use. The bags in which the cement is stored are sewn up before the cement is put in, with the exception of one corner, which is tucked in, so forming a valve. Combined with the weight of the cement it seals the bag. The visit concluded with a pleasant surprise, the firm supplying the party with an excellent tea.
Then to the premises of Messrs. Short Bros., Rochester. We were amazed at their extensive buildings, the workshops alone taking up a tremendous space. Seeing the floats of the seaplanes being riveted, combined with the explanations of our guide proved interesting. We were then taken into an enormous workshop where the largest flying boat ever built in this country was being repaired. One could hardly realize that such a gigantic monster could take the air. Then we were shown the large tank-over 100 yards long, on which models of floats are tested, so as to cut down air and water resistance to a minimum. A large structure for the conveyance of the experimenter is built over the tank on rails, along which it is driven by an electric motor at varying speeds for different floats. We also saw the "Short Mussel" in which Mr. Short died last year. The bus section was also interesting, and here we saw buses in different stages of construction. The tanks in which the metal is hardened and made to resist sea-water were also shown us. The visit proved a source of much interest.
The last visit of all was to Messrs. Anstey's Motor Show. This was very interesting because our guide explained everything in detail. We were shown the principles and working of the " fluid flywheel," " self-changing gear box," dipping headlamps, and numerous other fascinating mechanisms.
The Olympic Model on show gave one the idea of ideal workmanship, the chromium plating, which shone as silver, giving it a rich appearance. Our guide explained and demonstrated the error of allowing a small defect to go unattended. We were shown part sections of dynamos, carburettors, dipping headlamps, a car battery that had not been kept properly, showing the corroded and crumbling plates. It was explained to us how it is possible for a car fitted with a self-changing gear box and fluid flywheel to be travelling along a road at 50 m.p.h. to be changed by the driver directly into reverse gear. The car will gradually slow down and then reverse, without any damage being done. To conclude, we were shown some of the up-to-date sports and saloon cars.
Thus finished our industrial visits in a very interesting manner.
F. VIDLER.
OLD BOYS' NOTES.
The re-formed Association has now been in existence exactly a year, and during that time we can truthfully say that its progress has been phenomenal. Twelve meetings have been held in addition to the social and athletic activities. Nearly 40 members attended the Annual Dinner at the Cannon Restaurant. Between 70 and 80 attended both of the social evenings at the Central Cafe, and over 100 were present at the Old Palace on the 30th March for the annual dance and whist drive. An entry was made in the Mayor's Carnival procession during Cricket Week and a visit was paid with the school to the Automatic Telephone Exchange. In addition to this, football, cricket, and swimming teams have been organized and several enjoyable games have been played. All of these activities are still being carried on and a special appeal is made for all Old Boys to support some section or another. We are also organizing a Harriers' Club for such members as are interested, and an orchestra has been started for those who are musically inclined.
Old Boys are invited to call at school on the last Tuesday evening of each month during term, when the Association holds its business and social gatherings. The committee meet at 7 p.m., and at 7.30 a short general meeting is held if necessary; the evening concludes with refreshments and games and gives an opportunity for all members to become better acquainted and to enjoy a friendly chat.
The officers of the Association are as follows :-President : Mr. H. J. Piper. Vice-Presidents: all present and past members of the staff and the family of the late Mr. McCabe. Chairman : Mr. W. C. Beale. Vice-Chairmen : Mr. P. C. Allen and Mr. R. A. Woollard. Treasurer: Mr. K. J. Fowles. Joint Secretaries : Mr. A. M. Williams and Mr. J. W. Solman.
The annual subscription which is now due is 2/6, reduced to 1/- for those who have recently left school.
The annual balance sheet was presented at the meeting on 28th March, and a summary is appended.
REVENUE ACCOUNT FOR YEAR
EXPENDITURE. INCOME.
£ s. d. £ s. d.
Printing 2 1 8 Old Association 3 16 0
Hire of room 1 0 0 Subscriptions and donations 4 10 0
Carnival expenses 1 16 0 Profit on socials 4 6
Loss on dinner 13 6
Balance 12 17 0 18 8 2