We were sorry to lose the services of Mr. A. H. Wallace, B.A., at Christmas, who left us to take up an important post under the Nottingham University. We welcome Mr. A. S. Williams (London University) in his place, who has already shown great interest and obtained much popularity in the School.
Owing to the growth of the School it has been necessary to provide an extra class-room. A class of 16 upper boys now have a very comfortable and well-lighted room on the ground floor at the front, and the extended accommodation already reveals a great improvement in the standard and quality of the work.
In spite of the heavy snowfall on the evening of the concert we were pleased to see such a large and appreciative audience. The performers are certainly to be congratulated upon the excellence of their various items. The attendance at the repeat concert was not so large, but the performance proved just as enjoyable. We were pleased to learn that it is now definitely arranged to extend the playground.
An average of about 25 books per week have been borrowed from the Library, and W. Beale, P. Hinton and R. Ashby have rendered good service in attending to it. The worn-out volumes were sent up to the children's wards of the hospital, and about 40 new volumes were presented by the following :-R. Bodiam, G. Burgess, C. Jessup, P. Spencer, Mr. A. Williams (12 vols.), Mr. H. Piper, T. Wheeler, N. Stevenson, J. Piper, N. Sturt (9 vols.), P. Randall, R. Ashby, B. Westover, and G. Griffen.
Since last term four Football matches have been played as follows:-
Jan. 27.-v. Alcombe's XI, at home. Won, 7-2
Feb. 6.-v. Alcombe's XI, at home. Lost, 8-1
Feb 20.-v. Church Army, at home. Won, 10-1
Feb 27.-v. Church Army, at home. Lost, 8-5
The total results for the season are: Played 11, Won 6, Lost 4, Drawn 1. Goals for 72, against 41.
The Captain was W. Beale, R. Ashby was Vice-Captain and S. Reynolds, Secretary.
The physical exercises and drill classes have been continued at the Church Institute, and much good work has been done. Mr. Williams has devoted the last portion of the Upper Boys' period to boxing, and many boys have shown their prowess with the gloves. This subject is optional, but the classes have been very well attended indeed. Next term will see the resumption of swimming.
At the Half-Term the boys enjoyed a very successful paperchase. The hares reached home ahead of the hounds, but we managed to discover some very good runners in the School.
This term's collections amounted to:-R.S.P.C.A. box, 3s. 6d.; Hospital box, 4s. 6 ½ d. ; tin-foil, 12 lbs.
A Dramatic Society has been started by B. Finn and W. Beale, and on Wednesday, 6th April, an excellent entertainment was given in the Hall in Brewer Street.
We hope to have a Sports Day next Term, probably on a Wednesday in July. The proceeds of the concerts have been placed towards the Sports Fund. Contributions to the prizes will be welcomed, and offers of help on the day itself will be very acceptable. We hope the venture will prove a great success, and that both competitors and spectators will have an enjoyable afternoon. Further particulars will be announced later.
IMPORTANT. We wish to draw the attention of all Old Boys to the meeting at School on Wednesday, 20th April, at 7.30 p.m. All Old Boys who have been in the School are invited to attend, and to support the re-formation of the Old Boys' Club. It is hoped to appoint officers, to arrange a policy and a programme, and to start again a society which will prove of social, athletic and friendly interest to all concerned.
With the coming of the Summer Term, the School will be divided into "Houses", which will compete among them-selves at games and work. This spirit of healthy competition cannot but do good. Boys learn to work steadily in School, to win without arrogance or to lose with a good grace on the sports field, and to cultivate, a feeling of esprit de corps everywhere.
With the increase of numbers in the School, it is becoming possible for these innovations to prove very successful. Boys in the School should maintain keenness both at work and play, and by building up strength of character there is no reason why the School should not outshine even its former reputation.
We wish all our readers a pleasant holiday, and trust they will return to duty ready for a good term's work.
THE CONCERT AND PRIZE-GIVING.
The following is reprinted from the Kent Messenger of 13th February :-
For the first time, the Concert and Prize-giving of the McCabe Commercial School, Maidstone, was held in the