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| RN School Magazine 1961
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Section Verdala Section
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ROYAL NAVAL SCHOOL MALTA
SCHOOL
MAGAZINE
SUMMER 1961 SCHOOL SAILING
Members of the School Sailing Club enjoying a fresh blow in the Grand Harbour.
Primary School Staff.
The Staff Tal-Handaq.
STAFF HEADMASTER -- Instr. Captain D.E. Mannering, B.A., R.N. Deputy Headmaster and Headmaster, Verdala — Instr. Cdr. L.G. Brooks, M.B.E., R.N. SECONDARY SCHOOL — TAL-HANDAQ Assist. Headmaster — Instr. Lt.Cdr SA Parkin BSc RN Senior Mistress — Miss J. Yule, BA
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PRIMARY SCHOOL — VERDALA Headmaster — Instructor Commander L.G. Brooks, M.B.E,, R.N. JUNIOR DEPARTMENT — Mr. P. Ross INFANT DEPARTMENT - Miss V North
CONTENTS TAL-HANDAQ VERDALA
"WHAT ME?" "Look out, prefect's coming" is the warning cry. I can never catch them no matter how I try. "Writing on the blackboard, oh, no, it wasn't me, I am reading Shakespeare and Milton as you see." "Fighting in the class-rooms, oh no, that's no fun, We were finding out which wars Caesar's army won." "We were never shouting, that would never do, It must be the one's upstairs, they are noisy too." "Eating in the class-room, oh no, that's just not done." As behind each little back, slips a sticky bun. "Go outside," is my command, but they do not obey, So off I go in depression deep to find some other prey. PREFECT, ANON. Foreword
Editor Mr. C.V. Morris . Verdala Representatives (Junior Dept.) Mr. P. Ross Mr. J. Ousby Mr. D.R. Jenkins . (Infants Dept.) Miss V. North Advertisements Mr. E. Battye Photographers Mr. J. Evans Mr. G. King. Boys Representative Mr. A. Selman. Girls Representative Miss W. Morrell Manuscript Typing Mr. P. Stanley Miss C. Mathews Miss J. Miles Miss S. Hartt Miss. J. Hughes Miss C. Greening Miss M. Hutton
Prize Day 196O Prize Day at Tal-Handaq was held on 18th November, 1960. The Flag Officer, Malta, Rear-Admiral D.H.F. Hetherington, D.S.C., presided, and prizes were presented by the Commander-in-Chief, Mediterranean, Admiral Sir Alexander Bingley, K.C.B., O.B.E. - - or would have been, but for the fact that nearly all the prizes failed to arrive in time for the occasion. The programme was as follows: —
GOD SAVE THE QUEEN After the presentation of the prizes the Commander-in-Chief delivered a stirring address, in which he encouraged the boys and girls to become "Why-men" and "Why-women", instead of accepting ready-made opinions. He ended by asking that the school should be awarded a whole-holiday. A vote of thanks was proposed by the Head Boy, Walter Willman, and a bouquet was presented to Lady Bingley by Linda Knapp, the Head Girl. The Prize-winners were: —
HEADMASTER'S REPORT - Prize Day 1960 From time to time the Educational Press contains articles and correspondence about the difficulties that beset the organizers of Prize Days. The major problem's are — how to obtain a suitably distinguished person for the occasion, and what to do with him having obtained him. Some schools have found these problems insoluble and have abolished Prize Days altogether. Now the situation is becoming worse as there is news that prizegivers are organizing themselves and laying down terms in return for their services. They are demanding suitably strengthened drinks to steady them for their ordeals, and handsome presents to take home. So far we have not yet been faced with this particular problem, and I am more than grateful to the Commander-in-Chief for consenting to come here to-day without any term's at all. I should also like to support all that Admiral Hetherington has said in welcoming Lady Bingley and our other guests. The most striking feature of the last .school year is undoubtedly the material progress that has been made. It is just over a year ago that Admiralty approval was received to go ahead with the Second Stage of the extension of the school, which is designed to provide accommodation and facilities for 800 children. We are already using three of the authorized new Romney Huts although the electrical installations have not yet been completed. These so-called "huts" -which are 'exceedingly solid except for their roofs -- give us four new classrooms, which are being developed as specialist History and Geography rooms; and four splendid new rooms for Art and Craft which must compare favourably with any in the U.K. In the rooms vacated by the Art Department we now have new Biology Laboratories, a new Metalwork Room, and two good rooms for the increasingly popular Commercial classes. In addition the Chemistry Laboratory is now being used for that subject alone and has a small sub-division for advanced work. None of these new facilities are entirely completed, but all are far I enough advanced for us to use. Remaining work in Stage II includes a much needed Music Room, which has already been started. I hope that Admiralty are going to provide a grand piano for this room. I am most grateful for all the help we receive from the Manager, Navy Works and his staff, and I would particularly like to mention the co-operation we receive from the leading man on the site, Mr. Farrugia, who, apart from new construction, caters for all our day-to-day needs. We also have much to be thankful for in the work that is being undertaken as a charge to the Commander-in-Chief's Block Grant. We already have two new cricket nets (although these only replace the ones that were demolished to make way for tihe new road). A new combined tennis and netball court will be started shortly. Then much of the rough rocky ground is being levelled and surfaced and apart from the improved appearance of the school it provides extra parking space and reduced opportunities for accidents. Many of you may not know the origin of the school buildings. They were constructed during the last war as an Anti-Aircraft Headquarters, and designed to look from the air like a small un-planned Maltese hamlet. This was not a promising start for the school, which moved here from Ta' Xbiex in 1947 when the numbers rose to the unmanageable total of 50. It has been a struggle ever since to convert and extend the buildings into something resembling a school. The struggle continues. Much has been done, but much still remains to be done. Some of the remaining features are quite inadequate and unworthy of the school, and in some cases frankly appalling. We need a new galley and dining rooms, a new library, a second physics laboratory, main drainage, covered ways. The school wall might well have been present at the Battle of Jericho and there have been one or two unpleasant incidents due to its condition. The inadequacy of this hall is all too evident to everyone present. Playing fields are virtually nonexistent and although we remain most grateful for the ones which are lent us by the Services, they are not a satisfactory substitute for our own. Half of the games afternoon are wasted in bus journeys and very naturally Service teams have priority on their own pitches. In many cases we are reduced to a knock-up game on a patch with no markings and no goal-posts. This can hardly be described as Physical Education. Many of these deficiencies are being included in new works proposals which are being submitted to Admiralty shortly and we can only hope for a sympathetic ear in high places. Before leaving the material side of the school I should like to pay a brief tribute to our hard-working and cheerful industrial staff. This school most be &'• difficult as any to maintain in good condition and we owe much to them and especially to our indefatigable caretaker and storekeeper, Mr. Plant, who has been in the school for over 10 years. Once again the school has grown, and we now have over 1,050 children. Remember that we are still building for 800 ! The combined staff of Tal Handak and Verdala now exceeds 100 for the first time and when we all met here at the beginning of term I wondered how we were going to find room for any children. There has been a very small reduction in the number of Naval children, but this has been more than counter-balanced by the ever increasing number of Royal Air Force children, of whom we now have 300 — well over twice as many as five years ago. I am particularly glad that the Air Officer Commanding, Air Marshal Sir Walter Cheshire and Lady Cheshire are present to-day to celebrate this increase in their large family. It is not easy to report on Educational Progress except in terms of achievements in external examinations. Service schools, with their rapid turn-over of children and Staff, have their obvious difficulties. They also have compensations, as the children are of above average intelligence and have an adaptability which enables them to settle in amazingly quickly. The high level of intelligence is shewn by the high proportion of children in the Grammar School -- nearly 50% compared with the national figure of about 20%. So the high standards which I believe we achieve here are due not only to the merits of the staff but to the quality of the raw material which the parents provide in such generous measure. It would be rash of me to say more on this subject as we shall have more expert advice after the forthcoming full inspection by three of Her Majesty's Inspectors next March. Our examination results have again been at least satisfactory. We had 105 candidates for G.C'.E. 'O' level who achieved nearly 400 passes between them. This is -more than twice as many passes as we had two years ago. Here we have excellent co-operation from parents who appear to have been browbeaten into paying out £1 for each pass. In the Modern School the Royal Society of Arts results were quite the best we have achieved — roughly twice as many passes as last year. At 'A' Level we had 9 candidates who achieved quite good results. For the second year in succession we had one outstanding performance as a result of which James Graham was recommended for a County Major Scholarship in Physics. The build-up at the top of the school which I mentioned last year is continuing. The sixth form is now very much bigger, especially on the Mathematics and Science side, and I am confident that in a year or two's time there will be a big increase in our 'A' level numbers. This will give a better balance to the educational work of the school, it will extend its reputation and will give the sixth form staff a task more worthy of their qualifications. At this stage in a Headmaster's Report it is customary to include an account of the triumphs of the old Boys and Girls. Here we have no old pupils association - - it would be good to have one, but a Herculean task for the organiser - - and so we have little record of achievements. I was, however, delighted to hear that Keith Elliott from this school had obtained 1st Class Honours in French at Reading University. In view of the forthcoming inspection I will not comment on the efficiency of the teaching staff but will content myself with thanking them again for their co-operation and hard work. Last July we were sorry to lose two of our old stagers, Mr. Edgell and Mr. Ruoff, who had been here for over 9 years and were amongst the first U.K. based teachers to come to the school. They provided a most desirable continuity in a changing population. Their contemporary, Mr. Knight, is still with us (behind the stage as usual) but sadly he too will be leaving next year. I hope that Miss Yule will remain with us. in spite of her newly acquired hobby of motoring. You would not wish me to comment on all the activities of tine past year. Most of them have been described in the Magazine, the production of which was itself no mean achievement. Here are just a few items from a Lucky Dip:- (a) In the sporting world our teams were at least up to normal standard, and perhaps the outstanding achievements were that our Boys won the Combined Secondary Schools Athletics Championship, and our girls won the six-aside Hockey Tournament. (b) We won two Life Saving trophies — the Statuette of Liberty for the highest number of points gained by schools and colleges in Malta, and the Roden Cup, awarded to the unit considered to have made the best effort to promote Life Saving in Malta.
(h) Last year a committee of ladies, from all the Services was set up to choose a new Girls' Summer Uniform. I was appointed as their reluctant and apprehensive chairman. I hope that our final choice will be as acceptable to everyone as it was to us. (i) I am very pleased that we now have a State Registered Nurse here in working hours. Her presence is a comfort to us all. and not least to my two secretaries who no longer have to combine nursing with their normal duties -not that the work of these good ladies could ever be described as anything but abnormal. ,So much for the Lucky Dip, though I am well aware that much remains in the tub. Lastly, I should like to thank all the people — known and unknown — who help to keep the school going and make lifs less difficult and much more enjoyable for me than it might be. Staff, parents, children and many others work together with enthusiasm for the good of the school (I stress enthusiasm) and we receive unfailing support from an official who is oddly but accurately entitled our "Competent Authority" — Admiral Hetherington. THE SNOW The snow it falls in winter time, And settles on the grass, It shows the tracks of bird and beast, Where-ever they do pass. It turns the trees and leaves so white, The drifts fill in the drains, But it is not a pleasant sight, When it is spoiled by rains Elizabeth Ward — 1 C.G. MY TADPOLE I have a little tadpole, As black as black can be. A very tiny tadpole, But he belongs to me. I feed him on insects, And also water weeds, But I can't really ask him, If there's anything he needs. A. Tucker — ICG.
G.C.E. RESULTS — SUMMER 1960 ADVANCED LEVEL STACEY ELLIS — Pure Mathematics. JAMES GRAHAM - - Pure and Applied Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics ('A' and 'S' level). GORDON LAWRENCE — Pure and Applied Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics.) ROGER MELTON -- Pure and Applied Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics. CHRISTINE MULLALEY — English Literature. JOHN SWAN -- History. BARRIE WELLS -- Pure Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Physics. ORDINARY LEVEL — SUMMER 1960 CHRISTINE BARNES — Italian. PAULINE BENTLEY -- Latin, History (Foreign), Mathematics, Chemistry. JENNIFER BOUND — Biology, Cookery, Geography. OLWYN BURN -- English Language. DIANE BURNER — English Language and Literature, Geography. IRIS CARTWRIGHT - - Biology, Human Biology, and Hygiene. RODNEY CASEY -- English Language and Literature, French, History (British), Mathematics. MICHAEL CHAPMAN — Mathematics. PETER CLOUGH -- English Language and Literature, Geography, Art, Mathematics, Biology, Religious Knowledge. DIANA COLEMAN - - English Language, Mathematics. HILARY COOMBE -- English Literature, Latin, French, History (Foreign), Geography, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Religious Knowledge. ANNABELLA CRAIG - - English Language and Literature, French, Mathematics, Religious Knowledge, Biology. GERALDINE CROCKER -- English Literature, Biology. KEVIN DOWLING — History (Foreign), Geography, Physics, Mathematics. JOCELYN DUKE - - English Language and Literature, History (Foreign), Geography, Mathematics, Biology, Religious Knowledge. DIANE EDGELL — English Language and Literature, Latin, French, History (British), Mathematics. AIDAN ELLIS — English Literature, Geography, Mathematics. DAWN FEAR -- English Language. CHARLOTTE FINNIE — Italian, Physics, Chemistry. HELEN FINNIE — Mathematics. BARBARA FISHER - - English Language and Literature, A.rt, Geography, Mathematics, Physics, Religious Knowledge. MARGARET FITTAL — Art, Human Biology and Hygiene. HOWARD FRANKS — Chemistry. PETER FRANKS - - English Language and Literature, French, History (Foreign), Geography, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry,, ANN FROUD — English Language and Literature, French, History (British). ANTHONY FRY - - English Language and Literature, History (British), Religious Knowledge. BRIAN FULLER - - English Language and Literature, Geography, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry. CHRISTOPHER GIBBONS - - English Language, History (British), Mathematics. LINDA GOLDSACK -- English Literature, History (British), Geography, Art, Biology, Religious Knowledge. HENRY GREIG - - English Language, Geography, Physics, Mathematics. CHRISTINE GREENING - - English Language, French, Geography, Mathematics. ROBINA HALFORD — English Literature, Geography, Mathematics, Biology, Religious Knowledge. SANDRA HARTT — Art. MICHAEL HAY — Mathematics. IAN HELSBY — English Language and Literature, Mathematics, Physics. BERNARD HOCTOR -- English Language and Literature, Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry.EDGAR BUTTON — Mathematics, Woodwork, Technical Drawing. MAUREEN BUTTON -- French, Biology, Religious Knowledge. LINDA KNAPP — English Literature, Geography, Biology, Human Biology and Hygiene. VICTORIA KNIGBT — English Language and Literature, French, Geography^ SUSAN LAMERTON -- English Language and Literature, History (British)French, Mathematics. SUSAN LARGE -- English Language, French, Art. BELINDA LAWRENCE — Biology. JANET LAYTON — English Language and Literature, French, History (British), Mathematics. JEAN LAYTON — English Literature, French, History (British), Mathematics Religious Knowledge. MAUREEN LAYTON -- French. ANN MACAFEE -- English Language, German. MALCOLM MACKENZIE — Mathematics. IAN McCALL — Mathematics, Biology. GILLIAN McCARTHY — English Language and Literature, French, History (Foreign), Geography, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Religious Knowledge ANICE McCarthy — English Language and Literature, French, Histcry (Foreign), Geography, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Religious Knowledge PAMELA McDONOUGH - - English Literature, French, History (Foreign )Geography, Mathematics, Biology, Religious Knowledge. ANN MERENGO-ROWE -- English Language and Literature, Latin, Italia History (Foreign), Geography, Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology. JOHN MELTON — English Language, French. JOHN MERRIMAN — English Language, Latin, Mathematics. MICHAEL MILNE -- English Language and Literature, History (British) Mathematics. ANN MOORE — English Literature, Bistory (British). CHRISTINE MOORE — English Literature, History (British), Art. JOBN MOORMAN -- English Language, History (British), Mathematics. WENDY MORRELL — English Literature, Latin, French, History (British) Mathematics. PETER MORRIS — Geography, Mathematics, Art. DAVID MULCABY - - English Language, Geography. WANDA MUNRO — English Literature, History (Foreign), Geography. YVONNE NORTHMORE — Religious Knowledge. DAVID NORTHOVER - - English Language and Literature, French, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry. ANDREW PAGE-ROBERTSON — English Language and Literature, History (British), Geography, Art, Religious Knowledge DEIRDRE PIKE — English Literature, History (Foreign), Geography, Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology, Religious Knowledge MAVIS PLUCKNETT — English Literature, French, Mathematics, Biology. JENNIFER PAWICK — Art. ANN PULLEN — Mathematics. VIVIEN RAY — Biology. CHRISTINE REES — English Literature. ELIZABETH REID — Mathematics, Art. PATRICIA ROBBINS — History (British). TESSA ROBERTSON -- English Language and Literature. PATRICIA RODEN — Latin, Mathematics, Human Biology and Hygiene. WENDY RODEN — English Language, French, History (British). ELIZABETH ROE — Geography, Mathematics, Biology, Human Biology and Hygiene, Cookery. KEITH ROSENBERG -- English Language, History (Foreign), Mathematics, Physics. CHRISTOPHER RUOFF — French, Geography, Mathematics, Physics. PAULINE RUTHERFORD -- English Language, Needlework. JANICE SANDERSON—English Literature, Latin, French, History (Foreign), Geography, Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry, Religious Knowledge. ALAN SELMAN - - English Language, Geography, Mathematics. HELEN SMITH — English Literature, Mathematics. MARGARET STRICKLAND — French, Geography, Biology. JOHN SWAN — English Language. MAUREEN SWAN -- English Language, French, History (British). MARK S. TAGLIAFERRO -- English Language and Literature, French, History (Foreign), Geography, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry. GRANT TAYLOR -- English Language and Literature, History (Foreign), Geography, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry. KEITH TAYTON — English Language and Literature, Latin, French, History (Foreign), Geography, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Religious Knowledge. CAROL THOMPSON -- English Language and Literature, Latin, French, History (British), Mathematics. IAN TIERNEY -- English Language. MARIANNE TOTTMAN — History (British), Biology. CONSTANCE TOWNSEND — English Language and Literature, French, Art. ROBERT TOWNSEND -- English Language and Literature, French, Mathematics. TEVFIK URAN -- Geography, Mathematics, Art. ANDREW MARBURTON — English Literature, Geography, Biology. CAROLE WESTWOOD — English Language and Literature, French, History (British). DOREEN WILLMAN -- English Language and Literature, History (British). G.C.E. RESULTS — AUTUMN 1960 ORDINARY LEVEL DIANE BURNER — Art. AIDAN ELLIS — History (British), Physics. BARBARA FISHER — History (Foreign). PETER FRANKS — Chemistry. CHRISTINE GREENING -- English Literature, Latin. SHEENA HINDS — Italian. MICHAEL HAY — English Literature, History (British), Geography, Religious Knowledge. MAUREEN BUTTON — English Language and Literature.
— 16 —
ROYAL SOCIETY OF ARTS EXAMINATION RESULTS -- SUMMER 1960 CHRISTINE BARNES — English Language, Shorthand, Typewriting, Arithmetic, French. ALEXANDRA BATTY - - English Language, Human Biology and Hygiene5 Needlework, Art, Civics. ALFRED BOOTH -- Metalwork, Woodwork. ROBIN BOWES — English Language, Civics, Mathematics (A and B), Physics, Woodwork, Metalwork, Geometrical and Technical Drawing. JOSEPH BRENNAN - - Mathematics (A and B), Physics, Geometrical and Technical Drawing, Woodwork, Civics. JOHN CHAMBERS — English Language, Physics, Art, Geometrical and Technical Drawing, Geography. DIANA COLEMAN - - English Language, Typewriting, Arithmetic GABRIELLE CORNELIUS — English Language, Typewriting, Arithmetic. WENDY COX — English Language, Accounts, Typewriting, Arithmetic, Art, Civics. TERENCE EASTERBROOK - - Mathematics (B), Physics, Geometrical and Technical Drawing, Woodwork. BRIAN EDWARDS -- English Language, Mathematics (A and B), Physics, Geometrical and Technical Drawings, Civics. PAULA FINCH -- Human Biology and Hygiene, Art, Civics. ELIZABETH FINLAY — Human Biology and Hygiene, Needlework, Civics. PATRICIA GLOVER — English Language, Accounts, Typewriting, Arithmetic, Civics. JENNIFER GUY — Human Biology and Hygiene, Needlework, Art, Civics. ANTHONY JONES -- English Language, Mathematics (A and B), Physics, Civics. VALERIE LAWRENCE - - English Language, Accounts, Typewriting, Arithmetic, Civics. LESLEY LEATHERS — English Language, Accounts, Typewriting. JANE MASTERS — English Language, Human Biology and Hygiene, Needlework, Civics. CHRISTINE REES — Typewriting. GEORGE REUBENS -- Mathematics (A), Geometrical and Technical Drawing, Civics. CAROL ROBINSON - - English Language, Accounts, Typewriting, Arithmetic Art, Civics. GRAHAM ROBINSON — Mathematics. (A), Geometrical and Technical Drawing, Civics. ROBERT SATTERLY - - English Language, Mathematics (B), Physics, Geometrical and Technical Drawing, Woodwork. MARY SHEPHERD — English Language, Accounts, Typewriting, Arithmetic, Civics. BRIAN SIMMONS — Mathematics (A and B), Physics, Civics. JOHN SPENSLEY - - English Language, Woodwork, Civics. JUNE TAYLOR—English Language, Arithmetic, Human Biology and Hygiene, Needlework, Art, Civics. PATRICIA WOOLNER — English Language, Shorthand (Credit), Typewriting, Arithmetic, Art, Civics, Geography. MICHAEL YEO -- Mathematics (A and B), Physics, Geometrical and Technical Drawing, Woodwork, Civics.
SCHOOL TRIP TO ROME OLYMPICS 1960 Wednesday 31st August "Farewell to Malta!" we cried as the ship, "The Star of Malta", sailed I slowly but surely through the breakwater. Forty students from Tal Handaq, under the responsibility of Mr. B. Cleaver, Mr. P. Ross, Mr. H. Griffiths, Mrs. M. Renyard, Miss D. Lister, Miss S. | Horton and Miss D. Hodgson, had begun their ten-day visit to Rome. Thursday 1st September After a rather disagreeable crossing, we entered Syracuse harbour in the early hours of the .morning. We were cleared through Customs by 7.20 a.m. and I then proceeded to the station. Having waited an hour we boarded the train and I shouts could be heard of "Arrivederci Syracusa". The scenery we viewed was completely urban until suddenly the landscape was broken by rugged hills, graced by Mount Etna. At each station we I were amused by the Italian "gelati" men. On and on we travelled finding | delight in sandy beaches, coves, hillside chalets, long tunnels and waving to j the peasants working in the orchards. In no time we reached Messina, from where, we took the train ferry across to Italy. The Italian scenery was similar to that of Sicily. We arrived in Rome at midnight, to find buses waiting to take us to our different residences -- the boys to a college in Via Chimoni -- the girls three miles away at Via Merulana. Friday 2nd September In the morning after breakfast we took a look around. We had an early lunch and after joining forces with the boys, made for the Olympic Stadium. The Stadium was surrounded by high hills on one of which stood a statue oil Our Lady. At either end of the Stadium was a large board on which the results of previous events were lit up. Encircling the Stadium itself, were the flags of all the Nations. The programme for that afternoon consisted of: 100 metres final in which the British girl D. Hyman won a silver medal; also the 201 Kilometers walk in which the British athlete Stanley Vickers won a bronze medal. Saturday 3rd September We visited the Olympic Village where Mr. Cleaver met Brian Hewson the! long distance runner. He offered himself available for the following Tuesday, to conduct us around the village. In the evening we went to see the swimming] events and saw Natalie Steward (British) win a silver medal in the 109 metres! backstroke. The British swimmer R. Bampion disappointed us by finishing eighth in the 1,500 metres freestyle, the Australian J. Konrads won the gold medal for this event setting up a new Olympic record (17 mins 19.6 secs). The events finished for the evening with water polo which became exciting because! the Italians were participating. Sunday 4th September We went window shopping in the morning. After lunch we turned up foil a sight-seeing tour but alas ! no bus. So the Senior boys acted as guides for the! Senior girls showing them around the coliseum. Monday 5th September Today we all went on a conducted sight-seeing tour by bus, of the Capitol; St. Paul's; St. Peter's; Hadrian's Tomb; Coliseum; Roman Forum and many other places of spectacular interest. We also had our photos taken on the old Roman Road, the Via Appia. In the afternoon we saw the games, the main events being: the 200 metres, ladies finals in which D. Hyman gained a Bronze medal for Britain. After each Presentation of victory medals the National Anthem of the winning country was played. Also the finals of the men's 110 metres hurdles which ended with an exciting finish. Leaving the Stadium we were caught in a thunderstorm which gave "us" an exciting finish to our day. (Hardly any of us had a raincoat with us). Tuesday 6th September We travelled to the Olympic Village and met Brian Hewson who then introduced us to other athletes among whom was Mrs. Diane (Leather) Charles, the Captain of the British women's team. In the afternoon we watched Mrs. Jordan and Miss Perkins qualify for the 800 metres final; the American O. Davis win the men's 400 metres final in a new Olympic and World record of 44.9 sees; Herb Elliott of Australia win the 1,500 metres final in a new Olympic and World record time of 3 mins 35.6 sees. In the evening we bought postcards and ice creams and posted letters to our parents. Wednesday 7th September We arose at 7.00 a.m.. had breakfast at 7.30 a.m. and were on our way to the Olympic Village by 8.10. At the village we had some trouble in receiving our passes so we phoned the British Delegation and finally succeeded in obtaining our passes. We wandered through the village and spotted Wilma Rudolph the 3 gold medalist for sprinting, John Thomas the world high jumper, Mrs. Charles who introduced us to Jennifer Smart (sprinter), Carol Quinton (hurdler), Dorothy Hyman (sprinter), and Mary Signal (long jumper and sprinter), with whom we discussed the results of their previous events. That afternoon we saw the star of the 50 kilometre walk, also the British men and women's relay teams qualify for their finals.. Shortly after this the news reached the Stadium that Don Thompson of Britain was lying first in the 50 kilometre walk, with only a short distance to go. When he finally arrived back in the Stadium we were cheering madly. What a wonderful moment when we saw the second gold medal for Britain being presented and this unfortunately was the last one for Britain. Thursday 8th September The morning was spent as we pleased, the majority did last minute shopping. In the afternoon we visited the Stadium for the last time to see the Games. We watched Gordon Pirie run very badly in the 10,000 metres. In the finals of the relays both the British men and women's relay teams were disqualified. Friday 9th September This was the day of departure. Everyone would have liked to have stayed longer. The train left Rome at 10.30 a.m. When we arrived at Messina in Sicily in the evening we learnt that we had been caught in a rail strike and it was unsure that we would be able to continue our journey. Saturday 10th September However, in the morning we were on our way again. Once in Syracuse we found that the Star of Malta had left. So we would be in Syracuse for the day. Sunday llth September The "Star" was back in Syracuse and we had our first solid meal for 48 hours. After cleaning ourselves up we prepared for the last stage of our journey. I know that many of us enjoyed that holiday immensely and if anyone is really keen to see the next Olympic Games they will be held in Tokyo. WENDY MORRELL 6G. ALEXANDRA BATTY 5BGJ THE CRUCIFIX ON THE MOUNTAIN Life is a range of mountains made up of gulleys, plateaux, ridges and dangerous crevices. All the parts of a mountain conform somehow with our life from day to day. There are days when we fall down a crevice and stay there until somehow we are brought to the outside world again by the sight of a crucifix on a peak above us. We struggle towards it, it provides a way of hope in this mo>: need time. Sometimes we walk upon a plain of happiness - violent happiness which knows no bounds. Now we are fully conscious of| the life God has given us to use and enjoy to the full. At other time we may fall into the mountain river of despair and be swept away from thi peaks which bear the cross and above all be swept further away from the summit which bears our goal - - the Celestial City. In this state we have practically given up any hope of deliverance until suddenly we may see ray of hope in the most unusual or unexpected place which shows that God is with us even unto the end. Slowly we are brought back to realism and se» en the true mountain path again. We vow to believe always and are often tempted but we are again righted just in time and are pulled out of the tempestuous slough. Again it is the work of a shining cross, and it comes sight. We might once come within sight or see with a fleeting glance the Celestial City, that undescribable instant would be one to cherish, one never be forgotten; we would give up our all to go there. We might fear that might enter into temptation but by humility and implicit trust of the Cross and its significance, we would follow unflinchingly and unceasingly forever. ANON — 5A.( THE STRANGE DISAPPEARANCE OF MR. WEEKS Mrs. Green climbed the stairs, her tattered slippers thumping on ea step. In her hands she carried a breakfast tray. The bacon and eggs were unappetizing mess on the plate; the tea had slopped into the saucer. She was mumbling to herself about the laziness of her boarder, but, Mr. Weeks paid his rent and extra for breakfast in his room, she didn't complain aloud. She paused before his door. Bang, bang, bang. No reply. Placing the tray on a small table by the door, she knocked again, this time calling "Breakfast Mr. Weeks, it's nine o'clock.1'' With this she clumped back down the stairs and returned to her own room in the basement. Sunday was her baking day and she had a lot to do. Some two hours later the front door bell rang. Hastily wiping her floury hands on her apron, she answered the door. It was Mr. Jennings, a friend of Mr. Weeks. He had come to take his friend for a drive. Again Mrs, Green climbed the stairs to Mr. Weeks's room. She was surprised to see the breakfast tray, with the breakfast intact, still on the small table. After tapping and calling with no reply, she gingerly tried the door handle. The door opened and, timidly calling Mr. Weeks, she advanced into the room. It was empty ! The bed had not been slept on. This was the only time Mr. Weeks had been out all night without telling her first; she felt very worried.
Mrs. Green called down for Mr. Jennings. Together they searched the room; everything was as it should be, except for the missing Mr. Weeks. "But he came in last night at ten o'clock, I said good night to him" explained Mrs. Green. "He didn't go out again, or else I would have heard him. He has just disappeared into thin air," Mr. Jennings advised calling the police.
Form Captains. Mrs. Green explained it all to the sergeant who came. She insisted Mr. Weeks had gone to his room at ten o'clock the night before, and had not left the house since. The sergeant and his constables searched the house from top to bottom hut found nothing. They contacted all the hospitals, but Mr. Weeks had not been in any accident. So time 'went on and nothing more was heard of Mr. Weeks. Mrs. Green still clumps up the stairs on a Sunday morning and gingerly opens Mr. Weeks's door just in case he has returned. She keeps remembering that nothing was missing from Mr. Weeks's room. ALL his clothes were there. It was indeed a strange disappearance, for Mr. Weeks had disappeared with no clothes on \ ROGER NEWMAN — 3CM. T HE MUSEUM AT RABATThe museum at Rabat is very interesting. At the back of the museum there are two rooms of the original Roman Villa. Most of tha lovely villa was destroyed by Arabs when they invaded Malta. In the Museum there are about five cases full of pottery, tools, bones und magnificent Roman Glass work, which is better than the glasswork of today. In the first case there are six skulls which are thought to have been of a Roman family, two women and four men, and many other bones of different kinds. Tae next case contains pottery, in this case you may see a Roman water bottle in the same shape as we have our hot water bottles today, except that the Roman bottle was made of stone. The other cases hold lamps, stone, of course, Roman glassware and tools. I The lamps are rather like Aladdin's and burn oil. The glass work is wonderful and very fine. One green vase was found beneath Grand Harbour by diver;. These tools are not made of metal as tools are made today but of bronze and consist of nails, arrow-heads, staples and hammers. Behind the museum room are the two rooms of the old Villa. On the floor of one of the roams, the court yard, is a lovely mosaic floor-pattern that! stands out like 3D. There is a lovely pattern on the floor of the other room but there is less of it. There are many more interesting things to see in the museum, statues! pictures, etc,, but to really believe everything you must see it for yourself as I did. GILLIAN STANLEY — lAG A ROUGH SEA As I stood looking out to sea, the sky darkened, clouds were gathering! and quite suddenly the sea became rough. Gradually the waves grew bigger and white tops could be seen on the] darkening sea. The waves crashed down on the rocky shore sending sprays of water shooting into the air. Small boats were bobbing up and down and] trying to make harbour. Some were even filled with water, "just about float ing on the top. The small pools round the edge of the beach were seen in the small holes that were to be seen on the beach.Still the sea grew rougher. The day was not very fine so there was hardly anyone in sight. Those who were there stopped to watch the sea as it crashed down on the rocks, but making sure they moved when the spray came up over the wall. The sea can be very nice to watch when it is rough, as well as when it is calm. SUSAN HIRST — 2CM. THE HIGHWAYMAN I am watching the dawn break as I go slowly along the road in a carriage. It is in 1790. It is rather an uncomfortable journey, as the roads are all bumps. 1 am one of six passengers seated and facing each other. These are the better classed seats; the others are either in the luggage compartment, or on top of the coach. The roads are terrible, though gradually improving. The use of toll gates was gradually increasing, and the money paid, to pass through them, on to good parts of road, was used for the upkeep of the roads. As we jog along two old women on the opposite seat are gossipping about the various deaths that have occurred in their families, in the last few years. This was rather discouraging as we all knew the dangers of highwaymen and robbers. About two hours after we started the journey we slowed down. I looked out of the window and saw a rather shabby looking inn. After eating a horrible-tasting meal, which did not look anything like it was meant to be, we tumbled into our carriage again. We would be stopping at no more inns, as it was only nine miles to our destination. About half an hour later we were all surprised, when, with a blood-curdling yell, somebody jumped from the trees at the side of the road. As he did so, a guard on our carriage drew his musket at the person. But, he was obviously not hit, because he was now in the drivers seat slowing down the horses, after shooting the driver. The carriage came to a stop. "Stand and deliver," said the highwayman, and we all hurried from the carriage. We looked back along the road to the wounded driver. He dragged himself to his knees and groaned. Blood was trickling down his face as he muttered something, "Don't worry about him," said the highwayman, and aimed his gun at the driver. He fired, and with an agonising yell the driver fell on his face. The highwayman went up to the body and kicked it. "He's dead," he said in an injured tone as if he had wanted the driver to die in agony. The highwayman demanded anything of value we carried. One of the men in the carriage pulled out a gun, but was shot dead in the process. The highwayman searched the driver and stole one of the horses and made off at the gallop. We put the two dead bodies in the luggage compartment, and went on our journey to London with a guard as a driver. M. VINCENT — 2BM.
B. PEARCE. L6S.
SAILING CLUB Sailing recommenced this term after a lull following the departure of Lt. Cdr. Law. He left the present Officer-in-Charge a very welcome legacy of Brian Fuller. Walter Willman and Bernard Hoctor, all very capable coxswains who are qualified to take a dinghy anywhere, together with Twin 1 and Twin 2. the McCarthy's, who are qualified to sail within the harbour only. In previous years only six boys were able to sail during the Friday games period. This year the inaugural meeting was so crowded with 5th and 6th Form enthusiasts that it was obvious that a much higher number would have to be taken, and girls too, if a mutiny was to be avoided ! We therefore selected fourteen of the most experienced applicants in the hope that they would quickly qualify as helmsmen, so enabling us to extend our novice membership. Most of the training is carried out by the children themselves, each qualified coxswain taking two newcomers in a R.N.S.A. 14ft. dinghy. As the novices qualify they take over another dinghy and two more beginners for training. The snowball is now growing larger, and Lt. Cdr. Des Clayes and Peter Franks have so far won their helmsman's tickets. Several others are expected to succeed shortly, so many of those who have been waiting impatiently can expect to be selected soon. The chief problem will be boats for the growing list of helmsmen. Our normal Friday fleet is three or four dinghies and one whaler or the yacht ANGELA, all very kindly loaned to us by H.M.S. ST. ANGELO. But it is clear that we shall shortly reach the limit of boats which ST. ANGELO can let us have and we should very much appreciate offers of boats for sail training on Friday afternoons from other sources.On behalf of the Club we should like to express our sincere gratitude to the Headmaster and Staff for their helpful co-operation at all times; to the Captain and Boat Officer at ST. ANGELO for loaning the boats; to the Boat Party there for their cheerful assistance and advice, and for the repairs which we (very) occasionally make necessary; and to Mr. Evans for tolerating the rather windless afternoon during which he took the photographs. B.C.F. — K.H MUSIC
"PATIENCE" SCHOOL PRODUCTION ON 12th, 13th, AND 14th DECEMBER, 1960 The main interest in W. S. Gilbert's libretto of "Patience" when it was first produced in 1881, was the highly topical burlesque of the 'aesthetic' movement then in vogues The beginnings of this movement, about 20 years before, were honest and praiseworthy and the artists and poets who led the breakaway from Victorian dullness in poetry, art and design: William Morris, Sir Edward Burne-Jones, James Whistler, Dante Gabriel Rosetti and Algernon Swinburne were not properly the subjects for Gilbertian satire. But there arose among the disciples of this movement a fashion in 'preciousness' which begged for satiric derision, and in 'Patience' Gilbert held these up to the biting ridicule they deserved. The opera has not "dated" in spite of its reliance, at first, on its topicality. Partly because it is so well done and partly because every age has its 'fashions' or 'movements* ('grooves'?). It still produces plenty of laughs, and certainly did in this production. For this first praise must go to Mr. Gerrard, the musical director, for fine, clear singing from principals and chorus, and to the producer, Mr. Barraclough who, having solved his initial problem of getting 80 chorus and 11 principals on to this tiny 19-foot-opening stage (plus a few chorus off-stage) and [moving them about without them falling over each other, then went on to achieve a production which seemed excellent in pace and mood. The laughs, of course, came mostly from Bunthorne (Lt. Cdr. Arthur), Lady Jane; (Glenys Metherell: how they will both be missed next year!) and Algernon; (Bernard Hoctor, who sang very well the 'Magnet and Charm' song); but the trio of Heavy Dragoons (Lt. Cdr. Des Clayes, Mr. Wilkinson and Brendan Breslin), particularly when assuming their "stained-glass attitudes", gave us some very funny scenes, too. The Dragoons, altogether, had some very fine choruses to sing, and it was a pleasure to see them attacking them with such gusto. "Patience" has never seemed to me to give the same opportunity to the girls as to the men. Perhaps because of the brilliance of the 'book': "Mr. Sullivan has had to be content with an altogether subordinate position as an accompanist to the librettist", said a contemporary reviewer in June 1881. There are moments of great charm in the music; Patience's two ballads "I cannot tell what love ma^ be", and "Love is a plaintive song", which Marianne Tottman sang so well. Marianne, indeed, gave a most pleasing portrayal of Patience, the caricature of Victorian female innocence, but with such a well sustained role of common sense ! No dissembling with this Patience; no pretence! The other young lady soloists Angela (Wendy Roden), Saphir (Barbara Fisher) and Ella (Carol Thomson) all sang well. The music and the libretto do not give them great opportunity, except that Angela and Saphir have the lovely quintet "If Saphir I choose to marry" and Angela did well with Patience in their duet "Long years ago". The Rapturous Maidens looked most attractive and their dresses were beautifully ridiculous in their unsuitability to daily life. Here again they are given some too-conventional music to sing, but the first act final gave them (and almost everybody else) great opportunity, and we, in the audience, were delighted with some exhilarating singing. The cast had the advantage of a very well-designed and well-lit setting, and of excellent accompaniment from Mr. Gerrard. I was there at all three performances, and at each of them the audience loved it.
The School Complement of Scouts and Guides on Commonwealth Day. This year is a particular occasion in the history of Sea Scouts at the Royal Naval School for they are now ten years old. True, there was a Scout Troop at the school long before 1951, but it was in that year, that the first Sea Scout Troop was formed, and it has been in continuous existence ever since. Ten years may not seem a long time but in this Island where the population is continually on the move, Troops have sprung up and virtually disappeared overnight, generally due to a lack of Scouters, but the School Troop has continued to flourish without interruption. What have been the highlights of those ten years ? The first that comes to mind was the camping competition of 1952. Six Scouts, inadequately prepared and ill-equipped entered at short notice. That night the weather broke and proved one of the wettest weekends on record. On Sunday evening a chorus of excited boyish voices came through my window "Skip -- we won!" There in the darkness, rain pouring down their grinning faces stood six soaking Sea Scouts, holding up the large silver Bates Cup. This was a good start, it showed spirit in the true Scouting tradition. That, year, the troop won every competition open to them. The next outstanding event was the acquisition of T.S. Egmont as a Sea Scout Guardship. The ship was officially "commissioned" by Admiral the Earl Mountbatten of Burma, World Commodore for Sea Scouts who ordered "Splice the Mainbrace" as he left the ship. The following year we were honoured by a visit and inspection by the Chief Scout, Lord Rowallan. There are some excellent photographs of this event in the Troop Log. To enumerate all the outstanding events would take up too much space and thus incur the wrath of our editor, but perhaps a brief summary will be permitted. There have been twelve Troop camps at either Easter or Midsummer and a total of 104 nights under canvas. The best camp was undoubtedly the one in Sicily in 1959. 324 boys have passed through the Troop since 1951. There is a tradition to be proud of, and one that can only be maintained if we look to our Scout Law and Promise, and live up to them. Now in conclusion, just a few words about the past year. Last summer saw plenty of sailing activity with boats kindly lent by H.M.S. Ausonia. At Christmas there was the usual party given by the Group Parents' Committee and every Scout, in addition to having a jolly good time, received some article of Scouting equipment as a gift. At Easter there was Bob-a-job week, St. George's Day parade and the Easter Camp at Ghajn Tuffieha — all of which helped to fill in the holidays. The most recent event was the Commonwealth Day Rally at Floriana, when all the Cubs, Scouts, Brownies and Guides gathered to meet H.E. the Governor, Chief Scout of Malta, and to do their little stunts. It was a most impressive sight and one which surely denotes Scouting as the greatest youth movement in the world. I cannot pass without saying "Thank you" to those of the Group Committee who have worked so hard in the past year to help raise funds for our badly-needed new tents. Their Barbecue and Dance were a great success — Well done ! Our summer programme is now taking shape and soon we hope to be off on our training trips to Comino. — See you on board. T.E.K. SEA RANGERS In the past year the Sea Rangers have grown considerably under the careful guidance of our hard working skipper. We have also recently acquired a new mate under whose sharp eyed vigilance we are progressing rapidly with our work. At Easter we went to Gozo for a week's camping. We all enjoyed ourselves thoroughly, swimming, sunbathing, seeing sharks landed on the jetty nearby, cooking and keeping our tents presentable. We had a trip around Gozo, seeing all the sights. One evening was spent walking to and around the citadel in Victoria, in the dark, but much to our regret and contrary to information given to us, no ghosts were seen. At the campfire which we had, with a troop of Maltese Scouts camping nearby we had a noisy sing song. The climax of the evening was a ghost story for which the Scouts had prepared, unknown to us, a spine chilling shock. A great clanging and banging coupled with moaning and clanking suddenly broke out and then an apparition suddenly materialised. A white sheet under which were lights gave it a truly ghostly appearance and everyone turned as white as the 'ghost' itself. During the year we have visited many ships amongst which were the aircraft-carriers "Ark Royal" and "Centaur", which were also of interest to our sister Air Rangers. The "Narvik" kindly invited us on board and so did the oil-tanker "Tide Austral". Last but not by any means least was our Gang Show. The Sea Rangers sang a couple of sea shanties as well as "The Lollipop Song". This was received very well as all the Rangers taking part were dressed very similarly to junior St. Trinian girls, licking out sized lollipops. When the audience was asked to sing the chorus, two rather odd, scruffy looking Scouts, a couple of Rangers dressed in our brother Scouts borrowed uniforms, badgered them into singing a loud rendering of "How Much is that Doggy in the Window", after undermining the Scout Movement by performing a skid in which they spent their time playing cards, smoking, and reviving themselves with a bottle of beer! "If I were not upon the Stage" was also greatly appreciated — eventually the whole audience was laughing heartily at the antics of the flower seller whose penetrating shout of "Luvly Violets" resounded right through and out of the hall. During the weekly meeting at our lodge we learn signalling, knots and other guiding activities as well as information about ships and seafaring subjects. We recently had a very successful Jumble Sale in aid of our Boat Fund which is steadily growing and before long we shall be the proud possessors of our own boat. Marianne Tottman Carol Matthews — VI Upper Arts. LIFE SAVING AT BIRZEBEUGIA Two boys — Anthony Hickford and John Franklin - - were directly responsible for saving a naval rating from drowning on 7th May, 1961 at Shell Pier, Birzebbugia. They showed prompt action and considerable initiative, but no recommendation for any form of award could be given as no act of individual bravery was involved. The Navy, however, are recognising their action by arranging a day trip to sea for the boys, and at the time of writing plans are being made for this to take place in H.M.S. LION.
The exhibition organised by the Malta Society of Arts, Manufacturers and Commerce was opened on the 9th May, 1961, at the Palazzo De La Salle, Kings-way, Valletta. Visitors to the exhibition could not help but be impressed by the riot of colour on view ... a characteristic of child art which always impresses. The R.N. School at Verdala and Tal Handaq was well represented and the work selected made up roughly one half of the total exhibition. One criticism might be permitted ... it lacks variety in that mostly the work on view consists of pictures; only one example of manuscript writing or decorative lettering, no architectural studies, little pure design (as distinct from abstract) no figure or botanical studies to speak of. Perhaps it is well to remember that a good deal of the artistic work done in the Art Department is not of the type normally exhibited. Nevertheless, it would be a good thing if some of the older pupils took the hint and widened their approach to Art Studies generally. However, it is reassuring to see work of a highly imaginative and colourful content. F.R.M. AN UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE Having now been resident in Malta for over nine months, I feel perfectly justified in saying that the experience of living in Malta is one which I would not willingly have missed. I had never been abroad before coming out here, and if I could be sure that I should be welcomed as warmly in other countries of the world as in Malta, I should be continually moving round the world from country to country. One hears occasionally of the "hostility" of the Maltese towards the Englishman, but in all my meetings with them I have felt that they are all genuinely pleased to think that you enjoy their company and also like their country. The latter, it cannot be denied, is fascinating, with its panorama of terraced fields, picturesque fishing hamlets, rugged cliffs and sandy beaches, - but the people are themselves fascinating, perhaps because of their ancient and continually changing history, evidences of which can be seen everywhere -.n the form of prehistoric temples, architectural masterpieces and the primitive method of ploughing which is still in use in most places today, since fields are too small for the use of mechanical implements to be practicable. Despite the influence of Britain during the past one hundred and fifty years, Malta remains indisputably Mediterranean, particularly in respect to her climate, which is the influential factor in inducing more and more tourists to visit the islands each year. Warm winters and long, hot summers can be depended upon, and a familiar sight on a hot summer's afternoon is the peacefully lounging peasant, geally snoring in his doorway, with a battered sun-hat on his head to keep off the sun, and a contented smile hovering on his lips; the women of the household sit comfortably on chairs behind him, watching the more energetic Englishman drive his big car along the road outside — the Englishman is never content to sit still in one place, he always wants to be somewhere else ! For swimming, sunbathing and sailing, Malta as a paradise, but these entertainments can be enjoyed elsewhere; not so the village festivals. The "Carnival" has its equivalents in other parts of Europe, such as in Holland and Germany, but the village festas are not so common and are particularly important to the Maltese, whose religious upbringing leads them to celebrate upon saints' days on a scale unknown in England. The magnificent processions, fireworks, band marches and illuminations are unforgettable, as is the hospitality to be found in a Maltese household on such an occasion. Living in a foreign country for a certain length of time is a practice which is becoming more and more common as time goes on, and as more countries are developed to make the best use of their resources. Holidays abroad are now universally popular, even if "abroad" only signifies crossing the border from England into Scotland for a fortnight ! I think that everyone will agree that to have spent a year or more of one's life in Malta is an experience which will never be forgotten, and which will in particular have greatly benefited members of the younger generation, whose understanding of world politics in future years, will have been aided by an early insight into the life of a people other than their own. MARJORIE SAVAGE — 6A.
MY JOURNEY TO MALTA Alberta is a very big country with three big cities. We had always lived there in Canada until my father decided to take a job in Benghazi and my mother and the family came to Malta, so that we would be near father. We were living in Sylvan Lake Alberta, which is the main Sports Resort. Snake Lake was the old Indian name for it.. After a visit to an aunt, we went to Red Deer, Alberta, on a Sunday night. Red Deer became a city in 1960 because (he population was so big. The Day liner to Calgary was two hours late, and had to go quite fast .to catch the connection to New York, arriving at Calgary about 9 o'clock, Calgary is the second largest city in Alberta, with a large airport. A special festival there is a large Rodeo and fair. There we boarded a Canadian Pacific Train for New York, which passed through Montreal and Toronto both big cities with many factories. On the train there was a magician who showed us some tricks, and taught me to do one. It was a four day journey from Red Deer to New York, and we arrived on Friday night. After a night in a hotel we boarded the "Saxonia" one of the Cunard liners, very large with one smoke stack and about five floors. We were on the main floor. By 11 a.m. Saturday morning we were out of the Harbour, and finding it rough. During the eight day journey I met some friends and we would play tennis and cards. Then we were soon going up the Thames, and tying up at Tilbury Docks. Some relation met us and took us to stay with them, for a fortnight, during which we made a visit to London Zoo which I really enjoyed. We started off to Malta by train to London, crossed the Channel, and then went by diesel to Sicily which was very pleasant and the food was good. Macaroni and tomato sauce was my favourite. We left for Malta on the Italian boat meeting some of the boys from Tal-Handaq on the way back from Rome. Next morning we got up to see Malta, and it looked like a Roman Island. We got into Grand Harbour, tied up near Customs House and went ashore in a dghaisa. After going through the Customs we caught a taxi to our hotel near the sea side. MICHAEL LENNANT — ICM THE HYPOGEUM The Hypogeum was built about 4,000 years ago by Neolithic people who only had pieces of flint for their tools. It was discovered in 1902 by workmen building houses right above it. No disclosure of the find was made at the time, and eventually the 'foundation walls of the new houses sealed off the original entrance, so there is now a modern spiral staircase leading down into the caves. When you have descended the stairs you find yourself in a large collection of caves. The first one you enter has smooth walls with spashes of red pigment still visible. There is one room, called the oracle room in which there is a small oval hole in the wall. If a man speaks into this his voice reverberates round the room in a most peculiar way. It is thought that the priest answered people's questions by wa^ of this hole. On the roof of the oracle room, there are a number of paintings. There is a small hole in the left wall which, it is thought, was used for burial purposes, because 7,000 skeletons were found when the Hypogeum was excavated. The Holy of Holies is about the most attractive cave in the Hypogeum. It is semi-circular in shape and shows great architectural skill. On the floor of the room there are two holes which are connected together and would allow a rope to be passed from hole to hole. It seems likely that sacrificial animals were secured by this means. EDWARD SAVAGE Form 4A.T "OLD ST. PAULS" The most interesting book I have ever read is, undoubtedly, "Old St. Paul, by A. Harrison Ainsworth. It tells of the life and adventures of a group of people who live in the heart of London, and of their struggles during the Great Plague. The descriptions are wonderful, and the characters most convincing. This book is of historical interest also, as it tells of the Great Fire of London, and of the ways and customs of those who lived in medieval times. In one amusing chapter, a very chary servant is sent by his master to one o! the "pest houses". The poor fellow is terrified of catching the dreaded plague and before he goes, he bathes in vinegar, drinks numerous weird concoctions, swallows various pills rubs himself with herbal ointments, and, as a final precaution, carries around his neck, a dried toad, and a rabbit foot ! ! Needless to say, he escaped the plague — but only just. There is much excitement in this book, and also a little of the Macabre: one instance of this is when an ancient coffin-maker and an old crone sit in a vault in St. Paul's, drinking wine, and watching their friends dancing round the tombs. I strongly recommend this book to those who enjoy fiction - - it is an adventure story with originality. MAGGIE SHEPPARD — 5A.M. A sad-looking man had been waiting in a restaurant for half an hour. Then a waiter came up and said, "Your fish and chips will be coming in ten minutes, sir." The man said, "Good, what bait did you use?" NIGEL JUDD. ICM. STORMY WEATHER A short while ago I paid a visit to my god-mother in France, I was glad to be back because I very nearly didn't reach home. The flight to France, went forward without mishap. Although it might have been rather long as I had to fly* to London first and from there I caught an "Air France" Viscount to Orly Airport, which is just out-side Paris. My god-mother met me at Orly and from then on life was all excitement. I was sorry when my fortnight's holiday was up and I had to start packing. As I climbed the gangway and waved to those I had left behind me, there was a huge lump in my throat but I swallowed hard and thought of home. It was shortly after leaving London Airport, having changed planes, when we hit the bad weather and from then on it was a minor nightmare. As the captain told us the weather was totally unexpected but he said nobody was to worry or panic and all would be well. I sat for fully four hours, my safety belt tightly clasped around my waist and clutching the arms of my seat with hands Whose palms were wet with perspiration. In spite of the plane's bouncing the two hostesses took it in turns to walk the length of the plane to see that everyone was alright. I was asked if I wanted anything to eat, but each time I refused, it wouldn't have been any good as I most probably would have been sick even though I am not prone to travel-sickness. Drinking would have been impossible owing to the movement. I tried to read but only read the same paragraph until I could almost have repeated it word for word. Then, already one and a half hours late we were told that we would be landing in another quarter of an hour. I was so thankful when at last we taxied to a standstill in front of the terminal at Luqa in drizzling rain. Even though it was mid-night Mummy and Daddy were there to meet me and very thankful to see me safe. I slept late the following morning, and felt very much better in spite of my ordeal. FLORA STUART — 2B.G. The party of twenty-two met at Customs House at 5.30 p.m., on 1st April. Having proceeded through the Customs and registered our cameras, we were taken by M.F.V. to the "Citta di Livorno" which lay moored nearby. We were quickly shown to our dormitory and having secured our bunks, we went on deck to have a look around. The ship left Grand Harbour at 7.00 p.m. and we turned in at about 9.00 p.m. The "Citta di Livorno" berthed at Syracuse at 5.80 a.m., and the sleepy-eyed Customs officers and 'Carabinieri' (Police), in their various uniforms, began to filter through and line the dockside in groups to check that no unauthorized persons disembarked. The passport officer having stamped our passports, we left the ship and passed through the Customs without fuss. We then walked briskly to the station, feeling for the first time the full weight of our rucksacks. On arriving there, we discovered that we had to wait until 11.00 a.m. for the train to Catania. However, we managed to amuse ourselves until the train arrived, upon which, we hurried to our seats, the train leaving without much delay. We saw much of the wonderful scenery of Sicily through the windows of the train before arriving at Catania station at 1.00 p.m. After a swift roll-call, the party set off at a rush for the La Plaia campsite which was our intended resting place for the next few days. When we found that the site wasn't round the corner, nor the next — nor the next, but miles away, the pace began to flag after the starting at an eager sprint. When we first reached the gates of La Plaia, the party was spread over a mile of road, the masters shepherding the rear. We were stopped at the gates, but having given in our passports, were allowed through into the shaded camp-site in the interior. We made camp quickly and set about making ourselves at home. We cooked ourselves a large dinner at 6.00 p.m. and were agreeably surprised at the quality of the cooking. We then scouted around and were very pleased with the luxuries offered by this fabulous camp-site: the ground was sand and everywhere were coniferous trees, well spaced with little undergrowth; there was a private beach on the premises, a bar selling souvenirs and 'coca-cola', ten yards from the camp, and a clean block of toilets and showers twenty yards away; in fact, everything a camper could desire. After a good-night's sleep, we awoke to Monday 3rd with a song of birds in our ears. Four of us were up early and set off for Catania at 6.30 a.m. with a packed breakfast, to go and inquire about rooms at the 'Rifugio Sapienza' on Mount Etna at Mr. Cleaver's request. We hitch-hiked there and on reaching the C.I.T. office (tourist bus agency), failed miserably in our taslk by finding that the crews of the buses had gone on a strike. We ate our chicken sandwich breakfast in one of the most beautiful parks I have ever seen, in Via Etna and, as the shops were shut, we slowly made our way back to report our failure. We had lunch at 12.30 and returned to Catania in the afternoon to look around the shops. We were not very impressed with Catania, it is built on lava, and the large four and five storeyed, greyish-black buildings are most forbidding to the unaccustomed. The shops were disappointing, the only things that interested us were the ice-cream and ties. On returning to camp, we again set about cooking our dinner and retired early to bed. On Tuesday 4th, we awoke late and after breakfast. tidied up and began preparing lunch, intending to have a long afternoon in Catania, however, before lunch, we were all called upon to go out and search Catania thoroughly for paraffin (II Petrolio). Therefore, after finishing the last few drops of paraffin left in half-a-dozen primus stoves in poaching our eggs, (the process being finally completed by the sun) we set off along the road, slightly bewildered by the hundreds of Italians proceeding in the opposite direction, to-wards us, and on reaching a deserted Catania, we found all the shops closed and only the bars open. Having had a 'coca-cola', we walked through the deserted streets hopefully looking for a 'paraffin shop', sat in the pack again, had an ice-cream and returned to camp where we had a communal dinner cooked over a borrowed stove; after which, a 'wide game' was organized which left us all tired, dirty, bruised and battered but happy. After a shower we staggered to bed. On Wednesday 5th, half the party with Mr. Cleaver, were up and leaving La Plaia at 6.30 a.m. to ascend Mount Etna. The rest were left to lie on and these (us) crawled out of the tent much later and had a very late breakfast. We then lazed around on the beach in the glorious sunshine, had lunch and during the afternoon wrote all our postcards and played on the beach. Then early evening, we helped prepare dinner for the 'mountaineers'. These returned, full of their experiences and advice for us who were to go on the morrow. That evening, we made merry and turned in early. We arose at the 'crack of dawn' on the 6th and were leaving camp at 6.30 a.m. for a brisk morning stroll into Catania to reach the C.I.T. office at 6.55 a.m. We boarded the bus there and made ourselves comfortable. The bus first went to the fine modern terminus and thence followed the Via Etna the whole way to the Rifugio Sapienza, our destination. This was a most interesting bus ride; it was a beautiful day and everything could be seen clearly. We left Catania and passed through the sub-tropical vegetation outside to begin the climb on a first rate road which wound through the vineyards and fields on the lower slopes; there was a pleasant view on either side of the road and we drove through several small villages and hamlets, stopping at few places. The sun shone out of a cloudless sky, but the air became cooler and fresher and the vegetation stunted, the ground black, and tall, abrupt volcanic mountainous and subsidiary craters rose on all sides. We reached the Rifugio at 10.00 a.m. It has been greatly extended and modified since last year, it sparkled with new paint and all the shabbiness had disappeared. Also, the sun blazed down, although without much warmth, in great contrast to the blizzard of last year. Mr. Stanley arranged for lunch while we went to see the 'blow-hole' two hundred yards further down the road. We then set off for the peak at 10.45 a.m. It was a very stiff climb but extremely interesting. We reached the end of the funicular, then the observatory and, as there was time to spare, we decided to try the main crater which was very hard to climb because of the loose ash; this was bare of snow because of the warmth emitted by the crater. After struggling for a long time, four of us succeeded in reaching the top at 1.30 p.m. Thence followed a frantic dash back down the mountain for lunch which was ordered for 2.15. Having had lunch, we waited until the time to leave and boarded the bus at 3.55 p.m. This soon left and we were bowling merrily down the mountain side, pleased with our success in getting higher than the older boys, although I am quite sure that we had too many advantages over them to enable us to boast. We returned to camp and were very grateful to find that the older boys had made a fine job of tidying up the camp and cooking our dinner. We rounded off the day by making merry and having a game on the beach in the moonlight, then turned in at 10.30 p.m. On Friday 7th we were up at 7.30 a.m., had breakfast, struck camo and packed our rucksacfks; then we left the camp in threes (the intention was to hitch-hike to the station), however, my three, for one. were unlucky and we found ourselves walking all the way to Catania station. We had a fairly long wait for the train and when it arrived, there was a scramble for seats, at one of the stops, we had to move several carriages up, for '-hey were to take some of the carriages off. When we had finally settled down, we could observe the features of the country in the region of Taormina; the country was heavily ridged, in a general East-West direction therefore, the train has to pass through several long tunnels before we finally reached the station at the Taormina village of Giardini at about 1.00 p.m. We collected on the station and were soon off, up the road to the 'Capo' camping site, where we pitched camp among the daisies and had lunch. In the afternoon we went to have a look, at Taormina which is a picturesque, little town in beautiful surroundings. It stands at the top of a huge cliff, on a terrace, surrounded on three sides by small mountains and on the fourth by the cliff and sea. The shops are very pleasant and the souvenirs some of the best we had seen. Several of us returned to camp to have an early dinner sad turn in. On Saturday 8th, we had breakfast and the few who were to collect rucksacks from those who were attempting the 'first series' of the Duke of Edinburgh's award; and who, having walked from Catania were at Giarre. We were to walk to Taormina with them. We set off in shorts, (for it had been and was, very hot) for the station at Giardini where, those who were to walk, bought one-way tickets to Giarre. We hadn't long to wait for the train and were soon off. The ride took less than half an hour and we were soon being greeted by the older boys, who, having pet their eyes on us, seemed to throw their rucksacks at us. We set off for Taormina along the road with the older boys, now unburdened, who soon disappeared over the horizon. There were four of us, and we set off at a fairly fast pace, stopping every hour for a drink and somehow managing to maintain the pace and arrived at Taormina at intervals (3.15, 3.30, 8.40) and retired for a rest with very sore feet. We had an early dinner when most of the party (who had been in Taormina) joined us. Then we went to Taormina in the evening and had a pleasant time. We turned in late when we returned. On Sunday 9th, we had breakfast late and went up to Taormina to look through the shops thoroughly. Having returned and had lunch, we played with the ball in the afternoon and went into Taorimina again in the evening. On Monday 10th, we stayed at the camp and tidied up, the majority having ,n shower. In the afternoon everybody went up to Taormina, some to 'Coitel Mola' which offered a fine view, others to the Greek theatre which was most interesting and the rest to the lovely park outside Taormina. We fell down the road in a tremendous hurry as it began to rain and we weren't sure whether tents were secure or even completely up ! It stopped raining and we played around the camp-site. A doctor arrived to have a look at those 'ant-bites' (several had come out in spots, and the ants being immediately blamed, we massacred thousands). He believed that it was mild food-poisoning and for the next day or so, we had to take 'big' and 'little' pills. It rained again later on and we had dinner with great difficulty. As there was nothing more to do, we turned in early. On Tuesday llth, the last day that we were able to visit Taormina, we had an early breakfast, spent the morning packing and tidying up, had an early lunch and made our way to Taormina where we bought our last-minute presents and souvenirs. We had been given money to buy a meal in Taormina, so there was no hurry to return to camp. When we had finally seen all we could see, ate all we could eat and bought all we wanted to buy, we returned to camp in high spirits, had our pills and one of Mr. Cleaver's specials, at the bar over the road recommended by the same. We then turned in. On Wednesday 12th. we were up very early, had the tent down and breakfasted. Then we packed our rucksacks with difficulty because of the few extra things. We were then sent down to the station when we were ready, to catch the train at 10.50 a.m.. We collected on the station and the train came promptly, we boarded and were soon on our way to Syracuse. It was a very interesting journey, we passed through familiar places; Giarre, Catania and arrived at Syracuse at 1.30 p.m. We then walked to, and put our rucksacks together, outside, Customs House. Hour watches were arranged for the next six hours and we were each given money to buy a meal; each therefore had five hours to go into Syracuse and have a meal. We were not much impressed by Syracuse; there are few shops and the houses were squalid, the people poor. However, we managed to pass the time, and at 9.00 p.m. started to go through customs and embarkation procedure. On boarding the 'Citta di Livorno', we turned in early and had a very good sleep. On arriving in Grand Harbour at 5.30 a.m., disembarked promptly and after passing through the customs which caused anxiety among some we left for a large breakfast with happy memories of the trip and much gratitude for all this hard work that Mr. Cleaver and Mr. Stanley put into it to make it successful. DAVID SMITH — 4AG.
CAREERS This is the first year in which an article on Careers has appeared in the School Magazine; a Careers Service has however existed in the school for some years and is now being rapidly built up and extended. Our greatest drawback has been the lack of suitable display space but a large Careers Notice Board will shortly appear outside Block 2 — 5 A.G./5B.G.classrooms. Then we hope to let everybody see that there are careers and prospects of employment which they perhaps have not considered before. We can offer a list of some 190 careers and types of employment which in turn suggest others. The range is vast — from the established professions, the Law, Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing, Teaching and Secretarial Employment to work involving the use of more practical knowledge and manual skills, as well as a number of interesting opportunities, offering scope for both intellectual and practical work. I am thinking here of the developing field of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy. We have ample information on the various branches of the Services, and on schemes of entry to most of the important Engineering firms in Britain. A number of books on Careers are available on loan, and the School Library already holds most of the books in the "Careers for Girls" series. Special booklets published by the National Union of Teachers on Careers and on the entrance requirements of all Universities in Britain are also available for consultation. We welcome from Senior boys and girls who leave us each year any "literature" that they have received from firms and for which they have no further use — it may help to solve someone else's "career problem". For nowadays it is a problem to select from all the material offered by countless firms and organisations. It is only fair however, to point out that for many careers, 4 or 5 passes at 'O' level of the G.C.E., are required before training can begin, but this must not discourage those not following a G.C.E. course — there are still many opportunities — in Building, Advertising, Retail Selling and in a variety of trades — which do not always require G.C.E. passes. Remember that an employer looks at the future as well as the past when he considers the reports which you produce as evidence of your ability --he considers of great importance your participation in school activities, apart from what you achieve in the classroom; he looks for your possible contribution to a firm or organisation in terms of your being a useful, willing and active member of a team in which you want a good, permanent and secure position. Here in Malta, we cannot obviously made the personal contacts with Youth Employment Officers which are among the important tasks undertaken by Careers Masters in Britain, nor can we help people to find local employment. If, after looking over the lists of suggestions for careers, you are still very vague about what you would like to do, or rather what would suit you in later life, why not come and have a talk with one of us: Miss REED, Mr. L. SMITH, Mr. GALLAGHER It is hoped in the next school year to arrange definite times for different classes to come and consult us, but a tactful knock on the Staffroom door on most days between 1.40 and 2.0 p.m. will normally find Mr. Gallacher available. Finally, do not be frightened by the word Career; this is not merely something for the ambitious and well qualified sixth former. As you move out of school, you leave the stage of romance for the stage of reason — you face the fact that you have a future — and perhaps one day you reach the stage of "sweet reasonableness" and are happy in your work. We do not all possess the magic of a Disney: some of us paint the scenery, others move the scenery, others again are the scenery -- but you are all on stage, whether as Snow White or as one of the Seven to offer Work and Service (and perhaps Entertainment). Your Careers Master is merely the prompter. A. F. G. THE SCHOOL LIBRARY The school library is situated near the bus park, in block 17. In size, the library is not small, but, then it is by no means big. Recently new furniture has been installed, formica topped tables together with new and more accessible shelving. Last year the books were in cupboards, which were very difficult to use carefully, but last Christmas Term some boys from the 5th and 6th years were able to make some shelves which were later painted a light grey. Also during the Easter holidays the library was painted out to a light grey, and the appearance has improved immensely. The library is open to all classes, but as it is not possible for all the grammar forms to have their library period during lesson time they have them during the lunch hour with a librarian in charge. During the day a librarian from each class looks after the library. The staff also use the library when ever they wish. Before Christmas the books were few, but since then we have received many more interesting volumes, there are now about 2,700 books, a vast difference from last year. There are now about 1,500 fiction books, and about 1,200 non-fiction. We also have a reference library consisting of four sets of encyclopaedias, dictionaries and books of general interest. Books range from careers to fictional books. Books on countries and histories. Pets and hobbies, and almost every subject you can think of. Most people go for Enid Blyton and the Sue Barton series, especially in 1st. and 2nd. years. We ordered a complete new set of Sue Barton books, all the Biggies books were doubled, and also some books on careers were ordered. We have a special 5th and 6th year cupboard, containing only a few books, which get used quite a lot. No doubt the numbers will increase as time goes on. This cupboard will be opened to the 4th Year too when sufficient number of books are available. The system on which the library is run is similar to that of any public library, in U.K., and if the book is over due then there is a small fine to pay, we would, of course, rather have the books back on time, than have "the cash fines". Last term a surprising number of books got lost — just lost. This is unnecessary and very bad for the school as a whole. We like to see the library used extensively — but used properly — for the sake of all the other people in the school. MARGARET BLUNDELL, LIBRARIAN 5 A.M. THE BALLROOM DANCING SOCIETY Although there was no doubt of the high standard of rock 'n roll amongst the senior member of the school, it was a noticable fact that few pupils knew how to ballroom dance. In order to remedy this sad state of affairs, Mr. Moore started a Ballroom Dancing Society at the beginning of the Spring Term, only two months alter his arrival in Malta. The club was first held one Monday evening, and a surprisingly large number of fifth and sixth formers attended. That evening we waltzed, or attempted to waltz, up and down the hall in straight lines stopping at either end to turn round. By the end of the next week we had managed some of the more orthodox turns and were in the throes of a quickstep. We had far more difficulty with this dance than with the waltz, but somehow managed to move around the hall, even though it was hardly in a manner suitable for experienced dancers. Then the fun really started ! This was in the form of a samba, a cha-cha-cha and a palais glide. These three dances became as popular as the waltz which we could now do quite presentably. We also had a hilarious time practising our conga in a long, snake-like formation across the hall. For those people who preferred more sedate dances, Mr. Moore taught the slow foxtrot and the veleta. These dances proved invaluable for recovery from the "Gay Gordons" and also the "St. Bernard's Waltz." On the 24th April, all the fifth and sixth forms were given a chance to show their progress at the society's dance. As a result of the work of many pupils under the direction of Mr. Moore and Mr. Dickerson, the hall was decorated with a drapery of fishing nets and an awe-inspiring clown, which was suspended from the roof. The dance was entirely arranged by Mr. Moore and was very successful, marking the climax of a series of very enjoyable evenings. We would like to thank Mr. Moore and also his wife, who partnered him in their many demonstrations of how ballroom dancing should be done. GILLIAN McCARTHY VI Sc. JOURNEY TO THE MOON My name is professor Guilt, and I work at the rocket research station Plymouth. I have just perfected a new rocket called Tornado. The people chosen are myself, my son, and my assistant to go on the trip to the moon. The following morning we were all set for take-off. We boarded her, checked our space suits, checked the control and the liquid fuel, we then donned our harness and prepared for take-off. We started off at tremendous speed, that nearly made me black out, when I regained my senses we were high above the earth. The space-ship was very steady in flight, and we got used to the weightlessness. About a thousand miles up we took our harness off and put the space-ship in remote control while we looked out of the port hole, it was a magnificent sight the earth looked like a big glass marble spinning round and when we saw space ahead of us it seemed never ending. On the third day we had some damage to the ship, a meteor had gone straight through our ship, causing our motors to stop, because it had severed the main fuel pipe. After patching the fuel pipe up, we still had the holes in the side of the ship to contend with so we blocked them up with a special kind of fibre glass. Satisfied our job had been done properly, we started the motors and away we sped towards the moon. On the fifth day we landed on the moon to find it barren and desert land. We put our space suits on and went down the steps I fell down the steps, but the weightlessness dropped me gently on the ground. We made a base camp and we set off exploring. We stayed there a few days, but eventually it was found the moon was deserted so we stepped back in the spaceship and set a course for home. When we landed in Plymouth England we received a tumultous welcome. B. DREW. — 2.C.M, RED BALLOONS Dreams are just like red balloons tied to a piece of string. We watch them gently float away while breezes softly sing. Far up above the tree tops high and over steeples, too, The gay balloons just soar away into the distant blue. How many dreams — like red balloons go swinging every day. How many hearts ache longingly and speed them on their way? How many pray for fresh, fair wind to help them reach a star. For in a dream we all may be just what we think we are. SHIRLEY LAWRENCE, 4B.M. A MOORLAND WALK IN AUTUMN As I walked down the narrow path it looked like an angry and twisting snake in the pale Autumn sunlight. The last small bird was whistling cheerfully as though his heart would burst but I could see nothing in the way of bird life for him to be happy about. The ground was sparsely scattered with small bunches of heather, and the small number of trees which were on this desolate stretch of moorland were moving gently in the wind like a conductor waving his baton. As I walked further on I glanced upwards to the sky and saw to my delight a beautiful formation of geese, it looked as though mother nature had taken up a needle and thread and embroidered a large 'V on a pale blue background. I walked along whistling merrily so glad that I had two good legs to walk on and two good eyes to see the beauty that nature has provided for us. SUSAN HESSE, 4 B.M. BELGIUM Have you ever been to Belgium ? Well, I have! Belgium is a small country between Holland, France and Germany. Belgium has its own king, King Baudouin, who has recently got married to a Spanish princess. Brussels is the capital of Belgium and in 1958 the great international exhibition was held there, and was very successful. Antwerp is the second largest city in Belgium. It is on the River Scheldt, the largest harbour on the continent. Overlooking the Scheldt is the cathedral, a beautiful building. It was built in the 14th century. The largest sandy beach in Belgium is at Ostend. Many English people go there, as it is only four hours by ferry from Dover. One of the quaintest places in Belgium is Bruges. There are lots of canals criss-crossing the old town and white swans swim upon them. Old women make beautiful fine lace with the old-fashioned system of crossing reels over one another. The old women usually sit outside their houses in the sun making lace. Next year I hope to go to Belgium again as I always enjoy my trips. MARGARET HODGSON. 1AG. THE SEAGULL A seagull flew across the sky, The waves lapped upon the shore; Nestled there, alone and shy, A bird, wounded and sore; Crying pitifully to its mother, To its sister, to its brother, To its father and cousin too, But what, what could they do? The bird had flown far that morning, Past the nets and past the awning, Till it met a terrible storm, A terrible shape, a terrible storm. Roaring like a raging beast, Coming from the darkened east, Casting a shadow where'er it went, Leaving trees torn and rent, The lightning flashed across the sky, The thunder clashed up on high. It threw the waves across the beach It threw the pebbles out of reach The wind around the chimney roaring, And slates and tiles went soaring, A wind swept thing, amidst the gloom, The bird struggled on the reach its home. Until, at last, Some wind-tossed thing, Hit a wildly Flapping wing Down the young bird went a' moaning, Onto the beach where pebbles were groaning Till the storm did cease at last, And the wind did cease to blast. So now they come from every reach, to their friend upon the beach, To try to comfort their poor friend, Till death does come as an end. ROSALYN DAVEY... 4 AG.
UNSEEN BY OTHERS We sped merrily along the highway linking Naples with Rome. We had commenced our journey across the historical continent of Europe, so many miles across the ocean, far away from "home" Alabama. This was our chance to see what so many of our fellow countrymen never will. Rome was a lovely city, smothered in ancient history and modern beauty. The Coliseum, standing so gallantly through so many years, surrounded by modern highways. The forum seemed to be a city within a city. The Sistine Chapel, with the famous works of Michelangelo, St. Peter's Cathedral, the museums, the catacombs, the beautiful churches; all these and many more, bring out the true character of the city. The great contrast with the modern monuments and buildings made us imagine the ancient empire. We left Rome and spent a day driving across Italy, through the mountains and up along the eastern coast to Venice. This stop was by far, the most unique of our journey. We first viewed the city at night. Brilliant lights showed the interior of almost every building; the chandeliers and sculpture work was beautiful. The next day, we toured the cily by boat-bus. We watched a funeral sail out to the cemetery isle; we saw the glass factory and watched them blowing the famous Venetian glass; we saw the beautiful linen works. The oriental influence could be clearly seen iii St. Mark's Square, where we fed the famous pigeons and visited the beauti-fu' cathedral. We were sorry to leave, but enjoyed the trip through Brenner Pass of the Italian Alps and into Austria. Innsbruck, a tiny village nestled in a valley, was famous for its wood-carvings and ancient buildings; some built by Charlemagne in the sixteenth century. The village was very quaint and typical of Austria. From Innsbruck, we drove across to mountainous Switzerland, passing through Lichenstein on the way. Zurich and Basle were both very beautiful cities. The Rhine seemed peaceful as we crossed it. We drove on through Germany and up to Amsterdam, Holland, through Belgium and to Calais. Here we caught the ferry to Dover and a train to London. At London, we visited Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, Hampton Court, British Museum, the Monument, Westminister Abbey, Parliament and St. Paul's Cathedral, We spent a day at Windsor Castle and took a short trip up the River Thames. After this we went back to Dover and ferried across to Calais, where we picked up our car and drove on to Paris. Paris was lovely in the summer. The Champs-Elysees was lined with trees in full-bloom. The Arc-de-Triomphe stood white, against the clear ble sky. The Eiffel Tower stood towering above the city, surrounded by a park of green. The Louvre was filled with art from all the ancient nations. Some of the more famous being the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo and Winged Victory. From there we went on to Geneva and through Southern France, along the coast, back to Italy and to Florence, a quaint city, famous for its gold works and marble statues. It was a long drive back to Naples, but we felt that the trip was well worth any discomforts that we may have had along the way. LYNN KENNEDY — 4AG. PERUGIA When Perugia is mentioned the instinctive reaction is to think of chocolate. Chocolates — I know I will receive great opposition in saying this — are, however, only a minor glory in respect to what Perugia has to offer as a centre of art and culture. Situated on a hill top, commanding an extensive view, it was originally founded by the Umbrians. It was important under the Etruscans and later under the Romans. After the Barbarian invasions Perugia became a free city and developed greatly. Then it passed, after many internal struggles, under the sway of the Popes. Throughout this great span of years the gradual developement of Man's mind and life may be traced, reflected in His home and buildings. His art in general and most especially in His tombs, many of which are found scattered near Perugia. For example, from the Etruscan tombs it may be assumed that the Etruscans were better family men than the Romans. The Etruscan husband and wife were pledged to each other for all eternity, even after death, whereas the Romans tended to be more fickle in this regard. As a result of many such architectural and other remains, the museums in Perugia have much to offer. The prehistoric museum of Central Italy and the Etruscan-Roman museum are both very interesting Perugia, the home of Perugino the founder of the Umbrian School of Art and teacher of Rafael has naturally has a number of his works in the National Gallery of Umbria which also contains works of Pinturicchio, Angelico and Rafaele. Perugia indeed is far from being the only place able to boast of such precious treasures, but what distinguishes it from many other places is that, like Pompei, it has been able to retain the spirit of distant years. Once inside the Etruscan walls surrounding the old city, one cannot help but reflect back to, and live through what happened thousands of years ago. Is there little wonder that Perugia has become the seat of the Italian Foreigners' University! Nearly every little village in the Umbrian region may be connected with some well known event, and Perugia not being far from such spots as Lake Transimena, famous for the battle fought between the Romans and Hannibal's armies 217 B.C., or I Fontidel Clitunno. whose devastating beauty was sung by Caducci, many excursions are arranged by the University. 'All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy,' - so the saying goes, and to remedy the delightful but nevertheless hard work, of exploring the past, nne always seems to be able to stumble across a peaceful wayside cafe at the end of a winding lane, lined with trees, on the slope of a neighbouring hill. Or if one prefers there is always the open air dancing on the bank of the river Tevere far away from the noise and care of everyday life, in the open country, where the natural vegetation has not been destroyed. Yes, it is indeed true to say that places such as Perugia which are able to combine the past and present as intimately as they combine the laughter and happy voices of many hundreds of students of different nations, are extremely few and far between. A. MARENGO-ROWE.
. For House Notes See Sport Section Back to Top
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