We should like to express in these columns our pleasure at seeing Col. K.R. Balfour, the Chairman of the Governors, with us again after his unfortunate accident last year, and to offer him our sincere congratulations on his almost complete recovery.
At the same time we have been very sorry to hear of the serious illness of Mr. W.F. Hodges, the Vice-Chairman, and we all hope that by the time Old Boys' Day arrives he will be well enough to take his usual position in the Chair.
We regret to record the departure of Mr. R.B.R. Walker, who left us last term to take up an appointment at Aysgarth Preparatory School, Yorkshire. We wish him every success in his new post.
We are pleased to welcome to the Staff, Mr. G.R. Winter, who has been appointed in Mr. Walker's place. Mr. Winter is an Exhibitioner of Keble College, Oxford, an Hons. Graduate in French of Oxford University and holds the University Diploma in Education. He has already taken on the work of Assistant Scout Master and we look forward to his help with the Dramatic Society and the benefit of his experience with the Keble College Players and Wimbledon Repertory Players.
Our heartiest congratulations and good wishes to Mr. Haselgrove and Mr. Thomas, both of whom are getting married during the Summer holidays.
We also offer our congratulations to Mr. Whitaker, who, as the result of a recent examination, has been promoted to the rank of Captain in the Territorial Army.
During the Spring Term the boys were given the opportunity of attending a Model Assembly of the League of Nations, organised most successfully by Mr. Thomas, the Sec. of the Dorchester branch of the League of Nations Union . The final meeting of the League on the dispute in the Far East between China and Japan was re-staged most realistically, and we were able to gain an insight not only into the procedure adopted by the Assembly, but also into the conflicting points of view of the two countries chiefly concerned. The roles of President and of the majority of the delegates were filled by the Headmaster and members of the Staff, and C. Reed acted as interpreter.
Our Parents' Day this year was the most successful we have yet had. The weather was ideal and a larger number of parents than ever came to visit us. The cricket match between Parents and Boys resulted in a win for the Boys by 59 runs, mainly due to a good innings by C. Reed, who knocked up 60, and some good bowling by Harvey and Watts. Every one enjoyed the Physical Training Displays; also the Junior Singing and the selections given by the School Orchestra during tea. We owe a great debt of thanks to Mr. Abbott; his kindness in lending us a marquee for tea, and also chairs for the spectators of the cricket, added greatly to the enjoyment of the afternoon. We all trust that by this time Mr. Hawkins has quite recovered from the unfortunate accident he sustained at the close of the cricket match.
The Editor would like to acknowledge the valuable help given by G.J. Boultwood and C.J. Bailey in editing this issue of the Durnovarian, and to thank them.
For the first time in the history of the School a serious effort was made in the Spring Term of 1933 to start a Rugger XV, and Rugger has now definitely become one of the School games. We did not abandon Hockey because we did not like it, but because we found other schools unable to play us. We found no difficulty, however, in arranging Rugger matches, so in February we removed the hockey goals, heaved up the Rugger posts and asked Mr. Cole to see that the rules were observed. As the result of untiring efforts on the part of Mr. Roberts, with valuable assistance from Mr. Thomas, Mr. Lewis, Mr. Walker and Mr. Mann, plus oceans of keenness on the part of the boys, our knowledge of the game reached sufficient standard to enable us to play our first match against Wimborne on February 28th. For this match five masters turned out on each side. The seven boys in the scrum helped Mr. Mann to get the ball so well that our backs quite enjoyed themselves and showed good handling despite the mud. The result was and unexpected win by 43 points to nil - a very encouraging start in view of the fact that Wimborne have been playing for two or three years and were more experienced.
The Winter Dance was held this year in the Corn Exchange, Dorchester on Tuesday, 28th March, 1933. I am afraid that it can hardly be called a success, in fact, it would be more accurate to call it an unqualified failure from the Club's point of view.
It is, of course, quite useless to try and apportion the blame, but in view of the number of invitations sent out to Old Boys and of the fact that the number of Old Boys actually present could have been accommodated easily in the Cloak Room, it appears that on the whole we have no one to blame but ourselves.
As a matter of fact there were some sixty people present; that these few enjoyed the dance is, I am afraid, to be doubted.
The Ladies' Committee who worked so very hard and had prepared refreshments enough for treble the number are to be commiserated with. I should imagine that their services will not again be given so willingly. However out best thanks are due to them.
I fear that so many of the entertainments launched so hopefully by the Committees have been doomed to failure from the outset as it is becoming obvious that, at any rate so far as dances are concerned the general body of local Old Boys do not want them.
The Annual Dinner of the Club was held at the Junction Hotel on Wednesday 18th January, 1933.
With Col. W.H.F. Weber, C.M.G., D.S.O., in the Chair, supported by the President, Headmaster and several Governors and Masters, about 40 sat down to enjoy the evening, which went all too quickly. After the toasts we were entertained by the Mellstock Singers, who caused much laughter by their amusing songs and sketches; and here may I express the Club's thanks to our former Hon. Sec. Leslie Hodder who made himself responsible for the evening's entertainment.
The Club is to be congratulated in discovering a rival to Mr. Ratcliffe of Community Singing fame, in R.S. Jeffs, who, whilst conducting the Community Singing, succeeded in bringing forth such a wealth of vocal production from some present that we were amazed.
Our thanks are also due to Mr. Alfred Pope, who so kindly sent the Table Decorations.