U.B.H.S. Borderer 1954

The First of the School Buildings


Umtali Boys High School Staff:

Headmaster: A. D. Gledhill, M.A. (Cantab.) — Civics.
Deputy Head: J. F. Gaylard. B.Sc. (S.A.), U.E.D. — Maths.

I/C General Side: T. O. Phillips, N.C.T.C. (D.) — Science and Arithmetic.
R. J. Andrew. B.Sc. (S.A.), U.E.D. — Geography; Scripture
B. M. Black, P.T.C. — Afrikaans
G. Boyd. N.D.D., A.T.D. (Lond) — Art
G. H. Brewer, B.Sc. (Nott.), C.Ed — Science
A M. Burns. B.Sc. (C.T.). S.T.C — Science
E. J. Clark, B.A. (Oxon.) — English; Latin
J. B. Clarke, B.A. (S.A.), U.E.D. — Geography; Survey
J. W. Cowlard, A.R.C.M. — Music
R. M. Crowley. D.P.E. — Physical Training
J. Edington, B.A. (C.T.), U.E.D. — French
Miss S. M. B. Maritz.. — Bursar
G.E. McGrath, B.A.(Hons. Wales), D.Ed. — History
E. J. Mirams. C. of G., H.T.C. — Crafts
J. Nelson, B.Sc. (S.A.). — Maths; Science
C. Pert. D.T.S. (Dundee). — Crafts
P. J. Potts, D.Ed. (Exeter). — History; World Affairs
E. G. G. Quirke, B.A., B.Mus., T.T.D. (Jo'burg) . — Music
A. J. A. Russell, M.A. (Oxon) . — English
W. J. Shepherd, C.Ed.. D.R.B.T.C. — Speech and Drama
E. C. W. Silcock, B.Sc. (S.A.), U.E.D. (U.K.). — Maths
H. J. Theron, B.A. (S.A.), U.E.D. — Afrikaans
P. J. van Aswegen, B.A. (Rand), Hons. B.A. (S.A.), T.T.D. (Jo'burg)..— Latin; Afrikaans
L A. O. Wallace.— Grounds
M. B. E. Whlley, B.A. (C.T.), D.Ed. (Oxon.) . — English Subjects

School Prefects :
Head Boy: A. C. Ferreira.
J. C. dc Beer
C. P. du Bruin
R. J. Hagen
L J. R. McCulloch
G. J. Oliver;
F. J. van Zyl
H. R. Waters
D. D. Webb.

Hon. Auditor : T. Howman.
Hon. Legal Adviser : T. Gargan.

Umtali High Schools' Council
A. C. Soffe. C.B.E. (Chairman); H. W. F. Hill (Secretary);
Mesdames M. B. Fearn; C. T. Milne; H. J. Muggleton; Messrs. D. Catsicas; L. F.Hughes; A. M. G. Marson; J. Nesbitt; B. T. Park.

Parents' Association Executive
B. T. Park (Chairman); Mrs. C. T. Milne (Secretary); Mesdames W. R. Cruickshank; M. B. Fearn; W. C. Tyler; Messrs. L. F. Hughes. W. C. Tyler; J. S. Wilkins.

Editorial
We are the privileged.

The massive buildings of our new school, like border fortresses, command the Eastern Gateway to Southern Rhodesia; they command a scene of mountains and valley and sky that is. beyond words, lovely.

We are lucky indeed—in our setting, in the quality of our accommodation, in the equipment we already have, in our prospects. Considerable sums of money have been spent on us, and more will be spent in the years ahead. On our side we mean to see to it that, while the ancillary buildings go up and the bulldozers grind into the veld, we do our building too. We have the fine foundations of the U.H.S. We have a half-share in a tradition, of which the town is justly proud. Let us erect something special, something that can be seen and admired from afar.

It is up to us for, though we are successors, we are Founders also.

We are the privileged.

School activities throng the last pages of the Calendar. Unfortunately, for printing reasons, this magazine has to "close" on October 31. We are therefore unable to include the following events :

Remaining cricket fixtures;
Swimming Gala;
Memorial Service;
Speech Night
Final House Placings of the Year

Unreadable entry

Staff Notes
VALETE:

Mr. W. A. Ramsay, now Headmaster of Liebenberg School, Enkeldoorn.

Mr. E. B. Coetzee and Mr. O. K. Whitfield, resigned from the Service on account of ill health.
Messrs. J. Annandale, D. Coffey and F. Greener on transfer.
Best wishes to them all.

SALVETE:

Messrs. R. J. Andrew, B. M. Black, G. Boyd, G. H. Brewer, J. Nelson, C. W. Pert, E. G. Quirke,
W. J. Shepherd, M. B. E. Whiley.

We offer all the above a warm welcome to the School. They seem to be finding plenty to do and are already Old Hands.

Mr. C. F. Euinton came and left during the year and Mrs. V. Strauss and Mr. J. P. Hutchinson effectively helped us out during periods of sick leave.

LEAVE :

Messrs R. J. Andrew. J. F. Gaylard and E. C. W. Silcock took a deep breath and plunged into leave. Mr. Andrew is not yet back but the other two are rapidly losing weight.

CONGRATULATIONS :
MATRIMONY :
Mr. Annandale to Miss Pat Hutchinson (an Old Girl and member of Staff).

Mr. Phillips to Miss Pixie Farrell (another Old member of staff) and Mr. Potts to

Miss Gwen Lizius (also a teacher).

The Staffing Officer, Mr. A. Middlemas, ex Umtali High School staff, adds his congratulations but plaintively reminds our remaining bachelors that he does have to staff Girls' Schools.

INCREASED RESPONSIBILITIES :
Mr. and Mrs. Andrew (daughter). Mr. and Mrs. Quirke (daughter).
Mr. and Mrs. Silcock (son).
We hold thumbs both for Parents and for Offspring. The former have our moral support; the latter our sympathy.

Other Peoples Children
Unreadable

Valete
Form
VIA : Green C., Maynard J., Nolan J.

VA : Ferreira G., Heasman G., Olsen G., Shaw J., van der Merwe W.

VL : Hill R.

IVA : Cotton B.. Hamilton J., Ward C.

IVB : Du Preez J., Forrest I., Frangoulis N.. Gledhill B., Hayes L., Joubert., M., Lombard J., Lovrich V., Steel A.

IVL : Cruger D., Gamble K.. Jacques N., Joss R., Pettifor A., Velthuisen B..

IVR : Richter M.

IIIA : Grey D.

IIIC : Butterficld T., Coles P., Pepler W., van Rensburg M.

IIIL : Car M.. Logan A., Mallalieu K., Molyneaux K., Nel A., Pitzer C., Sargent F., Scruton R., van der Walt D., Vivier E.. Whittaker E.

IIA : Berber G., Greener J., Macrae C.

IIB : Blatch A., Brocks K., Gardner R., Hywood P., Vigour H.

IIC : Peel F.

IID : Blatch N., Esson C.

IIL : Aranjo N., Borman J., Colyn S., McLoughlin P., Pownall A., Reynard R., Strydcm C.. Vermaak D., Ward C., Wide W.

IA : Crisp A., DeVoy I.

IB: Foster A.

IG : Meager V.

IL: Chase C., MacLarcn D., Odendaal E., Vickery C.

Salvete
Form
IIIA : Gauld J., West V.

IIIB : Wilkinson L.

IIA : Dadds V., Pitzer K.

IIB : Blake E., Capsopoulos S., Friedman P., Hendry R., Manson-Bishop R., Viljoen I.

IIL : Alberts A., Arnoldi R., de Bruin P.. Dinsdale A., Kettle B.

IIM : Hoffman J., Mitchell C., Pieters P.

IA : Adams P., Brown R., Clarke S., de Kock B., de Sperville B., du Plessis H., Giles J.. Harris K., Harvey P., Holloway C., Hulley A., Lea R., Leontakianakos P., McCausland I., McLean W.. Meikle D.,Mitchell A., Park M.. Rees H., Rudolph A.. Saunders M., Schwegmann B.. Smith W., Stacey H., Stepto W., Stewart A., van Heerden R., Watson D., Wilkins M., Zambelis P.

IB : Austin R., Bernasconi M., Bezuidenhout H., Carey R., Chalmers D., Coakley C., du Toit R., Geldenhuys H., Griffiths M., Hamilton F.. Hartley T., Joubert P., Langley P.. Lloyd A., Lotter R., Lourens., C., McSmythe E., Miller H., Richardson D., Sandford G., Stoecklmayer V., Styles A., Thatcher J., Theron B.; van Heerden P.. Wasserman J.,

IC : Candy D., Capsopoulos A., Curtin V., Davies M., Dobie L., Flewellen A., Garner T.. Goddard R.. Heasman A.. Hird I., Hughes R., Illman B., Joss D., Kietsmann N.. le Grange P., Lourens H.. Manson-Bishop L., Messina F., Methven J., Mitchell R., Oberholzer P., Odendaal D., Palmer C., Pinchen T.. Polonakis K., Richards N., Waters J.

IL : Barclay W., Bennett C., Bezuidenhout C., Bing R., Cummings E., de Bruin H., Edwins J., Finch P., Goodrich C., Hamilton A., Hope E., Kleinwort B., Lewis D., Logan M., Mather M., Moolman B., Neilson R., Pearmain E., Spooner L., Yaxley D.

IM : Lombard J., Macdonald E., Morgan G., Pepler A., Range T., Steyn P.. Teles J., Wood T.

Headmaster's Notes

So much appears elsewhere in this Magazine about the activities, hopes and aspirations of the School that there remains little for me to say.

The more fully we become absorbed in building up our separate Boys' School, the more rapidly do we recover from our nostalgic regrets at the demise of the old U.H.S. We retain, however, more than a share in the common name, Umtali High School. We retain a special affinity with the Girls' School. We call on them for help as from a member of the same family; we share activities that it is practicable for us to share. The chief change is that co-operation is moved to a different level. In everyday matters each School paddles his/her own canoe, and each will develop distinctive features. It will be most interesting to see what grows from this new and inevitable approach. Meanwhile we wish the Girls every success in attaining that great independent future which we are sure they will achieve.

One further comment. A School must have a Head, but I am in the fortunate position of being no more than primus inter pares. That the Staff regard this School as their own is evidenced by their interest, their work and their enthusiasm. Most of those who leave us leave a gap. The breach is soon filled. For the Staff themselves possess that spirit of corporate co-operation that ensures continuity. We are fortunate, too, in our Prefects and in most of our Seniors. They are taking a pride in their School. They feel they belong, and are setting an example that the Juniors may safely follow.

To make such statements is to challenge Nemesis and Old Olympus.

Be that as it may, we face the year 1955 with zest and expectation, ready to take the rough with the smooth, and ready to try to learn from experience.

The School Curriculum and Activities

Scholastic Organisation :
All new entrants at the Form I stage take a series of Grading Tests, as the result of which and their previous records they are placed in one of four groups :—

Group (a) full Form I curriculum with Latin. Group (b) full Form I except Latin. Group (c) partial Form I with extensive revision of Std. 5 English and Arithmetic. Group (d) continuation from the lower stage actually assimilated — usually Std. 2—4 — together with practical subjects.

This year we have two Forms of Group (a), and one each of Groups (b), (c) and(d).

At the end of Form I comes the division into Academic and General Sides.

Academic Side :
Those who have successfully passed Groups (a) and (b) qualify for promotion to Form II of the four and five-year academic stream respectively. The pace of the five-year stream is slower than that of the four-year stream. Both streams lead to Matriculation through the Cambridge School Certificate. A two-year Post-Certificate course after Matriculation leads to the Higher Certificate and Bursary Examinations.

General Side:
Those who pass Group (c) Form I are eligible for promotion to Form II General. If such wish to pursue an academic course they must re-sit the Grading Tests and successfully complete a full Form I before passing to Form II academic. The General Side in the lower Forms is therefore one year behind the Academic Side in academic examination subjects. All pupils sit the Departmental General Certificate Examination in English and Arithmetic in Form in.

Specialisation is introduced in Form in and expanded in Form IV. Pupils are prepared for the N.T.C. Examinations in suitable subjects. The aim of the course is to provide for those who will enter skilled Trades or go onto farms without attending an Agricultural College. The subjects included cover theory and practical application in building, the internal combustion engine, electrical work, engineering drawing, and wood- and metalwork. English, Mathematics and Science continue. World Affairs replaces History and Geography.

When our new Workshops open next year a considerable consolidation and extension of the work on the General Side will be possible, and has been planned. It is anticipated that an increased number of boys will transfer from the Academic Side at the end of Form II; and we expect to be able to vary within limits the courses offered, in order to serve more completely the needs of the major groups. For example those who are to farm need some understanding of book-keeping. We consider that we are already well launched in developing the General Side on the lines that were intended when the General Side was established in the Colony, and look forward to a big stride forward as the result of our new facilities.

EXTRA-MURAL ACTIVITIES
All boys take part in organised team games, and in Cadets when they reach the appropriate age, unless there are medical reasons that render such activities inadvisable. All boys, too, take their share in developing the School playing fields and grounds for their own benefit and for the benefit of future generations of schoolboys.

Hobbies are voluntary until a boy has signed on. They then become compulsory for one term. Hobbies include Archery, Art, Athletics, .22 Bisley, .303 Bisley, Building, Chess, Dance Club (Form III up). Debating, Dramatics, Musical-Dramatics, Philately, Printing, Experimental and Natural Science Groups, and Young Farmers' Club. The Photographic Club will be re-started next year when facilities became available. Swimming is likely to remain in the doldrums, for our 200 boarders at any rate, until we can build our own bath. Six miles is far to walk for a swim, and time is rarely available. Ground for Tennis Courts has been levelled and we shall make them when the rains have settled the levels.

We feel acutely the lack of a Library. We are accumulating books and pass them round the class-rooms. In short, there are books for boys to read. Training and experience in the proper use of books in the distinctive Library atmosphere must await the provision of a Library.

Lunch :
About 50 day-boys can be accommodated at the Hostels for lunch at a charge of 1s. (shilling)They do supervised prep, between lunch and games.

Public Examination Results
Eddy Norris decided not to include these as it could be an infringement on the individuals privacy.



UBHS Prefect 1954

Obituaries

It was with very deep regret that we heard of the death of Mr. J. A. Palmer, after whom Palmer House had been named. It is a consolation to us that his portrait for the Hostel had been completed, and we proudly claim him for our own.

It is also with deep regret that we record the death of Tomislav Jakovic, a boarder of Kopje House, who died after a bicycle accident on February 9th, 1954.

Official Opening of the New School Block

The School was proud and happy to welcome Sir Godfrey and Lady Huggins on September 17th; and to express its admiration, respect and affection for a man who, while using to the full in the service oi his Country those great qualities with which he is endowed, and while rising greatly in the service of his Country, has yet kept the common touch. As usual, Sir Godfrey acted as a tonic to self-help. He will not, however, be allowed to forget that a School Hall is in Umtali an essential requirement; not a frill.

The School is on the way to possessing a half of its basic needs. While remaining vigorously conscious of the urgent educational requirements it still lacks, it does very deeply appreciate the quality of what it does possess, and the grand opportunities that lie before its pupils Thanks are most gratefully accorded the Education Department, the Architect and the Public Works Department, the School Council and the very many members of the Community who have helped and are helping to make a dream come true. One name stands out among the many - that of Mr. A. C. Soffe. Those who work behind the scenes know how great has been his contribution.

The weather was kind, perhaps too kind. Had it rained, our distinguished guests might have felt in their bones a personal conviction concerning our need for a Hall.

House Portraits

The two new Hostels were named Crawford and Palmer, in honour of of Umtali's two surviving Pioneers. All boarders, including those at Kopje and Tait, are members of Crawford or Palmer House for the purpose of Inter-House competition.

The day boys are similarly divided into two Houses, Hill and Livingston, named after two former Headmasters of the Umtali High School.

We are grateful to these four gentlemen for affording us the inspiration of their names.

The Umtali Club presented the Hostels with pastel portraits by Hals of Mr. J. L. Crawford and Mr. J. A. Palmer; and the Old Borderers Association presented the School with portraits, also by Hals, of Mr. B. B. Hill and Mr. H. G. Livingston.

The Hostel portraits were presented by Captain G. Herbert, R.N. Chairman of the Umtali Club, at a ceremony held in the central dining hall on April 11th. Mr. Crawford was able to attend and received a warn: welcome.

Mr. T. Stratton, Chairman of the O.B.A., presented the portraits of Mr. Hill and Mr. Livingston at the official opening of the new School block in the presence of Mr. Hill. Mr. Livingston was unfortunately prevented from attending and sent his good wishes.

We are very grateful to the Umtali Club and the O.B.A. for their most acceptable gifts.

Incidentally, one Crawford and two Palmer grandchildren are resident in the Hostels.

Gifts and Grounds.
From the beginning of the year to October 15th the School received, in donations ranging from 5s. to £25 (with one anonymous gift of £45). a total of £133 2s. 6d. from the following:—
J. M. Cawson, J. R. Clark, J. Crawford, W. R. Cruickshank, J. Easton, P. Edwards, Mrs. D. M. Evert, J. Gazet, J. Hough, D. Hume, N. Innes, Z. F. Joubert, P. V. Levy, I. MacLachlan, W. Marsh, H. Miller, L. R. Morgan, Estcourt Palmer. F. Sargent, C. Uglietti, Umtali Child Welfare Society, and B. S. Walker.

The following continue with stop-orders totalling £8 1s. 0d. a month:—

D. Catsicas, J. Christodoulatos, E. F. & A. W. Gammon, H. W. F. Hill, T. P. H. Klasen, A. Markides, Mrs. J. M. Parker and the Popular Bazaar.

It is encouraging to note that a number of Old Boys remember us financially; some when they receive their first pay packet, others when they come back to visit us.

Hidden donations and gifts in kind have been numerous. Mr. Deane, of Excavators Ltd., heads the list with bulldozing work for which he charged £1,200 less than the normal price. Other gifts in kind, or rebates, varying in value from £30 to over £300, were received from Duty's, E. J. Norris, Keystones, and Major and Mrs. Courtauld (16mm. cinematograph machine).

The Umtali Archery Club has inaugurated a School section with a gift of six bows, Mr. Nesbitt found us three dozen urgently needed tar drums, Mr. Franklin and Mr. A- F. H. Valentine continue to provide soil for turf wickets, Col. Methuen presented an aeroplane propellor, and Mr. Hume presented the Scientific Society with a dozen radio sets (part used). When these have served the curiosity of Society members they will be re-assembled for sale at our next Fete.

Frequently on the job helping us with services and advice have been Messrs. J. K. Anderson, D. Copeland, U. Cultrera, V. Curtin, A. J. Drysdale A. J. Eley, W. C. King, P. N. Macdonald, E. Randall, F. D. Reed, D. Shinn, J. Spring, E. Tucker, J. S. Wilkins and A. Woods.

Many others have responded to occasional calls, and the Municipality and many Government Departments willingly assist when they can. Some of our farmer friends were coming forward with tobacco scrap and fertiliser, but we haven't received much yet, except guano from Mr. P. van Heerden.

When the Pavilion accounts are finally checked there will be other names to add.

To all the above we offer our sincere thanks. What is being done with this help? The following are the projects on hand:—

PAVILION.
The concrete structure cost some £3,000. We couldn't make that ourselves. The walls (40,000 bricks) are being built by the boys, who also fit the doors and windows and will plaster in due course.

NEW FIELD.
This has been protected against erosion, and water has been laid on. The boys have to plant the 3& acres with grass, as also the containing banks. New grass and concrete nets are in course of preparation. Soil is being sifted for top-dressing at the end of term and the new turf wicket is being made.

TREE PLANTING.
4,000 cypress and 1,000 other trees and shrubs are to be planted this season. The cypress need 18in. cube holes. The boys have so far dug about 2,000. In addition 15,000 gums are down for planting as this season's quota under the Endowment Scheme.

OPEN-AIR THEATRE.
This has been marked out and trenches dug for hedges and trees. It promises to be a delightful acquisition. Unfortunately, like everything else, it requires money. The landscape needs to be changed.

As soon as the rainy season is over we start making the Tennis courts.

Churchill: Huggins: Smuts.
The School is the fortunate possessor of three excellent portraits in oils presented by Mr. A. C. Soffe. All three portraits are so alive that they are a constant stimulus. Unfortunately, pending the building of a Hall or a Library, they hang in the Headmaster's office. Only the Head therefore is sure of a daily infusion of energy. Twice a year every boy sees them, when he visits the office to meditate on his half-yearly report; and some there be who reluctantly call on the Head more frequently. It may be said accordingly that those most in need of injections receive them.

But it isn't the same as seeing the portraits quietly and calmly every day in a Hall.

The Need for a Hall.

If a school were just an agglomeration of human atoms gathered together to imbibe as great a degree of knowledge and skills as each atom has the capacity to absorb, each for his own benefit, it would be a waste of money to provide more than classrooms, laboratories and work-shops.

But a school is much more than that. It is a living entity. Every boy who enters its doors is influenced for better or for worse by its corporate standards, its tradition. Each boy adds his mite, be it good or bad.

Particularly at the adolescent age must the school take thought on its opportunities and responsibilities? The boy is growing into his own life, a life he must lead with his own contemporaries. For boarders school is home as well as school. For day-boys the school must work ever more closely with the home. The day of large families, where the children under parental guidance taught each other the art of living together, is past. Many parents must work, mothers as well as fathers. Only the School can fill the daily gap because only the school besides the home has the children every working day.

A Hall is to a secondary school what a church is to a congregation; what a House of Assembly is to a Parliament. A Hall enables a school to begin the day in a quiet, orderly atmosphere in which boys may grow to feel they belong. It is at morning Assembly that incidental reference may be made to hopes and set-backs, to occurrences that reflect credit or discredit on the school; in short to any of those hundred and one little details that determine whether a building houses an institution or a SCHOOL.

That is the moral, over-riding need for a Hall. In addition it makes an immense difference to the cultural life of a school.

The Endowment Scheme.

The £5 a year General Purposes fee paid by parents is insufficient to provide for games, hobbies, clubs and societies, and the maintenance of grounds. We can expect a deficit of £200 each year even if all parents pay their dues—and some seem to take their obligations very lightly. The figure of £200 is in respect of running expenses only, not including development.

Umtali is, by its situation, probably the most expensive school in the country to run. For example, there are no inter-school games to be had nearer than Salisbury. We play home and away matches with four Salisbury schools. Each of them travels once: we travel four times. Again, not only do our grounds cost more to make, they cost more to maintain against erosion.

Thanks to the generous response to the Special Fund appeal (which still continues) we have been able to put our development plans in hand, and to buy a lorry to enable them to be achieved. It would be tragic if what is being established now could not be maintained. Hence the Endowment scheme. The experts have advised the planting of 80 acres of gums as the surest cash crop in our circumstances. We have 30 acres available within our boundaries. We must find 50 acres elsewhere. The plan is to cut 10 acres each year in an eight year cycle. This, it is estimated, will ensure an income of £200 a year in eight years' time.

Meanwhile ?

The Tuck Shop.
Mr. Cruikshank, in one of his more splendid moments—his care for the Old Folks' Home was another—undertook to raise the money and build for us a Tuck Shop. We accepted with alacrity. We have so much development work on our hands that we couldn't undertake a tuck shop for ourselves yet awhile. Yet not only is it a need but it is revenue producing; and we are woefully short of revenue.

Mr. Cruikshank has found money-raising tough going these hard times and still needs £150.

He gratefully acknowledges donations varying from ten guineas to ten shillings from:—
Brilton Agencies, G. R. Burton, T. R. Craig, Deas Bakeries, Duly & Co., R. H. Findlay, G. W. Gammon, Gammon Bros., C. J. Gifford, B. D. Goldberg, Greaterman's, S. H. Harrison, Hodgson & Myburgh, L. Hughes, M. Juster & Son, C. W. Le Sueur, G. Levy, Liberty Motors, W. G. Lunderstedt, A. McLeod, E. W. Mills, H. D. Milne, D. F. Odendaal, Old Borderers' Association, C. Paatazis, Mrs. J. Parker, R. T. G. Perkins, A. C. Pye, Rhodesia Jute Mills, Rhodesia Milling Co., G. Russell, Ruxton's, Salisbury Co-op., Second Umtali Scouts. S.O.E.W.A., Judy Squire, C. S. Stratton, T & N Cash Stores, Thesen's, W. G. Tyler, Umtali Bottling Co., Umtali Paper Mills, U.T.C., A. F. H. Valentine, Bernice Viljoen, E. S. Wright.

In addition, donation Lists brought in £27 5s. 0d., a grand total of £195 15s. 0d. Services and materials valued at £187 8s. Od. were received from : J. Davies, Johnson & Fletcher, Lawson Pigott's, Meikles, Monarch Steel Windows, E. J. Norris, D. C. Pistorius, Porter's Cement, Reliance Metal Windows, Rhodes Supplies, G. Skinner and Weber & McGeoch.

The School adds its warm thanks to that of Mr. Cruikshank— and to Mr. Cruikshank himself.

Cricket
Captain: L McCulloch.
Vice-Captain : C. Ferreira.

Team caps : B. Aitkenhead, B. Bragge, J. de Meyer, C. Edwards, A. Leppan, L. Mitchell, A. Muil, M. Palmer, S. Valentine, D. van Zyl.
Also played : B. King, A. Railton, A. Smart.

Nuffield Trials : B. Bragge.

The first term of the year was not a success from any point of view. Our fields and nets were played on for the first time, and even at the time of writing in November, they have not settled down properly. Batsmen were very shy of going forward for fear of sharply rising balls, and when they went back the ball often kept low. So throughout the school the standard of batting deteriorated. We hope that when the concrete pitches come into operation and the turf is ironed out, batsmen will again play along the line of the ball and stroke play will improve.

The First Eleven contains four boys who have captained the side. McCulloch was out of the game all the first term; Ferreira had knee trouble and both Van Zyl and Valentine controlled the team at various stages. For the third term McCulloch has been back in harness, but we have had a series of " crocks " all the season.

Recently our batting has improved and the order has been difficult to arrange. Bragge and McCulloch have usually opened soundly, hitting hard and running well. But too many mistakes have been made and boys still " flash " at balls wide of the stumps before they are set. Van Zyl has been successful as a forcing No. 4. The fielding has been patchy with occasional brilliant pieces of work, but with too many lapses through insufficient concentration. Our bowling has been most disappointing with nobody consistently on a length or on the wicket. Opposing batsmen have not had to look for runs because they were confident that one or two loose balls would come each over, and they just waited for them. Bowling throughout the school must improve, and boys must practice bowling in the nets, not just giving the batsmen something to hit.

FIRST TERM.
v. Prince Edward.—Lost by innings and 48 runs.
Prince Edward 121 (Uglietti 5 for 37, Edwards 3 for 30).
U.B.H.S. 32 and 41.

Winning the toss we decided to put P.E. in to bat on a wet wicket. We did not take full advantage of the situation and were inclined to be slack. When we went in the wicket was drying and our batsmen could do nothing against a rising ball, and wickets were thrown away by playing back and cocking the ball up to silly mid-off and silly mid-on.

v. Staff.—Won by 1 run.
U.B.H.S. 77 (Edwards 26, Mr. Clarke 6 for 14).
Staff 76 (Mr. Edington 21, de Meyer 6 for 17).

v. Churchill.—Lost by 8 wickets.
U.B.H.S. 99 (Aitkenhead 21 n.o., Valentine 20).
Churchill 181 for 6 (de Meyer 4 for 34, Bragge 2 for 17).
U.B.H.S. 67 for 8 (de Meyer 20).

We won the toss again and decided to bat. A great deal of caution was shown to bowling which did not really deserve it, and people got themselves out cheaply. When Churchill batted there was little keenness in the field and many runs were given away. In our second innings things were not much better and Churchill deserved to beat us by an innings,

v. St George's.—Lost by innings and 48 runs.
U.B.H.S. 27 and 81 (de Meyer 34).

St. George's 156 (Aitkenhead 3 for 21, Edwards 4 for 36).

We decided to bat on a plumb wicket, but Parker was in good form and ran through us very quickly. Palmer had injured himself on the train so we only batted 10. During College's innings our fielding showed some fight," and we had another injury, this time to Ferreira. So in our second innings we batted 9, and a much better show was put up.

v. Allan Wilson.- Won by 9 wickets.
Allan Wilson 32 (Uglictti 7 for 19, Bragge 2 for 0).
U.B.H.S. 70.
Allan Wilson 78 (Uglietti 5 for 18).
U.B.H.S. 68 for 3 (Leppan 36 n.o.).

Allan Wilson won the toss and decided to bat. Uglietti bowled well in both innings, attacking the stumps all the time. Our batting showed little improvement on previous matches, and wickets were given away unnecessarily. Leppan's knock in the second innings was sound,

v. St. George's.—Lost by 68 runs.
St. George's 124 for 9 (Edwards 6 for 43)
U.B.H.S. 56.
St. George's 53 for 1.
U.B.H.S. 51 for 6.

College won the toss and batted on a wicket which had had a little overnight rain, and the weather was overcast. Our bowling and fielding while not good, were keen, and we were pleased to get College out for the score they had. Parker was on form again and the result was never in doubt. But the team showed that it had better cricket in it than it had
displayed in earlier matches.

THIRD TERM.
v. Churchill.—Won by 3 wickets.
Churchill 200 (Valentine 4 for 32, Aitkenhead 4 for 62).
U.B.H.S. 247 for 8 (McCulloch 78. Mitchell 32, Van Zyl 38, Ferreira 41
n.o.).

We put Churchill in to bat on a plumb wicket and they soon got the runs, being 173 for 3 at lunch. But Valentine and Aitkenhead had a good spell afterwards and College were all out for 200. About five catches were dropped. McCulloch had a lucky innings and with several catches put down the score moved on. We were eventually allowed to pass their score with 7 wickets down.

v. Old Borderers.--Won by 5 wickets.
Old Borderers 111 (McCulloch 7 for 27).
U.B.H.S. 209 (Mitchell 28. Edwards 41, De Meyer 57).

We were very sorry several Old Boys from distant parts were not able to get to the game, but we hope to make this an annual feature with as many Old Borderers as possible turning up.

v. Prince Edward. -Lost by 35 runs.
Prince Edwards 155 (McCulloch 5 for 12).
U.B.H.S. 120 (McCulloch 29).

We won the toss and put P.E. in to bat. They were not comfortable on our not very true wicket, but fielding lapses let them get the runs. When we went to bat it seemed we would pass their score, but Deary was in good form and our batsmen could do little with him.

v. Guinea Fowl.—Won by an innings and 12 runs.
Guinea Fowl 56 (De Meyer 5 for 25, Aitkenhead 4 for 17).
U.B.H.S. 94 for 6.
Guinea Fowl 26.


UBHS Cricket First XI

This fixture was played in Fort Victoria, at the Sports Club, the teams being accommodated by Mr. K. Fleming at the school hostel. We travelled down in the School's new lorry on the Friday afternoon, returning via Zimbabwe on the Sunday. While it was very hot on both journeys, the game was played on a cool, overcast day. In neither innings did
Guinea Fowl fare well, and our declaration with only 38 runs ahead was almost cheeky,

v. Churchill.—Draw.
Churchill 249 for 9 (Aitkenhead 5 for 65).
U.B.H.S. 156 for 3 (Bragge 50, Muil 44 n.o.).

The Umtali match turned out to be mainly batting practice for both teams against mediocre bowling. Our bowlers never looked dangerous although Churchill took three and a half hours to reach their 249. We were left. 120 minutes to get the runs, so rather than go for them and lose wickets cheaply, we batted normally and the game ended very tamely,

v. St. George's.—Lost by 10 wickets.
U.B.H.S. 159 (Bragge 53, Van Zyl 32).
St. George's 257 for 3 (Leask 108).

We decided to bat on a plumb wicket which looked full of runs and while Parker got wickets our score seemed quite respectable. But Gripper and Leask batted very well: we dropped four catches and our bowlers could not shift them until they had reached 174.

v. Allan Wilson.—Won by 77 runs.
U.B.H.S. 149 (Van Zyl 41, Aitkenhead 22 n.o.).
Allan Wilson 72 (Mitchell 5 for 13. McCulloch 3 for 25).
Allan Wilson 116 (Mitchell 7 for 31).

We batted first on a wicket which did not look dangerous, but Bossie made the ball lift occasionally. He was played with respect and bowled well to take 9 for 49. Our batsmen again got themselves out by bad shots at good balls. Having been 60 for 3, A. W. suddenly collapsed to Mitchell's bowling, and they followed on 77 runs behind. We could not get them out in time left and still get the runs for a two-innings match, as the last wicket fell in their second innings only five minutes before time.

SECOND ELEVEN
v. Churchill.—Lost by 111 runs.
Umtali 74 and 44 for 4.
Churchill 186.

v. Old Boys.—Lost by 7 wickets.
Umtali 44 and 72 for 7 declared.
Old Boys 72 and 46 for 3.

v. Allan Wilson.—Won by 6 wickets.
Allan Wilson 49 and 53. Umtali 52 and 50 for 4.

THIRD TERM
v. Churchill.—Won by 8 wickets.
Churchill 73 and 111.
Umtali 155 for 9 (dec.) and 39 for 2.

v. Prince Edward.—Lost by 105 runs.
Prince Edward 218 for 8 (dec..)
Umtali 113 and 84 for 9.

v. Allan Wilson. Won by 3 wickets.
Allan Wilson 87 and 77.
Umtali 135 for 7 (dec.),

v. Police.—Won by 5 wickets.
Police 99.
Umtali 130 for 7.

v. Barbarians.—Won by 7 runs.
Umtali 80.
Police 73.

The following have represented the team :Du Bruyn (capt.), Watson, King, Hill M., Hird A., de Beer C., Gammon, MacDougall, Anderson, Waters H., Blatch, Logan, Holloway, Eckard, Durand.

The Grasshopper.
This type of batsman never makes up his mind. He leaps out of his crease, shouting " Yes " and " No " at the same time.

Then, when you are half-way down the pitch he yells "Wait!" and hops frantically back. So far this season he is the only batsman who has taken all ten wickets on his own side.



CHARACTER ANALYSIS
This sort of character is egotistical, dilatory and likely to earn high cricketing honours from the opposing team. He will also probably captain the cricket XI at the lunatic asylum to which he is bound to drive his friends.

C.V., VIA, VA.

UNDER FIFTEEN.

FIRST TERM
v. Prince Edward. Lost by an innings and 20 runs.
Prince Edward 105.
Umtali 28 and 57.

v. Allan Wilson.—Won by 105 runs.
Umtali 126 and 66 for 6 (dec.).
Allan Wilson 62 and 25.

v. Churchill.—Lost by 42 runs.
Churchill 127 and 49 for 6.
Umtali 85.

v. Allan Wilson.—Won by 64 runs.
Umtali 59 and 71.
Allan Wilson 21 and 45.

THIRD TERM.
v. Churchill.—Lost by 96 runs.
Churchill 141.
Umtali 45 and 32 for 2.

v. Prince Edward.—Lost by 42 runs.
Prince Edward 138.
Umtali 96.

v. Allan Wilson.—Won by an innings and 22 runs.
Umtali 153.
Allan Wilson 69 and 62.

v. Churchill.- Won by 6 wickets.
Churchill 81 and 97 for 3.
Umtali 159.

The following have represented the team : Johnstone (capt.), Hume I. Vlantis. Walker, Hagen P., Mirams, Pelser, Parker, MacLachlan, Shevill, Small, Doulatos, Manson-Bishop, Beare, Georgeou M.

UNDER FOURTEEN.
FIRST TERM
v. Allan Wilson.—Won by an innings and 78 runs.
Umtali 149.
Allan Wilson 15 and 56.

v. Churchill.—Lost by 6 wickets.
Umtali 97.
Churchill 110 for 4.

THIRD TERM.
v. Churchill.—Won by 9 runs.
Umtali 122.
Churchill 113.

v. Allan Wilson. -Lost by 1 run.
Allan Wilson 79 and 89.
Umtali 82 and 85.

v. Churchill.—Lost by 8 wickets.
Umtali 69 and 112.
Churchill 153 and 39 for 2.

The following have represented the team : Deane-Williams (capt.), Aitkenhead A., Watson, Reich, Van de Ruit, Sutcliffe, Myburgh, Palmer C., Bezuidenhout C., Wortham, Burford, Stone, Stewart, Hill P., Manson- Bishop L., Hird I., Bredenkamp.

UNDER THIRTEEN.
FIRST TERM
v. Allan Wilson.—Won by 7 wickets.
Umtali 135 and 78 for 3.
Allan Wilson 68 and 75.

v. Eagle School.—Won by 21 runs.
Umtali 47.
Eagle 26.

THIRD TERM.
v. Churchill. Won by 80 runs.
Umtali 119.
Churchill 39.

v. Prince Edward.—Lost by 11 runs.
Umtali 112 and 78.
Prince Edward 94 and 107.

v. Allan Wilson.—Lost by 20 runs.
Allan Wilson 122 and 83.
Umtali 102 and 66 for 7.

v. Churchill.—Lost by 27 runs.
Umtali 50 and 71.
Churchill 50 and 98.

v. Eagle School.- Won by 2 runs.
Umtali 69.
Eagle School 67.

v. Eagle School.—Lost by 34 runs.
Umtali 33 and 101 for 7.
Eagle School 67 and 31 for 7.

The following have represented the team : Joss (capt.), Stacey, Watson D., Harris, Adams, Clarke, Griffiths, Hulley, Pearrnain. Austin, Carey, de Speville, van Heerden R.

RUGBY

The prospects at the opening of the 1954 season did not look at all bright. Very few members of the previous year's XV returned to School and the material from the Under 15s looked to be small and light. However, although the eventual XV lacked any really outstanding stars, by good team work and fighting spirit in most games, it put up a very creditable performance. We were beaten by only two Rhodesian Schools and repeated our performance of 1948 by holding the touring Bishops' XV to its narrowest victory.

The most encouraging feature of the season's play and a pointer for the future was competition. Railton, who had rendered yeoman service to the School with devastating tackling as the last line of defence, eventually lost his place to Norris, whose play improved as the season progressed, and Waters, who had been a regular member of the 1953 side, only came into his own after a serious injury to Leppan. In addition we had the unusual but encouraging sight of five players battling it out for the three places in the back row of the scrum. All this is good for the game.

The Under 14 side had a most successful season and, along with the Under 13 is the biggest junior side we have had for many years. The introduction of Senior and Junior House matches increased keenness and with probably five grounds available next season and so many keen and able Staff to coach, the future seems very bright.

The 1st XV opened with a visit to Churchill. We probably caught them in the process of team-building but in the end ran out comfortable winners after producing some bright, open football. In this game Van der Linde showed what a danger he could be, provided he was given sufficient of the ball and enough room in which to manoeuvre.

The second game, at home to a local XV, was no real test though it gave the backs, in the process of running up a big score, plenty of passing practice. One disturbing feature of this game was the poor goal kicking, a phase of the side's play which never really improved, no one goal-kicker ever being consistently accurate.

The next game was the first official one on the new Memorial field when we met St. George's. The side was playing sound and attractive Rugby, with the backs running and passing well, when Leppan, in full flight for the line, came down heavily in a tackle and dislocated his shoulder. The seven forwards battled manfully for the remaining three-quarters of the game and Railton played an outstanding game at full back; indeed he saved the day.

The visit of Allan Wilson provided a real shock after these early successes and it was only in the closing minutes that the side staged a rally to win narrowly 16-11. The first defeat came the following Saturday when a lifeless side went down to Prince Edward 23 nil. The root cause of disaster was failure to cope with the kicking of Deary, the Prince Edward fly-half, who made 18 of his side's points from kicks ahead.

Through the kindness of the Headmaster of Prince Edward we were able to meet Guinea Fowl in Salisbury and after a dull and uninteresting game we drew 5 all. It must be said that injuries had necessitated many changes.

The game against Bishops' the following Wednesday was the highlight of the season. Both Edwards and Cremer were out for this game and Aitkenhead and Odendaal came in reserve halves. Bishops' had decidedly the heavier pack but we matched them in the loose and their backs were held by solid tackling. The Umtali side never let up and at three-quarter time it was still anybody's game with Bishops' leading 8-6. Weight then told, the visitors' attacking machine
began to click and we finally went down 20-6. Features of this game were the defence down the middle and the way Aitkenhead stood up to the keen attentions of the visitors' number eight.

The growing interest of Old Boys in the school was shown the following week when an Old Borderers' XV, composed mainly of Old Boys from outside Umtali, several on vacation from the University, played the 1st XV. After a very pleasant game. School won 11-8. It is hoped that this will become an annual fixture.

In the next two games we rather slumped. The game against Allan Wilson resulted in a victory but produced no fireworks in the way of Rugby and caused another injury to Leppan. The following week saw us lose the return with St. George's by a penalty goal, after a rather lifeless display all round.

However, the champagne was reserved for the home game against Prince Edward. There have been more spectacularly open games in Umtali but few can have surpassed this for hard grafting and sustained excitement. Our lighter pack harried the opposition eight in tight, loose and line-out and rendered the Prince Edward back line ineffective. The tackling was fierce on both sides and two very tired teams walked off the field with Prince Edward winners by a single point and Umtali perhaps a little unlucky to lose.

The season ended with a comfortable win over Churchill after a disappointing game. It could have produced spectacular, open Rugby but the backs, with an unlimited supply of the ball, failed to click.

Praise is due to the whole side for its team spirit and to Van Zyl for his captaincy. In the games against Bishops' and Prince Edward his leadership and his own play were outstanding and the team's displays in the games he missed definitely reflected his absence.

Colours:—Van Zyl (captain): de Bruyn (vice-captain).

1ST XV
v. Churchill.—Won 19-6.
v. Local XV.—Won 39-3.
v. St. George's.—Won 9-5.
v. Allan Wilson.—Won 16-11.
v. Prince Edward.—Lost 0-23.
v. Guinea Fowl.—Drew 5-5.
v. Bishops'.—Lost 6-20.
v. Old Borderers XV.—Won 11-8.
v. Allan Wilson.—Won 9-6.
v. St. George's.—Lost 0-3.
v. Prince Edward.—Lost 5-6.
v. Churchill.—Won 11-0.

2ND XV
v. Churchill.—Won 11-10.
v. Allan Wilson.—Drew 8-8.
v. Prince Edward.—Lost 0-12.
v. Allan Wilson.—Won 27-0.
v. Prince Edward.—Drew 6-6.

UNDER 15
v. Churchill.—Won 9-0.
v. Prince Edward.—Lost 0-6.
v. Allan Wilson.—Lost 6-8.
v. Prince Edward.—Lost 6-18.

UNDER 14
v. Churchill.—Lost 6-11.
v. Prince Edward.—Won 8-6.
v. Allan Wilson.—Won 20-3.
v. Prince Edward.—Won 6-3.

UNDER 13
v. Prince Edward.—Lost 3-12.
v. Churchill.—Lost 0-3.
v. Allan Wilson.—Won 11-6.
v. Prince Edward.—Lost 0-9.
v. Churchill.—Won 3-0.

SENIOR HOUSE COMPETITION
Palmer House.

JUNIOR HOUSE COMPETITION
Palmer House.


UBHS Rugby XV 1954
Photo from the personal collection of Frans Meyer. Thanks Frans
The photo in the magazine did not have names.

Rack row:- C.Edwards, D.Webb, B.King. L.Watson, T. Holloway, S.Valenrine, B.van dcr Litide.
Centre row;- B.Bragge, R-Lorentz, D.van Zyl/Capt.) Mr.G E McGrath, C.du Bruyn (V. Capt).) H.Waters A.Norris
Front row-- A,Leppan , J.de Meyer, A.Cremer, F.Meyer, A Muil.

Athletics.

Inter-School Meeting
Umtali was Invited to compete in the Salisbury Inter-School meeting, which was held on the Churchill track on the 24th

April. Though this was not a full scale meeting, it was very enjoyable, and Churchill must be commended for the excellent programme. The Umtali team consisted of seventeen athletes and we had a good afternoon. Individual and team results were as follow :—

Open Events
A Leppan — 2nd 100 yards. 10.9 secs. 2nd Long Jump 19ft. 8ins.
P. Hume — 1st 120 yards Hurdles. 16.1 secs. 1st High Jump, 5ft. 6ins. (record)

Under XVI Events.
B. van der Linde — 1st 100 yards. 1st 220 yards.
M. Goldberg — 3rd Hurdles.
Relay team — 3rd 4 x 110 (B. v. d. Linde, Goldberg. Eckard and one from Churchill.)

Under XV Events
B. Vlantis — 3rd 100 yards.
I. Hume — 2nd Hurdles.
W. Heymans — 2nd Long Jump.
Relay Team — 3rd 4 x 110 yards (Vlantis, Hume. Heymans, MacEnery.)

Under XIV Events
M. Logan — 3rd 100 yards. 3rd 220 yards.
J. Lenton — 3rd Hurdles.
Relay Team — 2nd 4 x 110 yards (Logan, Lenton, Leontakianakos, Deane-Williams.)

Boxing
The Inter-House Boxing Competition was held in the Drill Hall on August 17th and 18th, Crawford and Palmer tying for first place. The Boarders' Houses were well ahead of the Day Scholars' Houses, but the boxing was generally good and interest was maintained throughout because of the neck-and-neck struggle between Crawford and Palmer. D. Strydom won the cup for the best boxer over 114 lbs.; the cup for the best boxer under 114 lbs. was won by P. van Heerden and A. Smart was awarded the Gamest Loser's Cup.

In the Inter-School Tournament in the Beit Hall on October 23rd, Prince Edward regained the Vermaak Cup by winning seven fights to six. The boxing was good and opponents, on the whole, were evenly matched — with the result that lots of fights were very close. It was not until the last fight of the evening that the result was known.

Under 70lbs.
R. Garner beat I. Gannoway.
751bs.
P. van Heerden lost to C. Crichton.
80lbs.
E. Blake lost to I. McPhun.
86lbs.
B. Nel lost to R. Peattie.
86lbs.
H. Bezuidenhout lost to C. Radford.
93lbs.
R. Garner lost to K. Cremer.
100lbs.
M. Logan beat J. Wilson.
114 lbs.
G. Logan beat A. Williams
114lbs.
R. Taylor beat W. White.
1221bs.
D. Strydom beat M. D'Enis.
1221bs.
R. Easton lost to L. van Straaton.
1301bs.
J. Dreyer beat J. Wantenaar.
140lbs.
B. Aitkenhead lost to M. Jones.

We are very grateful to Prince Edward for sending a team down "out of turn."

Summary of Inter-House Competitions.

ATHLETICS :
Winners Crawford House tie Palmer House
BOXING: Palmer House.
CROSS-COUNTRY: Palmer House.
RUGBY (Senior and Junior): Palmer House.
SHOOTING: Hill House.

Cadet Camp.
Conversation Piece . ..

"The school magazine needs a few notes on Cadet camp."
"Oh?"
"Yes. You will write some short notes."
"What! But how?"
"Grab a typewriter and get cracking."
"Oh."
"Room eleven will be on your left, stock room on your right — just send along the typed sheets with a runner when you have finished."
"Yes but . . . "
"If you wish to communicate with me about anything — spelling mistakes, etc., oral methods will be used — just shout!"
"Ay, aye, Mac."

FRIDAY: August the 20th came at last and we were off to Cadet Camp. For most of us it was our first camp as the 1953 camp had been cancelled; however. No. 1 platoon contained a few veterans of previous camps.

SATURDAY: And we got off to a good start — no blankets lost when we detrained at Salisbury — a good breakfast at K.G. VI, and then out to Inkomo by truck, instead of the long train journey and the three mile hike. Our kit was issued in record time (wot! no forks!) and we spent the rest of the day settling in.

SUNDAY: More settling in and the start of spit and polish for the Guard and Drill Platoon squads.

MONDAY: Brought the start of our training and demonstrations. It also brought the first of the competitions, and we started in a mediocre fashion. Our Drill Platoon, though spotlessly turned out, never really settled down and didn't do justice to itself. It was a hot, dry, dusty day and the first of the sore throats started.

TUESDAY: Boxing eliminators started today and our first shock — three of our entrants failed to pass the medical.

WEDNESDAY: And by now we were well accustomed to the routine of camp life. Our Field Firing team went out after lunch and acquitted itself well, coming second to Milton. Cpl. King, who hardly put a foot wrong in the briefing of his section, gave his fire orders clearly and calmly and was responsible in no small measure for our success in this event.

THURSDAY: And the sore throats, with a scattering of tummies (condensed milk?), were on the increase . . . Guard today, although well turned out, and suffering from no lack of keenness, could only manage a fourth.

FRIDAY: And the boxing. We only had two finalists, Webb and Ferreira, who both lost. Ferreira, who had had a gruelling fight the day before, put up a plucky exhibition against an experienced and very much heavier opponent. Webb, an inexperienced boxer, was outclassed by his more polished opponent from the first bell, but he kept coming gamely back for more until the fight was stopped in the third round. And the sports. 4th Battalion again proved far superior to the 3rds and ran out easy winners. Van der Linde was the outstanding athlete from Umtali.

SUNDAY : And an exciting day. Whichever Battalion won this event won the scroll. Competition for the honour of keeping the flag in the 3rd Battalion too, was very close and the points gained from the Bisley would decide this issue. 4th Battalion eventually won, but Umtali came joint first with Guinea Fowl. The pleasing thing about this was the fact that it was the team events that won it for us. Hagen who came second in Salisbury last year, won one of the individual events
and was the backbone of the team events. To crown an exciting day we learned that we had also come first in the Best Lines event, something that hadn't happened since the dim and distant days of 1947 — another example of Team work.

And so we won the honour of keeping the Battalion flag at our school for the 2nd time in three camps.

MONDAY: Brought our Field Day. On a Platoon level we were split up into patrols and took rations with us. Platoon commanders, section leaders and scouts gained some useful experience, but the rank and file found that it entailed a lot of walking. However, a picnic lunch and a few skirmishes cheered us all up and dirty, tired and singing, we returned to camp at about three o'clock.

TUESDAY: And we were off home after yet another successful camp.

Rhodes Trustees English Competition.
The following have been awarded prizes in this competition:—

Group 2: R. Taylor.
Group 3: I. Harvey.
Group 4: M. van der Linde.
Group 5: G. Seirlis.
Group 6: P. W. Mueller.
Group 7: A. C. Ferreira.

Y.F.C. Notes—1954

Officers:
Club Leader: P. J. Potts, Esq.
Chairman: A. Batley.
Vice-Chairman: L. de Swardt.
Secretary: J. Franklin.
Treasurer: J. Baugh.
Press Correspondent: H. du Preez.

THE first aim we had, when our Young Farmers' Club was started at the beginning of the year, was to be declared and become part of the National Federation of Young Farmers' Clubs. Our second aim was to prove our ability to the public at the Manicaland Agricultural Show. Derek Baker, the National Organiser, told us early in the second term that he would declare us just before the Show. In the knowledge that our first aim was already achieved we started to concentrate on
our exhibit.

The Conservation and Extension Department kindly gave us a stand which consisted of a stall for the National Federation's exhibit, flanked by two other stalls — one for the Girls' Y.F.C. and one for ourselves.

A week before the Show we started levelling our area, making everything as neat as possible. The days passed quickly and Wednesday evening was spent in making posters and signs and in adding finishing touches to the poultry run and the rabbit hutch. Everything was taken to the Showground on Thursday morning. We laid out our exhibit with the livestock in front of our stall, and the model of our plot, the plan and the posters under cover.

Thursday was a terrible day, with intermittent rain, and not many people visited the Showground. Friday, the day for the dairy judging competitions with the girls, turned out better, however. Prior to the Show. both clubs had been given demonstrations in dairy judging on various farms in the district. We had fifteen minutes to place our four dairy cows in their correct order, which is by no means an easy task. After the placing, one member from each team (there were four — two of girls, two of boys) had to give reasons for the decisions over a microphone. Marks were awarded for the placing and the reasons, and we found out a few minutes later that the girls had beaten us easily, taking first and second places, our *B' team coming third.

But we were gratified to hear that all our scores were over eighty per cent., which is a high standard for novices. Our spirits rose, too. when we heard, an hour later, that we had beaten the girls with our exhibit. The two clubs were now so close that the demonstrations given by both clubs had to be taken into account to determine the winners. The demonstrations were in the afternoon and the girls' club demonstrated the points to look for in a dairy cow. while we demonstrated the points of a beef animal. One member gave the points over a microphone and another showed the public the respective parts of the animal. We were given first place in this event and our resultant lead of ten points brought us the trophy.

Saturday was a good day and many people came to see our stand. The demonstrations were given again in the afternoon, although this time they were not competitive. As the day came to a close, our stand, like many others, became bare in a few minutes as we loaded our exhibits into the lorry. Most of us were quite glad that the Show had ended. We do think, however, that we achieved our second aim and proved ourselves to the Umtali public.

Finally we would like to thank very much all those — both individuals and organisations — who have helped us so generously to get our club on Its feet.

A. B. IV A.

School Sports
These were to have been held on August 13th and 14th. but owing to rain, the second day was run off on the 16th.

A new programme was drawn up containing sixty-nine events, of which twenty were relay races. The object of the new relay races was to enable more boys to represent their Houses on Sports Day. This worked well, over one hundred and fifty boys competing on the day. Field events were introduced in the junior age groups so that the technique for the hurdles and the various throws can be learnt early. The meeting went off very successfully, six records were broken, one was equalled — and many of the times set up were of a high standard.

Perhaps the highlights of the day were two of the 100 yard races. In the Senior 100 yards Leppan clocked 10.4 seconds to equal the record set up by Rex Lark in 1936. This was followed by the Under Sixteen 100 yards, which B. van der Linde won in the excellent time of 10.5 seconds. Another Senior record was set up by Mason who threw the Javelin 142ft. 5ins., to break his elder brother's record by nearly 7 feet. Snyders vaulted 8ft. 7ins. for a new Senior Pole Vault record, but was beaten by Lorentz in the Under Sixteen Pole Vault, the latter setting a new height of 8ft 5ins. The Senior Victor Ludorum was won by C. Ferreira who won the 440 yards. 880 yards. Mile and Shot. In the Under Fifteen age group the outstanding athlete was I. Hume, who became the Under Fifteen Victor Ludorum by winning five events, and setting new records in the Shot Putt and Hurdles. In the Under Fourteen Group L. Manson-Bishop cleared 4ft l0¾ ins. in the High Jump — a good standard for this age. Candy became the Under Thirteen Victor Ludorum and broke the 220 yards record when he recorded 28.7 seconds. The Under Thirteen 100 yards record was bettered by van Heerden who ran it in 12.2 seconds.

It is encouraging to note the increasing number of boys who take part in the School Sports. The Pentathlon events demonstrated that times and distances returned are well up to standard.

CAMP
The Camp meeting was run off on the final Saturday at Inkomo on a track that was not conducive to good performances.

There had been no opportunity for Athletic Training prior to the meeting, and, in addition, many schools were without their star athletes — due to illness. We fared as badly as any in the latter respect, being without the services of Leppan. the two Hume brothers and McCulloch.

Competition was keen, and though we did not gain many places, our runners were well up with the field. In no fewer than ten events we had athletes placed fourth or fifth, which was most satisfactory considering that this is a representative meeting of all Rhodesian schools. B. van der Linde provided our only win when he clocked 10.6 seconds in the Junior 100 yards. In the 220 yards he misjudged his race and had to be content with third place. M. Goldberg was third In the Junior Hurdles, and the senior relay team (Waters, du Bruyn, Edwards, van der Merwe) ran well for second place.

LITERATURE

Typhoon Bold
The water crinkled and glistened like wet silk in the little harbour of Tamlan. The olive-skinned fisher girls were chattering and laughing as they gutted the catch of big, silver fish. This was the only activity but for three young Polynesian fishermen preparing their boat for a lone trip. She had missed the main fleet the evening before because she had sprung a leak at the crucial moment.

Soon they were ready and Tuan shook out the bright orange mainsail as Wan and Siang stowed away the cumbersome nets. Slowly the smack slid away across the smooth bay towards the open sea. The tropical sun beat down heavily on the bronzed backs of the three men as they stooped to their work. The catch was truly good. They should be able to get many dollars for these lovely fish. Happily and without thought of time, they cast and pulled in their nets. The boat rocked gently with the heave of the sea and the furled sails gave an occasional flap as a gust of wind swept the deck.

The sun was well past its zenith when Tuan called a halt. With relief, they had late lunch and discussed their good fortune. Suddenly, the sky began to darken. The waves grew higher and the wind howled through the rigging. Without bidding, they leapt to the sails as the boat swept off over the increasingly heavy seas. Tuan cast an anxious and experienced eye behind him. *A coppery hue was slowly diffusing into the black. It meant only one thing—typhoon!

Soon the wind dropped until there was an unnatural calm. The sailors sped about their work; battening down this—lashing that up. All the time that background of uncanny noise: the noise of a typhoon.

Then it hit them. With a roar, the wind rose to a terrific speed. The boat lurched and set off like a bullet out of a gun. The mast bent like a fly rod and the sails cracked viciously, defying the puny efforts to reef them. The seas raced past in a greeny-grey maelstrom of strength. It was as black as night and the three were hanging on for dear life when there came a particularly sickening lurch and Siang at the mast yelled: "It's cracking—it's cracking!" It snapped with a splintering crack. With a last scream, Siang slithered across the deck, blood spurting from a gaping wound in his throat. Before the others could move, he was gone. Only his blood remained. They gaped aghast —then realisation of their danger struck home. With a rope tied around his waist. Tuan leaped forward and began to hack feverishly at the rigging holding that deathly load partly on board.

It went with a rush and the boat bobbed up like a cork, then heaved and swirled uncontrollably in the mountainous seas. Suddenly—quiet. A strange, unearthly calm with only Wan's subdued blubbering to break the deathly quiet.

" Come on Wan. Give no thanks to Buddha for your deliverance now. This is just the eye of the storm." Machine-like, they set about patching the little ship for her next buffeting. She was far gone, poor thing. She had done well in her day. Under the hatches, the water was seeping through the sprung planks and spreading over the silvery cargo.
Neptune was robbing the robbers.

Then the wind struck again. The seas rose to new heights whilst the boat pitched and tossed, now half under the heaving waters. Suddenly, with a terrifying lurch, she broached, presenting her broadside to a wave that seemed to go higher and higher until it towered above her. " Jump! Jump! " yelled Tuan. as he leaped overboard in his bright yellow "Mae West." But Wan just looked in a stupor at the horrible green wall of death. It broke full on to the poor boat which foundered straight away. With a final sigh, she settled down below the water. " Wan, Wan! Can you hear me? " But the sea had claimed another victim.

Slowly Tuan's half-crazed voice weakened as he floated limply in his life-belt. No air—only water—stinging salt—heave, splash—merciful black oblivion.

Tuan wakened to the roar of the 'plane overhead. It was dusk and the typhoon had gone. The sky was as blue as never before and the sea as calm as a duck pond. Again the 'plane roared over him, waggling its wings. It had seen him! He was saved!

Soon an American Army helicopter was hovering over him, its thrashing blades stirring up the water round him. Now a looped rope was swaying round him. Feebly he grabbed it and heaved it round his shoulders. A beautiful sensation. Going up and up.

The salty water ran off his limp form. " Okay, Bert, I've got him. He's just about had it. Better get going as fast as possible for the hospital." The helicopter's rotors whirled faster as it rose above that mass of green greed that had so nearly claimed yet another victim.

I. H.,
IV.B.)

Two-Minute Mystery
The school was empty—but for those doing science practical in the afternoon. Suddenly a ghoulish shriek was heard all over Morningside.

Professor Redhalfmile. the eminent nuclear research physicist, lay dead in the fume cupboard in Room 17. His throat was slit from ear to ear and a bullet had penetrated the back of his brain. His robust, six-foot, two-hundred-pound body was doubled up and bundled in the cup- board.

The only clues were a bottle of arsenic in the sink, a Marvel cigarette butt on the floor and a smoking revolver in the fume cupboard. There was some smashed apparatus in the cupboard and the fan was switched on, as though he had been experimenting at the time of his death.

Doctor Stinkwood, also a tall, powerful man, said he had entered the laboratory and had seen the corpse. He had at once phoned the police who had arrived some ten minutes later. Detective-Inspector Harpic said: " I may be wrong, but this looks like murder." He then questioned all the suspects, including Doctor Stinkwood who had stayed in the laboratory alone after phoning the police. Doctor Gizzard, a small, timid man. said he had been locked in the back room and had been unable to get out.

Cherry, the boy who washed test-tubes, had been smoking in the cloakroom at the time.

Cherry then relit a half-smoked Marvel cigarette and the Inspector exclaimed : " Sergeant Jugnut, arrest that man! "

• Whom did Jugnut arrest, and why?

Solution: Scroll on to the Poem :A Dream"

The Lunch Hour.
For many the lunch hour is simply what its name implies—a time when lunch is eaten. It provides a short rest and a period of relaxation. For others it may be a time when they make love to their bambinos in the park. But not for me.

For me the lunch hour is anything but a rest. You might say it is my full-time job. Into it I pack my working day, for I am a waiter in the Cafe Benevento, which serves the most magnificent, the most delicious meals in the whole of Italy.

At about noon the people start coming in. By the time I have served two tables the cafe is full. People are wanting this, people that. There are, of course, other waiters, but none so famous as I. No. no, everybody knows me. When customers come to the restaurant, they want to be served by me.

" Leonardo' Fish and chips, please! "

As I go to serve one table, someone shouts: " Leonardo! Spaghetti Bolognaise! "

" Leonardo! Mixed grill for three! "

Oh, Leonardo, Leonardo, Leonardo—can't they leave me alone for a second? I am carrying red hot plates. They are burning into my hands like branding-irons. I am bumping into people. Soup is being spilt everywhere. Oh. what a job!

Every day I swear to resign. But I stay. Why? Well, the pay, it is good, but it is not the pay. It is—well, after the people are gone, the chef makes me something special. I am no longer the best waiter in the best restaurant in Italy. I am the best eater!

I.H., III A.

The General Botha.
At half-past six (that early hour)
We all do rise and take a shower.
And then we rush back to get dressed
In " number fives," and tie and vest.

Then to " both watches " toe do rip,
And off again to clean up ship.
Then down to P.T. we do run
And jump around in blazing sun.

After breakfast all us wrecks
Run off again to clear up decks;
Then off again to morning prayers;
Then off to school we all do tear.

Stand-easy at our little break
Is when we all our lime crush take.
Then over school books we do hunch,
And work like slaves till time for lunch.

At lunch we get one inch of meat,
Potato, squash, which we all eat
With eagerly devouring haste,
And back for " seconds " we do race.

In school again till 4 o'clock —
That's when we eat up all our stock
Of streets and things, till bugle play,
To end the school for another day.

Cadet P. W. HYWOOD, Ex-IIB.

CHRISTMAS TIME IN BECHUANALAND.
THE Mapani tree under which I sat was at a distance of about fifty yards from a Native kraal. The sun was very hot, but this did not affect the Native men, most of whom were outside, drinking beer. No Native women were visible. ,__ .

" What a life," I thought. Mapani flies were irritating me by crawling into my hair. The little devils even flew into my eyes and caused a nasty burning sensation.

Then I heard a child wailing in one of the huts and I knew where the Native women were. They were attending to the new-born baby. The time had almost arrived for the priest to do his duty.

He erected his simple altar and the baby was brought. I watched him pouring the water over the baby's head, at the same time uttering the words of baptism. ,

When the child had been baptised, it was time for us to go. We bade the Natives farewell. They all returned to their beer drinking and sang to the health of the new-born baby.
That was the Christmas of the Bechuanas.

V. W.. IIIA.

CHRISTMAS PASS AT NIGHT.
The sun Is sinking in a bank of glowing red. Now, slowly, the black veil of night comes down, driving away the last rays of light before it.

It is dark. One by one the twinkling lights of Umtali start to come on, until the whole valley Is one mass of shining lights. Neon-signs flash here and there, sending gay rays into the dark sky above.

It is very quiet up on Christmas Pass at this time of night, and only the occasional bark of a dog and the squeaking of crickets can be heard. Now and again a lonely car rushes past and disappears roundthe corner. Then everything grows still again.

It is getting late now and, slowly but surely, the lights begin to go out till only the street lamps are left. Far in the distance, across the valley, the solitary lights of a car wind their way up the Vumba Mountains. Then these too disappear.

G. S.. IIIA.

MANUAL LABOUR.
" Fields need top-dressings we're told—
A marvellous sight we all behold :
The sweating " slaves," stripped to the waist.
Load the soil with frantic haste.

Over the Pass the lorries descend,
To unload their burdens at t'other end.
Only one job for us now to do—
Sift the stuff !" There're cries of Boo !

Our games are carefully worked out now :
Each of us does his share—and how !
We sift and sift with might and main;
The teacher yells : " Just say that again !"

And by the end of our dusty hour
We're aU very sadly in need of a shower.
As we stagger away, you bet we harbour
The kindliest thoughts of MANUAL LABOUR !

M. C., VA.

LEOPARD!
We were at supper one night when the boy came rushing in, sweat running down his forehead. " Baas! Baas! Engwe ena tata lo ngombe !"

We went to the kraal and flashed the light around us. There, about three hundred yards away, were two blood-red eyes. The range was too great for a decent shot, so we put out the light and stalked.

Have you ever tried stalking a leopard at night in broken country? One wonders whether, at any moment, it may spring from behind a rock. I had the 6.5 Mauser and Dad had the .303. We went for about eighty yards and put on the lamp. The creature saw us and bounded up a kopje.

We followed it up. When we got to the top, I flashed the lamp around and spotted the eyes about forty yards away. I threw a stone at the place and we saw the leopard stand up. It growled. Dad fired. It jumped like a kitten playing with a ball. It fell over on its back and kicked a couple of times. Then it lay still—as if in sleep. And it might have been asleep but for the one red spot behind its left ear.

The skin now lies at the foot of my bed.
P.S., IIIA.

A WALK
Many a weary mile I walked
Across the low veld land,
And then a Kudu bull I spied,
Way out across the sand.

I heard a rietbuck whistle—
Its call was loud and long.
And in the blue above my head
I heard a brown lark's song.

Then as the sun began to sink
Low in the western sky,
I heard a sweet and pleasant call,
As many a bird went by.

When the lourie goes to roost,
And the plover goes to ground,
And I'm feeling ah ! so tired—
'Tis then I'm homeward bound.

D.H., IVR.

A DREAM.
Mrs. Wright
Got a fright
In the middle of the night.
Saw a ghost,
Eating toast,
Half-way up a lamp-post.

A. L., IB.

TWO MINUTE MYSTERY—SOLUTION
The revolver smoke would have been blown away by the fan before the police arrived, if the murder had been committed before Stinkwood found the corpse. Therefore, the murder must have been done later. Stinkwood eventually confessed.

P.M., VIA.

News of Old Boys.
Congratulations to L. R. Morgan on his appointment as Federal Secretary for Education. He attended the School from 1910 — 1911. It was good to welcome him as a distinguished visitor at the Official Opening.

Congratulations, too, to Henry Olivier (1931 — 1932) on his C.M.G. He was decorated by the Queen for his work in building the Owen Falls Dam. He is now a partner in Sir Alexander Glbbs and Partners. He also paid us a visit recently.

Others from afar whom we have been glad to see are N. Miller, A. Pettifor, Chris and John Shaw, Joe Nolan, Willie van der Merwe and Tim Fourie.

THE Headmaster has received letters from:—
J. G. du Preez, who after a success in a Post Office exam, has moved to the wider fields of the Federal Capital.

Gillie Ferreira, who is at Pretoria University, watched the Rhodesia- Northern Transvaal match and was delighted with the performance of the Rhodesians, who is keeping fit with cross-country running. . .

Cedric Green, who is studying architecture at the University of Natal.

Denis Hutchinson, who wrote from London during the Overseas Golf Championships and who thanked the Headmaster for a letter of congratulation on being selected to represent South Africa.

William Marsh, who sent a contribution to the school and plans a visit to America. . .

John Maynard, who is enjoying life at Cape Town University. . .

G. Oslen, who is studying architecture. . .

A. Pettifor, who modestly says little about himself but who. we know, is rising in the Salisbury cricket world and never misses a chance to meet our visiting teams. . .

Fredrick Sargent, who is printing in Bulawayo. . .

Raymond Vairy, who is in the Post Office Engineering branch and who, in the interests of his career, has had to sacrifice the beauties (scenic) of Umtali for the less obvious charms of Salisbury.

Colin Ward, who, preparing for C.A. exams, writes that it is easier to 'swot' at school. . .

News of Old Borderers is very welcome. Please write, or visit, whenever you can.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
We wish to acknowledge gratefully the receipt of magazines from the following schools:—
Allan Wilson Technical High School.
Bulawayo Technical School.
Falcon College.
Milton School.
Prince Edward School.
Que Que High School.
Roosevelt School.
Selborne College.
St. George's College.
St. John's College, Johannesburg.

ADVERTISEMENT CAREERS IN THE REGULAR FORCES OF THE FEDERATION RECRUITS ARE NEEDED FOR RHODESIA & NYASALAND STAFF CORPS
1.: Boys between the ages of 17½ and 19 who have passed the School Certificate with at least four credits, one of which must be in English language, may apply for selection for training at the ROYAL MILITARY ACADEMY, SANDHURST. On passing out of the ROYAL MILITARY ACADEMY, they serve as officers in the RHODESIA and NYASALAND STAFF CORPS.

2.: Recruits are required for the RHODESIA and NYASALAND STAFF CORPS. Boys who have reached 18 years of age may apply. This is one of the best careers open to boys in the Federation. Commissions may be attained from the ranks.

ROYAL RHODESIAN AIR FORCE.
3.: Boys between the ages of 15 and 17 may apply for selection to serve an AIRCRAFT ENGINEERING APPRENTICESHIP at HALTON or other Royal Air Force technical training establishments in the United Kingdom. On completion of their apprenticeship they return to serve with the ROYAL RHODESIAN AIR FORCE.

4.: Youths between the ages of 17 and 21, both inclusive, are required for training as pilots in the ROYAL RHODESIAN AIR FORCE (SHORT SERVICE) UNIT. Tuition covers a period of two years, during which they time they may qualify as pilots of jet aircraft. A limited number of such trained pilots may be selected for full time service in the ROYAL RHODESIAN AIR FORCE on completion of their Short Service training.

5.: Recruits are required for the ROYAL RHODESIAN AIR FORCE for training as aircraftsmen. This is an excellent opportunity for boys who have reached 18 years of age to be trained in an Air Force trade.

CONDITIONS OF SERVICE :
The main points in the conditions of service are:—
(a): PAY-
(i): Pay of Apprentices (Paragraph 3 above) commences at 17s. 6d. per week and all found.

(ii): Recruits for the RHODESIA and NYASALAND STAFF CORPS and the ROYAL RHODESIAN AIR FORCE (paragraphs 2 and 5 above) are attested in the rank of Private at £378 per annum.
They receive free accommodation but pay for messing.

(iii): Officer Cadets in the R.R.A.F. (Short Service) Unit (paragraph 4 above) receive £322 per annum. They receive free accommodation in the Officers' Mess but pay for messing. They receive a gratuity of £100 on completion of their training.

(iv) Candidates selected for Officer Cadet Training at the ROYAL MILITARY ACADEMY, SANDHURST, are attested in the Rhodesia and Nyasaland Staff Corps with the rank and pay of Privates in the first instance (paragraph 1 above).

(b) LEAVE-
(i) The leave conditions are very generous. Boys entering in terms of paragraphs 2 and 5 above receive five months leave on completion of their initial period of three years' service. Thereafter eave is accumulated at the rate of 52 days per annum,

(ii) Officer Cadets at SANDHURST and Aircraft Apprentices get leave in accordance with the regulations applying at the establishments where they are training.

(c) PENSIONS-
Pensionable service commences on reaching 18 years of age. A pension is obtainable on completion of 20 years' service. This is a great advantage as it means that a member can, if he so wishes, retire on pension at an early age whilst still young enough to take up other work.

(d) MEDICAL-
Members of the Forces receive free medical and dental treatment from Government medical and dental officers.
Service in any branch of the Regular Forces of the Federation offers an outstanding, healthy and well-paid career.

RECRUITS ARE NEEDED NOW

For further particulars and applications forms apply to:—
D.A.A.G., Headquarters, Central Africa Command,
P.O. Box 8021, Causeway,
S. Rhodesia.

The following companies donated to the printing of this publication and we record our thanks to them for their support.

T & N Cash Stores
Harmony House Ltd (Personally managed by Myer Bloom)
H.D. Milne (Pvt.) Ltd. Dispensing & Photographic Chemists
Hodson & Myburgh Ltd. Custom Clearing, Forwarding and Bonded Warehousemen. Transport Contractors
Greatermans Your Personal Shopping Centre

End of Magazine

Recompiled by Eddy Norris for no financial or intended financial gain but rather to retain the memories of Umtali and the Umtali Boys High School.

Thanks to Diarmid Smith for making a copy of the magazine available to me.

Thanks to Robb Ellis for his support and assistance.

It is hoped that anyone helping themselves to any part of this magazine please record where they got it from.

Eddy Norris
August 20, 2010