PRESHUTE v. BAKER'S. On Baker's were too strong for their opponents and won by 154 runs, although there were periods of the game when Preshute showed to advantage, as when Lubbock got rid of the two best batsmen on the other side in quick succession, and when Taylor and Elder played good cricket together. The chief features in Baker's first innings were the rapid run-getting of Kitcat and Miles, and the good stand made by the four last men. Preshute going in Miles and DeWinton, with the help of two good catches made by Prest and Reynolds, disposed of them for 61. Baker's second innings was in one way a repetition of the first, the middle men failing to make any stand, and the tail again doing good service. 200 was a hopeless task for the weaker XI, and the bowling was better than before, and so the end. If there was nothing quite first class in the match, there was a good deal of promise in the fielding of G. Chappel, DeWinton and Lubbock; in the bowling of Miles, De Winton, Lubbock and Belk; and in the batting of Kitcat, Prest, Coape-Smith, Taylor, Lubbock, G. Chappel, Reynolds and Elder. HOUSE MATCHES-SEMI-FINAL TIE. On the first innings this match proved most exciting, even to the extent of a tie, but in the end fortune declared in favour of Ford's, who gained a decisive victory. Littlefield won the toss, went in and scored 78, to which four men contributed double-figure innings; of these Lazenby made a dashing 13, and Yeames' 17 was in every way steady and praiseworthy. The wickets were evenly divided, but Little, with the despised but fatal "lob," had three wickets for 15 runs. A good catch by Tate and a smart piece of stumping by Browning deserve record. The most notable features of Ford's 1st innings were a brisk 14 by Ashfield, 13 by Browning (whose cutting was of the best) and a very valuable 26 by Lias, which contained some excellent leg-hits and was only terminated by the failure of the tail. Petrie took no less than eight wickets for some three runs apiece, a very notable performance. Littlefield in their second innings did not do valiantly. A somewhat treacherous wicket was quite in Ashfield's line and helped him to a phenomenal performance, eight wickets for eleven runs, which reminded the thoughtful spectator of Bere's performance last year. Ford's now required but 22 to win. Rowellunfortunately run out in the first innings-made no sign, but Ashfield soon rattled up the required runs, and brought his house into the final tie. c Pawle b Lewis S. B. Prest, b Lubbock 1 c Harington b Belk... 22 R. F. C. De Winton, c Cunningham, b Lewis D. E. Martin, c Belk, b Lubbock b Belk LITTLEFIELD. G. P. Chappel, b Lewis F. Lazenby, b Ashfield S. H. Reynolds, c Lubbock, b Harington........ W. F. Brown, b Ashfield 6 9 b Lubbock............... E. Cooper, b Harington A. J. C. Ross, not out........................ Byes, &c., W. J. Belk, c Reynolds, b De A. N. Lubbock, b Miles b Ashfield ............... 22 W. I. Rowell, b de Winton...... F. H. Browning, b Miles..... 15 H. de L. Houseman, c Cooper, FORD'S. 3 not out 32 b de Winton 10 3 b Miles ...... 1 9 c de Winton,b Chappel 22 31 c Davies, b Miles...... 7 78 COCK HOUSE MATCH. FORD'S (MALTESE CROSS) V. BAKER'S (FLEUR-DE-LYs). The antagonists in Cock House Match were fairly even in strength, though Ford's were on paper what the result proved them to be, rather the better of the two. Ford's won the toss and took innings. Whatever chance Baker's had was neutralised by their indifferent fielding, many runs being lost by slow throwing in, besides the actual chances that were missed; Cooper and Reynolds, e.g., both missed catches given by Browning, and Miles missed running him out, Ross and Miles let balls through their legs, and Prest dropped an easy catch given by Nockolds. As these two batsmen scored a third of the runs for their side it was of no avail that Miles-who bowled steadily throughout-captured seven wickets and got rid of Ashfield and Little for small scores. Houseman's 31 was a creditable performance. For Baker's, Kitcat and Miles made an excellent stand, putting on 50 before they were parted. As the total was only 97 it follows that they had but very poor support. Prest, with 21, made by some dashing play, got second score. Kitcat was missed by Nockolds not long before he got out, but otherwise played a good innings, punishing Little's lobs with severity. Ashfield was the mainstay of the bowling, well supported by Nockolds. In Ford's second innings Ashfield's wicket, to the joy of the other side, again fell early. But Rowell stuck to his wicket like a limpet to a rock, and Browning and Little took to hitting fivers. This proved contagious, and Rowell actually opened his shoulders and hit one too, a very fine hit it was for him; he also judged the runs so well as to run up the score and demoralise the field considerably, so that when Tate had contributed his quota of 14 the total was 21 beyond the first essay, and Baker's had 119 to get to win. J. C. Tate, c Chappel, b Miles... R. T. Michell, c Chappel, b de Winton E. C. Ferguson-Davie, c Ross, b Miles B. 2, 1.b. 3, w. 2 DEAR SIR,-I submit that a Sister does not exceed her proper limit when she uses her sisterly influence to prevent a brother neglecting the ordinary refinements of civilized society. There is no objection to the father's old coats or the mother's old frocks at home. This may be unavoidable, but what is objected to is that the boys should come into the Hall on Prize Day with unwashed hands and unbrushed coats. It is not the blacking that is complained of, but the fact that the boots are not blacked at all the last day before the boys are sent home. THE SISTER. To the Editor of the Marlburian. DEAR SIR,-This is prime, but by no means rare; a letter from H. Bell in the Marlburian! I do indeed take an interest in my nephew's dress, and I hope he will have more respect for his sister than appears to have been the case in Mr. Bell's time. Would Mr. Bell like a Marlborough boy to walk into his drawing-room with his boots covered with Marlborough mud? Taking Mr. Bell to be slightly civilized, he would not like it, neither do other people. I do not think the Bursar's heart is "shockingly obdurate seared-with-a-hot-iron" with regard to anything tending towards the promotion of tidiness and cleanliness, or any other improvement for the matter of that, as I hear he is very particular about the tidiness and cleanliness of his own form. Perhaps cricket in Mr. Bell's day was not of so high a standard that light made any difference -perhaps this accounts for the numerous defeats I hear Marlborough used to suffer at the hands of Rugby. About sticks I know nothing, not being in the habit of carrying one, but I certainly think that they would benefit the school greatly, by preventing the boys walking about with their hands in their pockets, which I am sure developes the "Marlborough slouch." Mr. Bell was not a football player-no more am I-but the trees in the field certainly appear to spectators to be somewhat in the way. I think Mr. Bell's last suggestion with regard to surplices is hardly worthy of notice. I agree with Mr. Bell that the importance of the question is sufficient excuse for a letter of any length, nevertheless apologising for taking up so much of your valuable space, Believe me, yours truly, "THE AUNT." To the Editor of the Marlburian. SIR, Mr. Henry Bell-may his shadow never grow less-continues to take a kindly interest in Marlborough, Marlborough boys, and Marlborough boys' sisters, to the extent of two whole columns of correspondence. As Mr. Bell remarks himself he is "so much older" that one really shrinks from criticising his remarks, and feels that his advice on all matters, even to the regulation of our sister's conduct, is quite above rejection. And yet and yet-the temptation to make some remarks of one's own has become quite irresistible. Is it really so very extraordinary as Mr. Bell finds it that the Marlburian's womankind feels some interest in the school? Is it startling, if the tendency that interest takes is in the direction of civilization? Is it wonderful that ladies should feel ashamed, just a little bit, that the school of which their sons and brothers are members is getting a reputation for untidiness and slouching? For my part, I cannot but think it a good thing that a feminine voice should now and then be heard, urging us to a little more tidiness, and manliness of carriage. Surely it is not effeminate to wear a clean collar and hold one's head up; and even a judicious application of Day and Martin to boots does not show the wearer of them to be either "Swagger" or a muff. "A Sister" strikes me as being well within her rights in her remarks: though I suppose ladies-even young ladies-who write to the papers,even school magazines-must not expect from man as at present constituted any particularly kindly treatment. Surely Marlbu rians can dress decently and hold their heads up without losing that Spartan simplicity which is eternally drummed into our ears whenever improvements are suggested. Mr. Bell should suspect "A Sister" of endorsing the unwisdom of rρinovs, or the barbarity of Ludophilus, except from a general desire to castigate the audacious interference Why of womankind, I do not know. If sticks come in they will go out again fast enough, and the authorities may be trusted to disregard the proposals of Ludophilus-on whom Heaven have mercy for coining to himself so barbarous a name. But "A Sister," pace Mr. Henry Bell, has a rational grievance, and every justification for her letter. For goodness sake let us get rid of the idiotic prejudice hard stuck in some-I trust few-minds, which identifies dirt with simplicity, and rudeness with manliness. I remain, yours truly, LUSUS. To the Editor of the Marlburian. DEAR SIR.-As so violent a discussion has been raging in the the Field with regard to the public schools racquet cup, and as we are the school most concerned in the issue thereof being almost always facile tertius you will allow me to state the grievance in your periodical. Eton and Harrow have a most decided advantage in being able to use the court once a week or nearly so, and unless they consent to give this up and place themselves on a footing with the rest of the public schools we cannot do better than retire. A.H.B. has made a most sensible suggestion, that the best of the public schools should get up a champion cup, and leave Eton and Harrow to fight it out alone at Prince's. Obviously this is the only alternative, if Eton and Harrow refuse to act fairly. Prince's is a peculiar court, the floor being very fast, and the wall very dead, and the advantage the two schools get from being able to use it is necessarily enormous. But do let us do something; it is no use making good suggestions unless someone has enough public spirit to act on them, or at least make an effort; that we shall do something is due to Mr. Beesly alone, not to speak of the benefits we shall ourselves reap from it. Hoping someone else will take this subject up, I remain, yours truly, παλαὶ ῥακετικός. To the Editor of the Marlburian. DEAR SIR,-A propos of the recent controversy about the Public Schools Racquet Matches, might I be allowed to suggest that old members of Cotton House present a new Gymnasium Cup to be competed for by the other houses, and that Cotton House be allowed to keep the present cup? Similar arguments to those which have been used about the Racquet Cup might be adduced to support my proposition. Cotton House have a separate gymnasium at their own house, which gives them an immense advantage over the other houses. Yours, etc., IN BOARDER. To the Editor of the Marlburian. DEAR SIR,-I humbly crave through the medium of your colums to make a suggestion to that august body, the Race Committee. They have already shown their sense by abolishing those hideous striped things that disfigured the lower limbs of the XV. Why not go further in their attempt to do away with some of the unsightly inventions of our pre decessors? Could any more ugly combination of colours be well imagined than that traditionally set apart for the Gymnasium VIII? There surely cannot be any symbolic meaning attached to the mysterious black, white and purple, which alone could be a valid excuse for retaining these colours. I venture to submit that almost any other combination would be less hideous, and I hope the Race Committee will give the subject their serious attention. As it is the odious tie is tabooed, and nobody dares to appear in it for fear of exciting the derision of the school. And it is indeed hard that so distinguished a body as the Gymnasium VIII. should virtually have no mark whereby you may tell them from the vulgar herd. I remain, sir, yours truly, γυμναστικός. To the Editor of the Marlburian. DEAR SIR,-Would it not be possible to have some pegs put up round hall or at the entrance to hall, as in chapel, to hang straw hats on? At present we have no place to hang them, and are obliged to put them by our sides or under the form, which is not calculated to improve them. I don't see why we should be obliged to put on a cap on purpose to go into hall. Hoping this will be inserted. Yours truly, To the Editor of the Marlburian. DEAR SIR,-The other day I was watching one of the games on the XI and was surprised to see both the professionals bowling, one on each side. Now, I don't see why the professionals should bowl on these occasions. Surely it would be a great deal better practice both for bowlers and batsmen if they were not to do so. There would be more changes of bowling and consequently more bowlers required, and this would perhaps bring out some hidden quality which I am quite sure exists in some of those who play in these games and are never even put on to bowl. Again, the batsmen would get longer innings. Perhaps some one says they get quite long enough as it is. Well! perhaps those privileged people who can daily be bowled to by professionals and thus got used to them do have long enough, but these are few and are not the only ones to be thought of. I don't think the Professionals themselves would object to being let off on these occasions, as they seem to have enough to do. Apologising for taking up so much of you valuable space, Believe me, yours truly, To the Editor of the Marlburian. DEAR SIR,-Many are the suggestions that have been published from time to time in the Marlburian for the improvement of Marlborough and Marlborough boys; but there is one, which as yet (to my knowledge) has not been suggested, though it was in some degree hinted at in the article headed "Swagger" in the last number, that is, that fellows should mind their own business.' It does not matter, however, whether they mind their own business or not, as long as they don't mind other people's. Several times since I have been at the school I have seen a fellow go up to another, whom he did not in the slightest degree know, and make such childish remarks as the following:-" I think it is about time for you to get a new cap," or "I would not come into court like a plough-boy," when perhaps a fellow had unavoidably made his boots and trousers muddy. Marlborough College, so I have always understood, is a place for boys and not for old women; such a thing as this, therefore, ought to be To the Editor of the Marlburian. PRACTICE. DEAR SIR,-Would it not be more reasonable if the places in the Race Committee were held ex-officio; in other words that the captain of the eleven and fifteen always belonged to the committee, and the racquet and fives champions? Of course if one person held more than one place by right he could choose one and let the other be occupied by the second to him. It surely is more reasonable that a member of the committee should hold the post for which he is best qualified and that the best qualified persons should compose the com To the Editor of the Marlburian. DEAR SIR,-I am afraid I shall be thought rather bold to make the suggestion, still I think a great many people would agree with me in wishing that the farce of attributing every Thursday half-holiday to a School Honour should be dropped. It is extremely illogical to do so, for according to this system we nominally have more hours work in summer than in winter, two half-holidays and four fag-dags, which on the face of it is absurd. Then again it is hard luck on some distinguished O.M.'s. that they only obtain for us half as much of the holiday as others no more distinguished: for if Thursday happens to be a Saints Day we are told that we get the first hour off for the Saint and the second for the Sinner. Hoping this will not be regarded too radical a change by the authorities. On Saturday, June 13th, we went to Devizes for a Battalion Drill. Owing to circumstances, only one company was taken; first, we only went that second-year-enrolled members might keep their requisite number of Battalion Drills; secondly, it was only settled about four days before that we should go. Coming out of school at 1 o'clock, all went into Hall for luncheon, and by 1.25 we had started in vehicles, provided by Mr. Duck. We alighted at Major Colston's park and marched to a field behind the house. The companies were divided into four, of which we formed the rear, contrary to usual. The companies were immensely large, one amounting to thirty-seven files. Two marches past were performed, and we were congratulated on our second attempt. Then followed some ordinary battalion movements, during which we acquitted ourselves very favourably, but owing to the great heat, and total absence of shade for the first hour, attention was not quite up to the mark. Major Colston then had mercy on us, and we marched off to some welcome shade, where we completed the drill, which in all amounted to an hour-and-a-half. Breaking off we partook of a picnic tea on the grounds, for which Mr. Duck was responsible, and then marched part of the way to Devizes, and met the breaks, and had a most enjoyable drive home in the cool of the evening, arriving home, after marching the last mile, at 8.30. If possible we go to another battalion drill this term. All enrolled members, especially those who are leaving, must attend parade as regularly as they can. Class-firing has been going on during this last week, but has not produced any very big scoring. Thus far we have won all our shooting matches. In the simultaneous match v. Rossall we were victorious by 70 points. This success was owing to the excellent shooting of Corp. Robertson and Stack, who both reached 61, against our opponent's highest score of 53 by Sergt. Shackleton. 225 214 439 500 yds. Tot. ROSSALL, R.V.C. 200 yds. Col.-Sergt Ashworth... 4245345-27 3345303-21 48 Sergt. Shackleton 202 4332444-24 3535355-29 53 5244445-28 2323242-18 46 50 4334445-27 2225255-23 4444344-27 2453245-25 52 46 4343334-24 4245322-22 4425333-24 2235420-18 42 2324442-21 0240220-10 31 166 368 Corp. Ratcliff Glenalmond have twice postponed their match, firstly for want of ammunition, secondly because the wind was blowing a hurricane. The N.R.A. has decided that for the Ashburton Shield, rifle ammunition and not carbine ammunition should be used, owing to the united request of the Public Schools. It will be interesting to see what is the effect of the Martini-Henry in School shooting. We must congratulate Sergt. Cheke on his success with his team so far, and hope that this eight will be the first to bring back the Shield to Marlborough. The Rifle VIII were again successful in their annual match at Reading, although under the disadvantage of losing Stack. The VIII started from Marlborough by the 8.15 train, and reached Reading at about 10, after a pleasant, though somewhat warm journey. On their arrival at the range they were suprised to find about 100 Militiamen, who were going through the tedious task of class firing. After a rest in the shade for about half-an-hour, Winchester arrived; the two teams then strolled down to the firing point and were cordially greeted by the Captain in command of the Militia, who said that he was very sorry his men had not finished, but that the truth of it was he had been to a mess-dinner the night before, and in consequence was not able to start the next morning till three hours after his appointed time. However he said that his men would have finished by 12.30. It was then arranged to have lunch and begin shooting at 12.30. Hardly was this settled when the old range-Sergt. announced that the range was open to the town's people for an hour in the middle of the |
