July 1954 School Magazine

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MAGAZINE of the

BRISBANE GIRLS' GRAMMAR SCHOOL

•

JULY, 1954

Registered at the G.P.O., Brisbane, to1 transmission by post as a Periodical

Published by Miss L. W. Crooks, Brisbane Girls' Grammar School and printed by Allan William Cramb, Fuller Street, Windsor, for The Read Press Pty. Ltd., 610-616 Ann Street, Valley, Brisbane.

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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 ali f i es students for e x- c l u s i v e office a ppointments

The bright, spacious thoroughfare from Queen to Adelaide Streets attracts admiring shoppers to Allan & Stark .. .· ... . in fact over the years the city of Brisbane has moveol up to meet Allan & Stark and their friendly neighbours at the Smarter End of Queen Street. Allan & Stark love being in the hub of this city because they see the nicest people in the world going through this thoroughfare of theirs from Queen to Adelaide Streets. Up-to-the-minute exciting fashions, friendly service and reasonable prices help to make Allan & Stark the key department store in Brisbane . ALLAN & STARI< At the Smarter End of Queen Street.

PROSPECTUS ON APPLICATION

Stott's Business College Pty. Ltd. 290 ADELAIDE STREET, BRISBANE

Phone

FA 1627

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

Prin cipal

NUNN & TRIVETT'S COMMERCIAL COLLEGE

Sportin8 eM. en 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 of 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 Materials Brisbane Sports Depot "For Everything Good in Sporting Goods" 342 QUEEN STREET. BRISBANE Telephone : B 0654 Telegrams: "HUISGOOD," BRISBANE

All coaching under the expert and personal attention of the Principal , Miss S. R. Hals tead. Personal interviews invited - day and even- ing classes. Shorthand, II'yping, Commercial English, Commercial Arithmetic and Book- keeping.

NEW ADDRESS : ANNE HATHAWAY BUILDINGS-125 GEORGE STREET

(opp. Executive Building)

Phone B 9529

Phone B 2401-3

FOR ALL BOOKS,

STATIONERY,

AND ART MATERIALS

THAT'S FIRST FOR POPULARITY

See BARKER'S 196 EDWARD STREET

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AT ro7 ELIZABETH STREET, BRISBANE;' \, AND II DENHAM STREET, ROCKHAMPTON

WHY THE ELEP·HANT NEVER FORGET'S ONCE upon a time there was a little elephant called Edgar. Every week Edgar's mother gave him some money to bank and, because he was only a little elephant who loved to play, she would tie a knot in his trunk so he wouldn't forget. One day Edgar met a cunning old monkey wh~ asked him the reason for the knot. When Edgar told h1m, the cunning monkey said , "I'll undo the knot in your trunk, because it is hard for you to play like that, but to make sure you won't forget I'll tie a knot in your tail instead." Edgar agreed, but, because he only had a tiny tail and could not see it anyway, he forgot about the bank and the monkey persuaded him to spend the money. Then, when all the money was gone, the monkey went on his way, and it wasn't until poor Edgar, who was now quite tired sat down and his tail hurt, that he remembered the mon~y and the bank. Later, when he told his mother, she said : "There are always people eager to help you waste your money, Edgar. If you listen to them you'll neverhave anything." Edgar never forgot again . Now every week he banks his money. If you aren't saving something every week, start to-day. Open an account in the C~IVION~EALTH ~~BANK THERE'S A BRANCH OR AGENCY IN YOUR DISTRICT SCH.74.

EDUCATIONAL. TECHNICAL AND GENERAL BOOKSELLERS: NEW AND SECONDHAND

SCHOOL BOOKS

Q. B. D. Choose all your school text books prize and library books from th~

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FUNERAL SERVICE

By Appointment GOLDSMITHS to the late King George VI. Hardy Brothers LIMITED

Hislop & Sons PTY. LTD.

John

118 Queen Street Brisbane

ONLY ADDRESS :

OFFICE AND FUNERAL CHAPEL

Jewellers Watchmakers Silversmiths Phone B 8452

17 PEEL STREET. SOUTH BRISBANE

Phones : J 3780 and J 4017

QUEEN STREET. BRISBANE Also Toowoomba and Townsville

July, 1954

Bris-bane Girls' Grammar School Magazine

All Ow· Own Make - Always Fresh - Made Daily ALLMAN'S MASTERPIECE CHOCOLATES and SWEETS ALL AUSTRALIAN Obtainable at Ta.ttersall's Buildings, 208 Edward St., Brisbane Pho·ne: FA 1598 QUALITY SUPREME D. J. ALLMAN, Proprietor Res.: S. Fletcher - UW 1316 P. Cheetham M 3589 CHEETHAM & FLETCHER FLOOR SPECIALISTS AND MANUFACTURERS Floor Sanding, Polishing and Staining, Cleansers, Polishers , Pastes, Parquetry in Q-u.eensl~nd Timbers Disinfectants. PHONES - Office: B 4021 FB 0141

'r7e vM~ 5 ~zhH ~f 'r7e }?rls~~.-,e fjh·l/ b'·~""""~'· rE"c7~~1

EDITORIAL

fOR many years May 24th has been observed as Empire Day throughout all British countries. Un- fortunately this practice has been forgotten or disre- garded by many people of recent years. Empire Day is a time when we can realize and be thankful for our British heritage of freedom. Although the British Empire has been replaced by the British Commonwealth of Nations, we are still one people united by loyalty to our Queen and by common interests and ideals . The recent visit of Her Majesty the Queen has brought us into closer contact with England, the mother country, and has made us proud to be her subjects. But if we have the h onour of belonging to the British Commonwealth of Nations and share its privileges we must be ready to accept the responsi- bilities attendant on this. The world is at present in a troubled and unsettled state. We are the future, and it rests with us to keep alive the principles of truth and freedom. Although the part we play in helping to better the world may seem infinitesimal, it is by no means insignificant. Let us not confine these thoughts to such days as. Empire Day and Anzac Day, but keep the:n with uc all the time to guide our actions. -G. M. Johnson, VL

BRYCE CHAMBERS, NATIONAL HOUSE, 157-163 ANN ST., BRISBANE

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

Tuly, 1954

:Bris·banE> Girls' Grammar School Magazine

Tuly, 1954,

Bris·bane Girls' Grammar School Magazine

CURRENT EVENTS. The first term of this y ear was probably one of the busiest .and most memorable on record for our School. We should like to welcome the new mistresses who are Miss Anderson, Miss Glover, Mrs. Hiscock, Mrs. Kronfeldt and Miss Wood. Miss Sutton has returned from her trip abroad. We hope tha t Mrs. Logan and Miss Simonds, who left at the end of first term, will be happy in their new lives. Within a short time of the opening of School after the Christ- mas holidays, we were p lunged into the middle of preparations for the vis it of He r Majesty the Queen, which meant for some of us practices for the School Children's Display a t the Exhi- bition Grounds. One hundred and twenty of our girls took part in the eurhythmic dancing. The occasion of the Queen's pass- ing our own ::chool had more significance for us. Most a rtistic decorations were made by Mrs. Logan and her pupils and were supplemented by School pennants. The occasion was made happ ier fo r us beca use we were able to share it with Ipswich Girls' Gramma r School, who came up for the day. The portrait o f Her Ma jesty, g iven to us by the Old Girls, and now hanging in the Assembly Hall, will serve to commemorate this Royal Visit as well as the Coronation . This year's sporting season opened with the Inter-Form Swimming Carnival, held at the Valley Baths. The honours were taken by VI Form with IIIF second and IVD third. The Inter-School Swimming Carnival was held soon after our own. Our congratulations go to Clayfield College who had an ex- cellent win. Our team came fifth. The McWhirter Cup also , the prize for lifesaving, was won by Clayfield College, in which contest our team came fourth. Our Inter-Form Lifesaving Car- nival will be he ld in third term. Old Girls' Day, April 3rd, dawned fine and clea r, and all the matches were played according to plan. The Old Girls, this year's hostesses, organized stalls in the gardens and served afternoon tea. The Inter-School Basketba ll a nd Tenn is seasons com- menced a t the beginning of second term. In the matches which we h a ve played so far, against Ipswich Girls' Grammar and B.S.H.S. and Saint Hilda' s , we have been successful except in the "A" Tennis which was defeated by Saint Hilda's. The match against Somerville House was washed out by rain a nd has been postponed. The Inter-Form Athletics will be held on the 2nd July, and 1he Inter-School competition on the 24th, so tha t while the Form

teams are still practising diligently, the School teams will be in the making. This year we have been privileged to hear a recital at the School by the Misses Victoria Anderson and Viola Morris, who presented a delightful programme of songs including two Shakespearean lyrics from "A Midsummer Night's Dream" and "The Tempest," the p lays set for study for juniors a nd Senic rs this year. Another great thrill was to have Sir Laurence Olivier's produc tion, "Henry V," screened at our own School. On the 11th June Miss Rhoda Felgate gave a recital-demon- stration at the School. With the a id of a very accurate scale model of the Globe Theatre, Miss Felga te described the Shake- pearean stage, the functions of its various parts, and applied her points to several of Shakespeare's plays. Four players dressed in Elizabethan costume read for us scenes from "The Tempest' ' and "A Midsummer Night's Dream. " During the second term added in terest was g iven to our French studies by the French competition which was held a t the University. Two of our g irls won the ir sections, and a number of girls from the School were present at the "Soiree Pour Les Ecoles" to hear them recite, and to hear a group of Senior girls singing French songs. A very beautiful French poster was pre- sented to the school by the Alliance Francoise. As a result of an invitation from Somerville House this term, girls from Sixth and Fifth Form a ttended a delightful musical evening at the school. It was a pleasant change to be able to meet g irls from other schools, away from the competi- tive a tmosphere of a sports ground. Alterations have been made to the gymnasium and cha nging-rooms so that the Tuckshop now has a permanent home from which, every Monday and Friday, it dispenses cakes and cream buns to budding athle tes who should know better. On the 26th June Parents ' Day will be held. There are to be the baske t-ball and tennis fixtures between the School and St. Margaret's on this afternoon, so parents should find much t.o interest them in these matches, and in the other entertainments and displays to b e arranged. Money from the sale of articles made by the girls will go towards the School sweet-stall at the Fete in September. The School Choir, the Science, Debating and Dramatic Clubs all have a large number of hard~working and enthusiastic members, and these clubs are doing good work in providing interests outside School, which are both instructive and enjoyable. 11

July, !954

llris·bane Girls' Grammar School Magazine

BriEbane Girls' Grammar School Magazine

July, 1954

Essay for the Betty Woolcock Challenge Cup, 1953.

Kendall Broadbent Memorial Essay, 1953.

THE PRAYING MANTIS. In Australia, and all countries except those colder ones near the North Pole, the Mantis is a common insect. How many of us have mistaken that friendly, pious creature for the fear- ful-looking grass-hopper, and run quickly to a safer part of the garden! Mantid or Mantidae family is the name g iven to anything relating to a grasshopper and cricket. The Mantis-religiosa, or Praying Mantis is a cousin, but she does not treat her relations with cordiality. Although this frail-looking insect seems less ferocious than her cousins, it is she who eats her enemy, cousin, husband, and even her children. She is not only a carnivorous insect, but she proves to be the world's worst hypocrite, in that while she pretends she is in genuine devotion, she is all the time scheming a way to gain her next meal. It was the Ancient Greek peasant who endowed the Mantis with supernatural powers and its name. Seeing the dainty creature poised half-erect on the sun-scorched grass, with its broad green gossamer wings trailing like long veils, as it awaited its prey with its forelegs raised as if in devotion, the peasant named it "mantis"or "prophet." As the mother lays her eggs, usually in September, she excretes a golden-coloured frothy substance which she whips into stiffness with two ladles a t the end of her body. The eggs, sometimes a thousand, are laid in the froth which hardens into a nut-like capsule, and smells like burnt silk. This nest, which is one of the most beautiful crea tions the world has ever known, is attached to anything with a surface rough enough to hold it securely. The nest is made in three sections, the middle one of which consists of movable scales; when the insect, now protected by an outer skin, is ready to emerge, usually on a warm morning early in the following Summer, it pushes its way through the scales, and peers at the world through two large black beady eyes. The young mantis, resembling its parents in all ways, ex- cept that it has no wings, is not protected after its birth. As soon as the eggs are laid, the mother flies away, and has no interest in her offspring, leaving them to be preyed on by another mantis, or other creatures in the insect world, who lie in wait for the hatching of the eggs. Consequently only a few mantis 13

THE PATHWAY.

Vainly, Eternal Spirit, have we sought To know if truth be changele ss, as Thou ar t, Or an elusive idol that bold thought Creates; b ut as we search, our human part In endless space, dwindles to nothingness. 0 for one radiant certitude serene, Glowing and warm, which might restore and bless Fear-frozen hearts ! But may not faith be seen As a swee t p lant nurtured with sun and rain Of swift emotion; set in reason's soil.? And when uprooted, still it may retain The power of growth, Shall all our darkling toil Not vanish from us when we taste of thee, 0 herb of grace ? ll'hen shall we not be free ?

THE PRIZE.

However heedlessly we turn aside For short-lived pleasure, or howe'r long We linger, and however blindly in the wide Dark land of life we err, or fear the throng Of screaming fiends, sometimes we all behold A gleam, far-off, which instantly we yearn To find and cherish ere the blasts of cold Deception blow; often we vainly turn . But some, who see fulfilment in the eyes Of those who know that good is right; Or hear a Voice that says, gentle and wise, "My yoke is easy"-may attain the light Which guides them, singing, through eternity "He is the free man whom the truth makes free."

--Diana Boulton,

July, 1954

Brisbane Girls' Grammar School Magazine

July, 1954

Another member of the Mantidae family, bearing a resem- blance to the mantis, is the stick insect, but it grows to a much larger size. The mantis is of a heavier build with stronger wings, and the stick insect changes its colour and shape only to escape enemies, because it is not a carnivorous creature as its cousin. Many names and legends have been applied to the pray- ing mantis, and the wonderful nest has been attnbut~? with supernatural powers. In Europe it has been called camel cricket," and the Moslems say the mantis bows and prays ~o: wards Mecca. One sixteenth century writer said that if a chilo was lost, he had only to ask the way of a praying mantis, and he would soon find his way home again. In Provence, where the praying mantis is cultivated, the peasants say, that t~e nest of the mantis, or tigno, should always be kept to cure chil- blains, and to rub against an aching tooth. The praying mantis has proved to be a successful pet if kept in a tray with sand and covered with a gauze cloth. H is necessary to feed the creature only once a day, with fresh insects and caterpillars, but it is a most horrifying sight to watch the mantis maul the live insect as it remains petrified in .the clasp of its captor. It is no wonder t~e mantis. has bee~ mck- named the "tiger of the insect world. When Its appellte has been satisfied, the mantis turns its head away and refuses to eat another mouthful. Instinct must tell the creature who is afraid of him, and who would wish to make an attack on his life, for it is known that, when that person enters the room, the mantis fixes his black beady eyes on her, and does not shift his gaze. until that frightened human being is out of sight. The praymg manlls

survive the attacks, but they then proceed to prey on other smaller insects. The front legs of the praying mantis are the strongest of -all, because they are powerfully used to seize and maim some- times larger insects than themselves, while the remaining four legs are slender and weak, making the gait of the insect slow and ungainly. When a mantis is at prayer, waiting for its next meal, the second of each foreleg joint fits into the third joint or femur, hiding the four rows of sharp teeth which seize, and tear the victims apart before they are crushed by the powerful jaws or mandibles. The mantis imbeds its strong, spike-studded forelimbs in anything fl eshy, and it even attacks a human, if one is so fascinated as to pick up the five-inch insect. It is this strong hook which seizes the prey at the back of the neck before the creature is torn apart limb by limb. The pugnacity and deadly armament of the praying mantis have caused them to be matched against one another as game cocks. The mantis, unlike its cousins, does not eat vegetable matter, but ·would rather devour ether insects and caterpillars, while the larger South American species attacks frogs , lizards ond small birds. The honey bee is a highly favoured meal, and "' 'nstitutes a large part of the diet of the mantis. The triangular head is joined to the rest of the body by a short neck, which enables the mantis to turn its head whichever way it wishes, while the heads of other insects form part of the prothorax. When a mantis sees a victim near, he tilts his head, and his large black beady eyes protrude, to hypnotise his prey with fear. He spreads his wings, and stands erect, while the upper portion of his body rhythmically moves up and down to the noise like the puffing of d startled adder. The creature is hypnotised ! It makes one false move forward, and with a l'ghtning snatch by the mantis, the victim is held firmly at the back of the neck by two long hooks. Still petrified, and unable to move, the creature becomes the meal of the ever-hungry mantis, while inedible wings and legs are thnwn aside. The mantis is naturally light green in colour, but it can change its colour and shape to its surroundings. The limbs of the mantis bear foliaceous expansions, which when combined with the green body, resemble a leaf. In tropical regions the mantis has been known to exhibit a resemblance to a flower, and the brown coloured species can resemble withered leaves. Although the change in colour and shape protects the mantid against attacks from enemies, it is the evil-minded mantis which uses this clever devir.e to deceive insects of prey. 14

A PRAYING MANTIS

After the Atta.ck

Flying

Bris·bane Girls' Grammar School Magazine

July, 1954

Bris·bane Girls' Grammar School Magazine

contents himself to captivity, and, as long as his appetite is satisfied, condescends to ride upon his master's shoulder. The carnivorous mantis devours the locust, but an ant can eat the remains of the mantis, and the Wryneck eats ants. It is the custom of a Frenchman to eat the Wryneck, which makes one understand that all these creatures supply "a drop of oil to feed the lamb of thought." We have seen the praying mantis as a cruel, flesh eoting creature, and then again as the most beautiful nest-builder. In China, we find the mantis a:s God's gift to man. Locusts and grass-hoppers attack crops in plagues, but upon the arrival of a swarm of praying mantis, all insects of prey are devoured and the produce is saved. There is a reason for the habits of all insects, whether they be good or bad, as there is a reason for everything in this world. The mantis, for all its evil thoughts and its hypocritical attitude, has served man well, and become his friend.

A VISIT TO THE NATIVE CENTRE OF ADEN. There was an air of excitement as our ship approached its next port of call, Aden. Shortly after breakfast a launch took us to the mainland and from there we hired a taxi to the native quarter. During the drive we saw many interesting things. Native huts were mostly made of hessian and attached to the outside walls were the occupants' cane beds. There was an a ir of · poverty everywhere and the sea and blue skies were a con- trast to the dry and barren surrounding country. We were shortly winding our way through narrow crnd smelly streets which were thronged with ncrtives and it wcrs here our cab ccrme to a hcrlt. We were immedicrtely beseiged by children; some horribly th]n crnd emcrciated, begging for alms. One little boy of about 12 years bf crge offered to be our guide for two Rupees (crpproximcrtely 3/-). He wcrs very polite crnd helpful and took us to several shops where we made various purchcrses. He also pointed out a large and beautiful building which was one of their mcrin temples. Although very interesting it was rather frightening to be continually followed by natives. It wcrs reassuring to see the native policemen, immcrculate in their tropical unifmms, crt different points in the town. Perhcrps these natives were quite harmless, nevertheless it was cr relief to get back to the big white ship in the harbour which wcrs to be our home for crnother three weeks.

I vf

-Wendy Hadgraft.

Middle a nd Lower School Lyric Prize, 1953.

PAINTING BY PAUL NASH. ffhe pearls of a day hung in the topmost height When my crested hope whistled over drybuilt wall And I over the good peat and the moss-green bog Wandered my never-lost way between the calls Of curlew and playing plover; that was of all The empiiest world that ever I striding saw, With a blank road running in the tireless hills And a day's money to spend, day without flaw. The heather was young yet and the bilberry leaves Grew green in the burnt places, bracken was curled In that flowerless parac'ise-the stones were the flowers, And the sepal and pe a! of brilliant water whirled

PAMELA MENDOZA, FORM 3E.

NIGHT STORY.

'Tha t night the wind blew gramarye And moonlight through the slim dark lace Of the peach and of the w illow tree, And the moon was as big as a bishop's face. And I was drawn to the moon-full stream, And with my net of magic cord I stole the star-tips from the waves, And· with them I have made my sword. I who live under the peach-tree bough Have often heard the old stars say, "We seek the man who stole our spears," And I have hidden my face away.

Under the crag; and over by llkley way I counted, line upon line, rack over rack,

The nameless moors I would never walk. and a certain Concourse of light and cloud that would never come back.

Alexa Tabke.

Alexa Tabke, V. A.

July. 1954

Bris·bane Girls' Grammar School Magazine

July, 1954

:Bris·bane Girls' Grammar School Magazine

"HAPPY VALLEY."

FAIRY THOUGHTS. As I open up my window, And see the green fields there, I wonder if the fairies Have danced out there, and where

A mountain ridge o'erlooks the plain, Where virgin gums stand tall and strong; A soft shy breeze disturbs the leaves, A jackass laughs loud and long. Cattle stray the gentler slopes Among green grass and flowers bright, Whose petals, gazing at ihe sun, Reflect his glorious light. A dusty road meanders there, The golden link between the farms; And gleaming roof-tops white we glimpse Embraced in leafy arms. Do farmers as they plough this vale Feel, as we do, a wonder deep At this place of peace and comfort sure In nature's tender keep?

The little goblins, who look so bright and gay, Have built their -homes on that wide expanse, That stretches far away. I hope to find some sprightly elves As I roam out there to-day, And imagine they'll be dressed in green, And have a pleasant way To show their dainty little fee t That palter o'er the village street, And help each weary pilgrim there, And find him food and clothes to wear. As I push my window open more, I see the hills I saw before, And think about those fairies dear, And then my mind begins to clear For as I stare o'er those sun-lined hills My heart with thoughts of fairies fills,

And as I close my window tight, I find its time to say goodnight.

Cecily Ellis VI

Cynthia Jolly IIIF

-------- --------- --

-KAY CARTER, IV.A.

"ACROSS THE WIDE PACIFIC."

-GABRIELLE ROWE, Vl.

July, 1954

Bris·bane Girls' Grammar School Magazine

July, 1954 ·

:Bris·bane Girls' Grammar School Magazine

THE SECRET WELL. Rich beyond expression by mere wcrds is he, who when he ~its apart, alone ls not alone, but one with something indefinable, a force that's greater, stronger than himself That bids him be at peace, to dream awhile, And dreaming, loose the tension imposed by things diurnaL More blessed is he, that of his own accord, seeks solace in the golden haze of silence, To ease his soul, release the strain and fret, And glimpse the beauty of h is tiny sphere in life, And knows it is enough . . and is content.

But greatest of them all is he who needs no solitude to quiet his sense, Yet has w ithin his strength of strengths-

Serenity, surpassing a ll he does or feels, or says, Where'ere he owes a verdict to his conscience.

And he shall rise above them all, For he has taught his manhood how to conquer; to soar above the petty things in life, His spirit breathes a prayer of thankfulness,

And none shall take from him that precious faith W hich leaves its benediction on so few .... The blessed few, who know it.

Anne Wright, IVA

THE OLD GREY FARMHOUSE.

It 's an old grey house On the side of a hill, The light sees it lively The night sees it still.

The gold of the sunshine, The b lue of the sky, The green of the grass And the brook babbling by, The quiet contentment Of cattle :hat graze, The tinkling of cow bells The scent of ripe maize, The tall gums, the pine trees, The wattle in bloom, The song of the b irds And the bushland perfume, Deep down in my memory I see them still, As I dream of the lit tle Grey house on ihe h ill .

t •J

- ANN GREENWOOD, V.A.

SONIA TRIST, IIJ. F.

July, 1954

Bris·bane Girls' Grammar School Magazine

Brisbane Girls' Grammar School Magazine

July, 1954

A STRANGE MEXICAN CUSTOM. "El Dia de los muertos," "The Day of the Dead," November 2, is the national holiday. This day is set aside by the Mexi- cans to remember their dead; preparations are earned out for days before. Special bread called "dead bread" is baked in human forms bearing two red stripes; special sweets for children in the form of skulls wi th bright tinsel eyes, and amusing toys are made which to our mind are horrible but readily enjoyed by the children-toys like tiny coffins from which a skeleton jumps when a string is pulled, dancing skeletons on sticks and many weird masks; in additi :: n, there are thousands of perfectly made miniatures of everyday things such as handbags, boots, sombreros, liqueur sets, donkeys laden with fruit , and a ltars. On the day itself, people flock to the cemetery with flowers for the graves, the marigold which is called "The Flower of the Dead" being used. Outside the cemeteries are vendors of flowers, candles of all colours, food, sweets and drinks. Many stay around making a social event of the occasion. Formerly the people would picnic at the graves but as drunkenness pre- vailed it is no longer permitted. In the evening there are masked balls with the guests dressed as skeletons and spirits. Altars are erected in the homes, for the people expect visits from their dead; food is placed on these, usually the dishes the dead person liked when alive. The people believe that the dead eat it in spirit and the living eat it afterwards. These "ofrendas" are usually very attractive with candles and incense burning beside the food; if a little child has died, a toy is often added. The Mexicans are fatalists in that they accep t death bravely and without complaint. They joke and play with death even while they weep. - FAITH MANN, IV. C.

OVERHEARD MARCH 17th. "That's my place, get out!" .... "Don't stand in front of me, you're bigger." .... "Here come the motor-bikes !" .... "Here they come !" . . . "Here they come ! !" . . . . (First car approaching), "Who ever is that !" .... "The third car." .... "Hurrah" . . . . "Git orf my toe !" . . . . "Hurrah !" . . . . "Hurrah !" ... . "Isn't she dainty?" .... "Oh, but isn't he handsomE !" . ... "What tiny hands !" .... "A lovely hat! " .... " .... beautiful frock, too !" ...."They MUST have to shine these cars."' .. .. "I got a photo, I Did, I DID!" ... . "He smiled a t ME he did .. Ohhhh! ! .... "The horses didn't come." ... . .. "A really wonderful day." "Roving Reporter." J.D.S. , V. A.

THE SHADOW OF WINGS. Bright waves are breaking on the sandy shore, White caps of spume; flecked crests of rainbow hue . No sail in sigh!, no hi nt of man-made law, Only the undulating waters blue . A flash of white, and in the air there flew A sea-gull, uttering its plaintive . cry, And moving through the air with grace, as do All they who wing, like zephyrs in the sky; Which travel soundlessly, and when spent out, they die.

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"I L"=·- · ····- ---·--- -· ·····- .

Yvonne Burchill, IV A.

-- NANETTE BUCHANAN, III.A.

Tuly. 1954

Bris·bane Girls' Grammar School Magazine

Brisbane Girls' Grammar School Magazine

Tuly. 1954

CROSSWORD By V. Middleton., VI. Answers on page 30.

AN ELEMENTAL DRAMA. (With apologies to all scientists). Dramatis Personae : Na, CI, H and 0 atoms. Scene : The Depths of the Ocean. Enter CI (positively annoyed) with Na. CI: I simply won't stand for this Na . Once K took an e lectron from me but you may not. Na : What charge will you lay against me to the other atoms? CI : Larceny, and nothing will stop my action. Na: I don't believe you; you're a gassy fellow and waft around too much. CI: We'll see. Here come Hand 0. Na : Don't water down my spirits. CI: 0, be careful; whenever you, Na and H meet there is always a flare up and much steam is let off. It becomes very caustic. 0 : By the way CI, I saw your cousin Sal a few molecules away. CI: Sal? 0 : Yes, Sal Ammcniac. She seems to be very distressed. CI : Yes she must be. She and Ammonia became very heated, a few cays ago, and they have become separated. always thought Ammonia was a pungent fellow anyway. 0 : Yes, I noticed him with Litmus, some time ago. Litmus turned blue with anger. What are you and Na quarrelling about? CI: Na took an electron from me and I am quite ironed out. H : We'll have to fix this up somehow; Na and CI, if you must stay together you'll have a well-salted friendship. (Na and CI unite to fcrm NaCI merry-making causing much noise;. 0: That's attended to. I hope no current of events ever separates them again. Curtain. J. Winston, IV. B. 25

CLUES

12. - Caught yo,u! 13. Cleansers 14. People from the Desert We should hope that the revered gentle- men do not drink the gin 16. jam pie-but no cover 17. Race bugun by thG 20th letter 18. Agricultural implement the O'Hara 's in "Gone w ith the wind" 21. A subject lose s its hs ad. 22 . Dame Commander of the order of the Bri- !ish Empire 23. He treats animc b now 20. The home cf 15 ·

24 . A foreign law 25. Forgotten something 26. Not Mrs . or Miss DOWN l. Spying acre (anag.) 27. One of two across 28. Prefix 29. Where a bachelor's 31. As it sounds but th e spelling is most un- conventional - a dis- ease involving a cat. some Pitch and an in- flamed mucous mem- l:rane 32. There are plenty in this puzzle especially in spelling 33 . Surfeited 34. A lot of business men need them but not to sit on their knees 35. It is inconvenient even if not large 12. Reddish - brown but there ought to be a "Z" instead of the "S" 36. Highlander saying "A man" 37. Not exactly dancing a reel but it still sways from side to side 38. "The night d raws on-" 23. A page- but not in a book 20. Tit for- 39. Namely 21. Int. calling attention in the Oxford Dictionary

ACROSS

l. Ready for a "flipping" time? 2. The wide open spaces. -but not necessarily. 3. Kind of lighting 4. The first two vowels, tail on 7. Go back in again- sounds all right but the dictionary would not condone the spelling 8. He isn't well 9. Of citizens 10. Rhymes with swivel but howls about it l l. For example 5. Alma mater 6. · You

supper comes from 19. And- but it is dead 30. Arthma ticking

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Bris·bane Girls' Grammar School Magazine

fuly, 1954

Tuly, 1954

BriEbane Girls' Grammar School Magazine

each sizing up the other. As they were evenly matched in size, stature and bravery, this would be a battle to the death, winner take all . The black arched his fine neck, glistening in the sunlight , and stepped out proudly. The herd remained still, hushed and expectant. Even the in- experienced fcals fell silent, fearful of the unknown, yet curious . They would remember this always. A battle between the leader and an ambitious colt, seeking rulership of the herd, is quite a different thing from a battle between two leaders , between kings. They circled around a few times until, at last, the appaloosa ceased this circular movement and stood still, four hoofs planted firmly. Swift as a python the black darted in, hoofs flying, teeth prepared to mete out a death-giving bite as they sought a vulnerable spot. This went on for some time until , at one of the black's attacks, the appaloosa was not fast enough. The teeth of the black connected with his shoulder, and when the triumphant black drew back, he left his mark on his rival. The red badge of courage, the warm blood, marked them both. With one desperate blow, the black caused the appaloosa to fall to the ground, breathing his last. After the black had departed with both herds, a cougar, his long wait behind the rocks rewarded, slunk forward . Vultures, too, had waited, know- ing the outcome of the battle. With a warning growl for the vultures, the cougar commenced to tear at the flesh. When they had finished, only the bones and dark red blood on the ground remained to tell the story of the "Great Fig,ht." Deirdre Crompton, Form IV. A. WHO DUN IT? The vicar recoiled in horror as he almost tripped on the ugly thing lying athwart the path. IT lay there, a symbol of something evil. As his trembling hands rolled it over, he saw the broken neck and saturated, flimsy wrap. Nervously, he glanced up and down the path, at a loss to know what he could do. What should he do ?-inform the local constable, or try to solve this wicked deed himself? Shiveringly, he decided on the latter course; carefully, he dragged IT behind a thick bush, and covered it partly with some branches. Quiveringly, he smoothed his sparse, grey hair, adjusted his spectacles, and hurried down the path. His throbbing mind dwelt on the details of his terrible find. Was it the work of some poacher who had since fled the village, or could it be that one of his beloved villagers could have descended so low as to commit such a terrible sin. Oh, horrible thought ! "What can I do ? What can I do?" he thought. But back along the path IT seemed to leer defiance at him, scorning him for his puny attempts to sCJlve the evil deed. There IT lay, a broken cider bottle, wrapped in sodden newspaper. A.B., VI.

GRECIAN MEMOIRS. On a bleak wintery morning, after a delightful trip from Brindisi and the beautiful Ionian Islands, the "s.s. Angelica" crept slowly into the waterfront of Port Piraeus. As I wandered on deck catching my first glimpse& of the port, I realised what the consequences of total warfare msant to such a small nation. The bombed buildings tattooed with bullet holes of partisan warfare and the black dresses of so many women, more than emphasized the grief of the people. A year was sufficient for me to learn much about Greece. I found that unemployment was great and that the cost of living was very high. The price of an egg was equivalent .to l/6 Australian money, while butter was four times the price in Aus- tralia. Clothing was expensive but entertainment was com- partively cheap. The cultural standard in the cities was high, and Opera and Theatre houses were always packed. Often the National Theatre would play Shakespeare in Modern Greek. Taverns are many and in the country they provide for the poor man's entertainment. Greeks are obviously conscious of their great heritage and attend to the preservation of ancient monuments with great care. In particular I recall the beautiful archaic sites of Olympia and Delphi and also the majestic Parthenon on the Acropolis. This famous ruin silhouetted aga'nst the Mediterranean blue sky is best seen at sunri2e and at night when it is sometimes flooded by illumination. Greece is not a land of wealth as war and earthquakes have prevented her from becoming so, but she possesses a natural beauty that enchants every tourist. Her people strive to be happy with the little they have and although they have suffered much, they still have the courage to look forward to a brighter future. Helen Samios, Form IV A. "A GREAT FIGHT." Nostrils quivering, scenting the air, the great black stallion stiffened, all senses alert. His herd, mares, stallions and foals, halted immediately. Their lsader had sensed danger. Meanwhile, another paused, the fine ears on the aristocratic head twitch- ing, alert for the slightest sound. Here was another stallion, king in his own right, an exact counterpart of the former, except in colouring. The latter was an appaloosa, a dusty cream, with dark brown marks on rump and shoulder. The two advanced to meet each other, preparatory for battle, as generals from the ranks . Tails erect, manes stiff, eyes dilated, they advanced cautiously 26

July. 1954

Bris·bane Girls' Grammar School Magazine

July, 1954

NIKI'S FIRST HUNT. Niki sat on the log across the creek, swinging one bare brown leg, and watching the other children, from fat little pica- ninnies to boys his own age, playing in the water. Through the drowsy afternoon sunshine came the quiet hum of cicadas in the bush. The wattles were in bloom, and with their golden glow fringing the stream, they made a lovely picture. But Niki had no eyes for tbe beauty around him. His mind was on the morrow which would be, he thought dreamily, the greatest day of his life. He was twelve years of age, and for the first time he was going to accompany the men of the tribe on a kangaroo hunt. He would not be allowed to join in the kill, he was told, but as long as he was as quiet as a snake, and as invisible, he could watch the warriors track and spear the animal. The tribe was in need of food, and fresh kangaroo meat would be a welcome change in the rather monotonous diet. That night Niki hardly slept at all . He crept out of the mia-mia long before even the first glow of dawn was in the sky, and gazed at the watchful stars and the moon, impatiently waiting for the men to wake up. They left soon after sunrise, for there were no kangaroos in the immediate vicinity, and the journey might be quite a long one. Niki trotted along con- tentedly behind the men, thinking of all the things he would do when he too was a warrior-brave in battle, wise in counsel, and respected by everyone, even the oldest and wisest in the tribe. His pleasant visions of the future were interrupted by a shout from one of the men, who pointed a t the ground. In the dust were fresh kangaroo prints. Now the hunt began in earnest. Niki was strictly instructed to keep silent, and like a small black shadow he glided along, instinctively avoiding the tiniest twig that was likely to snap at his ' tread. The sun was high in the heavens by now, and he was beginning to feel rather hungry. Some where a kooka- burra's merry laugh rang out, and then they saw them-not one, but two fine, large kangaroos quietly cropping the grass in the open plainland a little way ahead. Niki remained still, quivering with excitement, while several of the best spear throwers moved forward, step by step, not disturbing the animals by the slightest noise. They took up their positions on the edge of the bush, crouching behind the last trees . One of the beasts looked up, nostrils twitching. Then, at a given signal the men sprang. Five spears hissed through the air, fata lly accurate- at least, in one case. The 28

other kangaroo bounded away and was soon invisible in an- other patch of bush. But the men were satidied with their kill. It was a huge animal, requiring three stalwart warriors to carry it, hoisted on a pole, back to the camp. The return journey was a merry one, with much laughter and many reminiscences of other hunts in days gone by. Niki and the other boys ran around like mad things, explorlng the strange country through which they were passing, teasing the dogs, and pretending to fight one another. When they finally reached the camp they were all very tired, and hardly able to appreciate the fine kangaroo steaks which tne lubras cooked in the flames of their camp fires. When the stars were once more above, Niki went to sleep, lulled by the peaceful sounds of the bush, to dream of his first exciting kangaroo hunt. P.R., IV. A.

THE 4.35

-ALEXA TABKE, V.A.

Brisbane Girls' Grammar School Magazine

Tuly, 1954

Bris·bane Girls' Grammar School Magazine

WINTER.

CROSSWORD SOLUTION (from p. 24).

ACROSS.-! pancakes, 2 Areas, 3 Neon, 4 E A, 5 Grammar, 6 Y E, 7 re enta, 8 ill, 9 civic, 10 swivel ., ll E G, 12 H A H, 13 soaps, 14 Semites, 15 vicars, 16 tart, 17 trace, 18 hoe, 19 Err, 20 tara, 21 heme, 22 D B E, 23 Vet , 24 L 0 I, 25 P.S., 26 M R. DOWN·- ! pane gyrics, 27 area, 29 n";,o, 29 can, 30 Asthmatic, 31 K1TAH, 32 errors, 33 sated, 34 Secretaries, 35 cumbersome, 12 hose!, 36 amon, 37 reeling, 38 apace, 23 varlet, 20 tat, 39 viz, 21 H I.

When poets dream of falling leaves And cheerly burning fire, Or touris ts bask on tropic strands Where a mild sun bathes the golden sands

Do I rejoice and cry, "Hail ! Hoary Sire?" I do not.

I know, alas, that we shall freeze From frozen toes to frozen knees In the Study bleak and cold. With coughs and colds and virus 'flu. To sniff and wheeze the winter through May have inspired the poets 9ld- Not me.

H.E., VI.

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-Lu n<.h · tome athlef.cs

"LET US QUOTE SHAKESPEARE. "

- NARELLE ROBERTSON, IV.C.

- JACQUELYN SPARKS AND ALEXA TABKE, V.A. 30

Bris·bane Girls' Grammar School Magazine

July, 1954

July. 1954

Bris·bane Girls' Grammar School Magazine

"YARRABAH." At last the long-awaited day dawned-a beautiful cloud- less day-when we were to visit "Yarrabah Mission Station" outside the far northern city of Cairns. We were living at Cairns when we were told that it was the last time tourists would have a chance to go to the mission, so we decided to visit it. At nine o'clock we were on the boat as it headed across Trinity Bay. As we rounded the headland, the mission came into sight, a great number of small huts sil- houetted against the numerous coconut trees. The trip took about two hours. As there was no wharf the boat anchored about fifty feet off shore, where small rowing boats, skilfully rowed by strong natives, come out to take us in. After wading through a few inches of water we were on dry land. We walked some distance along the beach, the white sand of which was covered with shells of every kind-shells we had never seen before. We reached the main building and, after light refreshment, we were taken on a tour of the mission by one of the few white men. We saw the timber mill which is now being remodelled and the clear crystal streams from whence their water supply comes. At the school, the native children were having lessons and they recited poetry, speaking English fluently, with their pearly white teeth shining against their dark complexions. At first the children were shy but soon they became accustomed to us and liked to be with us. Outside, native boys scaled the coconut trees which were about fifty feet high and threw down coconuts. Then, to show us how they husked them, three boys and a girl took the coconuts in their hands and, with their teeth, tore the husk from the nut. Their method intrigued us, never having seen it done like this before. In six seconds the girl had finished. The four children were given a penny each for their demonstration, and, with beaming faces, they clutched their pennies and ran off to show their friends. We saw the church next, built entirely by native labour , the men doing the building while the women wove reed mats to cover the whole floor. The natives are very proud of their church. All too soon it was time to leave and, after signing the visitors' book and buying many articles tha t the natives had made such as fans and baskets, we enjoyed a very pleasant trip back to Cairns with the glorious colours of a tropical sunset before us. June Catchpoole, V. B. 32

A SIXTH FORMER'S ORATION. (With apologies to Shakespeat·e).

Friends, girls, schoolmates, pay me attention; I write to tell of Sixth Form, not to praise it. The evil that girls do lives after them; The good is oft forgotten when they leave; So let it be with Sixth Form. The noble Fourths Have told you that Sixth Fcrm girls are bossy; If it is so, it is a grievous fault, And grievously do the thirds answer for it. Here, under leave of the Editor and the rest- For the Editor is an honourable g irl; So are they alL all honourable girls- Write I to speak in Sixth Form's favour. They are my friends, faithful and just to me; But some say that Sixth gets everything; And they are honourable girls. Sixth Form does many duties for the school, Which help to keep the standard that we hold; Does this in Sixth Form seem so arrogant? When the Thirds run riot, Sixth bewails it; A Sixth Form should be made of sterner stuff; Yet some girls say that Sixth Form likes itself, Although they do not really mind us.

Helen Statham, VI.

BEN RAFYK. He lives in a vale of sparkling, sunlit grass, Far from the burning sands his fathers knew. His strength and courage no horse can surpass, His head, the gentlest Nature ever drew. He comes from proud yet gentle Arab stock, His colour, gleaming chestnut almost brown; A glowing star is white and one slim fe tlock Merrily twinkles cante ring o'er the down. In show or field he moves wi th rippling grace, His flowing tail in the wind a flaming banner. Strong·muscled neck arched with his pride of race, He yields to man with gentle, patient ma nner. This horse, Ben Rafyk, son of a famous line, Will always live in spirit, proud and fine .

D.M.B., V. B.

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