July 1953 School Magazine

MAGAZINE of the

BRISBANE GIRLS' GRAMMAR SCHOOL

JULY, 1953

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Registered at the G.P.O., Brisbane, f01 transmission by post as a Periodical

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ftiAD PR.IiSS

AL 13.// o 3_ / ~C( q o < /'Jz__ P ERoooo t..r6

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T. C. BEIRNE'S Specialise in the outfitting of Students attending the BRISBANE GIRLS' GRAMMAR SCHOOL Parents know from experience that by outfitting their daughters at T. C. Beirne's, they have always received satisfaction on every occasion. It's the famous T. C. Beirne's quality that makes school Clothes look better and wear longer. T. C. BEIRNE LTD. The Valley Brisbane ~--------------------------------~-------------------~

After School--Days

.. Join STOTT'S

STOTT'S Full Day Course of S E C R E T A R I A L TRAINING q u a l i fi e s students f o r e x ~ c l u s i v e office appointments

Stott's Business College Pty. ltd. 290 ADELAIDE STREET. BRISBANE

Phone: FA 1627

K.H.S. Kerr, F.A.S.A.

Principal

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Sportin8 c/Vlen and Women Appreciate the honest value they obtain at the B.S.D. They realise too. that the GOODS they buy cannot be bettered ANYWHERE WE CATER FOR EVERY GAME (Indoor and Outdoor) And our Stocks ol TENNIS. GOLF. CRICKET, HOCKEY. CROQUET, BOWLS or BOXING MATERIALS, Etc., Etc. Are the Finest in Australia MAIL ORDERS ARE SPECIALLY PROVIDED FOR CALL OR WRITE FOR FREE LISTS WE HAVE AN UNRIVALLED SERVICE FOR REPAIRS Expert Workmanship- Prompt Service - Best Materlal5 Brisbane Sports Depot "For Everything Good in Sporting Goods" 342 QUEEN STREET. BRISBANE

NUNN & TRIVETT'S COMMERCIAL COLLEGE

All coaching under the expert and personal attention of the Principal, Miss S. R. Halstead. Personal interviews invited- day and even- ing classes. Shorthand, Typing, Commercial English, Commercial Arithmetic and Bookkeep- ing.

NEW ADDRESS : ANNE HATHAWAY BUILDINGS-125 GEORGE STREET

(opp. Executive Building)

Telephone: B 0654

Phone B 9529

Telegrams : "HUISGOOD," BRISBANE

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Also at 280 · 282 QUEEN STREET. BRISBANE

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IMPORTANT!

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From September, 1953, all your School Books and School Stationery will be available from BARKER'S BOOK STORE

McDONALD HOUSE 186 EDWARD STREET (Right Opposite the A.M.P.)

new comjort

to 9reat chic

Catch the Trolley Bus from Our Door to Your School Gate

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The A.M.P. Society offers HAPPY EMPLOYMENT with AMPLE OPPORTUNITIES to young girls intent on a business caree1· Trust, encouragement, equality of opportunity and happy, genial working conditions are offered to every young girl who enters the employ of the A.M.P. Despite its great size, the A.M.P. is a friendly family office with every member always ready to guide and encourage the beginner. Here are a few of the benefits enjoyed by all staff members :- An excellent salary (under a specially favourable award applicable to the A.M.P. only). Liberal sickness benefits. Staff dining room facilities . Opportunity to join the A .M.P. Siaff Social Club. The Sub-Manager will gladly interview any parent or young person contemplating a business career. Simply telephone FA 1981 and an appointment will be arranged . A.M.P. SOCIETY Australian Mutual Provident Society CHIEF OFFICE FOR QUEENSLAND: QUEEN ST., BRISBANE

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Another fascinationg, stylish shoe, fashion- ed on the famous American "Limit Lasts" to fit the natural contours of your foot. Flexible Calf in colours of Red or Green, 67/6 MATHERS PTY. LTD. 143 QUEEN ST. (and at CURZONS), GEORGE ST.. VALLEY and Country branches.

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FOR THE LARGEST STOCKS IN QUEENSLAND OF TEXTBOOKS, READING AND REFERENCE BOOKS

Always buy Sound Merchandise and buy with confidence at ALLAN & STARK At the Smarter End of Queen Street

AT 107 ELIZABETH STREET, BRISBANE AND 11 DENHAM STREET, ROCKHAMPTON

EDUCATIONAL, TECHNICAL AND GENERAL BOOKSELLERS : NEW AND SECONDHAND

Allan & Stark carry with pride, and have always carried, the most famous National brands in every field. Allan & Stark is the place to come for sound merchandise t e a m e d with the kind of service you expect from this key departmental store . . . . at the Smarter End of Queen Street.

REFRESHING - ICE COLD

Another HELIDON Product Bottled by HELIDON SPA WATER Go. Pty. Ltd., Nth. Quay, Brisbane

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lOu can't eat a Moose at a nzea/ ..•

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CHOOSE ALL YOUR SCHOOL BOOKS FROM Q.B.D. Choose all your school books prize and library books fro~ the huge and comprehensive range at Q B D H · · . ere you will find a range equal to any in the State, and new supplies arrive with every mail. Also leading fountain pen specialists-all makes serviced and repaired. Queensland Book Depot (Established 1872) 61-63 Adelaide Street (opp. City Hall), Brisbane

Nobody would seriously try to eat a whole moose at one meal, for that animal is often 7 feet tall and weighs 1,000 pounds.

Consequently, the wise hunter preserves most of the moose meat so that he will have something to fall back on when other food is scarce. That is just another way of pointing out the fact that wise people provide for their

future well-being by saving something out of all the money they earn.

So if you follow their example you won't try to eat a moose at a meal. You won't spend all your money in one go. Instead, you'll save something out of

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THERE IS A BRANCH OR AGENCY IN YOUR DISTRICT 9

FINNEYS 'Che ~ou<>e oj Qyality

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The Largest Selection of Pianos in the State

Between School friends nothing is quite so per- sonal - as the exchange of photographs. Wouldn't you like a new one?

The

English

BROADLEY, HOPKINSON,

DANEMANN,

MAXIM, ROGERS,

REISBACH,

STROHMENGER, and WILLIAM SQUIRE ... . the Continental PETROF .. . . the Australan BEALE, MAX- IM and HOOD . When choosing a piano don't make a decision before first visi ting Grice's Piano S'howrooms or writing to .. GRICE'S 90-92 QUEEN ST., BRISBANE Also Toowoomba & Townsville

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Phone B5728

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'[~e tM~j~z\~H of '[~e J$,·\sb~,_,e G,,.f/ £1r~ """"•'W rSc~ool

EDITORIAL The coronation . of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II , took place on June 2nd of this year. The boundless enthusiasm with which this event was celebrated throughout the Common- wealth of Nations has strengthened the bonds of common loyal- ty which unite us; we have been made to feel how privileged we are to be members of such a great union of peoples, and subjects of a Queen so universally loved and respected. Her example of humility and service has shown us that, to be worthy of such privileges, we must accept the responsibilities which accompany them, and try to extend to the less fortunate peoples of the world, blessings of liberty and security similar to those which have been our heritage. We may compare this great heritage of the Commonwealth with that lesser, but still great heritage which is left to us by those who have passed through this School during the last seventy-eight years. We must accept this tradition with humil- ity, endeavouring to maintain it worthily, that we may pass . it on, not diminished but increased, to future generations. The Queen's message to her people on the day of her Coronation holds a special meaning for us. We, like her, stand on the threshold cf a new life; we must soon take our place as citizens of a troubled world. If, in all that we under- take as a School, we keep such a~ example before us, we shall not fail through lack of inspiration.

McDONNELL

EAST

Where You Pay The Least Specialise in Quality requirements FOR THE PERSON AND THE HOME

including Frocks and Millinery for women and girls, Men'b and Boys' Clothing, Footwear for every member of the Family, Household Hardware, Soft Furnishings, Household Linens, etc., etc.

SCHOOL OUTFITTERS McDonnell & East Ltd. outfit ~tudents from all the leading Schools and Colleges in Brisbane and throughout Queensland, and are acquaint- ed with all special requirements in this way.

MAIL ORDER CUSTOMERS are specially looked after by McDonnell & East Ltd. All orders are executed carefully and promptly. McDONNELL & EAST LTD. GEORGE STREET, BRISBANE

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July. 1953

Brisbane Girls' Grammar School Magazine

July. 1953

Brisbane Girls' Grammar School Magazine

CURRENT EVENTS School started this year with over two hundred new faces among the pupils but few changes in the Staff. We welcome to the Staff, Miss Simonds and Miss Hume, who replaces Miss Sutton, now overseas, and we extend our best wishes for future happiness to Miss England who has recently been married in london. In the Inter-School Swimming Competition, the School re- tained fourth position, but was successful in the life-saving when our team won the McWhirter Cup for the first time since 1945. This year the Inter-Form Swimming, which was won by IV D, was held after the Inter-School Carnival; next year the positions of these two events will be reversed. Inter-Form Athletics resulted in a win for VI with Vas the runners-up. On July the fourth, Inter-Sch ool Athletics day, our team provided great excitement when they won the Senior Cup by one point from Somerville House in the last event. We congratulate Somerville on winning the Junior Cup and the Stephens Cup. Both our tennis teams as well as the "B" basketball team have been defeated by other schools; but the "A" basketball players still have high hopes of reta ining their pennant. True to the tradition of Old Girls' Day, the heavens opened and outdoor sports were impossible. However, we all enjoyed the volleyball matches in the gym and the afternoon tea which followed. At a later date the Old Girls' tennis and basketball teams gave our players their first match practice for the year. The School concert, held on two successive nights during Coronation week, proved very successful, the main item being the Nut-Cracker Suite which included mime, ballet and an in- sect orchestra of unrecognisable school girls. We are very grateful b those mothers who worked so hard making cos- tumes for our concert, and to those who prepare food at the tuck-shop on Fridays. Now the athletics are over, the sale of cream buns will rise enormously! As a result of a lecture given last year, many forms have responded to an appeal from the Fairbridge Farm, a school for English children in New South Wales. Lynda! Edmiston, an Old Girl of the School, thrilled us with a violin recital given during her vacation from the Con- servatorium of Music in Sydney, and Ruth Leslie, another prom- inent Old Girl, who gained first place in the Final Dentistry Examination this year, added to our knowledge by a lecture on the care of the teeth. The upper School was privileged to hear an address by 14

Mrs. Fordham Flower, the wife of one of the Govern~rs of the Shakespeare Memorial Company now touring Austraha. Many girls hope, in the years to come, to take advantage of her generous and practical offer to show them round the Stratford- on-Avon Theatre. The two hundred and fifty girls who saw "As You like It", are extremely grateful to Mrs. Fordham Flower for making the opportunity available. Prior to the Coronation we saw a screening of "Coron- ation Ceremony" shown at the School by the Shell Compa~y. The School now has its own projector (as well as an epl~la­ scope) which we hope to use in September for the screenmg of "A Queen is Crowned". The Clubs, Debating, Dramatic, Music and Science, _have been very active during the last few months. In the Sc1ence Club some of the members have been conducting experiments and illustrating them during meetings, while girls belonging to the Dramatic Club give individual performances as well as act in the Form plays. The Deba ting Club has organised Inter- Form Debates which are now in progress, and the Music Club listens to records every Friday afternoon. Past pupils of the School will be pleased to know that the Assembly Hall has been painted in pastel shades and that the School canine mascot has a progeny of three! KENDALL BROADBENT NATURAL HISTORY ESSAY, 1952 MORETON BAY FIG TREES fig is the name given to the genus Ficus of the fam~ly Moraceae. There are sixty species indigenous to Austrahc;r, including the Moreton Bay fig, Ficus Macrophylla. Th1s species is very popular in parks and along foreshores where they are planted to provide shade and also for ornament. am sure most of us have rested from the sun's burning rays in the shade of one of these beautiful spreading trees . The fig tree usually begins to grow in the fork or in a crevice of a branch of another tree. This tree is known as the parent-tree. Birds drop the seed into the decayed matter which accumula tes in these crevices and there it takes root. The roots grow down towards the ground and increase in size . They cross and form a tight lattice-work until fi~ally they strangle the parent-tree. While the roots are growmg down- wards, the baby fig tree is growing upwards. The parent-tree forms the foundation for the fig tree which thus reaches the nourishing rays of the sun much more quickly than if it had started growing from the ground, as most other trees do. 15

July, 1953

Brisbane Girls' Grammar School Magazine

Brisbane Girls' Grammar School Magazine

July, 1953

are connected near the margin. The leaf is dark green and g lossy on top. The under part is more yellowish and has a dull finish. It has a long yellowish petiole and mid-rib. It is interesting to notice how the young leaf is enclosed in a sheath which is a pale yellow or creamy colour. This sheath is formed by two long stipules which gradually unfold and finally fall off, showing the young leaf wrapped round itself. The leaf unfolds in the sunlight. As it grows older, it becomes a darker green. The Moreton Bay fig tree drops its leaves and berries, but is, nevertheless, an evergreen tree as it doe& not lose them all at the same time. When the leaves fall, they often have small lumps of gluey sap, which becomes harder, sticking to them. If y ou walk through fallen leaves, you usually have- half a dozen or more stuck to your shoes. When the leaves d ie, they turn brown and become very brittle. The fruit of the fig tree is called a fig. The tiny flowers of the Moreton Bay fig tree grow inside the green figs in hollow receptacles which have small openings . When the flowers are fertilized, the openings close and these figs, when ripe, become the fruit. (The fruit of the edible fig is formed similar- ly). The fig is round and, at first, a yellowish-green colour. As it becomes older, it turns a dark brown. Birds like to eat the figs which are dry and contain many small seeds . Many orchids, stag-horns and other similar plants like to grow in Moreton Bay fig trees, which support them well. In our garden, we have quite a large fig tree , in the branches of which we grow many orchids and stag-horns. They grow very well and the orchids look very pretty, when in bloom, as the flowers hang from the branches of the tree. Moreton Bay fig trees are some of the largest and best shade-trees in Queensland and New South Wales, in which States they grow luxuriantly. They grow in the soft-wood scrubs of the coastal districts of these two States and seem to thrive particularly well in the Macpherson Ranges . Moreton Bay fig trees are invaluable to farmers because of the shade they afford the stock from the :::corching rays of the summer's sun. City people also should appreciate these trees for the shade they afford in the cities. Therefore, every- one, whether town or country dwellers, should be very thank- ful that Moreton Bay fig trees were created. -DIANA BURNETT

This saves many years' growth and the fig tree becomes a large tree in a comparatively short time. If the parent-tree is hollow, the fig will usually grow down the middle of it. When it has grown large enough, it cracks its case and the parent-tree falls away. If a tree has been cut down -and the stump is left standing, a fig will often grow in a small crevice in the top of the stump. Near my home, there is a young fig ,tree which is about one foot high, growing in a hollow of a branch of another tree. From this tiny tree, a long taut root stretches down until it reaches the ground about twenty feet below. In time, this baby tree will have huge roots which will strangle the parent- tree in which it now has its support. The trunk of the Moreton Bay fig tree is full of milky juice and is covered with a grey bark which is fairly smooth. The · trunk often grows to an immense size. The wood is very soft and spongy and is of no use for tim~er. Bushmen believe that fig trees are never struck by light~ing as their sap, which is very similar to rubber, insulates them. From the trunk of the fig tree, very large lateral roots branch in all directions. Many of these roots are above the surface and are a great size. They are shaped like spurs and are disastrous to other plants growing nearby. It is impossible to make a concrete path close to a large fig tree as the roots crack the concrete. There is a very large Moreton Bay fig tree near my home which we always show to our visitors as one of our beauty spots. This tree is about one hundred feet high and covers approximately one quarter of an acre. The roots are about twenty-one feet high where they leave the trunk and slope gradually towards the ground. The parent-tree has bee-n part- ly burnt but a small portion of it remains inside the fig tree. There is a natural hole through the middle of the tree. Two people are able to shake hands from opposite sides of the tree, through the middle. This tree is about twice as large as the surrounding scrub-trees and it looks very imposing tower- ing above them. There are two varieties of the Moreton Bay fig tree, the large leaf fig and the small leaf fig. These varieties, however, have the same habits. The leaves of the large leaf fig are six to ten inches long, while the small variety has leaves of about three to five inches long. The leaves are arranged alternately along the stem, and are oval in shape with a pointed apex. The margin of the leaf is entire. The veins run diagonally from the mid-rib and

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July, 1953

Brisbane Girls' Grammar School Magazine.

CORONATION LETTER Letter hom Diana Cavaye written from London on 3l·d June, 1953 It is now the morning after a day which seems to have been impossible. Every expectation of splendour was sur- passed and the sight of the Queen and the Duke in their golden coach can belong nowhere but to fa iryland. As the Coronation Day approached, I wondered if I would expect too much. No one could possibly have previously realised how magnificent, and romantic, and stirring the day could be. The Procession to the Abbey itself was enough to repay our 4 a.m. rising, and our day spent sitting in the rain. But \here was then the complete broadcast of the Service in the Abbey, then the Procession of 29,000 troops preceding the gold coach back to the Palace. Quite apart from the splendour, the day is one "never to be forgotten" for the feeling of unity and sympathy in the crowd. The streets were so full they couldn't hold another person, everyone was in the rain, but the feeling of joy ·was everywhere, and the broadcast of the Service was listened to very quietly and solemnly. The Queen and the Duke looked wonderful. Riding to the Abbey she was beautiful in that wonderful jewel-encrusted white dress, her diadem on her head, and her exquisite com- plexion glowing. She sat quietly smiling and waving as she passed, while the Duke looked like a happy Rock of Gibraltar beside her-smiling and waving too a little . You will have seen the pictures of the coach and its at- tendant men and horses, and hope you have seen it ·in colour; for I can't describe it. The coach is brilliant gold, the horses wear magnificent crimson, gold and white harness, and the men seem to be covered in gold and scarlet, except for their legs, which are in tight white breeches. The whole assembly glided past at walking pace, and with it there in front of me , I just couldn' t believe it was true. It was especially unreal as they returned to the Palace, for there was the Queen wearing her Crown, holding the Orb and Sceptre-and smiling at us. We had a wonderful view of her- and of the Duke who looked even more magnificent on the return (I think he had on his Admiral's hat). Undoubtedly, the Queen's Procession was the highlight , but there is much more to tell. And every single thing was enough excitement to last for a week. We reached our place by 6 a.m., we had a bite to eat, and then were completely occupied with the "passing parade". Many hundreds of people had camped in the streets for one or two nights in the rain, and 19

BEVERLEY PAY, IVA.

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July, 1953

:Brisbane Girls' Grammar School Magazine

J!risbane Girl•.' Grammar School Magazine

July, 1953

were a strange sight as they prepared for the day. By 8 a.m. the Foot Guards, which lined both sides of the Mall, started to arrive. They were made up of Grenadier, Coldstream, Irish, Welsh and Scots, and marched into the Mall from Wellington Barracks in a stream which filled the street from the Palace io Admiralty Arch. Every man in his scarlet tunic, h is grey cloak over it, bearskin on his head; fixed bayonets. Each looked iden'tical with his neighbour, and they moved like machines into their posltions. They were in them by 8.30 a.m. - and remained there like tin soldiers till 5 p .m.! At mid-day ihey went in small military groups to Barracks for lunch , but I'll bet not one man was away for more than 45 minutes. There they stood all day. Between 6 and 9 a.m. it was rain- ing a bit, but cleared between 9 and 10.30, while the actual procession passed us. By ll a.m. it was pouring, the Guards put on their cloaks again, and stood without batting an eyelid in pouring rain from ll a.m. till after 3 p.m. At that time ihey were ordered to remove their cloaks for the Procession was getting near. And as though one had turned off a tap, the rain stopped, the sun shone on their scarlet tunics for a few minutes, and it remained fine for the entire time the procession was passing-in fact, till 7.30 p.m., when the Queen appeared on the balcony. At about 3.30 p.m. the full morning procession was pre- ·ceded by the Colonial Contingents, the Commonwealth Con- tingents, the Royal Air Force Contingent, Army Contingent, Royal Navy and Royal Mar~nes contingents. These were all marching 12 abreast with fixed bayonets, and together there were 29,000 troops in the full procession. It took nearly 30 minutes for these Contingents alone to march past us , and as we looked, as · far as one could see towards the Palace or to- wards Admiralty Arch, for all that time, there was one great sea of marching men and women (a few). The marching was perfect, so that along that Royal Mile there was just one regu- lar swing of marching men. We were five rows from the front in our stand, which was -about 6 ft. above road level. The elevation gave us a mag- nificent overall view. The uniforms were splendid, the variety tremendous, and the horses quite wonderful. And a ll that went by with a continuous line of scarlet tunics and bearskins of ihe Foot Guards flanking it , as they lined the procession route. Jt was all finished by about 5 p.m., and half an hour later there was the fly past of jet planes-about 150 of them, and ihe Queen and Royal party on the Pa lace Balcony, which we could see in the distance. It was a wonderful day, and ended perfectly for me in 20

the crowd near the Palace where the Queen and Duke came to wave to us. The British are an amazing race, and the position of the Queen as one who unites millions of people in the world is quite unique and wonderful. The strength, the magnificence, and the calmness of the British must have made an everlasting impression upon every person in London yes- terday-colon ial or foreign. THE INSECT ORCHESTRA Soon after the plans for this year's concert were begun, Miss Frederick suggested that the second half of the programme ~might consist of an adoption of Tchaikowski's Nutcracker Suite based c:in Walt Disney's film, Fantasia. The Nutcracker Suite is a fairy story composed of episodes of a dream, forming a suite of dances accompanied by the orchestra. Walt Disney p resented this orchestra as a group of insects-beetles, crickets, dragon flies, caterpillars, ants, spiders, grasshoppers and but- terflies. Naturally our scope was less extensive than his, and even with the tallest, fattest and smallest girls in the School at our disposal, our ,choice was limited to the simpler insects- grasshoppers, mantises, beetles, spiders and bees. We were to make all the actions of playing our instruments in dumb show, while recorded music formed the real accompaniment for the ballet. Naturally many hours had to be spent practising, for great care was needed to produce the necessary effect. Miss Fred- erick trained the orchestra with meticulous care, and our success was due, a great extent, to her efforts.

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July. 1953

Brisbane Girls' Grammar School Mag azine

July. 1953

Brisbane Girls' Grammar School Magazine

"THE ANNUNGIATION" BY FRA ANGELICO

To transform buxom teenagers into insects taxed to the utmost the ingenuity of our parents . The degree of realism achieved left much to be desired, but the mirth of the audience overcame any misgivings or embarrassment we might have had. The disguise was certainly complete, greatly aided by Miss Dana her's inspiration - p ing-pong balls for eyes. We pass over the discomfort endured by the wearers . As the photograph shows, the instrumen ts were a triumph of ingenuity: perhaps the most striking was the harp, which provided a diverting solo during the Waltz of the Flowers. Other highlights were the trombone, the two 'cellos a nd the double bass; the tuba (the large flower in the right-hand corner) also deserves special mention. The narrower part of this in- strument was made from the hose-portion of an e lectrolux. We shall alwa y s remember the fun and interest we had and are grateful to Miss Hunter, Miss Frederick and Miss Dana her for their arduous efforts which gave such a p leasing resu lt. -D. B., VI.

0 Madonna, how l love thee! so delicately fair, So simply, sweetly humble, with thy hands soft-cross'd in prayer, And thme eyes downcaot in shadow 'neath thy haloed golden hair; 0 dost thou gaze ln wonder on the seraph's jewelled wings, On the green-embowered ~lossoms whose scent the faint breeze brings, Or dost thou dream of h1gher and far diviner things Sweet Madonna? Yes, thou see'sC 'neath the pillared' arch of stone Such mystic fleeting figures as no other eye has known, ' And the hymns of praise ~hich thou dost hear are of no ea!'thly tone; 0 Madonna, how I love tnee! loved and limned so long ago By the gentle mind and pious hand of Fra Angelico. -JUDITH C. GREEN, VI.

AFTER THE STORM Grey, sombre clouds hang low around the sky Save where, h igh in the east, the heavens show The tender blue of rain-washed evening. Now, breaking through the greyness, a soft glow, The last, . tired bnghtness at the dying day Lights w1th a sudden loveliness the grey Of the_ eas tern clouds- not with the deep gold flush In which a strong, majejstic sun departs· This gentle sunset leaves scarcely a blush On those drab faces. But a glorious arc Sprinc;;s from the dullness, soaring to the heights The au and earth with heavenly colours, pure, ~1~ but transparent. The sun s inks; they glow il•h th a mor e brilliant light, till in a breathing-space, As swiftly as It came , the great rainbow Fades, and where all its radiant g lories shone Grey clouds grow dark as the soft colours die. And curving, slowly, gracefully to earth . Its magic brightness fills the sky; it lights

CLUES. DOWN

l

l. Part of school uniform 5. Corrupt 8. Royal Navy 9. A hollow 10. Part of Ireland 11. Fool (slang) 12. Village in Prince Edward Island 13. To stitch 14. An insecticide 15. Girl's name 19. Reply p lease · 20. A tune 21. To disembark 22. A preposition 24 . La maison 25 . One indefinitely DOWN l. To prize 2. All existing things 3. Anger

-D. B., VI.

17. A narrow road

6. A pilot

18. To succour

7. Wickedness 9. To e xpand 16. A preposition

20 . A conjunction

4. Fish

FLOWER BALLET CONCERT, 1953 23

23. A prefix

5. Attacked by ennui

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July, 1953

Brisbane Girls' Grammar School Magazine

July, 1953

Brisbane Girls' Grammar School Magazine

A VISIT TO THE A.C.F. & SHIRLEY FERTILIZER WORKS Sixth Form Chemistry class were invited to see over A.C.F. & Shirley Fertilizer works in order to increase our knowledge of the preparation of Sulphuric Acid and so help us, we hoped, in our Senior Chemistry. , . We were first taken over the place where the Sulphunc Acid is manufactured a nd we saw both the Contact Process a nd the older Lead Cha mber Process taking place. The temp- erature was almost unbearable inside and we had been war~­ ed not to touch any liquid lying round as it might be Sulphunc Acid. We were shown the enormous lead chamber~ where the main reaction takes place and we saw how eas1ly they were controlled from outside . However, I think we were all glad to go into the fresh a ir again without fear of stepping in a pool of acid. Our comfort was shortlived however , as we were soon shown where the calcium phospha te or rock phosphate is ground down before being heated with sulphuric acid to con- vert it to the superphosphate which is used as a fertilizer. Clouds of white powder were everywhere in the crush ing room and seemed to be with us for the rest of the time. We Eaw all through the process of the manufacture of fertilizer even to the in tricate bagging system at the end. · We arrived up at School in the early afternoon after a very interesting morning. I am sure everybody who visited the fertil izer works has a much clearer knowledge of the dif- ficult manufacture of Sulphuric Acid. -B. R., VI.

A.B.C. SATURDAY SPORTING SERVICE crossing over to Locky Melville at Moonie Valley -the barrier is up in the first d ivision of the Maiden Handicap -which is the fourth maiden bowled by Lindwall this after- noon-a beautiful forehand passing shot by Sedgman-and the ball trickles down to gully position- weight is right at Doomben-photo fi nish a t Moonie Valley-what do you think about it, Johnnie?-Carbon Copy scratched in the last race- by a bumper from Miller-and he throws his racket on to the court in d isgust-whipping off the bails in a flash-Hydrogen ridden by-Big Bill Johnston who returns the ball to the bowler -game, set and match point as he serves to McGregor-over to the Sydney cricket ground for stumps score-Miller has only bowled one maiden over-who is being carried off the field by a mbulance bearers-four to one-so ends the summa ry of the lourth Test match-being played a t White City Courts in Sydney-Ladies, and Gentlemen, that concludes the Saturday afternoon Sporting Service from the A.B.C. -M. McLUCKIE, VI.

OUR TRmUTE We look across the sea to England, where With all th e splendour and tradition old Of a nati on great through all the centuries, Our g racious Queen Elizabeth is crowned. And w e , the people of Australia fair, Rejoicing in our British heritage, Remember how in glory England gr~w, And how her dauntless children roamed the seas Exploring lands unknown, and planting there Her flag to flutte r on the breeze . From this The glorious Commonwealth of Nations rose, In w hich we proudly take our place. And now We turn to England whence ou r fathers came, To pay our tribute to our gracious Queen.

- GWENETH JOHNSON, V.

THESE OLD WALLS. For many years now I have stood in this same p lace watch- ing an ever-changing scene, too quickly changing perhaps for my mind to follow, as I stand guarding and sheltering young lives while they are trained for a difficult and testing outside world. Now, when was it that it all began? It must be over :seventy years ago now that a few sedate maidens first entered my then young doors and I commenced a long and never- ending task. Those were the days when skirts were long and "collars high, quite different from my little world of to-day with its young girls of a much freer, modern age. But I have seen

our

curnNG

DELMA SIMPSON, VI.

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July, 1953

Brisbane Girls' Grammar Schoo1 Magazine

July, 1953

Brisbane Girls' Grammar School Magazine

WITCHCRAFT In England, the legal definition of a witch is "a person who has conference with the devil to consult with him or to do some act". When examining the records of mediaeval witchcraft we are dealing with the remains of a pagan religion which sur- vived in England until the 18th century. As civilisation in- creased and christianity became more firmly rooted, the old religion was practised by more ignorant members of the com- munity. The religion consisted of a belief in a god incarnate, in a human being or an animal. The assemblies or "Sabbaths" took place four times a year, on 2nd February (Candlemas), May-eve (Roodmas), lst August (Lammas), and November-eve (All Hallow E'en). These joyous celebrations which were at- tended by many thousands of worshippers began in the even- ing and lasted till dawn. In addition to these, were smaller weekly meetings which were attended by the principal mem- bers of the cult who held a position similar to a bishop. In each district there was a band of thirteen people, a chief or "devil" and twelve members. The band was known as a Coven. They celebrated the religious rites, practised as heal- ers and were consultants in all cases where witchcraft was required. Witches used two kinds of famil iars, the divining familiar, and the domestic familiar. The divining familiar was com- mon to the whole of Europe. The witch on joining the religion was instructed by the grand master as to the animals to be used in divining and the form of words to be recited at the ceremony. In ancient Rome, divination by animals was known as "augury" and was considered a legitimate way of foretell- ing the future but when it was practised in the 16th and 17th century by "witches" the ir persecutors said they were inspired by the devil. The domestic familiar varied with the locality. The creature was usually some small animal fed in a particular way and employed to carry out the witches commands after certain ritual words had been spoken. The animal forms in which the devil appeared were usually the horse, bull, cat or dog. Among the ritual methods to destroy an enemy, one of the most ancient as well as the most dramatic, was the making of an image--generally in wax-to represent the enemy and gradually destroying it. It is clear that in Europe, traces of this ancient heathenism, long survived the adoption of Christianity. - P. RICHES, V. c2.7

more changes than this. There were two wars inerasable from my memory, when my young charges collected in my rooms, bewildered more than frightened with a suddenly savage and bitter world . They have even changed my structure, adding a wing here, adding a wing there, until I often found it hard to recog- nise myself. And so I stand to-day, aged perhaps w1th many changes wrought, but always the same in spirit. In all of these many past years I have heard and seen over and over again the same drama acted, but each time by the next generation. The cheers of a victorious School have rung through my old hall, the stern voice of a mistress as she reprimanded a young errant for misdeeds, and_ outside the light and cheerful voices of girls at play. All th1s have I heard so often. Then I have sympathised as my charges confided to me secrets I can never reveal, and have been outwardly stern but inwardly amused about a mid-jaunt, for me, another secret to treasure forever in my heart. Yes, I have a heart and it beats as strongly as yours, always reo..dy to open and receive another. I have always felt pride in myself and all myself and my walls contain, for though old, I represent a coming generation, which will lead a large world in whatever way it will. And it is my duty to see that that generation is trained for its object well, inside "these old walls". -LOIS COLES V.

GYMNASTIC DISPLAY CONCERT, 1953 26

July, 1953

Br is bane Girls' Grammar School Magazine

July , 1953

Brisbane Girls' Grammar School Magazine

MUSIC IN THE MIDDLE AGES The two primitive forms of musical expression are Song and Dance. The one is primarily melodic, the other primarily Rhythmic. European music began to emerge ·from its purely Melodic- Rhythmic phase only about the year 600, and did not develop the Harmonic in any very artistic way until about 1400-1500, in the period of the Renaissance. . Thus the Middle Ages marks the transition of music from the primitive form to the beginnings of music in the form which we know today. The Psalms were sung in Solomon's Temple to pure Mel- ody, and nobody ever thought of singing them in even the most rudimentary form of Harmony until almost the time of Charlemagne. When the idea of Harmony did come into the world, it grew out of the difficulties of the churchmen in singing the psalms and hymns of the church in unison, with a body of singers whose voices were neither all tenor nor all bass .

In this, apparently, a practical inconvenience a t last be- gan to receive attention. The first means of removing the in- convenience that suggested itself was the simplest and most obvious-the voices, divided according to natural range, chant- ed the Plainsong in parallel lines at two pitches (five notes apart) . From this it was a short stage, (though in reality it proved a long one), to the more sophisticated idea of leaving the Plain- song to one part (the Tenor or hold ing part), a nd a llowing the others to circle around it, weaving a polyphonic web of sound. A further stage abandoned the Plainsong altogether, and thus completely original harmonised music came into existence -free harmonic settings of the Canticles and the various parts of the Mass, substituted for the former traditional melodic set- tings. The process was carried over into secular music a nd so came into existence the Madrigal. The Masses and Mad- rigals of Palestrina (1525-1594) in Italy, Byrd and others in England, and Vittorio (1535-1 611) in Spain, mark the climax of this period of unaccompanied woven choral music. From the first g limmerings of the idea that a number of differently p itched voices, singing together in a choir, might be provided with d ifferent parts to sing suited to their own natural ranges of voice, to the culmination of the effort to pro- vide for them a music that should be beautiful and expressive, there was a period of about one thousand years (600- 1600). Obviously an essentia l for the development of choral music was a practical notation. Unisonous Song (tha t is, song which is sung to pure Me lody) could be handed down tradi tion- a lly and taught by ear; Choral Song required accurate and detailed written record. A means of providing such record was not easily found, and the slow evolution of notation natur- ally acted as a brake upon the wheel of musical progress. -J. T-J. V. A

TAME GULL I 'll not deceive myself. He comes because

Lean hunger drives him to the haunts of men,

And not because a kindred spirit draws

His beauty to this narrow ledge again. On white winged strength he wheels beyond the glass A fluttering cloud, descends upon the sill . Too proud to cry, he waits for me to pass His daily d o le , not doubting that [ will; Then gobbles it voraciously, his neck Distended by the measure of his greed. He will not thank me for a single speck, l know, and yet l cannot help but feed The least of these by whom my soul was fed When it had need of beauty more than bread

HOLIDAY FUN

-A. TABKE, IV. D

GABRIELLE ROWE, V .

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July, 1953

Brisbane Girls' Grammar School Magazine

July, 1953

Brisbane Girls' Grammar School Magazine

implored him to turn back, but he was quite cheerful-"Oh! no, we'll make it yet". We went on, icy fingers clutching at our hearts every time the utility showed any inclination to turn over. After almost four miles, we became bogged. With the help of chains we managed to extricate the utility and to our immense relief, Uncle Tom decided to turn back. About a mile from the homestead, and facing the worst stretch of road, we four girls declined to trust ourselves to the utility any longer and set off on foot. We were wet to the skin and we found it difficult walking along in the mud. Pe riodically we had to stop to clean the mud off our feet so that they would not be too heavy to lift. Nevertheless, we were cheerful, for had we not escaped from the utility? We stumbled on in the driving rain, gaily singing "Singing in the Rain". At length we reached the homestead, wet and bedraggled, to be greeted with the derisive cries of the stockmen-"We knew you'd be back" . -KAY MILLER, IV. B THE KIN'G OF THE BEASTS Numa crouched, like a great bronze statue, with all senses a lert, denoting that he was expecting something. He had not fed for many days for, by a stroke of ill-luck, his game a lways seemed to sense his aproach. Now he was waiting at the ford for some unwary animal which would come, cautiously, to quench its thirst. Soon his patience was rewarded, for Bara, the deer, came into sight. Hesitatingly, Bara, his nose twitching and ears ready to catch the slightest sound, made his uncertain way to the ford . His was a life of constant danger for he was often the prey of many of the carnivorous animals and Bara could afford to take no chances. Numa could scarce contain himself in his excitement. Here was meat at last and soon, he thought confidently, he would feast on his kill. He was a splendid specimen of his kind, a little thin around the ribs but that was the result of h is not having eaten for some time. He was a magnificent lion, well past his prime, ageing about four or five years. His well-shaped head and body marked a higher intelligence than most of his kind. The large, tawny body was strikingly handsome and he trod with a regal air. His black mane was that of an African lion. He struck awe into the superstitious natives who inhabited the surrounding plains . His majes tic roar as he challenged the jungle indicated his rank. 31

DELAYED DEPARTURE We had been spending the Christmas holidays a t Planet Downs, a cattle station in Central Queensland, and for the most part we had had glorious weather. At last the day, when we were to leave by car for Rockhampton on the first stage of our journey home arrived, and, with it came the rain that had been absent for so long. With the advent of the rain we knew that the road to Rock- hampton would be impassable, and decided to make a dash to Springsure, the nearest railhead, sixty miles away. The stockman told us that we would not make it, but we were not discouraged and set off full of hope. The roads were worse than we had expected. We slipped and slithered from one side of the road to the other. Once the utility skidded off the road and swung round in a half circle. The rain, which was pouring down steadily, did not improve the road and we a ll began to imagine the car turning over at any moment. Once we made Uncle Tom stop the car and

JUNE GLOVER, JVC.

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July, 1953

Brisbane Girls' Grammar School Magazine

Brisbane Girls ' Grammar School Magazine

July, 1953

The deer, before stooping to drink, gazed timidly around, seeking that which would betray a concealed enemy. Bara, neither saw nor sensed anything for the wind was blowing in Numa' s direction. Numa emitted the roar which he had often used to paralyse his prey a nd, sprang, the dark tuft on the tip of his ta il standing erect. He landed on the back of the startled deer and his mouth closed on the deer's vertebra. Soon Bara lay at Numa's feet, his neck broken. Placing one paw on Bara's lifeless body, he voiced the kill-cry of the "King of the Beasts". The rest of the jungle would know that the mighty Numa had made h is kill.DEIRDRE CROMPTON, III. A HOW WE CHASED THE DINGO It was a hot, steamy summer day, and we were, of a ll things, stoking fires to make a clear line for the new fence. Up and down the line we went, setting the felled trees on fire, and piling up the smaller pieces of wood to make a good blaze. We were all glad when lunch-time came, and we went smoke-g rimed and with smarting eyes, to have a rest and some food . After the picnic, we viewed our handiwork; you could see right along the line now, through the thick scrub to the clear expanse of the big-dam paddock, but there was s till some work to do up the far end of the line. Four of us went, my two cous in s, my sister and myself. We were working happily and talking about some unimportant thing, when, suddenly my elder cousin turned with finger to his lips and a warning "ssh" ! He pointed, and, about twenty yards away through the scrub we saw a dingo; a fine animal, with a dark creamy coat and pricked ears, unaware of our presence. She was apparently headed for the b ig dam to get water, and was evidently not thinking of any danger, as she loped along, her mate follow- ing at a little distance. My cousin crept off to get his rifle, biddtng us in a whisper to keep watching the anima ls. We hardly dared breathe when he had left, but the dingoes did not notice us. The wind must have been blowing the wrong way, and carrying our scents away from them. They moved leisurely on, and when my cousin came back with the rifle, were well out of the scrub into the cleared portion. They were too far off for a clear a im, so he followed them, keeping his distance and making no noise. We others moved to a place where we could watch the proceedings. For a long time nothing happened, and they were out of sight in the long grass. About a mile away, we could see the big dam, a raised one, and the windmill clank- 32

SNAIL HUNTER

-A. TABKE, IVD.

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·Brisbane Girls' Grammar School Magazine

July, 1953

Brisbane Girls' Grammar School Magazine

July, 1953

TO VIRGIL

ing its way round to fill the troughs. It was a fine, clear day, and the blue sky glared down on the yellow grass , for the country was in need of rain. Suddenly, we heard a "bang" and a faint squeal as of an animal in pain. Then silence. We could see neither my cousin nor the dogs. Then there was another bang, another squeal, and we saw a faint yellow streak in the distance, coming towards us. "He must have wounded it. Come on! We'll head it off", shouted the cousin who had remained with us, and we raced off across the plain, grabbing sticks as we went, and trying in vain to catch up with him. We saw the dingo now, and my other cousin chasing it. Nearer, nearer, he was running fast for a wounded animal. We yelled at it, brandished our sticks, and put on an extra spurt of speed, but in vain. He loped away into a patch of scrub. It was bad luck that my cousin had run out of bullets. Anyway, my sister and I went with him to scalp the animal at the big dam, the other cousin going back to the homestead in the "tilly" to get a horse and another rifle to finish off the wounded one. It was an unpleasant business scalping and skinning it, at least so I thought, for I had never seen it done before, but it was a beautiful pelt when finally cut off. We walked back through the paddock and the burnt scrub to the other "tilly", and when we reached home, pegged it out to dry in the sun. My other cousin reached home after tea, triumphant, with the scalp of the male dingo. So there were two skins and two scalps to peg out, two pounds for the pockets of my cousins from the local shire council, and a very interesting day to remember in our holiday out West. -PENELOPE ROGERS, III. A ...................... .............................. uw:

0 Latin singer , didst thou think When thou dids t write thy stirring works Of sad-faced girls who sit a nd shrink ' Translating thee in starts and jerks? 0 eloquent! thine epithets So lyrical, are learnt by heart; And stude nts , caught in endless nets Of grammar, stumble ere they start. Thy favourite words are now profaned By lips which know d eclensions not · Thy choicest quantities disdained ' Either unknown or else forgot. ' 0 La tin S'inger, think not yet The minds of men are dead to thee! Somewhere a soul shall find thee out And rise, and soar and grow more fre~ And dwell in thine eternal ligh t, Gazmg upon the glorious field, Hearing the shouts upon the height The warlike clash of sword on shi~ld, While elsewhere bask the peaceful herds On sunlit grass 'neath laden trees And here resounds the cry of bird;, And there the roll of wind-whipped seas.

-JUDITH C. GREEN, VL

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