Saltus Grammar School - Yearbook (Hamilton, Bermuda)

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13 The Debating Society The Society resumed its meetings in the winter term. An encour- aging number of new members has enrolled — mainly from the middle school; the value of the praJctice in public speaking which the Siociety ' s meetings afford might well however be thought upon by members of the sixth forms. The standard of speaking has improved from debate to debate: there has been increaising evidence of preparation and careful t hought among those selected as principal speakers. P. S. Scupham has made a significant contribution to the Society ' s success both as seKtretary and principal speaker. Thi(S year ' s penultimate mee ' ting was the visitors ' debate; the vis- iting speakers provided an object lesson in easy eloquence, and the discussion of Bermudian affairs which followed was vigorous, informa- tive and by no means marred by too much agreement: we look for- ward to the (projected return engagement. The year ' s debates are summarized below. October 6th. HAT DEBATE. All members spoke on a subject selected from a list of five. November 14th. This house disapproves of the use of a dog for experimental pur- poses in the Russian earth satellite. Proposer: Hall Opposer: Brewer Third: Gillan Fourth: Scupham The motion was approved. January 24th. This house prop»oses tha t ] shall be a school holiday. Proposer: Gillan Third: Brewer The m.ottion was rejected. March 13th. This house recoanmends that th s school ' s summer game. Proposer: Scupham Third: Gillan The motion was approved. hencefort.h each Thursday afternoon Opposer: Hall Fourth: Scupham. cricket be replaced by soft ball as Opposer: Hallett Fourth: Saul March 27th Visitors ' Debate (With members of S.G.S, Old B( Association)

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12 spoken. I have myself been a member of it : or a great many years and have derived a great deal of interest from it, particularly when visiting London. For every member is entitled to make use pf the magnificent Headquarters in London, and to participate in the very interesting activities arranged every week for the benefit of members from overseas. When snooty people in recent years have asked me if I am a poor over-taxed colonial from a British colony I have always joyfully re- plied. Yes. I am a Colonial from Bermuda, and mighty proud of it. But don ' t waste your sympathy on us, for we colonials don ' t con tribute a penny in taxation to Great Britain, and we are very proud to call ourselves a British Colony . I had the honour to talk to our Queen two years ago at lOne of Her Majesty ' s parti e®. She expressed the hope that one day s3ie might again visit |Our island, and as you know an invitation has been sent for next year when it is hoped that our beloved sovereign may consent to grace our 350th. anniversary celebration. COMMANDER G. RIDGEWAY.

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14 This house believes that the introduction of motor driven vehicles has not proved to be in the best interests of Bermuda. Prop« ser: Saul Opposer: Scupham Third: Mr. A. Trimingham Fourth: Mr. John Gilbert The debate was also attended by other members oif fthe Saltus Old Boysj Association: Mr. C. Pearman-Wilson and Mr. J, Callis .both spoke. The motion was rejeoted. OFFICERS FOR THE SEASON 1957-8. President Mr. J. C. Lester Secretary P. S. Scupham COMMITTEE M. S. Brewer J. Gillan B. R. Hall H. B. Hallet D. Saul P. S. Scupham Cadet Notes The strength of the Saltus Company remains fairly constant be- tween 50 and 6G cadets and weekly parades have been held on Tues- days. These parades are used for Squad drill, weapon training, some films, and a small amooint of arms drill. The Annual Camp last July was well attended. During this six day period, each cadet fired a short course both with the rifle and bren gun, attended lectures on map reading which were finalised by a platoon competition in a map reading. Special days included a visit to Kindley Air Force Base when we learned a great deal ab )ut hurricane hun ' ting but ' through technical difficulties beyond control ' we were disappointed in not having the promised flight over Bermuda. On Visitors ' Day the Guard Mounting coniipetition and the father and son shooting contest took place. On the last night in camp a varied programme of drills and comedy was presented before a good number of visitors. The evening ended with the presentation of trrphies and a march past of the whole Corps with Mr. S. S. Tcddings, the chair- man of the Local Forces Board taking the salute. In February of this year at the invitation of Colonel R. W. San- key A Coy. Cadets visited Warwick Camp while the Bermuda Rifles were undergoing their annual training. The afternoon began with a visit to a barrack room and no doubt some useful tips in tidiness were picked up by the cadets. This was followed by demonstrations by the Rifles i» various field formaitions, after hich each cadet fired 5 rounds With the rifle on the 100 yards range. The weather was extremely