The Chairman said they all regretted Canon Tancock's absence. In a letter to the vice-chairman of the Governors, Mr. Bewers, he expressed on behalf of the governing body their satisfaction at the continued success and excellent work of the school under Miss Bancroft's wise guidance. (Applause.) They had recently read a lot in the papers about education waste," but with regard to the Chelmsford School, he could assure the ratepayers that the governors were very, very careful in the preparation of the estimates, and no money was wasted. The girls in the school had golden opportunities, and he urged them to concentrate and persevere.

The Headmistress, Miss Bancroft, reported that the year had been unusually full of events. The numbers had changed little. They had dropped slightly, from 348 of last year 340, on account of several unexpected cases of removal from the neighbourhood. Perhaps it might be helpful to parents if it was emphasised that the school year opened in September and closed in July. It was a matter of special pleasure to her to report that an exceptionally large number of girls were in Form VI who, after gaining their School Certificate in Va., had stayed on to secure a still more liberal education. (Hear, hear.)

Nine of these were in their first year of the Sixth Form course, while seven, now in their second year, would be taking their Cambridge Higher Certificate examination in July. Of these, three were desirous of taking a degree course at a University, two would go to London for a year's secretarial course at the Women's Institute, and two would pass on to devote themselves entirely to preparation for a career in art. (Hear, hear.) During the year, for the third time, their accommodation had been extended. A new classroom and cloakroom had been added to the hut, and long-needed storeroom for the stationery constructed. During the year also the school had lost two valued friends from the staff. The greatest sorrow it had ever been called upon to face occurred on Nov. 1 last, when their dear friend and colleague, Miss Skae, passed away. For years she gave devoted and efficient service to the school. She found great joy in her work, and this joy she communicated to others. Under her care the art work developed rapidly year by year both in range and in quality. She was still intimately connected with the school she loved so well. The quickening influence of her fine spirit, the memory of the beauty of her life, were a bequest which had permanently enriched the school. In her will Miss Skae had left the school her art library, a collection of about 100 volumes, some of special beauty and value. She had also given her various handicraft tools and large portfolio of fine prints, and another of her own sketches, a selection from which they were framing and hanging on the School walls. Miss Skae's successor was Miss Rhoda Buckley Allan, who has received a very full six years' training at the Edinburgh School of Art. In December they were very sorry to say Goodbye" to Miss Parker, the mistress of singing, who for six years had worked with great enthusiasm. In her place they welcomed Miss Winifred Roughton, L.R.A.M., who had just been teaching at the Ipswich High School and the Ipswich Secondary School. They had also been pleased to welcome Mrs. Smith, who was working with Miss Russell as the new House mistress at the Hostel.

The whole of the Upper Fifth Form each year took part in the Cambridge School Certificate examination, and this time twenty girls had gained their certificates. In June three girls in Form VIb. added success in London Matriculation to their School Certificates won last year. In the Cambridge Higher Certificate examination, their three candidates were all successful. The school was proud and glad when, on the very good results, by the recommendation of Cambridge University, the Board of Education awarded Florence Mellonie one the newly-restored State Scholarships, in order to send her to University to work for an Honours Degree. The value this scholarship was 120 a year for three years. (Applause.). Hilda Clark had also done well, and upon the results her past examinations and her general record, the University of London had given her a free exhibition for the course of librarianship at London University. The third candidate, Kathleen Gannon, was doing a good year's secretarial training at the Women's Institute, Victoria Street. For the County Intermediate scholarships examination for girls under 17, there were 62 candidates in all, drawn from the schools of Essex, of whom eight were sent from Chelmsford. Four obtained places among the first fifteen, and six in the first half of the list, and they were fortunate enough to gain two scholarships. They had been delighted by the success of Dorothy Golding, who left only three years ago. She had this year gained her B.A. degree of London University, with first-class mathematical honours. She had now been appointed as a mathematical mistress on the Staff of Newcastle High School.

This year for the first time, one of the VIb girls, Dorothy Sands, after gaining her School Certificate and passing the requisite entrance test, had entered the Bergman Osterberg Physical Training College for the three years' course, in preparation for the teaching of gymnastics.

Miss Bancroft continued that she watched the after-careers of the girls with the utmost interest and sympathy, and she was often made happy hearing that they were commanding the respect and confidence of others, by the standards they placed before themselves in character and in work. Cicely Christy, who left the school for Girton in 1915, had this year gained the high achievement of the National Diploma in Horticulture, and she had now gone to California, where she was planning gardens. With regard to the school activities, the Social and Literary Society, Art Club, Choral Club, etc., continued to thrive. Shakespeare had received special attention this year. The games had shown vigour, progress in skill and exercise of public spirit. In the County Games League matches, played against Girls' Secondary Schools in Essex, Chelmsford was included in tennis in the semi-finals and they were playing in the final round in hockey. An important event in the school history took place on October 6, when for the first time the School Council met. One result of its deliberations had been the introduction this term of the House system. The four Houses bore the names of the oldest friends of the school - Chancellor House commemorated Mr. Chancellor, who urged its foundation, who designed its building, and who was its vice-chairman until his death; Hulton House recalled the service rendered in many ways, and not least to the athletic aide of the school , by Canon Hulton; Pennefuther House reminded them the warm sympathy and untiring labour of Sir Richard Pennefather, so long the chairman; and Tancock House bore the name of the present Chairman, Canon Tancock, in whom they gratefully recognised a true and honoured friend. (Applause.)

The Headmistress concluded : A year ago I announced that 500 had been given to the school by anonymous friend, who knew the need of a School Leaving Fund, to enable its girls to pass on to the University. The provision of open scholarships for girls at the English Universities is still woefully meagre, and the competition is unduly keen. Often we have grieved when intelligent and hard-working girls in our Sixth Form, who have longed for a University, career, but who could not afford the fees have been reluctantly forced to lay aside their hopes Until last year the school had no leaving scholarship of its own. The 500 has been invested, and it provides one scholarship of 25 a year. Since each scholarship must run for three years, a fresh award can only be made therefore once in every three years. I am now able to tell a secret which I have guarded from all save the staff until to-day. This is that a second kind friend of the school has offered a gift of $= 500, to create another scholarship of 25 a year. (Applause.) Thus the school can now award one scholarship of 25 in two years out of every three. (Applause.) In the third year there can be no award until there shall come forth a third donor. Our stream to the University is flowing, but it will ever be a slender stream until we can supplement the efforts of parents to meet the University fees.

We understand that the generous donor of the 500 alluded to is Miss Jessie Cramphorn, of St. George's, Chelmsford.

The Chairman congratulated Miss Bancroft on her excellent report, and called upon Prof. T. P. Nunn, M.A., D.Sc. (Principal of the London Day Training College), to distribute the school awards. After having done this, Prof. Nunn said he had to congratulate those who received the certificates for such excellent work done in the school, whether on the playing field or in the classrooms. It was a splendid record, and behind that record there was a less showy, but a much more important and far-reaching work done by those who had the care of the scholars. He extended congratulations to the headmistress and the teaching staff. Secondary schools like that performed a very important function in the life of the country. The power given to local authorities by the Act of 1902 to set up such schools was one of the most notable facts in the history of England. He felt that young people in secondary schools were utterly different by virtue of the education they received. It was sometimes rather difficult to say what secondary school was. It was a place where minds were made to grow gracious and beautiful. The whole process could be compared to what happened as the body grew. The mind grew upon the food that it took in from without. The school was the place where they tried to give the best kind food for the mind.

Addressing himself to the parents, the Professor appealed to them back up the headmistress in her fine attempt to see that their children got as much of good food that the secondary school gave. He urged them not to take their children away from school before they had had sufficient food for their minds. Let them finish the meal provided for them. (Applause).

Mrs. J. M. Hanbury, on behalf of the Governors, proposed a vote of thanks to Prof. Nunn. She said they had high ideals and lofty ambitions. They wanted to carry out all that was best in the traditions of the English public school, because they believed that the first tradition nourished all that was best and most characteristic in their national life. (Applause).

The Mayor, seconding, said they were delighted to have such a splendid school in Chelmsford. (Applause). On the proposition of Canon Lake, Ail. Cowell was thanked for presiding.

At the conclusion, the scholars gave an excellent concert, consisting of singing games by the junior school, folk songs by Forms IIIb, IIIa, and III alpha, recitations by Forms IIIa and III alpha, songs by Forms IVb, IV beta., IVr, and IVa, recitations by E. Bryman, B. Leech, and D. Blooman, songs by Forms Remove, V beta, Vb, Va, and VI., recitations by M. Wyrill, and the song "Hills of the North," by the whole school. These were all remarkably well done, with good enunciation and expression, under the baton of Miss Winifred Roughton.

The school prize list was:
Cambridge Higher Certificate Examination. Form VIa.: H. Clark, K. Gannon F. Mellonie (distinction in English and in French), London Matriculation Examination. From Form Vlb.: J. Chalk, I. Elliot, D. Rowland.
Senior Cambridge School Certificate Examination. Forms Va and V alpha. Form Va.: +L Branwhite (distinction in French), G. Herring (honours); D. Blooman, H. Bright (distinction in history), E. Collicott, E. Holland, F. Hutley, +M. Macaulay, W. Mundy, B. Phipps, M. Rolph, P. Shead, G. Towne, M. Turner, M. Wyrill (distinction in Scripture), +M. Yeats (passes).
+ Exemption from London Matriculation.
Form V alpha: P. Bateman, B. Maryon, E. Pringle, R. Roberts, M. Samuels, L. Yarrow, K. Dann, P. Maybanks, B. Woodhouse.
County Intermediate Scholarships. M. Wyrill, I. Branwhite.
State University Scholarship (To Bedford College for Women. London University). F. Mellonie.
Free Exhibition to Librarian Course, London University. H. Clark.
Special Prize for English (Phyllis Pomeroy Prize). F. Mellonie.
Games Medals. Silver: Senior. M. Southgate, D. Sands. Junior: P. Smith, P. Hay, C. Currie, A. Burrell. Bronze: Hockey, M. Southgate, E. Boulter, B. Raddatts; Netball, E. Boulter, D. Sands; Tennis, D. Sands, E. Boulter, D. Wright; Cricket: P. Shead, D. Wright.

The Chairman spoke of the recent favourable report on the school by the Board of Education inspectors. The staff and girls had every reason to be proud - proud because they had deserved and earned that report by their good work, and consistent devotion to their duties.

New girls' schools were very badly provided with leaving scholarships, which were very much wanted indeed. They had made a beginning at Chelmsford. A lady who desired to be anonymous had endowed one scholarship for three years, and another supporter of the school, known for her generosity, had endowed a second scholarship. (Applause.) They were now appealing for a third, towards which the staff and the girls had already started a fund. In conclusion, the venerable Canon reported the receipt of apologies for absence, including one from Ald. J. O. Thompson, 0.B. E., J.P., who also wrote: May I offer my congratulations on the recent excellent report of the Board of Education after full examination. ln your school the borough and the district have one of which all people should be very proud, not only on account of the teaching and the manner of it, and of the administration, but on account of the singularly happy tone which pervades every department, and manifests itself so far as I can see in every girl who has had the privilege of acquiring knowledge and assistance at the school." (Applause.) Doris Blooman, the school captain, presented the headmistress with a bouquet of white and blue violets.

The Headmistress, in her report, said that a year ago the school roll was 340, and the school year opened in September with 348. Inspectors of the Board of Education, in their recent report, commented with approval that in the last three years the average leaving age had risen from 16-2 to 16-7. There were in the school 51 girls over 16, 20 being between 17 and 18. During the year they had lost two members of the staff. The sudden death of Miss Martin, senior science mistress, was a shock to all. Her successor was Miss Mabel Jackson, B.Sc., who had had seven years' work at the Macclesfield High School, and who was keenly interested in botanical research. Miss Gladys Brown, mistress of domestic subjects, had left to live with her own family in Yorkshire. Her successor was Miss Mary Wolverson, an experienced teacher, working until recently upon the staff of the Chester County High School. In the Cambridge School Certificate Examination, of the 26 girls in Form Va, 21 gained certificates, two with county intermediate scholarships were gained by two girls, and Cambridge Higher Certificates by six. Miss Bancroft went on to comment upon developments in two or three sides of the work, in art, music and physical training. There had been many successes in these, and their vigorous and public-spirited school captain, Doris Blooman, was now eligible to enter the Bergman Osterberg Physical Training College for the three years' course. The four school houses undertook laudable enterprises in the way of concerts, gymnastic exhibitions, and small plays. The house captains were : Chancellor House, Grace Herring; Hulton House, Doris Blooman; Pennefather House, Ruth Peecock; Tancock House, Marion Wyrill. During the coming Easter holidays eleven senior school girls were being sent to Paris, for an eight days' visit. Through two kind friends they had two leaving scholarships of 25 a year, each awarded triennially. Thus one year every three was blank - they had no scholarship to award. Before their majority in two years' time they wanted to raise a fund which would enable them to award annually a sum large enough to send at least one girl to the University. A fund had been opened, and its first contribution was seven guineas, proceeds of the Ben Greet plays. She hoped that in the spring of 1928 she would be enabled to announce that the appeal of the school for this fund had not been made in vain. The prize list was as follows:

Cambridge Higher Certificate Examination. Form VI. J Chalk, M. Clayton, O. Jones, B. Morgan, D. Rowland.
Senior Cambridge School certificate Examination Form Va. - Honours :+D. Saunders, +D. Sorrell (distinction in French). Passes: C. Auger, J. Bunting, P. Cannon, I. Dennison, E. Giliard, +M. Hardy (distincticn French), G. Johnson, M. Kelly, B. Leech, +M. Marriner (distinction French), +M. Marven, H. Pickett, P. Pickett. +P. Ridgewell, L. Saltmarsh, R. Shead, K. Slipper, O. Slough, G. Simm. +Exemption from London Matriculation.
County Intermediate Scholarships. - D. Saunders, D. Sorrell.
County Art Scholarship. - B. Morgan.
Special Prise for English (Phyllis Pomeroy Prize). - J. Chalk.
Chelmsford High School Scholarship (First Award). - Won by Olive Jones, but upon her decision not to proceed to the University, the scholarship was awarded to Barbara Morgan, next order of merit.
University Success of Past Pupils. - F. Mellonie, Intermediate B.A., London University; H. Clark, Intermediate Examination for London University Diploma in Librarianship.
Games Medals, 1925. - Silver : Senior : M. Southgate, B. Fleming; Junior: B. Currie. - Bronze : Hockey, B. Morgan, R. Shead, V. Cannon, A. Wood, B. Fleming. Tennis, V. Cannon. Cricket, B. Fleming, M. Southgate, M. Young.

Miss Bancroft said the school rose some years ago to 350, the full number which the buildings could at present hold. This year, however, the number had fallen slightly, owing to the unusually few entries of younger children from 9 to 11, and to the premature withdrawal of several girls shortly before they reached the stage of the School Leaving Certificate. In many cases this withdrawal was unavoidable, but it was none the less regrettable. The certificate forms were unusually large. They had achieved distinction on many widely differing sides of their school activity - in the more purely intellectual subjects of examination work, in music, in art, and in games. (Applause.) Instruction in the arts was inspiring, and prowess in games was an excellent complement to success in work, and an evidence of sound vitality, of disciplined effort, and of team spirit. The whole of a large Fifth Form entered for the Cambridge School Certificate Examination. Out of 29 pupils, 22 gained their certificates, three in the Honours Class. Distinction in English was gained by Doris Trimnell, and French by Gweneth Cass. They won the hockey shield of the County Games League for Girls' Secondary Schools. (Applause.) The Voluntary Clubs continued to thrive, and it was a great pleasure to announce that they now had a school branch of the League of Nations' Union, formed on Friday last by Miss Stephens, the new county secretary. (Hear, hear.)

The School Hostel was full, with 23 boarders. Apart from contributions to their Scholarship Fund, the school had received some kind gifts during the year. A fine Medici reproduction, from friends of the speaker's Redland days: a beautiful series of lantern slides, from Mr. Bewers; and a handsome carved armchair of oak, from Mr. G. C. Blooman, father of their late school captain. A year ago, continued Miss Bancroft, she pleaded for the foundation of a third University Leaving Scholarship, so that they could make their award an annual one. Many kind gilts had reached her, so that the fund now amounted to 319. (Hear, hear.) She concluded with an appeal for girls to be kept at school after 16. From 14 to 18 each year was increasingly valuable in the effect of school work and discipline upon mind and character. The world into which girls now went forth was one of new freedoms, of new responsibilities, and therefore of new perils. Many old external safeguards had now less power to protect. For those who could go forth trained in judgment and disciplined in will she had little fear. The freedom, the responsibility, would be conditions of good. There was greater safety in the power of self-control than in mere external restrictions. It was a deep desire for their welfare which made her urge that their girls might have the boon of a long and careful preparation for life. (Applause.)

Cambridge School Certificate Examination Form Va. Honours: +G. Cass(distinction in French), +A. Grove, +D. Trimnell (distinction in English). Passes: J. Allen, M Belch T. Berry, P. Burton, K. Cable, +P. Cannon, N. Carroll, D. Daw, C. Dixon, I. Durrant, K. Gentry, W. Huff, W. Kistner, D Myal, +F. Pamplin, M. Shead, E. Sherman, S. Turner,M. Woodd. +Exemption from London Matriculation.
Cambridge Higher Certificate Examination, Form VIa. - I. Branwhite (distinction in English and French), G. Herring, R. Peecock.
County Art Scholarship ( 50 for three years now being held at the Chelmsford School of Art). - B. Leech.
County Music Scholarship ( 50 for two or more years, now being held at the Royal Academy of Music). M. Wyrill.
County Major Scholarship ( 40 for three years). - l. Branwhite.
Chelmsford High School Cramphorn Leaving Scholarship, first award ( 25 for three years). - l. Branwhite).
State Scholarship, awarded on the result of the Cambridge Higher Certificate Examination ( 130 for three years). I. Branwhite. This pupil holds her scholarships at Bedford College for Women, London University.
Special Prize for English (Phyllis Pomeroy Prize). - R. Peecock.
University Successes of Past Pupils. - L Elliot, Intermediate B.Sc, London University; H. Clark, Diploma in Librarianship Studies, London University.
Games Medals. - Silver: Senior. D. Blooman, M. Young; Junior, K. Emery, J. Holmes. Bronze: Hockey, D. Blooman, K. Gentry, E. Moore, M. Young. Tennis, D. Blooman, A. Simpson.

Dr. Wells congratulated the school on its very distinguished record - on its winning the County Scholarship, on its success in music, and also in art. He was glad that Miss Bancroft mentioned the distinctions in hockey, for games brought people together and made friendships. The chief thing to remember when going in for an examination was not to be nervous. (Laughter.) The examiner meant to be nice to them, and wanted to find out, not what they did not know, but what they did know. The second thing was not be afraid of being tidy. It made such a difference if the paper looked heat and nice to begin with. Lastly, he would advise them to keep things in good order. They must not, however, think that because they had succeeded in an examination they were going to succeed in everything in life. Most people did not do very well in examinations, but if they did badly, they should not be cast down. Many who had made real contributions to the growth of the mind in after-life had been no good at examinations at all. School work was most important, because it was preparation for life. What did we mean by education? It was simply one of the means by which we learned what the facts of life really were, and they wanted to make life as bright, and cheerful as their school life had been. While at one time people wrapped themselves up in such an amount of clothes as to be almost, invisible, it would now seem that they carried things almost to the opposite extreme. (Laughter.) History was the subject that he had most to do with, and hoped many of them found it really interesting. Mr. H. G. Wells had written an Outline of History," but he hardly seemed to realise that in the whole of history people changed from age to age, and that because something done 500 years ago was wrong now, it did not follow that it was a mistake then.

The Bishop said : Your school is 21 years old, and has completely grown up. You very proud of it, and I see no reason why you should not be, for I expect, nay, I am sure, that the making of this school what it to-day has meant very large amount of hard work and devotion on the part of former mistresses and scholars in the days that are gone. You do not make a school worth the having without an effort. As a matter of fact, there are very few things in life worth having that you do make without effort. When I was small boy an aunt of mine gave me book called "Reading without tears, or the royal road to knowledge." It is such very long while since I learned read that I mot sure whether I did it without tears or not, but I am quite sure I did not learn without effort. I did not learn to write without effort; as a matter of fact, I never did learn to write very nicely. (Laughter ) So when I think of these 21 years of history, and how good a school this is today, I know that behind all there has been a good deal of patient effort. I congratulate the school on being 21 and it will now begin to do wonderful things. In a very few years you will be 21 and grown up with it, and ready to look after the world with votes for Parliament I want you remember that the best things in this world, the only things really worth the having, require effort in the winning.

There is no reading without tears, no royal road to knowledge, no easy path through life. The best things in life are never done by looking on and grousing, never by just looking after yourself. There was a room I once saw. It was spring-cleaning time, when those people over 21 turn the house upside-down make everything into as big a muddle as they know how - I have never been able to understand why. (Laughter.) In the middle of the room was a cat washing its face. It was looking after itself. "Well," you say; what more could you expect a cat to do?" You are not cats, and are not going to be cats, I hope. (Laughter.) There are two things in life that while you are at school and after you are 21 you are going to try to help in. Perhaps it is easiest to explain by of a game. I do not often go to watch people play games nowadays. The only game I have watched in Chelmsford was the hockey match on your field, East v. North, as a young cousin of mine was playing in it. If you are going to win a game, there are two things you have to think about. First you have to choose the team. You pick the best players om the school. At boys schools at the end of the term they publish in the magazine a list of the players, and what somebody or other thinks about them. They are usually headed "Characters. Perhaps the most valuable thing in life is character. Sometimes a player has an off day. It is not enough be the best player in the school; it is necessary to play at your best. One thing is character the right kind of player; the other thing is service = the right kind of play. Remember, girls, your character is what you really are, not what other people think about you that is your reputation. When your day s work is done, if you have a really good character it will be worthwhile being 21 and being alive. You are being educated that you may go out into the world and bring a bit of the Kingdom of heaven into some home, some office, some school. That is the whole purpose of education.

After the service, Miss Bancroft stated that Mr. and Mrs. E. Brundle had acted as caretakers at the school for 21 years, and the occasion could not be allowed to pass without making some recognition of their devoted service. She handed Mr Brundle an address, beautifully illuminated by Miss Joyce Pomeroy, an old pupil, and bound in leather at the Chelmsford School of Science and Art; also a leather wallet containing 21 notes-one for each year - seven 1 Treasury notes and fourteen 10/-. The address stated: On behalf of the Governors, Headmistress, Staff, Present and Old Pupils of the Chelmsford High School, we desire to offer our congratulations to you both upon the completion of twenty-one years of loyal and efficient service as caretakers of the school. We wish to express also our warm appreciation of your unfailing interest, your ready co-operation in labours for the welfare of the School, and the courtesy by which you have both contributed to the pleasantness of the school life.

Miss Bancroft s Review. Special interest was taken in the School s coming-of-age speech day proceedings, which took place at the Chelmsford Corn Exchange on Wednesday. The Mayor (Cr. Hugh Wright, M.B.E., J.P.) and members of the Corporation attended and in state, and there was a large and representative gathering, including many old girls. Canon O.W. Tancock, chairman of the School Governors, presided and was supported by the Bishop of Barking (who distributed the prizes), the Mayoress (Mrs. Wright), and many others.

The Chairman said it was an honour to the School that the Mayor and Corporation had graced the proceedings by their attendance in state. The governors were most anxious to be of one mind and one spirit in the service of the school. Its present life and its condition and discipline could be quite suitably compared with the successful years of the growth of the school from the beginning, giving them trust and faith that the future years would be as successful as the past and present. (Applause.)

The Headmistress, Miss Bancroft, in her annual report, said the official presence of the Town Council was an expression of sympathy with the School s work and interest in their welfare. It had always been her endeavour to establish a conscious relationship between the School and the town in which so large a number of the children found their home. The number of girls in the School was 317. The general demand for a higher standard of education so evident in the years succeeding the war carried their numbers up to the high water mark of 350. The low birth rate of the years of war had resulted in a smaller number of children at present school age. This, added to the recent financial depression, had left its mark upon the numbers in secondary schools throughout the country. With a gradually reviving trade, however, there were already encouraging signs that the awakening of the public mind with regard to education was no temporary phenomenon, but a genuine progress in the perception of values. They had had no change in the staff during the past year. No small part of the happiness of their history was due to the fact that they did not suffer from frequent changes. Those who had come to them had grown deeply interested in the school, and in countless ways had served its interests with loyal affection and devoted efforts, rejoicing in its achievements, helpful in its difficulties, and aiming with one consent at the welfare of its members.

Last year they were particularly happy and proud about themselves for they had gained honours on many sides, among which was a State scholarship of 130, awarded upon unusually excellent work in the Cambridge Higher Certificate Examination; the County Art Scholarship; the County Music Scholarship and the Hockey Shield of the County Games League of Girls Secondary Schools. This year had been one of more ordinary achievements. Twenty girls from Form Va. Gained the Cambridge School Certificate, but their proportion of success was below their usual good fortune. This was the case very generally throughout the country in this particular examination. Moreover, the work in the Spring term was very seriously affected by an unusually virulent epidemic of measles with its long quarantine, which this time seemed to attack for the most part the elder girls, those in examination forms. In the Cambridge Higher Certificate examination good results were obtained. The successes in this advanced examination were high in proportion to their numbers.

By the kindness of two friends, one anonymous, the other Miss Jessie Cramphorn, they had two scholarships per annum. Now a third scholarship had been secured, and 541/12/5 had been invested to create the annual 25 income of the scholarship, which, by the desire the of Governors, had been named by her own name. The first award was made from the capital last July, to Marion Hardy, who was working at East London College, London University, for an honours degree. They had still deposit their 255/1/2 in their Coming-of-age fund, and hoped that by future gifts and efforts it would grow into a scholarship for supplementing the present three.

In a survey of the School's growth and achievements during the past 21 years, Miss Bancroft said the most obvious sign development had been the gradual expansion their buildings and territory. In 1907, the building was planned for 150 pupils. The new buildings completed in 1915 accommodated 300, and gave other facilities. Continued increase of numbers forced them again to add a temporary extension the form of the wooden structure one part of which formed the present art room. In 1924 the small playing fields were extended by the addition of three acres of adjoining land. Their building, in its beauty and dignity, was a fit expression of the idea which called it into being. The result had been that the School itself, through parents, staff, children, and friends, had taken pleasure in adding to its own resources. They had had many gifts which had given them joy. One of the birthday presents that week had been a lovely reproduction of "The Winged Victory, given by the Sixth Forms of 1926 and 1927. They hoped the day was not far distant when the School would be furnished with a library appropriate to the advanced work done by the elder girls. By birthday gifts they had completed the oak hand-carved furniture of the hall platform, begun eighteen months ago by Mr Blooman s gift of a carved oak chair. Mr. Wykeham Chancellor had given the table, the girls themselves had presented two side chairs and an old pupil had given the carved bench for the new piano. The north side of the entrance hall had been panelled in oak and designed as honour boards for the record of school successes, the combined gift of the staff and the Old Girls' Society. A Belgian shield for award in the inter-house musical and dramatic competitions arrived the previous day from the Doehaerd sisters, who were their Belgian pupils from 1914-1919. Another birthday gift had been ten guineas from Mr Slipper, and an old pupil sent 3 from the earnings of her first month in secretarial work.

Their school work had shown a gradual development by increasing differentiation in subjects and an advance in standard. The vigour and quality of the corporate life was of paramount importance. They were rich in societies which owed their existence to no forced imposition, but to enthusiasm. That year had seen the rapid development of two new societies the School National Savings Association and the School branch of the League of Nations' Union. In connection with the latter they were beginning a small library, and another birthday gift had been a bookcase for its reception. The captain of the birthday year, Mary Woodd, had risen well to her honourable position, and she had been well supported by the vice-captain, Christine Dixon. The final and infallible test of the efficiency and the quality of a school lay in the intelligence and the character of those who had been educated within its walls. Old girls were at work in many fields. Indeed the variety of their occupations was an interesting indication of the development of women's work in the 20th century. A large proportion of old girls married. The School already had one grandchild among its pupils. Some were in various parts of the world, and many were teachers in English elementary schools. One of their earliest games captains was a missionary in China. Old girls' letters breathed affection and loyalty to the School, and conveyed unconscious evidence of sterling and lovable qualities of character, unaffected delight in things that were lovely, and a sincere desire do good work and to serve their generation.

In her twenty-one years the School had loved life and had seen good days. Her progress and her happiness had been the result of the willing co-operation of many workers for her welfare. Many of the Governors, pre-eminently their chairman and vice-chairman, for long years had given to the School a heavy toll of labour and to her unfailing help and sympathy. She had never failed to receive loyal support from the staff in their united efforts for the School. Special mention was made of the caretakers, Mr and Mrs Brundle, who of the whole staff had alone been in the service of the School since its opening day. They had served it well and capably with unfailing interest and with pleasant courtesy. Concluding, Miss Bancroft said: As we look back upon the past our feeling is one of gratitude and thanksgiving. That very gratitude is an inspiration for the future. It impels us to strive still more ardently in the future to make the School to quote an old and beautiful phrase as a field which the Lord hath blessed in which all fair and good things may abound. (Applause).

The Bishop of Barking distributed the awards as follows:-

Cambridge School Certificate Examination, Form Va. Honours. E. Jones (exemption from London Matriculation); passes, U. Armitage, I. Ash, I. Baker, K. Baker, E. Bateman, M. Beckett, C. Byford, K. Choat, M. Cook, J. Durrant, M. Franklin, M. Hadler, E. Humphreys, D. Myall, B. oxbrow, A. Simm, J. Wiseman, M. Clamp, J. Maskell.
Cambridge Higher Certificate Examination, Form VIa. M. Hardy, M. Marriner, P. Ridgewell, D. Sorrell, C. Auger (who was specialising in music, obtained a letter for three subsidiary subjects).
County Music Scholarship C. Auger (pupil in solo-singing of Mr Clifford Grout).
County Major Scholarship - 40 for 3 years, M.D. Sorrell.
Chelmsford High School Bancroft Leaving Scholarship (first award) - 25 for 3 years, M. Hardy.
Special Prize for English (Phyllis Pomeroy Prize) I. Dennison.
University Successes of Past Pupils I. Branwhite (State Scholar in 1926), Intermediate B.A. London University, and a prize awarded by the English Text Society for excellence in her English paper: F. Mellonie (State Scholar in 1924), London B.A. First-class Honours in Sociology, Bedford College for Women, London University.
Games Medals. Silver: Senior, P. Cannon, K. Slipper; junior, B. Dixon. Bronze: Hockey, P. Cannon, K. Slipper, A. Simpson; netball, P. Cannon, K. Slipper, E. Moore.

The Bishop of Barking congratulated the school, not only on attaining its majority, but on the splendid record of its work during the past year, and the twenty-one years of its history. The Essex Education Committee, of which he had the honour to be a member, sometimes came in for criticism, but they had provided the county with a network of secondary schools which would compare with any in England. They had been honoured by the recognition to one of their headmistresses, Miss Crosswaite, of Colchester, who had received an important promotion. Her abilities did not stand alone. Miss Bancroft and others holding similar positions were doing a work of the greatest importance. He had tried to find out the secret of Miss Bancroft s success. He believed it was because she came from Bristol. He was a Bristol man. (Applause) He came of an East Anglian family, but his father had the sense to go to Bristol when he was seventeen years of age. There was an old saying that Bristol people slept with one eye open. He did not know whether boys or girls would regard that as a desirable attribute in a headmaster or headmistress. (Laughter). They wished the school every success. The girls of the present day had a much larger life than the girls of a generation ago had. The world was open to them. Girls went anywhere to-day, and they did almost anything. They had their own individuality to develop. They need not be obsessed by an inferior complex as compared with the other sex. They had little to fear in any branch of school work or athletics. The records of that school showed that the girls could become proficient in games as well as in work. While play without work could make anyone indolent and lazy, certainly work without play would not produce the most desirable type of character. What they wanted to see was all-round development development of spirit, mind, physique, and knowledge which brought fort the perfect man and woman. The pupils would be helped to find their best spheres in live by the training and education they got at the Chelmsford High School. He thought sometimes girls had an idea that religion or the Church tended to block the attainment of their ideals, or at any rate of their wishes. He did not think that was really the case. The Church was very anxious to help in the development of individual character. All branches of the Christian Church had a desire to help to reach the very highest and best modes of manhood and womanhood. One of the newspapers had printed articles on, How to bring father. (Laughter.) Nothing was said about mother, who could look after herself. A lot of fathers did need a great deal of bringing up, and very often they got it. (Laughter.) He could not say whether he was a living example or not. (Laughter)

Older people were not quite so quick in the uptake as the younger folk to-day they could not adapt themselves so readily to new environment and changes, but they had had a little experience life, and if times it seemed that hey stood in way the realisation of the young people's ideals or ideas, he would ask the children to always try to study the wishes of their parents. In the home life, in the life of the Church, and in the life of the school they had the triple opportunity of becoming standard-bearers of their country in times to come. Young women were going to get the vote; he was not one of those who objected to that, because he thought young women were quite as competent as young men to exercise that power. It was, however, up to the girls of to-day to fit themselves for the responsibilities which would devolve upon them as citizens of our great Empire, and to know enough to acquire a sound judgment in order to give their votes, not at the dictation of a party, still less at the dictation of sex. There was a tendency in some minds to become frightened because the votes of the women might outnumber the votes of the men, and therefore become matter of sex ascendancy, which to some extent it was in the past, when men alone had the vote. He did not think there was any need for such alarm; they rather looked to the realisation of St. Paul's words that In Christ Jesus there neither male nor female, but all are one Him." Then the nation would grow up in the fulness of stature and the richness of life. That school at Chelmsford would go on helping to produce the best type of young women, sweetening, purifying, and ennobling their lives for all the years to come. (Applause.)

The Mayor of Chelmsford, in moving thanks to the Bishop, said they all took a deep interest in the welfare of the school, and were proud of its headmistress, staff, administrators, and pupils. (Applause.) The Rev. H. Wallace Simm seconded, and the vote was heartily carried. The Chairman was thanked, on the proposition of the Rev. A. E. Hall. In reply, Canon Tancock said although he had reached age that could hardly be mentioned in public, he was still deeply interested in the school, and hoped to do a little more for it. (Applause.)

Extracts from the speeches : - Mrs. Spinner said the old girls had always worked together in the most happy comradeship, one in their loyalty to the school and their affection for its lovable Headmistress. Miss Bancroft said she had had in her life many kindnesses and some very kindly honours, but she had never had that one, and she would rather have her health drunk for the first time by the Old Girls' Society than any other community in the world. Miss Poulson said few societies could claim to have had the services of such able secretaries from the beginning - Mrs. Spinner, Evelyn Bradridge, Kathleen Alderton, and Madge Cattle. Mrs. Holder said her one complaint against the Old Girls' Society was that, for those who were married, it took up a great deal of their time, and a league ought to be started for the benefit of the husbands while their wives were attending old girls functions. (Laughter). Dorothy Cass said the old girls could never fully estimate all that the school had done for them; it had given them much that could not be expressed in words. - Replying to the toast of "The School," Miss Bancroft remarked that the things said about what the school had done for the old girls were very precious to hear, but was unable to express in words what the old girls had done for the school. They helped the school intellectually; they widened its experience, and prevented it from becoming narrow of sympathy and old-fashioned. They acted as pioneers, and opened out paths for their younger sisters. -As space is limited, will Old Girls desiring ticket for the School Concert on MAY 30, AT 3 P.M. or JUNE 1ST, at 7.30 P.M., apply to the School before MAY 22ND?

The Chairman, after announcing messages of regret at being unable to be present from the Bishop of Chelmsford and others, said his and their first thoughts must be of one who was chairman of the school governors for so long (the late Canon Tancock), and who presided over so many of those annual gatherings. Canon Tancock was a man in the real sense of the word, one who would be missed for a very long time. As far back as 1862 Canon Tancock was unanimously elected president of the Oxford Debating Society, a position which many famous people had occupied. In 1868 he played cricket against the famous W. G. Grace, when the latter was a pupil at school. In looking back over their dear friend's life, their feelings were those of thanks for such a fine life so well spent. During the past year they had also lost by death their Vice-Chairman, Mr. W. Bewers. At the suggestion of the Chairman, the gathering present stood for a few moments, in remembrance of those past friends of the school.

The Headmistress, in her report, said speech day this year opened upon a note of sadness. Their dear Chairman, Canon Tancock, had passed away, full of years and honour. For twelve years he presided over the governing body, but his sympathetic interest in the school dated far further back. Up to October last he was most regular in his attendance at the governors' meetings, school functions, and at all occasions of special interest, and he presided over the large assembly at speech day a year ago. For himself, no sadness could be associated with their thoughts of him, at the close of a rich and full life, rich in qualities of mind and character, rich in beneficence, rich in the gratitude and affection of others. At the close of the summer term they lost another old and valued friend by the death of their Vice-Chairman, Mr. W. Bewers, a governor of the school from its foundation, who never missed a speech day until prevented by illness. Their sense of loss must be heavy, yet she strongly felt that their deepest sense must be one of gratitude. What the Chairman and Vice-Chairman had given the school was not a mere thing of the past, to be remembered with wistful regret. Their gifts had passed into the life and tradition of the school, and they thus continued to be vital.

Miss Bancroft expressed pleasure at the presence of the Chairman of the Essex County Council. The number of girls in the school was 308, exclusive of seven student teachers who attended special classes. The school hostel, of which Miss Russell was the head, was full with 23 boarders. The illness of Mrs. Smith, the house mistress, had necessitated her absence throughout this term, and her place had been temporarily filled by Miss Shillidy, graduate of Belfast University. Alterations to the structure of the hostel building had greatly improved the premises. Miss Staniforth, of the school staff, had been granted a year's leave of absence, in order to carry out research work in English literature at the University of Oxford. Her place on the staff was being filled by an old pupil, Miss Muriel Blocksidge. Regarding the examination results, the whole of Va. (25 girls) sat for the Cambridge School Certificate Examination last July, and 22 obtained certificates. A. Humphreys gained distinction in written and oral French. Distinction in oral French was also obtained by J. Bull and H. Rutty. The work in mathematics was particularly good; 21 girls included this subject in their series, and there was no failure. Three candidates sat for the Cambridge Higher Certificate Examination (Form VIa.), and two gained certificates, Eluned Jones and Ellen Humphreys. Doris Myall passed in Latin, in the five papers of her English group, and in four out of her five French papers. Eluned Jones gained the mark of the highest grade in her third history paper. To Eluned Jones was awarded a County Major Scholarship and a Local Scholarship, together amounting to 80 per annum, to which was added the school's Cramphorn Scholarship of 25. She had thus been enabled to pass on to London University, and was in residence at East London College. Joy Cheverton, who was awarded the County Music Scholarship of 50, was now at the Royal Academy of Music. Muriel Hadler had entered Berridge House, Hampstead, for the three years' course of training in domestic science. Doris Myall had passed on to the Hockerill Training College, and Edna Bateman to Furzedown Training College. The school had had a good year in games. They had played matches, winning 15, losing 12, and drawing 3. They lost no tennis match, and won the tennis shield of the County League of Essex Girls' Secondary Schools.

Old girls' successes had been greatly pleasing, and included: - - Doris Blooman, full diploma of the three years' course at the Bergman Osterberg Physical Training College, Dartford. She has been appointed gymnastics and games mistress at the Southend and Westcliff High Schools. Ivy Branwhite, B.A., London, Italian honours, Class I, (the only London graduate in Italian honours placed in Class 1.), Joan Chalk, B.A., London, English honours, Class II, at the Royal Holloway College. Dorothy Saunders, London Intermediate B.Sc., Horticulture, Part II. Gwendoline Simm, certificate of the Institute of Hospital Almoners. Doris Trimnell, London Intermediate B.A. Examination at Bedford College, London University. Marion Wyrill, L.R.A.M., Royal Academy of Music. Phyllis Shead, May Marven, and Mary Rolph had gained their final elementary teachers' certificates.

The various societies and clubs continued to thrive. A choir from the Choral Society took part in the competition of adult choirs in the Chelmsford Festival, and was awarded first place with 98 per cent. The School National Savings Club had collected 268/4/6 since its inception. The school branch of the League of Nations Union was keenly active. These activities were a valuable preparation towards the future use of leisure. For education should not only prepare for efficiency in working hours, but it should develop powers and tastes which lead to joy. It should also awaken those interests and enthusiasms which became a call to public service. Chancellor House won the cup for the greatest accumulation of points in the school sports. The Doehaerd Shield for music, speech, and drama was won by Hulton House. The Old Girls' Society was vigorous, and in close touch with the school. It was pleasing, too, to record the interest of parents, and in this direction she had been delighted to receive a silver cup from the Rev. J. W. Horsley, who recently left the town, and who had given it in the name of his daughter Mary, for some time pupil at the school, for competition among the girls at cricket.

Proceeding, Miss Bancroft said: We are about have a much-needed of premises. Our present science laboratories have been for some time inadequate for the demands of our work, and the plans are now passed of new block of buildings to be erected at the north end of the building. These will include two good laboratories, with up-to-date equipment, and additional cloakrooms. With some structural modification, a part of the present building will be converted into a library, where our elder girls may sit and read without disturbance. I hope, ere long, to invite parents and friends to a happy housewarming, in which we can show our new possessions. We shall need books to fill our spacious shelves, and I think many a friend would like to give one volume. Miss Bancroft closed with an appeal to parents to endeavour to let their children have the benefit of the full secondary school course. There came the temptation, when the girl had perhaps reached the age of sixteen, to take her away before she had reached the Upper Fifth, the earliest stage at which even her general education should close. The Sixth Form period was not only a very happy one, but a most valuable preparation for life. They were on the eve of re-organisation of education, and with the creation of new courses and schools for the years between eleven and fifteen the education of our people was advancing along the whole front, and at this they could not but rejoice. But this welcome rise in the general standard of education should accompany a steady increase in the number of those who availed themselves of the fullest advantages which the English schools could offer. In education it was indeed true that to him that hath shall be given. Let your children have, in order that they may increase their powers of receiving. At the same time, both home and school must train those who receive thus freely to feel that they must themselves thereafter freely give to the service of humanity."

Ald. Brooks said the school had recently passed its majority; it had not a record of centuries behind it, but it was building up a reputation which would be the envy of some of the other schools in the county. Upon his recent visit to the school he was very greatly struck by the whole atmosphere which prevailed throughout the school - there was a cheerful, even joyful, spirit about every classroom, and there was an organisation at the school of which the whole county might well be proud. He believed he was right in saying that the school was one of the first, if not the first, of the secondary schools built by the County Council. In that school they found the elements of success were all combined. They had an excellent Headmistress - unless a school had a first-class head to organise the work and introduce the right spirit of sincerity and duty it was not likely to be a success. Unless there was loyalty on the part of the staff the best abilities of the head could not achieve success, and unless there was the right spirit among the children there would not be success. When they saw how successful the Chelmsford School was and had been he thought the rate payers and others interested in education might congratulate themselves that they had the combination of first-class organising ability, loyal service on the part of the staff, affectionate diligence on the part of the girls, and the sympathetic and helpful interest of the parent - a combination of that kind was resistless, and was certain to lead to success. (Applause).

"Speaking as the temporary figurehead of the County Council," proceeded Ald. Brooks, I can assure you how deeply concerned the County Council as a whole are in the success of our schools, how anxious they are to do everything they can to equip them in such a manner that their work may be carried out in a satisfactory way. Unfortunately, we cannot always give the schools all we would like to see them have. The demands upon the ratepayers' purse at the present moment are extremely heavy. Not only have we got to provide for this steadily advancing wave of population which is coming into our midst from over the London border, and which has be provided with new schools, but we are also faced with the obligation of reorganising our elementary education work and dividing the period of instruction between those children under eleven and those over eleven, and the necessity through the extension of the school leaving age to fifteen of erecting a very large number of new schools throughout the county, besides enlarging and improving existing schools. Consequently, the Education Committee have to choose between those things which are most urgent, and to ask our secondary schools sometimes to be a little patient."

To the girls of the school, he would say that the education they got was not merely a matter of book learning, being able to reply to questions correctly, and getting high percentage at examinations - these were, of course, all fine things to achieve, but their real object was to show a way in which they could discover things for themselves, to broaden their outlook, make them better able to appreciate the beauties of life and the opportunities which life gave to them. If their school gave them wider powers, lifted them up to higher levels, and equipped them to take the splendid chances which the present generation offered them, the success of the school was assured. (Applause). It was because he knew that the school was doing these things and more that he was there to congratulate them. (Applause).

The Mayor, in proposing thanks to Ald. Brooks, said it was refreshing to think that the head of the County Council was keeping the ratepayers in mind. (Hear, hear.) Speaking as a ratepayer, he (the Mayor) was content to leave their affairs in the hands of a man like Ald Brooks, hoping and believing he would not allow any extravagance. (Applause.) He was a worthy son of Essex, of whom the county was rightly proud. They were proud, too, of the Girls' High School, which was a great asset to the town and district. Mrs. Wilson, as one of the School Governors, seconded the vote, which was carried by three rousing cheers. Ald. de Havilland added a word of congratulation to the Headmistress upon her excellent report, and upon the fine progress the school continued to make. Subsequently the girls carried out an excellent musical programme, comprising songs by the various forms, pianoforte solos, and recitations. The piece which received such praise and high reward at the Essex Musical Competitions was rendered by the school choir, under B. Currie, and the junior and senior schools also showed much musical ability, tone, and rhythm, under the capable tuition of Miss Roughton. There were clever and sympathetic accompaniments by I. Mills, J. Bull, and F. Goodhart. B. Godfrey, J. Loveday, M. Gingell, J. Thurgood, D. Pearce, B. Currie, and F. Goodhart recited well-known pieces with clarity and understanding. There were also three pieces de resistance - classical pianoforte selections from Schumann, Rachmaninoff, and Bach, without the music before them, by Miss Joy Cheverton (scholarship R.A.M.) and Miss M. Wyrill, L.R.A.M., and songs in delightful voice by Miss C. Auger (also R.A.M. scholarship) - three old pupils of the school.

The Rev. A. E. Hall, chairman of the Governors, presided over a large gathering of parents and friends, and also upon the platform were the Mayor and Mayoress (Cr. and Mrs. L. F. Christy), the Rev. H. Wallace Simm, Mr. H. S. Ashton, Mr. G. J. Taylor, Ald. W. Cowell, Mr. H. Oliver, Mrs. Wilson (wife of the Bishop of Chelmsford), and Miss Tabor.

The Chairman thanked the Governors for their co-operation. Miss Tabor had joined the Board, and they were glad to have her help. They were pleased to welcome two Governors who had been ill Ald. Cowell and Mr. G. J. Taylor. The school had been brought up to date, and two science laboratories and a beautiful library had been added. The curriculum would be materially affected in the right way, and the work on the science side would be improved. On that day last year the late Mr. Herbert Brooks, then chairman of the County Council, gave an address which was full of youth and vitality. Yet Mr. Brooks must have known that he would not take part in very many more public engagements. By his attitude they did not know. On his deathbed Mr. Brooks sent a message of joy and hope to all his friends and acquaintances. Concluding, Mr. Hall said: What a man of fortitude, and what a brave Englishman. I ask you to stand and thank God that we had Mr. Brooks among us. A brief silence was then observed.

The Headmistress, Miss Bancroft, in her annual report, welcomed Mrs. Alderton, observing that in the years of school life, when girls were being helped to fit themselves for good citizenship, it was appropriate they should have the privilege of welcoming one who had held the highest civic position in an historic town, and whose public service on so many sides was so well known. There were 319 full pupils at the school, an increase of eleven upon the number of last year. At the school hostel, managed by Miss Russell and Mrs. Smith, there were 23 boarders. The hostel was a valuable supplement to the school. Examination results had been very good, and the school was proud of its achievement. At tennis, netball, cricket, and hockey they had played 33 matches, winning 18, losing 14, and drawing one. The voluntary clubs and societies were flourishing, and the school was developing its musical activities, an orchestra having been formed. The school branch of the League of Nations Union was showing an intelligent and active interest in gaining information about other countries. There was a total of 357/5/6 invested up to date.

In the annual competitions in music, drama, and song, the Doehaerd Shield was gained by Hulton House, which also won the games shield ; the swimming cup and the sports cup were won by Chancellor House. The Old Girls' Society was flourishing.
Mrs. Alderton said a splendid atmosphere prevailed throughout the school, and the people of Chelmsford were fortunate to have such a school. It was an all-round school, at which nothing was neglected, and all the work was carried through successfully. The speaker congratulated the winners of the prizes. It was a very fine thing to win a general schools certificate, or, better still, a higher schools certificate. It was to-day very difficult to get them, and as the school had gained such a high percentage of passes it showed that the teaching touched the average girl. To pass an examination meant the expenditure of much self-sacrifice of time, and showed great ability. A word to those who had failed this time. Examinations were very chancey things. Although no one passed who did not deserve to do so, there were some who deserved to get through yet did not because of some small reason. The late Sir Edward Clarke had said he had never had a disappointment in his life, and yet, growing older, he realised that if he had, it would have been the best thing for him. Similarly, it might be best for those who had failed. They would go on to still better studies. Disappointment often turned out to be the greatest blessing.

Education is a great national and personal investment, and we get results and interest over and over again, continued the speaker. If we are to succeed in the international economic struggle, it is in the schools and the laboratories where the power is going to be forged. You cannot float great world trade on scientific ignorance. You cannot float a great world trade unless you have trained and disciplined brains and young people coming along to take part in it.

Scientists told us that we were close to the locked doors behind which was wonderful scientific knowledge that would be of great benefit to the people of this country. It could only be brought to light by the people who were engaged in research work. The discovery of cures for diseases that horrified us were locked in the brains of the boys and girls who were still at school. National wellbeing was also in their keeping. There were many abstract advantages that came from a good education. It gave boys and girls a loftier conception of their duty and responsibility. It gave them a better and nobler outlook on life and taught them that without unselfishness there could be no real greatness. The Essex Education Committee and County Council had to face complicated problems. In nearly every other county in the country the children requiring education were reducing in number. In Essex there were enormous additions. The London County Council had bought great tracts of land in the county for housing, and the Education Committee had to provide educational and health services for those children who lived there. Consequently there was a heavy expenditure. The speaker, in conclusion, congratulated the school upon its fine results and upon having such a capable headmistress as Miss Bancroft. (Applause.)

The Mayor thanked Mrs. Alderton for her presence, and Miss Tabor seconded.

PRIZE LIST. Cambridge School Certificate Examination. Form Va. Honours : P. Baker, distinction in French (exemption from London Matriculation), E. Brown. A. Morgan, P. Thurlow (exemption from London Matriculation) Passes: P. Cass, V. Chaplin, B. Dixon, J. Geere (distinction in French), D. Ling, M. Lucking, L. Rolfe, C. Sewell. J. Shipton, R. Woodd.

London General School Certificate Examination. M. Horsley.
Cambridge Higher Certificate Examination, Form Via . P. Goodhart (distinction in music), M. Munson (distinction in English and French), F. Starling.
County Art Exhibition. F. Starling.
County High School Bancroft Leaving Scholarship, 25 for three years. F. Starling.
Special Prize for English (Phyllis Pomeroy Prize) M. Munson.
Successes of Past Pupils. -C. Anger, siler medal, Royal Academy of Music; J. Cheverton, bronze medal for pianoforte and aural training, Royal Academy of Music, L.R.A.M. pianoforte; M. Clamp, E. Jones, F. Pamphlin, Intermediate B.A., London; D. Saunders, B.Sc. (Horticulture), University of London; K. Slipper, full diploma of the three years course at the Bergman Osterberg Physical Training College; M. Hardy and D. Sorrell, B.A., London.
Games Medals. Bronze: Netball, J. Beach, B. Currie, F. Dines, D. Pearce; cricket, J. Beach. Silver: Senior, B. Currie (re-dated, 3rd year).

The Chairman said it had been felt for some time that the school hall was not large enough for the annual commemoration service on June 20, so this year the service would held at the Cathedral, and conducted by Canon Morrow.

THE YEAR'S PROGRESS. The Headmistress, in her annual report, said: "The school year opened with 312 on the roll, and the number now stands at 313. In June, owing; to ill-health, Miss Terrett was obliged to cease work, and she subsequently resigned after twelve years loyal service. Miss Gardiner, who had been on the staff for five years, also left in July to become senior mathematical mistress in a new school in Solihull. We therefore welcomed two new members Miss Eileen Wright, B.Sc., and Miss Phillips, B.A. In July Miss Cattle, my secretarial help for ten years, left to be married. Her place has been filled by Miss Elsie Hazelton.

Last year we had the highest number of successes the school has yet achieved. Thirty-two candidates entered for the Cambridge School Certificate Examination. Certificates gained 29 (5 in honours), distinctions 13, exemption from London Matriculation 7. French results were strikingly good. There was not one failure.

In July the School Hostel lost the services of Mrs. Smith, who has sympathetically presided over the management of the house for seven years. Her place has been taken by Mrs. Purves. Our Games and many School Voluntary Clubs and Societies have carried on their work with vigour. I cannot speak too highly of the public spirit and organising ability of Joan Holmes, our games captain. The Sports Cup was gained by Hulton House. Our junior branch of the League of Nations Union sent six essays for the County Essay Competition. Doris Eagle and Margaret Suckling were awarded prizes. A local prize was awarded to Dorothy Hancock, who also gained second prize in Lord Robert Cecil's Poster Competition. The School Choral meets weekly, under Miss Roughton's leadership. The orchestra is developing well, and is becoming a valuable help to the musical side of the school. In the inter-house competition in drama, speech, and song the shield was won by Hulton House. It is obvious that these many-sided activities add greatly to the animation and happiness of the school. They also give scope for the development of tastes and interests in many directions. It is upon tastes and interests such as these that much of the happiness of after-life depends. The possession of them delivers us from the restlessness and caprice of the current fashion, links us in co-operation with our fellows, and deepens our love of the sincere and the beautiful. The Old Girls' Society increases in numbers and in vigour. The great event of the year has course been the completion of our new buildings. I should like to take this opportunity of expressing our gratitude to Miss Staniforth for the immense time and labour she has spent on the new library. The school has received a very generous number of gifts during the year. The school now has treasure of memories, collective and personal. It has, moreover, now a character and a tradition its own a heritage which passes on as a gift from the past, a start and an inspiration for the young school of to-day. It has gathered a goodly company of friends. These are things which prove that Chelmsford High School has a life extending far beyond its walls, and that it has great cause for gratitude and happiness."

ACADEMIC QUALITIES. Mrs. Wintringham then presented the prizes, and her address congratulated the Headmistress and governors on the splendid report. The honours arrayed were a very great credit to the school. While congratulating the winners, she encouraged those who had not academic qualifications, but undoubtedly had practical qualifications. Those who did not have academic qualities must not be discouraged and think that they had no future before them. Children at school were like tools being sharpened. Those who did not get a prize because they did not deserve one should start working straight away.

"During the past 100 years there have been many changes, but-no change has been so great as the position of women," she added. "There was a time when it was not thought necessary to educate girls. Any kind of education would do for them. They were taught to read the Globe, cultivate a curtsey, do fine needlework, and be ladylike. There was no general education like to-day. One always feels grateful to those pioneers who secured the rights we enjoy to-day. They were martyrs, and made great sacrifices to get what we have. All girls should learn of those pioneers those noble women."

Education was very important subject. Women were being admitted into nearly all the professions and trades. The schools were preparing them for that work. The well-educated girl always held the field in preference to one who was not educated. Women had to meet the responsibility of their work, and modern education was teaching them to become worthy citizens.

"Girls are entering public life, and can rise to the top of the ladder. Women are going to help with a new point of view. The last thing I want is a woman-governed country, but there is an opportunity for women to take a larger share than in the past. It is no use hugging the coast and being afraid of danger. Courage, adventure, and initiative are three qualities that should be instilled into boys and girls."

Teachers must keep a broad outlook. Parents should make every possible sacrifice to keep their children at school. No sacrifice could be too great for the education of their child. Money invested in education, no matter whether personally or nationally, was the best invested money of all. To those of the school she could but quote Ruskin, and say, Do not set the object your life so low that you can have the poor satisfaction of attaining it."

Mr. Ashton proposed a vote of thanks to Mrs. Wintringham, and Canon Morrow seconded.

PRIZE LIST.
Cambridge School Certificate Examination, Form Va. Honours: +M. Hills, +K. McCarthy, +E. Prentice, +G. Tomkins, +J. Woodd. Passes: E. Baker, J. Briant, R. Bright, I. Carter, M. Church. Y. Coppin, N. Cranmer, F. Dines, P. Eagling, J. Howard, +M. Johnson, E. Joslin, O. Kent, M. Mens, +N. Merritt, J. Parish. M. Porter, F. Roberts, J. Rutty, N. Shortt, W. Torry. M. Upson, M. Weston, R. Young.
+ Exemption from London Matriculation.
Cambridge Higher Certificates, Form VIa. J. Bull, M. Hood, A. Humphreys, R. Rabbett.
Open Scholarship for three years, East London College. A. Humphreys.
County Major Scholarship, 40 for three years. A. Humphreys.
County Major Scholarship, 30 for three years. J. Bull.
Chelmsford High School Leaving Scholarship, 25 for three years. A. Humphreys.
Special Prize for English (Phyllis Pomeroy Prize). M. Hood.
Successes of Past Pupils. C. Auger, L.R.A.M., Royal Academy of Music (Performers' Examination); F. Starling (county art scholar and holder of Bancroft Scholarship, 1930), Board of Education Drawing Certificate, Part I.: D. Trimnell (state scholar and School Leaving Scholarship holder 1928) B.A., London (Bedford College), French Honours, Class II.
Games Medals. Silver: Senior, J. Holmes. Bronze: Cricket, F. Dines, N. Marples; tennis, J. Briant, P. Cass.

Mr. Sargent wished to address himself to the parents and to the elder girls particularly those who would shortly be going out into the wide arena of the world. Sometimes he felt that we did not realise what a changing world these young people would be called upon to face. He could remember the time when people were run over by safety bicycles, when there were no telephones, motor cars, aeroplanes, and people did not dream of some of the scientific, discoveries of to-day. It was indicated that things were going to change with equal rapidity when the young people of to-day were in their prime of influence and guidance. It was very difficult to forecast which way these changes would take us.

He continued-: There is one thing we can make up our minds about. Things are going forward, and not backwards. One sometimes wonders if people are not more inclined to harp on getting back than getting forward to things which are better than the present. They tell as to get back to pre-war prices and all sorts of things. The younger generation are still looking forward, reminding us that there are roses of future happiness and prosperity. Life tends to be more complicated and strenuous. Yet we are told that scientific development, instead of making us busier, will make us less busy and give us more time for leisure'. Professions are overcrowded, and it is questionable whether it is right to prepare people for such occupations, and thus create a wastage of good material. If we cannot solve these problems ourselves we must leave them for the younger generation.

He advocated the cultivation of a sense of values, which made one look at things with a clear mind, unclouded by preju-dice or false sentiment. We owed many of our problems to a lack of sense of values on the part of our grandfathers and grandmothers. In the process of turning England into a great commercial and industrial nation they sacrificed the lives and homes of many of our fellow citizens. They looked to the young people to save them from repeating that error.

Concluding, he said: People react to the beauty of their surroundings. The money spent on the places where we keep our children is sometimes more begrudged than that spent on the places where we keep our money and our drink. You young people represent a very large investment a great deal of sacrifice on the part of many parents, a great deal of skill on the part of the teachers, a considerable outlay of the ratepayers money, for more than half of your education cost comes from national funds. You are the leaders of the next generation. You represent the practical application of two Scriptural maxims, To those who have shall be given, and From those much is given, much will be required again.

The Rev. A. E. Hall, chairman of the Board of Governors, presided, supported by Miss E. M. Bancroft, M.A., the headmistress, the Mayor and Mayoress of Chelmsford (Cr. and Mrs. Wright). Canon W. E. R. Morrow, Mr. Sidney C. Taylor, Mr. C.W. Alston, Miss Morrow, and Mrs. Price (who as Miss Vernon Harcourt was the first headmistress of the school).

The Chairman said that he was proud to preside over the Board of Governors. They were full of that spirit of loyalty that permeated the school. He welcomed two Governors who had not been able to serve lately through ill-health, Canon Morrow and Mrs. F. H. Owers.

The Headmistress, Miss. E. M. Bancroft, M.A., said the school had 321 in attendance, as against 312 last year. Two new members had joined the staff Miss Dorothy Knapman. B.Sc., and Miss Margaret Belcher, B.A. During the last week the school entered 29 candidates for the July school certificate examination. Sixteen of the 20 last July obtained their certificate, three with honours and eight with exemption from London Matriculation. The work in French and in mathematics was specially sound. All 20 candidates passed in French, three with distinction. Out of the 17 candidates taking mathematics there was no failure. All three Candidates in the Cambridge higher certificate examination were successful P. Baker, P. Cass, and M. Horsley. M. Horsley is now a probationer nurse in a London hospital. P. Cass is taking a year s full course of good secretarial training in London. J. Holmes has begun a three years' course at a physical training college. M. Luckin is about to sit for the Civil Service examination (executive class). P. Baker s youth made it advisable for her to stay on for another year in preparation for entrance to the University.

Old Girls successes included : Janet Bull London Intermediate B.A., Bedford College, London. Aline Humphreys London Intermediate B.A., East London College. Frances Pamplin B.A. London Class III, Honours, Royal Holloway College. Eluned Jones B.A. London, First Class Honours, East London College. Betty Currie A.T.C.L. in music. Joy Cheverton R.A.M. bronze medal for singing and silver medal for pianoforte. As the crown of her musical training, Joy Cheverton has now gained the degree of G.R.S.M. (Graduate of the Royal Schools of Music, London), and has been placed upon the permanent Staff for part-time work at the Prendergast Secondary School for Girls at Lewisham. An interesting - achievement of another type is that of Joan Cock, who has gained the National Diploma of Poultry Husbandry, and been appointed in charge of the County Egg-Laying Trials. Freda Starling is doing exceptionally well in art. Another musical girl, Constance Auger, who went from school to the Royal Academy, was recently chosen by the Academy to sing the part of Dido in Purcell's Dido and Aeneas in one of their concerts. The school has a large band of highly qualified musical Old Girls, who, with loyal willingness, frequently render the school valuable service. The dancing class and the orchestra both go on steadily and satisfactory. The Phyllis Pomeroy prise given by an Old Girl each year for specially good work has been awarded to Pamela Baker. The ardour of the games captain, Gladys Tomkins, of Miss Blacker, Miss Clark, and Miss Phillips have brought about a steady advancing standard of prowess in the sports teams. House spirit in the school runs high, and the various house contests in sports, swimming, drama, and song are eagerly prepared for and keenly enjoyed, the houses working together in friendly co-operation, remembering that they all exist side by side for one purpose, the welfare of the one School and all within it. (Applause.)

This community spirit, continued Miss Bancroft, is one upon which I set the highest value. Nothing makes me happier with regard to the School than evidences which often come before me that there is a real and effective consciousness in the School that all are members one of another. The School has been rich in its line of captains, labouring for the common weal. Our present excellent captain, Jane Woodd, is hoping to be a High School mistress herself ere long. She has recently gained her entrance into Westfield College, London University, where in October she will begin her course for a degree with honours in English. But a school captain cannot work alone. She is, after all, leader among her equals, chairman of a body of prefects, and without the loyal and intelligent support of her lieutenant, the vice-captain (at present Margaret Hills) and her other colleagues in the Sixth Form, her labours for the School could not effect their purpose. In all committees, projects, problems, there is that pleasant co-operation between the Sixth, the staff, and myself which seems to me not only happy, but indispensable.

After alluding to the splendid relationship between the Old Girls and the present School, and the vitality of the Old Girls Society, Miss Bancroft spoke of the new conditions of admission. Admission into the Upper part of the School will be through a general entrance examination which all must take in the Spring, in the year in which the eleventh birthday is reached, but a pass cannot necessarily ensure admission, since the number of passes are sure to exceed the vacancies.

Miss Bancroft concluded: If parents look forward to the benefit of a secondary school for their children, it is imperative, to see that the years before eleven are wisely used. The years between 5 and 11 are very critical ones, and to wake up too late to their importance is to find that the opportunity for many good and happy things in later life has been lost. We all look forward to happier days, when more facilities may be possible and when schools can be more freely built. At present the coat has to be cut according to the cloth, and admissions, alas, must be limited by vacancies. In the meantime, however, exclusion from our own School will depend less upon the limits of income than before, since the range of relief is wider and not limited by a percentage. The quality of education which the child receives up to the age of 11 is a more important factor in the problem.

Mrs. Price paid a tribute to the work of Miss Bancroft.
The Mayor proposed vote of thanks to Mr Sargent. Canon Morrow
seconded, and made a strong appeal to Mr. Sargent to consider Church School elementary education which should get more help from the rates than it did. In the last two or three hundred . years it had built up a character of Citizenship beyond compare. He looked for the day when education would be the same for all, and everyone would have an equal right to ascend from the lowest to the highest.

After the speeches a musical programme was given by past and present pupils of the school.

The Chairman thanked his fellow Governors for their co-operation. They regretted that they had lost the valued help of Mrs. Roffey, who had left Chelmsford.

The Headmistress, Miss Edith M. Bancroft, in her annual report, announced 331 pupils, and welcomed the larger entry into the first form of the preparatory department at the age of seven or eight, as a wise sign of the times. Twenty-eight candidates gained the Cambridge School Certificate, and all their five candidates for the Cambridge Higher Certificate were successful Pamela Baker, Margaret Hills, Eileen Prentice, Gladys Tomkins, Jane Woodd. A County Major Scholarship of 60 for three years was awarded to Pamela Baker, who in the previous year had gained the Cramphorn Scholarship of 25 for three years. She had now entered Bedford College, London University, with scholarships to the amount of 85, and was reading for an Honours B.A. Degree in French. The Bancroft leaving Scholarship was awarded to Jane Woodd, captain of the school. Notable successes had been obtained by old girls Eluned Jones, Alyne Simm, Margaret Hood, Ruth Rabbett, Phyllis George, Frances Goodhart, and Joan Geere. During the year 44 matches in netball, cricket, hockey, or tennis, had been played. The games captain, Margaret Marriage, had served the school with good judgment, and an inflexible sense of duty and public spirit, and she had been ably seconded by the vice-captain, Marian Chaplin.

"Life has rich gifts for those who can take them, commented Miss Bancroft, and it is an indispensable part of education to stimulate the heart to desire, the eyes to discern, and the mind to receive. It is as important to prepare for leisure as it is to prepare for work, and it has been a delight to watch the rapid development of the school in its taste and ability in art, music, drama, and literature, and to see how the tastes awakened in school are carried on into later life. (Hear, hear).

Miss Bancroft paid tribute to the staff and the mistress of domestic subjects, Miss Weston ; the unselfish and capable service by the Sixth Form ; the school captain, Betty Haughan ; and vice-captain, Effie Patten; and concluded with remembrance of the most faithful friends of the school, the old girls.

The prize list was as follows;
Cambridge School Certificate Examination. Form Va. Honours : E. Ball (distinction in Oral French), M. Chaplin (distinc-tion in Oral French), S. Dix (distinction in French), J. Hubbard, I. Long, M. Mixter (distinction in Oral French), B. Young (distinction in Scripture), all exempted from London Matriculation. Passes : M. Ager, A. Bolingbroke, G. Bristow, J. Chennells, M. Cook, E. Copsey (distinction in French), J. Doe, D. Eagle (distinction in Oral French), E. Finning, R. Gingell, C. Lobel, J. Macklin, B. Prior, E. Rankin, M. Small, H. Smith, Z. Sorrell, F. Speer, J. Wheeler, J. Wilson, J. Wylie.
Cambridge Higher Certificates, Form VIa. P. Baker (distinction in French). M. Hills, E. Prentice, G. Tomkins, J. Woodd.
County Major Scholarship, 60 for three years. P. Baker.
Bancroft Leaving Scholarship. - 25 for three years. J. Woodd.
Special Prize for English (Phyllis Pomeroy Prize). J. Woodd.
Games Medals. Bronze ; Cricket, P. Baker, E. Carter, K. Read; hockey, P. Baker, K. Read; netball. P. Baker, tennis, B. Godfrey, K. Read. Silver : Senior, G. Tomkins.
House Trophies. Drama, Speech, and Song Shield. Chancellor House; Games Shield - Chancellor House; Swimming Cup, Pennefather House.

Miss Luard said she was full of admiration for the Chelmsford High School, and she congratulated Miss Bancroft and the girls. The chance of going to a University was of priceless value. A scientific training taught how to observe carefully and patiently, to be very accurate (and how hard that was), not to jump to conclusions, and to distinguish between cause and effect. Take history. It was the lessons they learnt from it and not the facts in themselves that really mattered. Learning to think clearly mattered tremendously. Perhaps if all nations not only one had studied history in the right way, the explosion we called the Great War need not have happened. History taught that there are two sides to every question, that the truth is a big thing, and that no one, however wise, could see it all at one time.

"Our minds, proceeded Miss Luard, are tools that have to be carefully made and well sharpened. The school is the workshop where this is done. When you leave school your trained mind and character will do their work anywhere. That is a great reason for not leaving school at the earliest moment possible.

There are many different, ways of being clever. It is just as good to be clever with your fingers as to be good at figures. Some people s brains are in their fingers. I would put in a plea for subjects like music and art. Never give up a subject like music or art in any form if you like it. Everything you learn and like at school opens a new window, and we can all be interested and have lots of windows open. Dull people are not those who are stupid, but those who are only interested in themselves.

"At school you learn the art and the responsibility of living together in a community. Perhaps the one pearl which came out of the waste and ruin and havoc of the Great War was the idea of fellowship as between men and women whatever their walk in life, and as between nations, as represented by the League of Nations. You have a branch of the League of Nations Union here, and it wants every bit of help you can give it in these dangerous days. You girls who are leaving school, lend a hand in some of the good efforts that are being made to help those less fortunate than yourselves. The new Jerusalem is far from being built yet, but if each of you will carry away from school some of the things that have made your life there good and strong and unselfish and happy, then you will have laid one stone in it. (Applause).

The School's first public Speech Day was in 1913 at the Shire Hall, when the late Lady Rayleigh distributed the certificates. New buildings, comprising the assembly hall and north and south gabled wings were opened in 1915 by the late Mr. Edward North Buxton; and there was a further large addition in 1931 of block of two well-equipped laboratories and the creation of a library. In 1913 a school bazaar raised 300, which was spent on the equipment of the gymnasium, stage, and a fine piano for the assembly hall.

The School's first graduate was Winifred Picking, who in 1916 gained first-class National Science tripos Cambridge. 1921 the School provided its first graduate of London University. In 1923 the first school annual leaving scholarship of 25 for three years was founded by an anonymous donor, followed in 1927 by the foundation tho Cramphorn Scholarship, the gift of Miss J. C. Cramphorn, and in 1926 by the Bancroft Scholarship, the result of gifts, and a school bazaar. The first State Scholarship was gained in 1924, followed by a second in 1926, third in 1931, and two more in 1934. B. Morgan won the School's first County Art Scholarship in 1925, and others were gained in 1926 and 1930; the first County Music Scholarship was secured by M. Wyrill, and others were won in 1927 and 1929.

Miss Bancroft spoke with delight of the gifts made by parents and old pupils, especially on the occasion of the celebration of the twenty-first birthday of the School in 1928. These gifts include, among others, panelling for the entrance hall, oak furniture for the platform, many pictures, books for the reference library, statuettes, mirrors, cups, shields, clock for the reference library, flowering trees for the borders of the second playing field, and many cheques which have been spent on desirable possessions. With the twenty-first birthday of the School was instituted an annual commemoration day. This is observed on June 20, when a service is held in the Cathedral. The School has a proud record of war work. By collections or other enterprises it raised 281/8/3 for various war funds, and 1,594/17/- was invested in the School War Savings Association. An active Old Girls' Society has between 500 and 600 members.

Miss Bancroft has taken deep interest in educational questions. She was president of the Assistant Mistresses' Association 1908-9, served the executive of the Incorporated Association of Head Mistresses of Girls' Public Secondary Schools from 1928 to 1932, and in 1918 was a member of the Panel of Investigators of first School Leaving Examination.

The Chairman said that [it] was occasion for joy and gratitude, for it marked the impending achievement of nearly 25 years of service as Headmistress by Miss Bancroft. It was an occasion of gratitude on the part of all who had greatly benefited by Miss Bancroft's long and most successful term as Head at the School; on the part of all who had been associated with her in the control of the School; and on the part of Miss Bancroft herself for having fulfilled her purpose successfully. (Applause). The relationships between the Headmistress, her staff, the Governors, the parents, and the girls had been peculiarly happy, and the Board of Education had written that School was in a perfectly sound position. (Applause). The assistant mistresses had been deeply loyal to their Head - in itself a great compliment and testimony to her capacities. Another big reason for Miss Bancroft's success was that she had taken pains to know all her girls. In each one she had shown personal interest, and hundreds of girls to-day, past and present, were full of gratitude for what she had been to them.

We know Miss Bancroft's vigour, skill, and energy," proceeded the rev. gentleman. "These qualities are as active to-day as ever they have been, and our sincere wish is that she will enjoy the happy reflections of her retirement for a very long time. (Applause). She hands on a great tradition. In all her work she has always consulted her assistants, and has always got what she wanted from her friends on the governing body. (Laughter and applause). When we needed it she has not hesitated to put us in our proper place. (Laughter). Thus in all directions the relations are and always have been admirable. Miss Bancroft has gained our deepest respect, she has made a host of friends and not a single enemy, and she has advanced steadily through a period of something like a quarter of a century pursuing a path of rectitude, keeping in proper spiritual perspective all that she has put her hand to do. With a real sense of Christianity she has met and welcomed with perfect friendliness and unselfishness her successor (Miss Geraldine Cadbury) ; met her in that kindly spirit which means that the success of the School will continue on the same lines as in the past, and on the same sound traditions. I need only add a sincere expression of thanks to Miss Bancroft on behalf of the School Governors for all she has done and has meant for the success of the School." (Applause).

Miss Bancroft received an ovation on rising present her last annual report. She welcomed Miss Strudwick, and said the School was honoured by the presence of a headmistress of great distinction in the world of education. The High Mistress of St. Paul's Girls' School represented one of the greatest of our English schools, but those who knew Miss Strudwick as the speaker had been privileged to do, were less conscious even of her high office than the qualities of her own personality. Not long since, she (Miss Bancroft) served the Executive of the Association of Head Mistresses of Public Secondary Schools when Miss Strudwick was for 2 years in the presidential chair, and she had a happy opportunity of appreciating her fine scholarship, her wise judgment and her sympathetic understanding. Miss Strudwick had added dignity to their Speech Day this year by leaving the busy educational world, which made such heavy claims upon her, to pay this visit to Chelmsford. (Applause).

"To-day" (proceeded Miss Banrcoft), "there are 348 full pupils in attendance, 55 of whom are in first or second or third forms of our Preparatory Department. It is very satisfactory to see that an increasing number of children are now entering this department at an earlier age. If children can be received into Form I or even II under the age of eight or nine respectively, after some skilled and appropriate teaching in their still earlier years, they have then a very reasonable chance of successful entrance into the Main School in their eleventh year. To bring them to us in backward state a year or so before the General Admission Examination can only prepare for disappointment. It must always be remembered that in no stage of education are the skill and wise method of the teacher so important in these early years of unfolding powers. There has been no change upon the staff during the year, in fact none since Miss Knapman and Miss Belcher joined us in September 1932. Though it has been a pleasure to welcome new and young mistresses from time to time, yet our staff has never been one of frequent changes. To this has been due a stability and natural development in the progress of the school, while at the same time it has not lacked the stimulus of new ideas."

Regarding examinations for the Cambridge School Certificate Upper Fifth Form work, 23 candidates entered, 22 of whom gained their certificates; 8 gained exemption from London Matriculation. Cambridge last year ceased to make an honours class or to give distinctions in the school certificate examination, but a full detailed report was sent to the School. The work in French was, as always, very good. So was that in mathematics, English, history, and other various subjects showed a very satisfactory body of work. The school certificate form was smaller than usual last year. The financial situation had made many parents eager to take away their girls at the minimum leaving age just as they were nearing the last stage of their work for the school certificate. For young girls it was comparatively easy to find work of a certain type that with little prospect of development or advance, but it was well worth while to complete the training and qualifications which will enable them to enter the ranks of skilled workers. For the Cambridge Higher Certificate Upper Sixth Form work, four candidates entered and obtained their certificates, two with outstandingly good work. Pamela Jones, Main Groups, French with distinction, English with distinction, subsidiary mathematics; Margaret Morgan, Main Groups, French with distinction, English with distinction, subsidiary Latin and history; Betty Haughan, Main Groups, French, English subsidiary history; Margaret Suckling, Main Groups, French English, subsidiary geography and Latin. In the work of these four girls, nineteen separate papers received the mark "A." This good work was not done in the spirit of examination fuss and fever, but with the vigour of a real enthusiasm for work. Those who taught the Upper Sixth thoroughly enjoyed those lessons of pleasant co-operation between teacher and taught. On the results of this examination and upon the nomination Cambridge University, the Board of Education awarded State Scholarships to Pamela Jones and Margaret Morgan. They found it most difficult to discriminate between the merits of these two girls. It could be imagined, therefore, how great was their delight hear that both had gamed the coveted State Scholarships.

The actual value of a State Scholarship was not a fixed amount, though the fact of award depended entirely upon the quality of the examination work. The monetary value was influenced firstly by the cost of the University course selected by the candidate, and secondly by the contribution towards the cost which the parents income enabled them to give. The amount would be enough to ensure that a full residential course for three years at the University was made possible. On three occasions their State Scholarship holders had received 140 a year; on another occasion one was awarded 120. Where necessary, by good work, this sum could be increased by gaining a County Major Scholarship. She had given full details purposely as it was important for parents and girls to realise what good facilities were within the reach girls who worked with zest and intelligence to pass on to the highest intellectual training that the country could give. An Essex County Major Scholarship was awarded to Pamela Jones, while the School Leaving Scholarship was awarded to Margaret Morgan. Pamela Jones was reading for an Honours degree in Economics at University College, London, and was resident in the fine recently-built College Hall for women. Margaret Morgan was now in residence at Westfield College, London University, in the first year of her course for an Honours B.A. degree in French. Betty Haughan, the excellent school captain of last year, had entered the Maria Grey Training College for the Froebel Course, which would equip her for work in Kindergarten or Preparatory Departments, while Margaret Suckling was in the training department of Goldsmith's College. All four girls were present, and would receive their Higher Certificates. (Applause). The Upper Sixth was zealous and as interested in work as their predecessors. Six would be taking the Higher Certificate Examination in July, and of these, three were hoping pass on, in October to Bedford College for Women, London University, for which they had already passed their entrance examination.

A County Art Exhibition was gained by Jean Ladner, whose illustrations had so often illuminated the pages of their School Magazine. She and her schoolfellow, Rosemary Vercoe, were now working together at the Chelsea School of Art, and their happy letters, full of the interest of their new work, had brought pleasure during the year. One the happy things of a Headmistress's life was the very considerable extension of her range of experience. Through the many letters and welcome visits of Old Girls, the speaker had often been given insight into careers domestic, artistic, musical, commercial, medical, pharmaceutical, agricultural, horticultural, to-say nothing of an entry proxy into many types of schools and different Universities. And her experience was by no means confined to her own country. The Phyllis Pomeroy Prize given an old pupil for the best work in English had been awarded to Pamela Jones on consideration of her achievement in the Higher Certificate examination, and of the excellent service she rendered to the School by the quality OF her articles and verses in the School Magazine, and by her editorial labours with Miss Clark on its behalf.

Old Girls' successes: Pamela Baker, Intermediate B.A. (London), Bedford College for Women, London University; Jane Woodd, Intermediate B.A. (London), Westfield College, London University; Aline Humphreys, B.A., London, Class II Honours (East London College); Margaret Church and Yvonne Coppin, Board of Education Certificate (Hockerill College). The games had shown a very vigorous and public-spirited tone this year. Though the necessary equipment was provided from the School funds, the conveyance of teams to matches with other schools, a costly process, was defrayed by voluntary gifts of no fixed or published amounts, and funds had run so low that last year they were faced with a deficit. She made it clear to the School that the number of matches must be determined by the funds available, as all undertakings must rest upon a firm financial basis. The four Houses at once set about organising voluntary and unobjectionable methods of raising money, with the result that by the opening of the Autumn Term the deficit was wiped out and balance of 4 was in hand before the term's voluntary gifts began to come in. Joan Hanning, the School Games Captain, was showing herself by her clear head, wise decisiveness, and tireless public-spirit to be in the front rank of their historic games captains. 44 foreign matches had been played in netball, cricket, hockey, tennis. The School had witnessed upon their field two county matches of the All England Women's Hockey Association to which they are affiliated. The games shield of the year was gained by Chancellor House. The swimming cup was won by Pennefather House. The Voluntary Clubs and activities had all thriven. The Social and Literary Society had arranged some very interesting meetings with good papers and readings.

After referring to outstanding events in the School's life during the year, Miss Bancroft commented that the happy and efficient working of their many Societies was of course due to the enthusiastic and capable co-operation with the staff of a very loyal and public-spirited body of prefects. The School Captain, Eileen Ball, and the Vice-Captain, Shirley Dix, had a high standard for the School, and they knew how much the tone and happiness of their community owed to their good judgment and unselfish labours. In April, Mrs. Purves, who for four years had been the Lady Matron in the school hostel left, and the house was now under the management of Miss Lainchbury. During the year as usual, they had had several kind gifts from parents of leaving girls or from Old Girls who later have reached the stage of having some funds at their own disposal: A leaving gift of from Georgina Buchanan; 10/- to buy anything she liked for the School just received from Joan Holmes, school captain in 1932, who is still at a Physical Training College; a large and much appreciated mirror for Tancock Cloakroom from Effie Patten, last year's vice-captain; 10 from Mrs. Patten to purchase a long-coveted electric sewing machine for work in housecraft; a beautiful teak bench for the School grounds, the combined gift of the Upper Sixth form of 1933 and of 1934; and 5/5/- to be spent my discretion, just received from one of our graduates, Joan Chalk, who is teaching in a Secondary School.

Miss Bancroft proceeded: "During these last few months my mind has been constantly travelling over the years of my work in Chelmsford, evoking many memories, many reflections, many emotions. Yet among them, I realise quite well that one feeling is paramount the realisation that I have been and therefore am a very happy woman. (Applause). First of all I have had a delightful task that of watching and directing the growth and development on many sides of this lovable School from its infancy to a full stability. The thrills of beginnings are joyful sensations. I remember them all the first graduate (and she was a good first), the first University scholarship, the addition, twice, of new buildings, of the new field, the joy of the new library, the pioneer successes in many a career, the creation of the various clubs, of the four Houses. In all of these, we felt it was a brave new world. And the School has seen great happenings - the Coronation of King George and Queen Mary, the beginning, the process, and the end of the war. We have known air raids and Armistice Day. We rejoiced for a whole week in a twenty-first birthday. And I notice that though I began this paragraph with the first person singular, I soon unconsciously drifted into the plural. For the greater part of the happiness is due to the fact that it has been work in companionship first in the companionship of more than 1,800 children whom I have known in the School, and whom in the majority of cases I gave welcome as little girls and bade farewell in the days of their approaching womanhood. But again there has been the still closer and more permanent companionship with my colleagues. Their loyalty and efficiency, their qualities of personality, their readiness to spend themselves, not merely for the School collectively, but for the welfare of any one child, have given me memories which will be an abiding and treasured possession. I think there is no enjoyment in companionship greater than happy companionship in work. Browning in the poem of "Saul" speaks of the joy of
"the great march
Wherein man runs to man to assist him and buttress an arch
None can break."
I have learned what that means in working with staff in the Chelmsford High School.

"Time fails me to recall all that has eased my labours and added to their joy the great helpfulness of my secretarial helper Miss Cattle and Miss Hazelton, her worthy successor, the ready service and unfailing courtesy our caretakers, Mr. and Mrs. Brundle, the pleasant interviews with parents who have all through the years been the School's great friends, the courtesy and help from the County Office administration, the practical sympathy and interest in the School shown by our Governors. Last of all, and here I speak of what St. Paul would call the 'joy and crown' of the School, the constant loyalty, the warm affection and readiness for service of that large company of Old Girls, in whose character quality of School finds its chief justification for existence. It was fortunately possible for my successor, Miss Geraldine Cadbury, to spend two days in the School with me on May 2nd and 3rd. I set myself free for her on those two days. This length of time enabled us to make a very pleasant and effective acquaintanceship with each other, enabled her to hear and see much of the School, its history and its people. It was indeed pleasant to me to see how attractive she found it; she was greatly struck, she told me, by the cheerful looks of the children, the friendliness of the whole atmosphere, and something which Miss Roughton's labours in speech production have effected, the pleasant tones and pure intonation of the elder girls. I cannot omit a reference to the town of Chelmsford where I have lived very happily and in which I have met much kindness. On November 9th I was honoured in being a guest at the Mayor's dinner, and in my reply to a toast I tried to give expression to my strong feeling that our lives are enriched by a consciousness of civic relationship and obligation, and that development of this consciousness is therefore a valuable part of our education. My cup of joy has been very full, and for its pleasant savour I am indeed grateful. The School will, I know, go on to further achievements and happy developments. There are still brave new worlds for her to enter. For all that will be told to me of the success of the School, her happiness and well-being, I shall be ready with that true applause which only sympathy and affection can give." (Applause).
The prize-list was as follows:
Cambridge School Certificate Examination, Form Va.: +J. Amos, I. Beal, E. Buckee, M. Cozens, B. De'ath, J. Doole, +K. Everett, F. Franklin, J. Haycock, +M. Hemes, +D. Howard, +J. Ladner, M. Marriage, +D. Outten, J. Pallett, +P. Post, R. Roper, D. Skilton, +J. Taylor, P. Turner, R. Vercoe, F. Willsher. (+Exemption from London Matriculation).
Cambridge Higher Certificates, Form VIa.: B. Haughan, P. Jones (distinction in English and French groups); M. Morgan (distinction in English and in French groups): M. Suckling.
State Scholarship: P Jones, M. Morgan.
County Major Scholarship: P. Jones.
County Art Exhibition: J. Ladner.
School Leaving Scholarship : M. Morgan.
Special Prize for English (Phyllis Pomeroy Prize): P. Jones.
Successes of Past Pupils: P. Baker, Intermediate B.A. (London), Bedford College for Women, London University; J. Woodd, Intermediate B.A. (London), Westfield College, London University; A. Humphreys, B.A. London, Class II Honour's (East London College); M. Church and Y. Coppin, Board Education Certificate (Hockerill College).
Games Medals. Bronze: Cricket, M. Chaplin, B. Hollowell, R. Luckin. Hockey, M. Chaplin, J. Doole, J. Goody J. Hanning, M. Marriage, M. Morgan, E. Patten, J. Russell. Netball, A. Bolingbroke, D. Godfrey, B. Hollowell, J. Russell. Tennis, M. Chaplin, J. Hanning, J. Haycock, M. Marriage. Silver: Senior, M. Chaplin, J. Hanning, M. Marriage.
House Trophies : Drama, Speech, and Song Shield: Hulton House (School Captain, Eileen Ball). Games Shield: Chancellor House (House Captain, Joan Russell). Swimming Cup: Pennefather House (House Captain, Joan Hanning).

Miss Strudwick expressed her delight at being privileged to join in that occasion of joy and thanksgiving for all that Miss Bancroft's services had meant to that part of the county of Essex, it was indeed a proud moment for the School and for Miss Bancroft, whose work for the cause of education, centred as it had been in Chelmsford, had extended by her activities for the Association of Headmistresses in Public Secondary Schools over a much wider sphere. Although Miss Bancroft was soon to retire from the position she had adorned so long, she would be kept busy in her years of retirement for the work which was so close to her heart.

The educational opportunities of the present age, went on Miss Strudwick, were opening fields of activities for young women unknown in years gone by. People were at last beginning to realise that schools did really mean something in the world. The highest purpose of education would, however, be missed if it did not bring them closer to the realisation of the beauty of things, the joy to be gained by the appreciation of the little things of life, the happiness which flowed from contentment, and the need for giving God His rightful place in our lives and our work. It was not so much the task be done as the way in which they applied themselves to it. School life was influenced so much by its spiritual atmosphere. The task before them all to-day was to make their own little bit of the world a better place through living in it. Schools were centres of civilisation wherever they were situated. They sent out civilised people who were able to look at the world with tolerant and kindly eyes. Influence even of the humblest life meant much for right or wrong, and each of us had a real responsibility to our neighbour as well as to ourselves. There was no friendship more real, no influence more for the good, than that which was based on mutual service and consideration. There was a danger sometimes of their work becoming a little too professional, a little lacking in human personality. The tiniest service was well worth while, and never so small as not to merit the best that was in us. Every girl should leave school able to do something really well.

The Mayor, proposing thanks to Miss Strudwick, took that opportunity on behalf the town of thanking Miss Bancroft for her splendid services at the School, and the great interest she had always taken in things for the benefit of the town generally. People were coming into Chelmsford to avail themselves of the educational advantages offered there, and they were all proud of the County High School. (Applause).

Miss Hough seconded the vote, and Mr. John Sargent added a tribute to Miss Bancroft on behalf of the County Authority. By her long and gifted service the foundation of the School had been firmly established, providing results which had been and would continue to be of the highest value in the educational life of the county. (Applause). A hearty vote was accorded.

The Bishop of Chelmsford gave an address, and the lessons were read by the Rev. A. E. Hall, of Woodham Ferrers, chairman of the School Governors.

"Youth," said the Bishop, "is the time when we ought to get good, training, discipline, and have the rough corners rubbed off. I do not hesitate to say that that it is a very good thing sometimes for a boy to be 'licked.' [whipped] I know many men who have been thoroughly spoiled because at school they were never properly 'licked.' Of course I know you girls have a different form discipline, which is quite right. We must learn to wear the yoke of subjection to authority when young learn to do what we are told to do. There is good deal said against this to-day. People say 'We want to express ourselves freely, and with no restraint, say what we like, and do what we like.' If we never learn to obey, we can never learn to rule. If I were King of the World I would have every boy and girl taught their duty towards God and their neighbour. Learn to wear the yoke of self-control, self- discipline, doing" things we not want to do because they are right. A schoolmaster friend of mine told me that boys to-day have lost their sense of duty and no longer do things because they should. That is a dreadful thing to say and I hope and pray it is not true.

"There are three kinds of people in the world to-day. There are the "must-ers," those who do things because they must; the 'ought-to's,' those who do things because they ought, whether they want to not; and the 'plus-ers,' people who are the salt of the earth, because they have a little bit of something; the others have not got these people are not simply concerned about what they have to do, they are in fact the saviours of the world. One the serious things to-day is that when young people are asked to do self-sacrificing work they say they do not want to do it. If we only do the things we want to do, we shall never do anything worth doing. We ought each of us to say, 'I want to use my life in the best possible way and help other people, and make the world a better place because I have lived in it.'

The Chairman said that with the appointment of Miss Cadbury to succeed Miss Bancroft, the School had entered upon another phase in its history, a phase which they confidently believed was going to be as successful as the past had been. The presence of Miss Bancroft and Mrs. Price carried them back to the opening of the School, and filled them with pride at what had been accomplished. (Applause).

THE ANNUAL REPORT. Miss Cadbury welcomed the distinguished visitors, and thanked the Governors, and staff. Miss Harrison, as Second Mistress, had had a particularly arduous task with a new Headmistress to advise, and with the staff she included her secretary, Miss Hazelton. There were in the school to-day 340 pupils. Of these 41 were in the preparatory department. They were glad when children entered that department at the age of seven or eight, since it gave them time settle to the work before they had to sit for the general admission examination into the main school at the age of ten or eleven. Owing to the numbers, an additional member of the staff, Miss K. M. Hall, commenced duties in September.

Regarding the examinations, twenty gained the Cambridge School Certificate. The following girls gained a "very good": J. Buchanan, in history; C. Gifford, Scripture and French; D. Heywood, oral French; M. Langstone, history. Six candidates went in for the Cambridge Higher Certificate Examination, and all were successful Eileen Ball, Emily Copsey, Shirley Dix, Joan Hubbard, Iris Long, Marjorie Mixter. Joan Hubbard and Shirley Dix reached the very good "in French. A County Major Scholarship of 70 for three years was awarded to Shirley Dix, and a Senior Exhibition of 40 for three years to Iris Long. The Cramphorn Scholarship of 25 for three years was also awarded to Shirley Dix. Joan Hubbard, the present school captain, had also obtained admission to Bedford College. The Phyllis Pomeroy Prize, given for specially good work in English, went to Shirley Dix. Among the old girls' successes were those of Pamela Jones, Margaret Morgan, and Janet Bull (B.A.), Joan Holmes (physical training diploma), and Betty Curris (R.S.M.) The games of the school were in a healthy and vigorous condition, and a sound tradition of public spirit had been established. In the House Competitions in drama and song the shield was gained by Hulton House. The School Junior Branch of the League of Nations Union had been active, and it decided last term to "adopt a child in connection with the Save Children Fund. Two little Russian refugees had been selected, at present in a Russian Institution for children in Paris. The money contributed by the branch would make it possible for them to remain there. Giving for charity was both voluntary and personal. Each form decided what fund it would like to support, and collections were made weekly. The amount collected last term was 11/9/2, divided among nine different charities, the most popular being the R.S.P.C.A.

Gifts to the school included Miss Bancroft's central panel to the Post School Honours Board, a portrait of Miss Bancroft from the staff, 5 for books from Mrs. Harrison, and gifts from other old girls. The school was happy in having such a loyal band of old scholars, and she hoped they would always feel their welcome a very real one. Those who had passed through the school owed much to it, those who were now in the school owed much to the traditions of the past. Only when the links between the past and present were strong did a school achieve its fullest life. Finally Miss Cadbury stressed how important was the co-operation of those who were responsible for the girls parents and teachers. (Applause).

LIST OF AWARDS. Professor Cullis distributed the awards as follows:
Cambridge School Certificate Examination Form Va B. Ager, +J. Buchanan, G. Chaplin, +I. Cox, M. Gibson, +C. Gifford, +D. Heywood, M Jackson. +A. Jones, +S. Juniper, +M. Langstone, V. Moss, S. Pallett, J. Pitt, E. Prior, B. Pryke, G. Squirrel, F. Stiff, O. Walter, O. Webber.
(+Exemption from London. Matriculation).
Cambridge Higher Certificates. Form VIa. - E. Ball, E. Copsey, S. Dix (distinction in French group), J Hubbard (distinction in French group), I. Long, M. Mixter.
County Major Scholarships. S. Dix, I Long.
Cramphorn Leaving Scholarship. S. Dix.
Special Prize for English (Phyllis Pomeroy Prize). S. Dix.
Games Medals. Cricket, J Doole, M Mixter, J. Russell; hockey, I. Long, J Pigg, D Skilton; netball, J Doole. D. Skilton; tennis, E. Ball, S. Meadows. J. Pigg; silver medal, senior, J. Hanning (re-dated, second year), J. Russell.
House trophies - Drama, Speech, and Song Shield, Hulton House (house captain, Joan Doole); Games Shield, Chancellor House (house captain, Olive Walter); Swimming Cup, Tancock House (school captain, Joan Hubbard).

"BELIEVE IN YOURSELVES." Professor Winifred Cullis said her first words were of congratulation to the School upon the brilliant record it had gained, and the Governors upon the selection of Miss Cadbury to carry on the high traditions which had been built up. The records of their Old Girls were a good illustration of the success of the School's educational activities. To those shortly leaving school, she would say "Believe in yourselves. Remember that your lives and your future homes depend upon yourselves. Keep always in your minds the two words Simplicity and Suitability. Never try to ape others, but cultivate your own individual character and personality. Remember that each of you has work to do which no-one can do as well as you are going do it. If you keep trying you will achieve your ambition. Have confidence in yourselves, learn to rely upon your own judgment. Don't let yourself be a mere copy of somebody else. Get on by your own merit. Your School sets your feet well and truly on the right road, but after that it all depends on you. Try to find out the truth about things, and then you will never take a very partisan position. Success never comes by chance, but by individual effort, and often by working after others have finished. Combine your gifts and your capacity with confidence and determination, and you will prove worthy of your school and of yourselves " Professor Cullis added that girls to-day had an enormous field of opportunity, and individual character and confidence would carry them to any goal, remembering that in all they did they must keep simplicity, sincerity, and love of the beautiful things around them ever in their minds.

The Chairman stated that that was the eighth or ninth time he had the pleasure of welcoming the visitors at the Speech Day. The School Governors had recently had an unusual experience; they had met inspectors of the Board of Education, who gave to them an account of the working of the school after a week's inspection. The speaker was glad to say that it was entirely satisfactory every point of view (Applause.) "One thing," said the Chairman, "that is giving trouble, not only to the Governors but to the County authorities and the inspectors, is the number of girls who are leaving before reaching the age of 16. Sometimes the covenant signed by the parents before the girls enter the school has been broken. It is one of the features of a comparatively prosperous age. It is usual for children to stay at school longer when the country is doing badly rather than when it is prosperous. It sometimes happens that the choice of employment during economic stress is not always wise. Every special case is considered most carefully by the Governors. If it is at all possible I beg all parents who are present not to remove their girls unless it is absolutely necessary."

Miss Cadbury, in her report, said they met at a wonderful time. Next week the School Captain and Vice-Captain were to represent the School at a special service of youth in Westminster Hall, and go through Westminster Abbey afterwards. They would also see the King and Queen. (Applause.) The School year had been a pleasant and busy one. They had 345 pupils, of whom 44 were in the preparatory department. All girls who enter the main school at the age of eleven should remain there until the end of the school course. In the Cambridge School Certificate examination, 28 candidates entered and 24 gained their certificates; 6 obtained exemption from London Matriculation The following girls gained "very good (the highest distinction): Joan Barford, in French with oral French; Mary Barnes, in oral French; Louisa Brown, in French; Rosemary Cook, in Geography, Latin, French with oral French, and Botany (also obtained good in English, Scripture and Mathematics); Margaret Jackson, Geography and French; Nancy Low, French with oral French; Monica Marriage, in Housecraft; Gwenda Poole, in Mathematics; and Mary Wright in French. The results as a whole were very satisfactory. There were no failures in French, or in music, art and housecraft (the last three subjects being taken by a few candidates only). The results in English, mathematics and geography were also very good. Three girls again entered for the examination December; all passed, and one of them obtained exemption from Matriculation. Only two candidates entered for the full Cambridge Higher School Certificate examination, and one, Joan Hubbard, obtained her certificate. She had also been awarded a County Major Scholarship of 80 for three years, and the Bancroft Scholarship of 25 for three years. Three of last year's Sixth Form had gone to Elementary Training Colleges. Louisa Brown and Pamela Goodwin, who obtained School Certificates last year, entered for the Civil Service Examination for clerical assistants, Grade I and both passed. Louisa Brown came 36th out of over 1,600 candidates. One Old Girl was now in the Chorus of the B.B.C., and a present girl, Audrey Long, had been given an engagement with the B.B.C. to sing one of her own songs. Pamela Baker had obtained her London B.A Honours Degree in French with a 2nd-class from Bedford College, and Jane Woodd has obtained her London B.A. Honours Degree in English, also with Class II from Westfield College. Eileen Ball, Shirley Dix, and Iris Long, all three at Bedford College had passed their London Intermediate Arts Examination. Jean Ladner had gained the Board of Education Certificate in drawing. Margaret Suckling had gained the Board of Education Teachers Certificate with a 1st-class from Goldsmith's College. Marjorie Mixter had been awarded three years' scholarship by the Ministry of Agriculture at Reading University. At least 33 Old Girls were married during the year that seems to be a popular profession. (Laughter and applause.) Miss Cadbury congratulated Anthony James Dymond, who was born last September, on being the first great-grandchild of the school. His mother before her marriage was Margaret Hills, and his grandmother was Florence Fincham, one of the earliest pupils of the school. At the School inspection by the Board of Education last term, the Inspector said that they had obtained a very favourable impression of the work as a whole, and they were pleased with the general tone and atmosphere of the School. The buildings were specially admired, though they hoped they would obtain some needed extensions and alterations before very long.

Miss Cadbury paid tribute to a very helpful band of Prefects and specially mentioned the whole-hearted service the School Captain, Doris Heywood, who would be leaving in July, and of the Vice-Captain, Connie Gifford. During the year the games had been in a very satisfactory condition, with an exceptionally good first hockey eleven. Voluntary clubs and societies continued to flourish. The School junior branch of the League of Nations' Union was still supporting two little Russian boys in Paris, and it had collected 5 during the year for that purpose. Weekly collections for charity had raised 28/16/2. One sad event had been the closing of the School Hostel after it had existed for 25 years. The number of the girls living in the Hostel gradually decreased, partly owing to changed admission regulations, and partly to improved 'bus services.

The Old Girls' Society was doing valuable work. In the School all were realising the joy and value of their happy corporate life. (Applause.)

Dr. Yeaxlee distributed the awards as follows:
Cambridge School Certificate Examination. Form, Upper V: J Barford, M. Barnes, J. Blandford, +L. Brown, +R. Cook, B. Eke, +M. Gilling, G. Gingell, P. Goodwin, F. Hedges, B. Hockley, F. Jackson, +M. Jackson, D. Lewis, A. Long, +N. Low, G. Marriage, J. Marriage, M. Marriage, P. Martin, M. Palmer, +G. Poole, J. Ranshaw, +M. Wright (+ denotes Exemption from London Matriculation).
Cambridge Higher Certificates. Form, Upper VI: Full Certificate, J. Hubbard. Letters: J Amos, J. Doole, F. Willsher.
County Major Scholarship : J. Hubbard.
School-Leaving Scholarship: J. Hubbard.
Games Medals - Bronze: Cricket, J. Barford, G. Chaplin, R Cook, B. Eke, L. Odom. Hockey, G. Chaplin, R Cook, B. Eke, S. Plane, O. Walter. Silver: Senior, G. Chaplin and J. Doole.
House Trophy. Games Shield: Chancellor House (taken by the House Captain, Joan Barford).

In his address, Dr. Yeaxlee said this was a kind of "gathering up" day, just as the Coronation would be; and after the report, which was the kind of report that he expected, he realised that their school was not falling into the mistake which he thought was spoiling the life of so many schools that was, in supposing that examinations mattered beyond a very limited degree. He often heard it asked if it was wise to give prizes for pupils. He did not see harm in a girl going all out for a prize, but it was not really for that that they competed. There was a tendency these days to suppose that to get certificates and medals and pass examinations meant that they were something that they were not. That great mistake was being avoided by themselves. An examination was an entrance gate to something beyond school. In their school they were being given a tremendous chance of developing every branch of their capacity. Therefore a full measure of value was given to their chance of making the most of themselves for the sake of the community.

"The pioneers," continued Dr. Yeaxlee, realised that the hope was splendid and that the struggle was great if you could build and find something worth-while. We are concerned in gathering up the things that make up for the healthy energy of mind, body and soul. Those who gain medals, certificates and so on know that these are not the things that matter most. Sometimes we wish that people would realise that girls want to stay at school until they are 16, and then go on to some form of higher education, not simply because of the things they learn or the good time they have or the development of social life, but because the struggle in which they are engaged and the hope they have runs out beyond the school. A great many things to-day are not as fine or good as they might be. There is still a great deal of distrust the kind that makes for war and prolongs 'bus strikes. The only way that they can be changed is by working for the house or school; then it is possible to make things new. Our struggle and hope is struggle for growth, an effort to be at our best, an effort to produce not only flowers, but fruit, to render the kind of service the world needs. There is always something more to do, something to create." (Applause.)

The Rev. J. Bickersteth said the girls might think he had come to talk about the School as a whole, but what mattered more than that was each individual girl. The great danger of school life was that young people were unwilling to stand out from the crowd. In all departments of life to-day people were inclined to make decisions along the lines of public opinion; they were in danger of succumbing too easily to the herd instinct, to which everyone had an inclination. To stand out from the crowd was to become conspicuous, and to become conspicuous was to become in some people's imagination peculiar, which in school life was very nearly a crime. Everything in these days was being done on the mass principle, but they should never forget that the great leaders of the world had never been afraid to stand out on their own. Let each of them cultivate her individuality, and use her own talents, because no one else could do that for them.

Three Folk Songs with Descants
"There's nae luck about the House," arranged by Geoffrey Shaw.
"The Sweet Nightingale," arranged by Evelyn Sharpe.
"Charlie is my Darling," arranged by Thomas F. Dunhill.

A Sea Shanty "Shenandoah"; this is Dr. Terry's beautiful setting.
Rutland Boughton's lovely "Piper's Song" in two parts, and Charles Wood's exquisite three-part setting of "Music when soft voices die." (The latter song was sung by the Choir in Division I of the Essex Musical Festival, and the warm praise the girls received from Dr. Percy Hull and Boris Ord resulted in the offer of an audition from the organiser of the Children's Hour.)

The duets sung by Audrey Long and Jose Blandford were: "Too Many Cooks" (Seymour Smith), Spring Time" (Ernest Newton), Lullaby and Wee Willie Winkie" (H. Walford Davies), and "Rockaby Lady" (Audrey Long).

The names of the girls who took part in the broadcast are as follows: Form VI: J. Blandford, B. Eke, M. Gilling, D. Lewis, A. Long, J. Marriage, and M. Palmer. Form Upper V : M. Gilling, M. Godfrey, V. Horsnell, M. Lincoln, M. Madder-Smith, M. McClelland, L. Odom, P. Moss, E. Radford, and J. Swanson. Form Lower V (1): P. Brooke, K. Brown, D. Hamblin, U. Pates, B. Stapleton, M. Syer, and J. Williams. Form Lower V (2): K. Lovegrove, M. Roast, J. Robertson, A. Puttock, E. Shipman, and S. Williams. Form Lower V (3): G. Bowles. Form Upper IV (1): J. Adkins, J. Briggs, J. Gozzett, M. Lanning, K. Sharpe, J. Smith, and A Yell. Form Upper IV (2): R. Argent, and M. Gratze. Form Lower IV (1): J Brooke, S. Clegg, N. Dray, J. Messeter. Form Lower IV (2): E. Brooks, B. Crayfourd, K. Dewar, S. Edwards, E. Hawkes, M King, J. Pead, F. Pryer, P. White, and K. Williams.

The Headmistress (Miss Cadbury), in her report, said there were now 334 pupils in the school. Of these 34 were the preparatory department. Two members of the staff had left Miss Knapman, chemistry mistress for five years, and Miss Belcher, who for five years taught English and a good deal of Scripture. They welcomed Miss D. L. Ridd, who had a London Honours Degree in Science, and Miss M. E. Lambert, who had a London Honours Degree in English. Miss Jackson came back in September, after a year's absence. Dr. Gardiner, for over eight years school medical officer, had obtained an appointment in Maidstone, and Dr. Greta Lowe had taken her place. Regarding examinations for the Cambridge School Certificate, 28 candidates entered last July, and 20 gained their certificates, 7 obtaining exemption from London Matriculation. The following girls gained "very good" (the highest distinction); Janet Cater in Art, Mary McClelland in French with oral French; Jean Ager, Margaret Gilling, Margaret Madder-Smith, Diana Martin, Peggy Moss, Lesley Odom, and Joan Swanson in French. Rosemary Cook, who entered for additional subjects only, obtained a "very good" in Chemistry. The work in French was as usual very good, the standard in mathematics, geography, and other subjects was also good, and the results as a whole were satisfactory. (Applause.) For the Cambridge Higher Certificate, four girls entered for the full examination, and three obtained their certificates. Mercia Langstone obtained "very good" for her European History paper and for subsidiary French, and Connie Gifford for oral French. An Essex major award of 25 a year for three years had been given to Audrey Long, and one of 45 year for three years to Joan Marriage, both tenable at the Royal Academy of Music, where these girls had now started work. The School Leaving Scholarship of 25 a year for three years had been awarded to Monica Marriage, who was taking the teachers' course in domestic science at Battersea. Gillian Marriage obtained an Exhibition of 30 at Miss Ransom's Secretarial College, London, where she was taking a year's course, and Rosemary Cook obtained an Exhibition covering her fees at Chelsea Polytechnic, where she was taking her first M.B. Two of last year's Sixth Form were now at Elementary Training Colleges, and one was training for nursery nursing. Other careers taken up by girls leaving last July included Civil Service, hospital nursing, and dramatic work. Old Girls had met with interesting successes.

Miss Cadbury went on to say that unfortunately the buildings which were badly needed, and which they hoped might be begun this year, were indefinitely postponed, but they had now a wireless set which was already proving useful, and an epidiascope. Connie Gifford, the school captain, had been awarded a prize by the National Council of Education of Canada for an essay describing the Empire of Youth Rally. The Choral Society had broadcast in the B.B.C. Children's Hour. In the House competitions in drama and music, Chancellor House won the shield by one mark from Tancock. The school games had gone well; there were some very promising young players in the Middle School, good many whom were learning to umpire as well as to play. The school had had many delightful gifts, and Miss Cramphorn had given 100 from her aunt's legacy to be added to the capital of the Cramphorn Scholarship, thus bringing the income up to its former level. Weekly collections for charity had been continued, and as a result over 22 had been sent to causes chosen by different Forms. Several had this year adopted a special family in a distressed area. The Old Girls' Society continued to be a vital part of their activities. The tone and happiness of a school depended largely on the standard set by the prefects in co-operation with the staff. They were fortunate this year in having a very loyal and public-spirited captain, Connie Gifford, supported by Mary Gilling, an able vice-captain, by Mercia Langstone, who in a third year in the Sixth Form was giving much valuable and unselfish service, and by the other prefects. For the first time they had elected sub-prefects from the Upper Fifths. Several of the girls had been abroad, and it had been pleasant to have two French girls in the school for a fortnight, and a German girl for a few days. It was hoped that still more exchanges might be arranged next year. Notwithstanding troubles and difficulties in the world around them, they had had a happy year in school, and by those links with other countries, and in other ways, they had tried to keep a sense of proportion, and to realise that the ultimate peace of the world largely depended on the ability to live happily in one's own communities, and at the same time to try to understand and sympathise with our fellow human beings from other communities. (Applause.) The following awards were presented:

Cambridge School Certificate Examination, Form Upper V: J. Ager, +J. Cater, M. Cater, +M. Gilling, N. Gray, M. Hall, M. Harris, V. Horsnell, +D. Ladner, +C. Liddell, M. Madder-Smith, +D. Martin, Y. Martin, +M. McClelland, P. Moss. M. Mullucks, +L. Odom, J. Swanson, V. Wyatt, P. Youngs, + Exemption from London Matriculation.
Cambridge Higher Certificates, Form Upper VI: Full certificate, C. Gifford, D. Heywood, M. Langstone; letters, J. Barford, L. Hawes, N. Low, G. Marriage, M. Marriage, M. Wright.
County Major Awards: A. Long, J. Marriage.
School Leaving Scholarship: M. Marriage.
Successes of past pupils: J. Hubbard, Intermediate B.A. (London), Bedford College; M. Mixter, Intermediate B.Sc. (London), Reading University; P. Jones, B.A. London, Class IIa Honours, University College; M. Morgan, B.A London, Class IIa Honours, Westfield College.
Games medals: Bronze: Cricket, J. Hicks, G. Marriage; hockey, J. Marriage, L. Odom, J. Wright; tennis, R. Cook, J. Drakeford, G. Marriage, B. Thompson. Silver: R. Cook.
House trophies: Drama, Speech, and Song Shield, Chancellor House (taken by the House Captain, Brenda Eke);
Games Shield, Chancellor House.

Miss Bancroft said it was delightful to be present and see how happy and prosperous the School continued to be. She could do no better than pass on to the girls that topical motto Keep Fit." This should not only apply to the body, but to the mind and spirit to Let them strive to combine eye, limb intellect, soul, into one perfect whole.

"Cultivate all the powers within you, especially the love for all that is beautiful, harmonious, good. How much more everything would mean even the small things if we opened our eyes and saw them the fullness of their beauty. To the girls, the women and mothers of the future, I would say, Use your gifts, your health, all that nature has given you, wisely and generously ; open wide your eyes and hearts to the beautiful world that is yours and ours, and you will be making your contribution to the happiness of all.' " (Applause.)

The Headmistress, Miss Cadbury, welcomed Miss Addison Phillips, for many years Headmistress of Clifton High School, Bristol, and thanked her for coming to speak and to distribute the certificates. She was also pleased to welcome the Mayor and Mayoress and Mr. Lawrence, as Chief Education Officer. They were sorry to hear recently of Mr. Walter Cowell s serious illness. He was a very loyal friend of the school, who for many years had audited the accounts of their various funds, and seldom missed coming to their functions. This year Mr. Pawson kindly audited the accounts.

At the opening of the school year in September there were 325 pupils. The number to-day was 334. Of these 42 were in the Preparatory Department. Their School Certificate results this year constituted a record. 53 candidates entered for the examination last July, and 44 gained their certificates, 19 them obtaining exemption from London Matriculation. The percentage gaining certificates, and the results in English, Religious Knowledge, French and Mathematics were well above the average results in the country, and the general level of the work was satisfactory. The following girls gained "very good," which was the highest distinction. Dorothy Weller in French and mathematics; Jean Barnes, Betty Chambers, Mary Humphrys, and Mary Powling in English; Jean Hicks and Mollie Horsnell in religious knowledge; Edith Adams, Betty Eaton, Mary Moss, and Audrey Puttock in French, Jill Drakeford and Beryl Smith in Oral French. Four girls entered for the full Cambridge Higher Certificate examination, and two obtained their certificates. Mary Gilling took principal French and English with subsidiary Latin, and reached the "good" standard in two French papers, "very good" in Oral French, and "good" in Latin. Frances Jackson took principal French and English with subsidiary history, and also obtained "good" in two French papers. Brenda Eke and Doris Lewis obtained letters. Connie Gifford and Mercia Langstone, who had a third year in the Sixth Form, passed the Archbishops Examination in religious knowledge in the first class - Connie came second and Mercia seventh on the list. The Cramphorn scholarship of 25 for three years had been awarded to Mary Gilling, who was now at Bedford College London, where she hoped to read for an Honours Degree in English. Doris Lewis was taking the Teachers' Course at the National Training College of Domestic Science, and six girls had entered Elementary Training Colleges. Pauline Youngs and Betty Chambers passed the Civil Service Examination for Clerical Assistants, Grade I, and had obtained good posts. Other careers taken up by girls leaving last July included hospital nursing, nursery nursing, pharmacy, agriculture, and secretarial work. Eileen Ball, Shirley Dix, and Iris Long had obtained their London B.A. Honours Degrees, all from Bedford College. Rosemary had been awarded a Warneford Medical Scholarship of 30 for four years at King's College, London, and had passed her first M.B. examination from Chelsea Polytechnic. Jean Buchanon, Joan Doole, and Freda Willsher had gained their University of London Teachers' Certificates.

Describing functions and school activities, Miss Cadbury said the performances of the play I Have Five Daughters," resulted in a profit of 25, which was spent on a portable proscenium for the stage. In December the Choral Society once more broadcast a programme in the Children's Hour from Broadcasting House. In March Miss Poulson and Miss Harrison took 57 girls to Colchester to see a French play, and Miss Ridd had been taking a party of girls to the Robert Meyer Concerts for children in London. It had been a successful year for games. The girls had played keenly and well, and many gained a real understanding and knowledge of the finer points of play. Some fifty beginners learned to swim, and the more advanced learned a variety of strokes and diving. The Social and Literary Society, the Art Club and the Choral Society met regularly and the School branch of the League of Nations Union, in addition to supporting a refugee in Paris, was holding meetings on current affairs. Miss Wallinger had initiated a violin class. The cost of school dinner was reduced in November to 3/4 a week, or 10d. a day. If sufficient support be forthcoming, they hoped later to be able to reduce the cost still further. The school once more received many delightful gifts from Miss Bancroft, Miss Hough, and Frances Goodhart, Miss Lambert, Mary Gilling, Doris Lewis, Betty Eaton, Jill Drakeford, Joan Marriage, Rosemary Aylett, and Anne Gardiner.

Most forms now helped to support a special family in a distressed area or special children in Dr. Barnardo's Homes, and they had collections also for the N.S.P.C.C.,. the R.S.P.C.A., the P.D.S.A., and various hospitals. Weekly collections during the year amounted to over 24, and in addition 10 was collected for Czechoslovakia, and 7 for the Lord Baldwin Fund for Refugees. There were special collections on Poppy Day and Alexandra Rose Day. Parcels of clothing had been sent to a school in Wales, and flowers and books to the Time and Talent Settlement in Bermondsey. The Old Girls' Society continued to flourish. The Headmistress thanked the Staff for their unselfish devotion to the school, and the Governors for their support. She was sorry that Canon Hall had been ill, but it was good to have him with them that day. She concluded: "The world around us is in a state of turmoil and suspicion, but whatever the future may bring we shall endeavour to go on steadily with our work here, training the girls to take their place as good citizens in the future. We hope that as they go out from the school they will find increasingly in the world the spirit of friendliness and cooperation which unites our community here."

Miss Phillips, after distributing the awards, said education was much the same as a definition of money - it was a measure of value and a medium of exchange. Their school was giving them a standard of conduct and a body of belief. The school was not a very old one, although over thirty years old, but a fine spirit had been built up. There they could learn the art of "getting on with other people" and of seeing the good in everything and everyone. A generous attitude to life made living very much easier. "What the world needs," added the speaker, "is a spiritual re-awakening. Nothing else is going to save the world it has got into this terrible state of chaos. I think, more and more, that everyone is coming to realise that a return to the first things is what the world needs. All things that really matter are the things that can be had for nothing."

The Mayor stressed the necessity for voluntary service in national life. Miss Phillips was thanked by Mr. Lawrence and Ald. L. F. Christy.

With regard to King Edward VI School, Chelmsford, the head master had been authorised to reopen the school section by section as trenches became available. Since no girls secondary school had been billeted in Chelmsford, the Chelmsford County High School would reopen as soon as the necessary trenches were completed. It was likely that as a result of the rationing of petrol the curtailment of the normal public services would make it difficult for outlying Essex children to attend school. In some cases requests had been received that the Committee should provide a special conveyance. It was suggested that such requests be not acceded to and that if appeal to the railway or bus company was of no avail the transfer of the child to a school nearer its