always precedes the start of a vacation. Going down to the airport we felt just as if we were going to see someone else off ; indeed it was not until we were seated in the aircraft that we realised what was about to take place, and settled back to enjoy ourselves to the utmost. The journey was perfect. Bermuda, from the air, looked like a model Garden of Eden, with white surf foaming over the deep brown of the reefs and the white expanse of the beach shining in the evening sun. As twilight fell over the ruffled sea, the setting sun cast a long pathway of light. It was night-time when finally the ' plane nosed its way down into the fairyland of lights which is New York. Despite the fact that we had slept part of the time on the ' plane, it was with wide open eyes that we emerged into the bustling activity of the La Guardia field. After a speedy passage through the Customs, due to dad being a minister, we emerged in New York to be greeted by our friends with whom we were to spend the night. The first thing that attracted my attention was the colossal scale upon which every- thing was constructed. Then of course there was the speed. Passing through New York we were soon speeding along at fifty miles an hour towards New Jersey, by which time everybody, including myself, was half asleep. I shall never forget the strange sensation of excitement and happiness that came over me when I awoke the next morning. Lying on a camp cot, I watched the various activities of the neigh- bourhood. In New Jersey, the food was delicious, the people friendly, and the rolling countryside quaint and beautiful. The nouses were built back from the road, all in a line and with no dividing fences. Beautiful trees lined every road in the suburbs. In the city, the first thing that I noticed was that you could stand in the street and see the road stretching for miles, with stores on each side and tall buildings everywhere. New Jersey was certainly a wonderful place. The flight up to Toronto was a little more interesting than that from Bermuda, as we were flying over land all the way. As before,