CHELMSFORD COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL MAGAZINE - WINTER 1913

CHELMSFORD COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL MAGAZINE

WINTER 1913

Printed by the “Essex Weekly News” Series, Ltd., Cbelmsford.

CONTENTS

Editorial ... 1
Speech Day ... 4
Musical Competition At The Crystal Palace ... 14
Colonial Intelligence League ... 15
Art Club... 19
Games ... 20
Examination Lists New Girls ... 21
Old Girls’ News—
Meetings ... 23
Games ... 23
College Letter ... 24
Accounts ... 27

EDITORIAL.

All readers of the Magazine will be pleased to know that we are now free from debt and have even a small balance in hand. The debt before the last issue was a large one, but many of the girls responded very promptly to the invita¬tion to pay 9d. for that number, instead of the usual 6d., as they were getting two terms’ news. Quite a large number of Old Girls have paid a year's subscription in advance, so that we go to press with high hopes of future success.

The greatest event of the term has been Speech Day, and it will always hold a place apart from other Speech Days, as it was our first real one. The two previous occasions dignified by the name of Speech Day were occasions when the School was not present, owing to lack of space. This year we made a brave show in the Shire Hall, and a really brave show it was, for our numbers had reached 150, the limit for which the building was designed. People for the first time realised how big we were and also how inadequate was our accommodation, and hopes of extension were expressed from the platform.

The results of the Cambridge Senior Local were highly satisfactory since all the seven candidates passed. We must congratulate B. Brown on her first Class and B. Brown and G. Christy on the high position they reached in the Botany paper. We must also congratulate Miss Spikes, and the Choir on the very favourable criticism they received from Dr., McNaught at the Crystal Palace Festival. The only fault he had to find was due, he said, to lack of sufficient opportunity for practising voice production. The Choral Society has been meeting as usual on Tues¬day afternoons from four till five o’clock.

On Mondays and Tuesdays, the Art Club has met, and leather work has been the fashion. Our readers will remember that it was with the object of raising money for leather work materials that the Art Club held an “At Home” last term. And here we may remind them of the competition which took place on that occasion and of its extension next year, details of which were printed in our last number. In addi-tion to the prizes already offered, one will be given for the best bound volume of the twelve numbers of the Magazine, to be presented to the School Library. Copies will be sup-plied to intending competitors, who are requested to apply early. We have no extra copies of the issue of Summer, 1912, and shall be grateful to anyone who can provide them. We are glad to hear that some girls are again going to send up some of their work to the Children’s Welfare Exhibition in April.

An interesting meeting of the Colonial Intelligence League was held in the School Hall on Friday afternoon, Novem¬ber 28th, when the Hon. Mrs. Grosvenor and Miss Percy-Taylor gave us much interesting and valuable information. This League is a sort of Labour Exchange for the Colonies, supplying information and advice, on all the openings for women overseas and the qualifications required. In the old country, where there is such a superabundance of women, it is often difficult to find profitable and congenial employment. But our Colonies are crying out for more women to help on the farms, to housekeep, to sew, as well as to teach, to nurse, and to fill all the other posts they can fill at home. West of Winnipeg there is an average of twelve men to one woman. That fact alone should show that there is room for all who are strong and capable. In many cases the qualifications required are different from those required here. The girl with common-sense and an average intellig-ence, who could turn her hand to anything, knowing that “no work can disgrace if the worker be true,” would find more opportunity of exercising her talents than the highly specialised; not that we would cast any slight on specialising and University training, for we consider that the better her education the better a woman is at anything she has to do — from sweeping a room or making a pudding to organising a school.

This term for the first time we have a dancing mistress from Mrs. Wordsworth’s well-known school. All those who already belong most thoroughly enjoy their lessons on Thurs-day afternoons with Miss Barnes, and we feel sure that others will want to join the class, too.

The Motor Omnibus Company are trying an experiment in sending a ‘bus along from the Station to School, arriving there at 9.25 a.m. Unfortunately, the first week of the experiment was very fine, after a week of repeated downpours, when the bus would have been a boon to many, but we hope the company will find it worth their while to continue the experiment, at least, on wet days.

A grant of £2 was made to the Library, partly from the funds raised by the Concert in the Spring, and partly from the profits from School dinners. This was divided between the Upper and Lower School, and the girls were invited to offer suggestions of books to be bought. To this invitation they responded willingly.

For the first part of the term the weather was very warm and fine, and two tennis courts were in use for a long time. Hockey and net-ball have been taken up vigorously, and a smaller hockey ground has been marked out on the cricket pitch for the beginners. The Old Girls’ Games Secretary has been working vigorously to collect sufficient numbers for games on Saturday afternoons, and there has been some keen play.

Only one outside match has been played – against Braintree – and Chelmsford was victorious. The School was also victorious in a match against the Old Girls.

The old embroidered games badges have been changed for pretty ones in bronze or silver, bronze for the separate games and silver for the Senior and Junior School Championship. The names of those who won them last school year will be found in the account of Speech Day.

Some of the form gardens were looking very pretty when the chrysanthemums were in bloom, but they have they have now assumed a wintry aspect. Several of the Botany gardens, however, are showing signs of careful attention, and we look forward to seeing the climber that is to cover the net work, of string against the .fence in “Solonaceae.”

As we go to press we are in the midst of preparations for the annual School Entertainment, which is to take the form of two of Hans Andersen’s tales – “The Nightingale” and Twelve by the Mail” – dramatized by Miss Bancroft.

SPEECH DAY.

[Reprinted by kind permission of the “Essex Weekly News” Series, Ltd., from their issue of Nov. 21st, 1913.]

The first public Speech Day and Prize Distribution under
The auspices of the Chelmsford County High School for Girls took place at the Shire Hall on Friday, November 14th when Lady Rayleigh attended to distribute the prizes and also addressed the students. A very gratifying account of the School’s progress was given. The number of pupils has reached 150, the full complement with the existing accommodation, and the enlargement of the building, whereby a further 100 girls can be taken, is in contemplation.

Sir Richard Pennefather, C.B., Chairman of the govern¬ing body, presided, and there were also on the platform Lady Rayleigh, the Hon. Mrs. Champion B. Russell (Essex Higher Education Committee), Mr. W. S. Chisenhale Marsh, J.P., C.A. (Chairman of the Essex Education Committee), Mr. F. Dent, J.P., C.C., Canon Lake, Canon Hulton, Alder¬man F. Chancellor, J.P., C.C., Alderman J. O. Thompson, Councillor L. F. Christy, Mr. G. J. Taylor, Mrs. Gilmore, Mrs. Waller, Miss Lake, Miss Bartlett (governors), Miss E. M. Bancroft (head mistress), and Mr. J. H. Nicholas (Secretary to the Essex Education Committee).

The Chairman having apologised for the unavoidable absence of the Mayor, Alderman Geo. W. Taylor, J.P., and the Rev. A. J. Sacre, C.C., mentioned that during the year they had had a new scheme of government approved by the Education Department and the Essex County Education Committee, under which the number of Governors had been increased from 10 to 15. Of the additional five two had been appointed by the County and three by the Corporation. The County had sent them Miss Lake, sister of the popular Rector of Chelmsford, and the Rev. A. J. Sacre; and the Corporation had sent them Alderman Thompson, Mr. Christy, and Mr. G. J. Taylor.

They were extremely gratified to find that the School continued to increase. They commenced with 74 pupils, and the numbers for the following years were 98, 110, 125, 129, 138, and in 1912 they had 140. Miss Bancroft was very pleased to announce that day that they had 150. [Applause.] At present they were only permitted to take in 150 girls, and they felt the School must be exceedingly popular among parents when they had in such a short space of time reached their maximum. [Hear, hear.] They were very much indebted to Miss Bancroft and her able staff of assistants for what they had done during the year. [Hear, hear.]

The question of enlargement, Sir Richard added, had been before the Governors for some time. Plans were coming before them on the following day, whereby 100 additional scholars could be accommodated. He very much hoped this would be done, because he did not think 250 girls were too many to provide for in a town which had now a population of over 18,000, and in an area of 40,000 population which the School served. Their one difficulty was want of money; he very much feared that if they enlarged the School the rate¬payers of Chelmsford would have to pay for it, and that would involve their putting their hands a bit deeper in their pockets than they did at present.

HEADMISTRESS’S REPORT.

“Happy is the nation which has no history,” is a thought so tersely and aptly expressed that one is tempted to accept it as an unquestioned axiom. Its truth, however, entirely depends upon the connotation of the term history. If we restrict its application to the record of violent upheavals of revolution, and the strife of opposing parties, possibly the truth of the statement may be defended. If, however, history is also, as I believe, the story of steady growth, the record of the perception and pursuit of ideals which ever take concrete form in the laws, the institutions, and the achievements of the national life, unhappy indeed would be the nation without a history. In accordance with this view, the year which ended last July can, I think, be deemed a happy one in the story of our School. The numbers were satisfactorily maintained. Our newly-created Sixth Form carried the work of the School to a stage not hitherto attempted, while new undertakings in various directions were satisfactory signs that the growing School has been fulfilling the promise of vigour which it made in the days of its early youth.

At the opening of the year in September 1812 [note: misprint – should be Sept 1912], the number on the School register reached 140 – a considerable increase on that of any previous year. The year ended with 135. It is interesting to be able to report that on our first public Speech Day that we have now 150 names upon our books; 150 was the number for which the building was originally designed. This increase, though gratifying, is for the moment embarrassing, since though we still have room for new pupils in certain classes, yet others have reached the maximum which we allow.

During the year, I am glad to Say, there have been no changes on the staff. Such changes must from time to time happen in the career of a High School mistress, but the thought of breaking our pleasant comradeship of work here at Chelmsford is not a welcome one, and I am glad to have been spared its necessity. Miss Boothby, who left us last year, regularly sends us news from South Africa.

In public examinations our year’s record is a satisfactory one. For the benefit of those who have but lately made acquaintance with our School, I may perhaps make clear what many already know. We send in only elder girls for public examinations. It is being more and more strongly felt by those who are expert in the education of girls that junior examinations of necessarily low standard, however imposing in number, are not only worthless in themselves, but injurious on account of the strain they entail upon young and growing girls. Girls under 16, therefore, are examined by the School itself and upon the lines on which they have been taught.

In our senior work we endeavour, and I think successfully, to avoid the fret and strain of examination fever. Girls are never allowed to work later than 8.30 p.m. until they reach the Senior Cambridge form. Under no circumstances may even Sixth Form girls work later than 9 p.m. and the amount of work set does not make so late an hour a necessity. Homework is carefully graduated according to age, and overtime is forbidden. For the Cambridge Senior Local Examination we sent in seven candidates, all of whom gained certificates. For the London Matriculation two pupils were entered, and both passed. The creation of a Sixth Form made it necessary for the first time to arrange a course of work higher in standard than that of Senior Cambridge of London Matriculation. A general curriculum was arranged for each girl, including French or Science as a specialised subject. Miss Galloway’s French lessons and Miss Willey’s science lessons were given upon the lines the Cambridge Higher Local Examination and four girls attempted a group in the June examination.

In March Winifred Picking entered for the examination for Open Scholarships at Girton College, Cambridge, taking Science (Physics, Chemistry, and Botany) as her special subjects. She was placed fifteenth out of a large number of candidates (I believe over 80). The Cambridge Authorities wrote warmly of her work and regretted that though she was marked by the Examiners as “Exhibition Standard” there were scholarships for only 11. We have heard from the Cambridge Authorities that her paper in Botany was the best sent in by any of the candidates in this one subject. This proof of a satisfactory standard of work was gratifying both the the School in general and to Miss Willey, her Science teacher.

She subsequently entered for the Holloway Scholarship Examination and she must have been high on the list. She has recently received a letter from the Principal of Holloway College offering her a Bursarship of £30 for three years on the ground that she had taken a good place in the examination and that she gave promise of a successful College career. This Bursarship was unexpectedly available owing to the withdrawal of the candidate to whom it had been awarded. Winifred Picking, however, had already entered herself at Girton, where, with the help of her Major Scholarship, she is not beginning her College career, working for the Science Tripos. In competing for a Girton Scholarship she measured herself against the best candidates from the best schools, and she thereby honourably closed a school career of six years, during which she earned the affection and respect of her teachers by her quality of work, her loyalty to the School, and her readiness to serve it. She was one of the pupils (of whom there are now none remaining) who entered the School on its opening day in May, 1907.

Our Student Teachers this year attended the course of Oxford Extension Lectures on English Architecture. Four of the five Students took the examination at the close. All passed, two with distinction and one obtained the prize given at the Chelmsford centre.

Our games have owed much this year to the efficient training given by the staff. The efforts of Miss Phillips and her colleagues in maintaining sound ideals in games and in raising the standard of play have been unsparing. Form Tournaments are played in the various games throughout the year, and form championships are chosen with utmost care. The play at each match is criticised in detail. Praise is not given for easy victory, nor is it withheld in defeat where play has been good. The training of the many is not sacrificed to the coaching of those who excel. Games prefects, acting under the direction of mistresses, do their part in ensuring that all sets shall be efficiently supervised. This co-operation is, of course, a most valuable part of the training of our elder girls. It is a pleasure to see how soon new pupils learn to enjoy the public life of school. This happy result is entirely due to the training and encouragement which they receive from mistresses and elder schoolfellows in their first shy and unaccustomed days. Matches were played during the year with several other Secondary Schools in the County.

The School Sports took place on May 24th. The various School Societies have continued their work. The Voluntary Choral Society has grown and flourished exceedingly. A vigorous Old Girls’ Branch meets regularly at School for practice, with Miss Spikes as conductor. This Old Girls’ Choral Society, with the help of the staff, gave a representation of “The Mikado” to a limited number of invited guests in the School Hall on November 16th. The combined choirs also gave a Concert in the Shire Hall on April 7th. From the profits grants were made to the Games Fund and the School Lending Library.

Some specimens of needlework and painting done at School or in Miss Skae’s Art Clubs were exhibited at the Children’s Welfare Exhibition at Olympia in January last.

On March 5th Miss Spikes took a School Choir of 23 girls to compete with Secondary School Choirs at the Stratford and East London Musical Festival. The Choir was successful in winning the Challenge Shield. The success was all the more gratifying because the singers were not allowed to know that they were going to Stratford until within three weeks of the actual date.

The stagnations of a perfunctory routine on the one hand and an atmosphere of constant distraction and excitement on the other, are extremes, each evil in their effect, which I am anxious to avoid. I think so far we have steered between the two dangers. The girls are eager and ready for enterprises which seem to stimulate and refresh. At the same time they appear unspoiled for the ordinary day’s work. By constantly checking the amount and lateness of hour of home work, and by limiting the number of voluntary activities to which each girl may belong, I think we prevent overwork. Yet at times I fear the danger of strain. This danger comes not from school, but from the various distractions of outside engagements, both of work and entertainment. Education is no longer conceived as a mere matter of learning from books. School life is a varied whole made up of lessons, recreations, common activities, and enterprises, all valuable because undertaken not by self for self, but in co-operation for the sake of the School. These are all co-related and kept in proportion, and the result should be a happy one, securing stimulation without distraction and without dissipation, with a margin, necessarily perhaps somewhat slender in term time, for quiet hours at home. But too often, upon this carefully-ordered scheme is superadded a multiplicity of outside excitements and engagements, and the result is not wholesome. The School terms are not long and the holidays give ample time for outside diversions. The restless spirit which cannot be content without constant excitement is not a happy one, and it is a spirit which can be all too easily fostered even in children to their lasting loss.

The Boarding House continues to do most valuable work. Miss Knibbs and Miss Russell are most successful in creating a happy atmosphere of home life, and the life in the house is singularly free from the rigid brand which is associated with an educational institution.

I think I have now told the long story of the year. As I review its course I realise how much support I have received. The burden of responsibility has been made lighter by the ready sympathy and co-operation not only of the Governors, but also of the parents. I always feel that a kind and helpful atmosphere surrounds the School. The bond between the parents and the School—that of a common interest in the children—should be a strong one. But before I close I should like to ask one question and to attempt its answer. It is not a new question, but it is one which as parents and teachers we must unceasingly ask ourselves. What is the end in view of this long series of lessons, games, enterprises, achievements, in which we all, both teachers and pupils, are so deeply absorbed? For what are we spending our labour?

Just now I dwelt upon our examination and other successes, as upon things that are pleasant and desirable. And such they are. The world needs intellectual achievements; it would have fared ill without them. Moreover it is fatally easy to be slack, and slackness at once spoils the quality of any human work. It is therefore a good and useful thing to measure ourselves by a standard not our own, and it is an encouragement to find that we do not fall below it.

But I am firmly persuaded that examination lists and records of distinction, however gratifying, taken by themselves as a test of the efficiency of a school, can be wholly inadequate and even deceptive. Examination successes, though a valuable help and a necessary equipment, are not the true end of education; they are merely one of the means we employ. But to treat means as ends is one of the most common confusions in human life, and nowhere more fatally easy than in education.

High intellectual achievements are not within the reach of every one whatever her powers, but it is all important that every child should have her faculties developed by the best education which opportunity can afford. A trained intelligence should be the possession of all. The world needs many types of mind; it can be served by a wide range of faculties, but it can never be served, by stupidity. And I am more and more convinced that stupidity and ignorance are terribly mischievous things working havoc in human happiness, bringing with them a host of evils, helplessness to meet the demands which life makes, petty spite, readiness to take offence, blindness to things that are lovely and of good report.

What, then, do I desire that school shall do even for the child of most ordinary abilities? I think her Science lessons will make her aware of the exquisite beauty and wonder of the Universe of which she forms a part. She will learn to watch and think, gaining a little of the spirit of scrutiny which realises that the “works of the Lord are great, sought out by them that have pleasure therein.” Her Literature lessons will store her mind with the thoughts of strength and worthiness set forth in forms of beauty, the heritage to which as an English girl she has a birthright. In her History lessons she will take an imaginative part in the chequered story, absorbing in its interest, of the long struggle of the nation towards the far ideals of justice and national well-being. By this knowledge of the past she will learn to take her part, however small, in the effort towards the advancement of good and the welfare of her fellows. In School games and common occupation she will gain physical vigour and the public spirit which can work with others for a common end. Let these instances suffice. Surely to a girl whose mind is thus preoccupied thoughts of spite and selfish aim, of cold indifference, will gradually be guests which will not find a welcome.

May we not hope that she may at last go forth into life, which tests us all so strictly, as strong as possible in body, informed, and, what is more, trained in mind that she may delightfully appreciate the varied wonders of the world; that she nay have strength and skill to meet the problems and needs, material and otherwise, which will confront her, able if necessary to support herself and to help the weak; that she may have understanding and desire to take an intelligent part in all relations with her fellows, whether within the home or without it.

This is the end towards which I would direct our labour; this is the gain I desire for every child who enters this little world of school — an ante-chamber of the greater world without.

PRIZE LIST.

Lady Rayleigh distributed he certificates and medals according to the following list:-

Cambridge Higher Local Examination.— Class II., Honors, Science Group, W. Picking; Class III, Honors, French Language and Literature, R. Smith.
London Matriculation. — D. Gowers, January, 1913; D. Chell, June 1913.
Cambridge Senior Local Examination. - Class I. B. Brown with distinction in Botany (bracketed first). Passes, C. Christy with distinction in Botany (bracketed third), C. Gowlett, C. Hart, C. Marks, K. Steele.
Medals for Games. — All round excellence, Senior School: Silver medal: D. Chell; All round excellence, Junior School: Silver medal: M. Jeffreys. Hockey, Netball, and Cricket: Bronze medal, C. Marks. Hockey: Bronze medal, M. Taylor. Hockey: Bronze medal, N. Waller. Cricket: Bronze medal, D. Chell. Tennis: Bronze medal, C. Hart. Tennis: Bronze medal, J. Luckin Smith.

At the conclusion of the ceremony Lady Rayleigh was presented with a bouquet by Cynthia hart, the captain of the School.

Lady Rayleigh, in an address to the students, said they were extremely lucky to be born in a generation which provided such schools as that which they attended. Only a generation before people whose parents were probably better off than most of theirs, who were rich enough to give their children governesses or send them to very expensive boarding schools, still could not get nearly such a good education as they could get at the Chelmsford High School. Education had improved very much of recent years, and they were getting the benefit of it. Not only were they better taught, but the lessons were more interesting than was the case in the old days. As they had heard, town of Chelmsford had given them this education – without therefore they owed a great deal to Chelmsford. She wanted them to think, when so very much had been done for them, of all they owed in return. They ought to love their School first, then their town, and then their country, because, after all, if the country as a whole had not desired these schools to be started they could never have been provided.

They were having a happy time at school now, but they would soon be going out into the world, and then they must think of what they were going to do. Some of them were going in for professions; some of them would perhaps marry and have large families. The noblest and best thing any woman could do was to be married and have a large family and bring her children up well. She thought they would have a very good answer to give when God asked them at the end what they had done.

But even if they did that there were other things to do. Do not let them go home after all this expansive education had been given them with the feeling, “Well, I have not to do anything more.” If they were going to be teachers they would be giving back richly to their country for what it had done for them. So long as they were doing things well their country was better off. She should like also like to call their attention to the possibility of emigration, which was an excellent thing for some people. At any rate, it was worthy of consideration. In the Church of England catechism they were told to do their duty in the state of life to which God had called them. But that state very often changed as life went on, and they should always be ready to look out for opportunities of doing good things — useful things - to help themselves and help others. What she did really despise was the person who did nothing. There were always people more unfortunate than themselves whom they could help; they must never forget that. They must always be on the look-out for opportunities of doing something for others who were less well off than themselves. Her ladyship added: “Don’t do nothing,” and “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might.” [Applause.] In conclusion, she highly praised the singing of the School Choir. She thought the tone was particularly good and that the part singing was very nice indeed.

Mr. F. Chancellor moved a hearty vote of thanks to Lady Rayleigh for presenting the prizes. He would like to impress what her Ladyship had told them about their school life, and more particularly the importance of attending regularly the whole time they were at school. He hoped the parents would make every effort to keep the girls at school as long as they possibly could. He also endorsed Lady Rayleigh's remarks as to the happiness of married life and large families, observing that he was one of a family of twelve.

Mr. Chisenhale Marsh, in seconding, said he did not pretend to be an educationist, although he did happen to be in the position of winding up the educational clock in Essex at the present time. As one who had to try to grease the educational wheels with very inadequate means, it was very gratifying to find Lady Rayleigh coming there to set the seal of her satisfaction upon the work of the School. He feared Sir Richard Pennefather thought that economically he had not been able to meet him on the part of the Education Committee quite as liberally as he and the other Governors would wish. At the same time he very much hoped they would be able to proceed with the enlargement before long, because it would be a pity if they had to stop for the want of bricks and mortar.

The vote was heartily accorded, and Lady Rayleigh acknowledged the compliment.

During the afternoon the School Choir sang “The Cavalier,” “Prayer on the Waters,” “Song of the Loom,” and “Song of the Year.” The last-named was sung by the Choir at the Schools’ Competition at the Crystal Palace.

MUSICAL COMPETITION AT THE CRYSTAL PALACE.

On November 22nd, this term, the Competition Choir went up to the Crystal Palace, not to compete, for there were no other choirs singing in the same class, but to receive criticism and advice from Dr. McNaught.

We had enjoyed preparing the “Song of the Year,” by Julius Harrison, in spite of the difficulties it offered. Unfortunately, the Choir did not do itself justice, possibly through over-anxiety and nervousness. This was a pity, as part of the value of competition work is the training it gives in the ability to rise to the occasion. The Choir sang the same song incomparably better a few days later in the School Hall. Dr. McNaught awarded us 82% marks, which entitled us to a certificate, there being no prize offered to so small an entry.

We were sorry that D. Chell was unable to come owing to a very bad cold, which kept her in bed.

We were most grateful to Miss F. Fulcher, who again kindly accompanied us. We hope to see her at the Concert next year.

After the Competition was over the girls amused themselves as they liked. Some found the monkey-house interesting, while others talked to the cockatoos. A few enjoyed looking at the stalls and walking into some of the many places of amusement.
We returned at five o’clock, having enjoyed our visit immensely. - E. Spikes.

COLONIAL INTELLIGENCE LEAGUE.

On Friday, November 28th, the School received a visit from the Hon. Mrs. Grosvenor, of the Committee of the Colonial Intelligence League, and Miss Percy-Taylor, Secretary of the League. They very kindly gave the girls of the Senior School some valuable information on the openings for work in our Colonies and the kind of qualities and training essential for success.

Mrs. Grosvenor opened her address by saying that her subject was a subject for the young, since they had their lives before them and were as yet free to choose their preparation for the future and the careers which they would follow.

In these days girls, like boys, have to prepare themselves for earning their living. To be successful one must carefully prepare for the future. Especially is this necessary in a profession where so much depends upon being capable of work of the first order.

We frequently hear it said that women are not as efficient in their work as men. This charge is not justified in experience. If we are to be efficient, however, we must begin early to think what we intend to do. Otherwise our work can only be amateurish. First we must realise what is our first object in life — to make money, or to lead a life of adventure and travel, of ease and comfort, or of usefulness to others. Money is a necessary thing, but it need not be the only or even the chief purpose for which we work. One can combine making money with higher ideals, in earning one’s living. Different girls have different tastes. Some are fond of books and learning, some of outdoor pursuits, some of nursing, some of business and figures, others again of domestic work. In everyone is to some extent the desire to help others and to leave the world the better for her life. It is best to follow your inclination, if possible, in choosing a career, as uncongenial work is rarely effective. A woman with domestic tastes need not feel that domestic work is an occupation of low ideals.
In the British Isles themselves it is difficult to find work for everyone. But we have the great Dominions overseas - the heritage of every Briton — from which to choose. In these Colonies there are many openings for women, especially for domesticated women.

Mrs. Grosvenor described a visit to a home in British Columbia. It was a cattle ranch belonging to an Englishman and his wife. They lived in a wooden cottage, all the work of which was done by the wife and a hired woman, while the husband managed the ranch. The work was hard; they frequently had to rise at five; but they were well and happy. This sort of work is a splendid thing for a woman to be doing; but these women would often be thankful were another woman to go out and help them. Housework is not degrading to a woman.

The women in the Prairie homes on the Main Trail have a hard life. Mrs. Grosvenor quoted an instance in which one woman had to cook every day for nine men and usually for more. These women long for another to help them.

There is also a great need for nurses. On the Prairie there are lonely shacks, miles apart, absolutely cut off from
medical aid. In the bachelor shacks if a man is ill he hangs a blanket out of the window in hopes that some passer-by may see it and send a doctor along.

For the outdoor girl there are great openings. The Colonial Intelligence League has founded a settlement in British Columbia to teach farming according to Canadian methods. There a girl may learn free for one year. This will open up a new profession in Canada. In British Columbia at present, in spite of its wonderful possibilities, all butter is imported from Denmark and elsewhere.

In Canada are Europeans of all nationalities. The British were the pioneers, and they ought to reap the benefit of this great heritage.

Miss Percy-Taylor then gave further particulars of the kind of work for which there is at the present moment a great demand. She dealt first with the work of a teacher. Here the sort of work a girl should take up depends on the part to which she goes. A girl trained for High School teaching will find work in the cities, where the schools are on much the same principles as over here. When the cost of living is taken into account the salaries, too, are upon a similar scale.

In the rapidly-developing West the great need is for elementary school teachers. The supply of Canadian teachers is insufficient, hence English teachers are urgently desired. The system on which the schools are conducted is practically the same as in England, with slight differences, but the girl trained in England must pass a further examination. Usually she on her first arrival does not know enough Canadian history. She is therefore given a temporary post for one year, during which she is able to qualify fully.

In the case of nurses, it is best to be trained in Canada. The hospitals are finer than in England, and the training is excellent. There is an assured future for the nurse in Canada. The demand is enormous and the pay high. It is not necessary for a nurse to go to Canada to be interviewed. The Society is authorised to select candidates and send them out.

Fully-trained nurses from England will also find work, but the Canadians do not consider them fully qualified unless they have been trained in all branches of nursing.

A new country always develops its own system. Those who do not succeed are those who cannot adjust themselves to local conditions. One must go to Canada in the spirit of being ready to learn. In the Prairie and the Bush is the greatest demand for nurses. Nurses who go these must learn many things they have not learnt in England. For instance, it is absolutely necessary in the Bush to know how to ride, which the average English nurse is unable to do.

There, is also a great demand for all kinds of office work, which, however, must be of the first-class. There is no use for second-class work. A successful Secretary must have had a first-class education, be a good stenographer, and have the knowledge of at least one modern language. In book-keeping there are excellent openings, but a knowledge of the American system of book-keeping and the currency is necessary.

Of all work domestic work is the most wanted. That is natural in a new country. Painting and music are indeed valuable, but it is possible to live without them, while clothes, food, and homes are primitive needs which it is absolutely necessary to supply.

Above all things the Colonist must be practical and capable in the ordinary affairs of life. Even in the cities the supply of servants sometimes runs out and the staff of a school may have to turn to and do the housework. The Colonial women are apt to consider English women incapable. In fact, inefficiency is a thing utterly at a discount in every walk of life.

In thinking of emigrating, it is very advisable to consult the Colonial Intelligence League, because the conditions of work out there are constantly changing. A personal interview is best. Candidates are examined by a lady doctor and have introductions given them. It is most necessary that women should not travel alone, so a party is usually arranged to go out together, A representative of the Society meets them, has lodgings ready for them, and helps them in every possible way. Some people are better suited to life at home, hence the value of expert advice to those thinking of a career abroad before making the final decision. The representatives in the Colonies keep the Society supplied with information as to what kind of work is wanted. The Committee will in some cases advance money for the passage, which may be paid back by degrees.

Whether it is a good thing to go to the Colonies depends entirely upon the worker. Sometimes in a large family a girl may feel that there is no special work for her to do at home, but she can be of great use in the Colonies, where there are so many more men than women. There is a splendid opening for the well-trained girl, but half-trained girls who go out without proper information are bound to prove failures. - M. Haig.

ART CLUB

This term the Art Club has met on Mondays and Tuesdays. A good many new members have joined, as it is a good opportunity for making Christmas presents. From the proceeds of the “At Home” last term we have been able to buy a piece of leather and a set of tools for leather work. Several girls have made some very nice presents, such as card-cases, handbags, and belts. Others have made some very pretty stencilled articles, and some have brought their embroidery and worked on that.

The members of the Club pay a small subscription of 2d. a term, and this entitles them to have leather and the use of the tools, also of the stencil paints. We hope to have another “At Home” next term in order to buy more leather and paints. – P. green.

It is pleasant that so many new girls have joined our Club and that they are doing such creditable work. Some new members, from Form III. in particular are doing really promising work.

Leather work and passe-partout framing are the two new crafts which have been attempted this term. Some good leather work has been done, especially by M. Franklin, L. Harrington, J. Hodge, and M. Spalding. M. Spalding and N. Carter have done some pretty stencilling. – E.S.

GAMES.

A meeting of the Games Committee was held on October 8th to appoint Treasurers and Secretaries. The following wore appointed:- Treasurer, C. Marks; Assistant, B. Straight; Secretary, W. Brown; Assistant, O. Cutts.

A meeting of the Selection Committee was held on October 13th to decide the 1st Netball Team. It was resolved that the team should be as follows and that the lines should be chosen later:- Defence, W. Burrell, B. Straight; Centre, C. Marks; Attack, O. Wheaton, C. Hart.

At a meeting of the Selection Committee on November 13th, it was proposed by C. Hart, seconded by C. Marks, and carried unanimously, that E. Owens should be fixed as one line, and that for the present M. Wenley and B. Brown should both go on playing to decide the remaining line.

At the same meeting it was proposed by C. Marks, seconded by M. Taylor, and carried unanimously, that the 1st XI. Hockey Team should be as follows:-

Forward. — E. Owers (L.W.), M. Scrivener (L.I.), N. Waller (C), C. Marks (R.I.), M. Jeffreys (R.W.).
Half-back. — D. Chell (L.). B. Straight (C.), B. Pilley (R.).
Back. — M. Taylor, (L.), B. Brown (R.).
Goal. - A. Vipond.

Miss Spikes suggested that M. Unite should be a reserve. This was carried unanimously.

TENNIS TOURNAMENT.

The result of the Form Tennis Tournament last term was as follows: Upper School, Winners V.b; Lower School, Winners IV.b. Forms V.b and IV.b played for School Championship. The result was a victory for V.b.

HOCKEY.

All teams have had a fair amount of practice this term, in spite of poor weather. The Juniors have got quite a good idea of the game and are keen. But those who were Juniors last year and should be making a Second School Team now are standing still. If the forwards would make more effort to play an intelligent, hard game we should like to play Maldon next term; but at present the forward line is too feeble, though the backs and goal are very good. We have been obliged for this reason to refuse a 2nd XI. match v. Romford 2nd XI. this term. We hope to see much improvement in style early next term.

CHELMSFORD v. BRAINTREE.

We were fortunate in having a full-sized ground at Braintree for the match, as it is not often we have an opportunity of playing on anything but a small one. It was rather a hot day for a hard fight, but the School team showed its best form.

The attack, passing, dogged tenacity, and shooting were first-rate. Everyone played extremely well, but C. Marks surpassed herself. M. Unite, who played in both this and the O.G.’s match as reserve in D. Chell’s absence, played a very good game.

Keep it up, School!

SCHOOL v. OLD GIRLS.

This was a fast game, which everyone enjoyed immensely. Plenty of vigour was displayed on both sides, and there was some excellent passing. The forward line of the School team was inspired by C. Marks, whose infectious energy was soon caught, the result being some fine shooting.

After the match the O.G. team gave their opponents a very good tea in the School Hall. - E. Spikes.

HOCKEY MATCHES.

Opponents.      Date. 	    Where played.    Victors.       Scores.
Old Girls       Nov. 15th   School 	     School 	    8—2
Braintree       Nov. 29th   Braintree 	     Chelmsford     8—0

EXAMINATION LISTS.

University of London Matriculation Examination, Division II. : Dorothy Chell.
Cambridge Senior Local (7 candidates, 7 passed):
Honours, Class I., Beatrice Brown, distinction in Botany and one English paper.

Passed:

C. Christy (Distinction in Botany)
Constance Gowlett
Cynthia Hart
Margaret Haig
Clara Marks
Kathleen Steele

School Examinations, July, Honours:
V.b, W. Brown
IV.a, H. Matthews, T. Halpern
IV.b, C. Miller, A. Bridge, O. Cutts
III., I. Parris

NEW GIRLS.

FORM V.a: Jessie Cooksey
FORM V.b: Vera Mason, Marion Unite
FORM IV.a: Dorothy Cass, Evelyn Franklin, Dorothy Ketley, Della Ward
FORM IV.b: Phyllis Atkins, Ruth Bucknell, Ruby Butcher, Bessie Hodge, Hilda Land, Marjorie Unite
FORM III.: Joyce Baker, Evelyn Bates, Grace Bennett, May Came, Ivy Foreman, Olive Gowers, Hilda Lander, Leonie Mawhood, Irene Millar, Nora Pertwee, Marian Ritchie, Vivien Russell, Winifred Shoobridge, Sylvia White
FORM II.: Joy Bird, Molly Cooke, Ruth Ketley, Joyce Pertwee, Constance Towns

STUDENTS.

Dorothy Chell, Dorothy Gowers, Bessie Hodge, Peggy Hodge, Ethel Pilley, Dorothy Picking

OLD GIRLS’ SOCIETY.

The General Meeting of the Old Girls’ Society was held on Saturday, July 10th, at the High School. During the afternoon tennis matches between Old and Present Girls were played. After tea a business meeting was held. Miss Bancroft presided. The result of the voting for the Committee, 1913—1914, was announced as follows: Miss Phillips, Miss Willey, May Jeffreys, Dorothy Smith, Winnie Hale. Blanche Goodliffe was elected Secretary of the Games Club, as May Jeffreys had resigned.

At an evening meeting held on Wednesday, November 12th, there was an animated debate on “The life of a savage is happier than that of a civilized man.”

The Proposer was Clare Turnage, seconded by M. Haig, and the Opposer Dorothy Gowers, seconded by Miss Russell. The subject was keenly discussed. During the debate the arguments “for” and “against” were well balanced, but the voting resulted in a victory for the Proposer by a majority of two votes. - E. Drury.

Choral Society.

A performance of Gilbert and. Sullivan’s opera, “Iolanthe,” will be given during the Spring Term, towards the end of February. It is hoped that all Old Girls will try to be present and make it known among their friends. Notices will be sent out in January. - A. E. Phillips.

Games Club.

There are now eighteen members of the C.O.G.G.C. (excluding mistresses), which is a good increase on the number of members of any previous year, but not nearly as many as we hope to have in the future. We have had seven practice games of hockey this term and a match. At first the members were very good and turned up in strong numbers, but lately they have been rather slack, with just one or two faithful ones who always turn up (myself being the only one on one occasion). The School Girls have been very good in coming up to the School on Saturdays to play against us; without their help we should stand a very small chance of having any practice games at all. We played a match against the Present Girls on November 15th, which I think all the Old Girls enjoyed very much, although they failed to do themselves justice. They all looked very “sporty” in tunics, with red belts and ties. We lost the match, 8—2, but we are hoping to play again next term and to be able to reverse the score. After tea, which Cynthia Hart very kindly prepared for us in the School Hall, and everyone was very good in helping to clear away, we ended a very enjoyable afternoon with dancing.

There are several girls leaving this term, who, I hope, will join the Games Club and make us a very strong team.

B. M. Goodliff.

COLLEGE LETTER.

Girton College,
Cambridge.

I have been asked to tell you something about GLrton. There is so much that might be told that it is difficult to know where to begin. We have beautiful buildings and grounds, and of course they are very large. When people first come up they think they will never find their way about and will never know everybody’s name.

Perhaps I might describe a day to you. We get up in time for chapel at 7.50, and after chapel is breakfast. Then a great many people either drive or cycle into Cambridge for lectures or 4 ‘practicals.’ It takes a little time to get used to lectures, they are so very different from lessons. The lecturer talks straight on for an hour, and the students meanwhile take notes for all they are worth (or should do so). After the morning’s work in Cambridge we come back to lunch. In the afternoon most people take recreation. There is generally a game of hockey. We have also a lacrosse court and four asphalt tennis courts, which we use all the winter. If there is no hockey to be had we go for cycle rides, or, if it is wet, for walks. I have managed to explore quite a lot of the country round here. Another favourite way of taking exercise is to run round Woodlands. Woodlands is a belt of wood running round the grounds. There is a mile of it, with a footpath all the way. A great many people have heard of Girton Woodlands, but it is so much more beautiful than one pictures from even the best descriptions, that it must be seen to be appreciated.

After tea, on three days a week at 3.45, science students go into the ‘lab.’s’ for three hours’ Practical Chemistry. After a rush to get ready, we manage to be down for Hall at seven o’clock. I expect that most of you know that “Hall” at College means dinner. This is the only time of the day when all the College — Dons and students — is collected together. After Hall we generally work in our sitting-rooms or the libraries until 9 or 9.30, unless there are meetings to attend. Then, if we are not too much oppressed by papers to be done for the morrow, we go out to each other’s cocoa parties. “And so to bed.”

There are numerous Clubs and Societies here, and the ‘first year’s’ are all appalled at the beginning of term by the number of these they are asked to join, and still more by the number of subscriptions they are asked to pay. Of course, practically everybody joins the Games Club. Then each Tripos has its own club. We have, as you would expect, a flourishing Suffrage Society. There is great* excitement in College to-day because our Dramatic Club is giving a performance this evening. There is much the same sort of feeling in the air that there is on breaking up days at school.

We have a debate about every third Saturday, to which everybody goes. Just after half-term there was an Inter-Collegiate debate with Newnham, held here. So far, no first-year student has dared to raise her voice at a debate. I suppose we shall acquire courage as time goes on.

There is usually a 1st XI. hockey match on Saturday afternoon, and there is always huge excitement when this happens. I must tell you that Girton nearly always wins. On Saturday nights there is dancing in Hall from 9 till 10, and then, if there has been a hockey match and we have won it, we have College songs. We are very proud of our College songs, and always welcome the opportunity of singing them; in fact, we are, as I expect you will discover when I come home, very proud of everything to do with Girton.

I have not yet told you about the Swimming Bath. It is a very nice one, and was not closed for the winter until about three weeks ago, to open again at next half-term. Some people, of whom I was one, went in every day as long as it had any water in it, usually and preferably at seven o’clock in the morning.

I am afraid that I am giving you the impression that College life is all play, and hasten to assure you that it is not. One thing it is, and that is all enjoyment. My great wish is that some of you should come and join me here and experience the enjoyment for yourselves. - Winifred Picking.

OLD GIRLS.

Miriam Clarke is a nurse in His Majesty’s Hospital at Stepney.
Elsie Clist is training at St. Catherine’s College, Tottenham.
Kate East is now working in London in connection with the National Insurance Act, and travels daily.
Jessie Evans is teaching at Guildford, Surrey.
Nellie Finch is teaching at Trinity Road School.
Constance Gowlett is at home, but attending the Bishop Stortford School of Art.
Hilda Hazell & Sybil Nash are studying accountant’s work in Miss Cottee’s office.
Cicelia Pollard is training at Hockerill College, Bishop's Stortford.
Edna Smee is learning millinery at Miss Hasler’s.
Vera Smith is teaching at Writtle.
Rosalie Smith is at the Training College, Brighton.
Phyllis Thompson is teaching in the Junior Boys’ department of a large school in South Shields.
Clare Turnage is teaching at Broomfield.
Mary Ward is at the Oxford Eye Hospital.
Nora Ward is a children’s nurse at Taplow.
Sybil Waller is taking the domestic Science course at the Ladies’ College, Cheltenham.
Dorothy Western & Hilda Wisbey are teaching at Trinity Road School.
Connie Winterflood is training at Hockerill College.

MAGAZINE ACCOUNTS.

18 Subscriptions for 1 year’s Magazines . . . £1. 7s. 0d.
Other Subscriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    16s. 6d.
Sale of 90 Single Copies . . . . . . . . . . . . .  . £2. 5s. 0d.
Total [Incomings] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £4. 8s. 6d.

Deficit . . . . . . . . . . . . . £1. 0s. 4d. To Printing 130 copies . . . . . . . £2. 18s. 4d. Postage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-and-half d. Total [Outgoings] . . . . . . . . . .£3. 19s. 3-and-half d.

Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9s. 2-and-half d.

Contributions to the Spring number of the Magazine should be sent in not later than March 20th.

[Note: This magazine copy belonged to Dorothy R. Broadway. The following year, the Great War started.]

You are visitor number:

tumblr visit counter