Shawnigan Lake School - Yearbook (Shawnigan Lake, British Columbia Canada)

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Shawnigan Lake School Magazine slope by the same way whereby the chiefs of the Shawniganians had gone to gaze upon the games. And at length we came to the place of assembly, to a plain of wide prospect, where a great company innumerable had gathered themselves together. And as we drew near the throng a mighty shout rose up to heaven. And there before me, many youths, hardy of heart, stood up to play at ball with their feet and their hands. Yea, the godlike Shawniganians were about to join issue with the tall Bingboi, a people from across the gulf, from the land and city of the Kolumbians, shrouded in mist and cloud, and never does the shining sun look down on them with his rays, but incessant rain pours over miserable mortals. From the very start they strained at utmost speed, and as one host would fly forward together swiftly, so would the other draw back, laying low their foes as they drew near them. And when they had stayed the onrush, then would those that were forward rally round their leader. And even as the sea- gulls, that fly behind a vessel on the high seas, cluster about a tasty morsel, wrangling and in busy rivalry, even so did they rally round their leader, loud- shouting Uodardos. Then would the well-greaved Shawniganians wrestle hard with the heavy Bingboi for possession of the long-shadowed ball. And if in time they got it, then would the cunning Uitles have it out to fleet-footed Rhaxlos, and he to Dausos, shepherd of the host, if perchance he might cut through the foe and bring nearer the victory. And over all stood a herald, mighty to look upon, and clothed in a jerkin and loin-cloth. Most like was he to Poseidon, shaker of the Earth, and he blew upon a shrill trumpet to marshal the hosts, the smallest trumpet I have ever seen. No foul play did he allow, and if any became too forward, then would he call upon the gods to witness with a mighty oath, and declare him offside. Now, on the near side of the lists stood the chiefs of the Shawniganians; men of fertile Elis, learned in lore; Tuites, skilled in the games and like to a tree-covered peak, shrouded in mist; Mansos, that knew the secrets of the elements; Antonos, master of the oar, and many another. And on the far side yet more youths and bright-eyed sirens cheered on the heroes, whichsoever found most favor in their sight. Then, indeed, did my knees tremble beneath me and my heart was sore afraid, and I bade my men tie me to a goal-post or stuff my ears with wax. But they would not. Howbeit, I suffered no ill at the hands of the laughter-loving Sirens. Then came to me one like to father Zeus, lord of the thunder, riding upon a whole-hoofed horse, with many shepherd hounds about him. Kephalos was his name and his charger was named after the mighty Ajax. Now he was Lord of the hospitable Shawniganians, and he spoke kindly to me and took me in and gave me to eat and drink. Afterward he showed me all around his domain. There saw I three temples erected about the court, one to Zeus, lord of lords, one to grey-eyed Athene and one to Apollo the far-darter. And lo! within the temple of Athene were two mural paintings over against one another. On the one was depicted all that I had done in the land of Troy and all that should befall me in my journeying home. And on the other was portrayed the works of the industrious Kolumbians. Many other things he showed me; a fiery chariot which had risen from its ashes to newness of life like the Phoenix bird; a wooden horse like to the one I 13

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Shawnigan Lake School Magazine devised when we sacked the fair city of Priam, whereon the youths did exercise with a certain Deinos; yea, and even the black forge of Hawksphaistos himself did he show me. Such was my visit, O king, to the n oble Shawniganians. But the night is far spent. Arise, let us to bed. MURALS THE two murals which are reproduced here were painted in the summer holidays on the walls at the top of the staircase in the Class Room Block by Julius E. L. Griffith, an Old Boy who has been studying art for some years. The modern subject suggests that the two boys looking out into the modern world should fit themselves to use such implements and resources as Science has placed at the disposal of man. At the present time humanity is floundering in an economic morass due chiefly to the fact that we do not understand how to use the machinery at our disposal for the common good. It is suggestive that the boys who pass through this School may feel the need of doing some- thing definite as citizens and make a real effort to do their share of setting things right rather than with the idea merely of matriculating and settling down to a smug life of money-making. The central group of scientists gives man command of the whole world. Poverty and plenty are represented in the slums and factories. Communication, transportation, fishing, logging, occu- pations typical of this country, are introduced. The manual worker is large, showing the importance that he plays in the running of the world. The war- ships and aeroplanes show that we still live under the menace of war. The Classical painting represents the Trojan war and some of the adven- tures of Ulysses. The idea behind this picture is that the classics are not coldly ideal but very human and, like the Bible, of great use in helping us to live our lives today. Without the classics there could be no correct valuation of our own age. The central group is of warriors and h eralds or referees with the leaders by the tent to the right. The gods looking on are there to show the Homeric idea of man being the plaything of the gods and the sport of destiny. It also conveys the Greek view of animism and of the deities always close at hand. The figure at the extreme right is the poet through whom the story comes down to us. Circe and the swine, the Sirens, Aeolus and some of the thousand ships fill up the right half of the wall. On the left are Cyclops, Perseidon, the lone ship going back to Hades, Ulysses slaying the wooers and his reunion with Penelope. The colouring is extremely attractive and satisfying. In a general way perhaps the pictures show a lack of finish. The design is original and clever in its arrangement and shows excellent imagination. The technique is perhaps a trifle youthful but this the artist will undoubtedly overcome with greater experience. 15