9h

OPEN DOOR For those who enter and those who leave

THE MAGAZINE OF THE SWINBURNE TECHNICAL COLLEGE

NUMBER NINETEEN NOVEMBER, 1938

THE OPEN DOOR The Magazine of

The Swinburne Technical College Hawthorn, Victoria

"Crafty men contemn studies, simple men admire them, but wise men use them."

Off ice-Bearers of the College.

Patroness: Mrs. Swinburne President: Cr. J. A. Gray, M.L.A. Vice-President: W . Holmes, Esq. Hon. Treasurer: H. R. Hamer, Esq.

Registrar: S. V. Robertson

Director . - - - F. W . Green, B.Sc, WhitEx., Assoc. M. Inst. C.E.

Principal Departments:

Engineering: The Director. Graphic & Applied Art: S. W. Tompkins.

Carpentry & Joinery: A. McK. Cousland. Domestic Arts: Miss M. G. Kirkhope.

Plumbing & Sanitary Engineering: C. Lawrence. Architecture: E. Hughes, A.R.A.I.A.

Girts' Junior Technical School: Miss H. F. Gilpin. Boys' Junior Technical School: T. R. White.

Student Associations:

President Parents' Guild - - - - Mr. Etheridge, 12 Ellis Road, Glen Iris

Hon. Sec, Old Engineering Swinburnians - - H. Gorr, Whitehorse Road, Mitcham

Hon. Sec, Old Swinburne Collegians - - - - R. Cadman, Auburn Road, Hawthorn

Hon. Sec. Old Girls' Club - - - - Mrs. Fisher, 10 Stanley Grove, Canterbury, E.7

Hon. Sees. Art Clubs - - - - - - - - - - - - - - W. Watson, E. Mack

Committee of Management, "The Open Door"

Editor and Manager: H. Bgunskill

Mrs. Clark, S. W. Tompkins, F. J. Mudford, H. Zachariah

Sales: Miss Watts

1/6 per COpy-

Contributory matter should be in the hands of the Editor one month prior to date of publication. Contributions may bear a "nom-de-plume," but the actual name of the contributor must be disclosed.

Page 2 T H E O P E N ttOOR

§|EDITORlAL / AND 1l@C~*r~m' >

J CURRENT m \ rsS M TOPICS IlOgJlM*

ANTIGONISH!

How many people have heard of Antigonish. Very few I am thinking: and I must admit that up to very recently, I was one of the great majority.

Antigonish is a small town on the north­west coast of Nova Scotia (Canada) and is going to serve as the text of m y annual hom­ily.

The town of Antigonish is the centre of a scattered population who, up to recent years, eked out a precarious existence in the lumber trade or in fishing. The town, small as it is, has a University — the University of St. Francis Xavier. Its foundation dates back to 1853 when it was founded by a Bishop MacKinnon with a Cameron as first Rector. It offers the usual courses in Arts Engineering and Science. It is not upon these I wish to dwell — but upon a remarkable feature of its activity — its basic activity I should say. The feature making this centre of learning so conspicuous, that I feel compelled to draw your attention to it, is an extra-mural activity which fully embodies the University motto—"The People cannot come to the University. Then take the University to the People." People, therein, does not mean folk like you or me, who have the time, opportunity and desire to attend a centre of instruction.

The word people referred to a scattered population fighting a losing fight against nature for the barest essentials of life.

Some ten years ago the University Extension movement was founded and very clearly ex­pressed its aims in a pamphlet headed "How the St. F. X. University educates for Action." It spoke of developing a co-operative commun­ity the leaders of which "must come from the people." Again, we read that "there is a mass of undiscovered leadership among the common people" "and the way to make it visible and operative is to educate the people, young and old" "the place to begin is at their own doors" "They must learn to act with and for others while they do their own thinking."

Crystallised and fused into one sentence the movement believed that Education preceded but leads to Action.

Let me show you that these thoughts were not mere pious beliefs to be taken out and aired by the breath of controversy occasion­ally and then filed away as a high ideal too remote from life to be tested.

The University body has gone forth among the people. It has founded Study Circles with local leaders and travelling libraries. These circles or clubs exist not to instruct, but to lay the foundations of self education, leading to co-operation for the improvement of their own economic and daily life. About 1000 such groups now exist in radial contact with Antigonish: with funds ranging from 22 dollars to 35,000 dollars. With their own hands and money they have organised and fabricated lobster factories, processing works, schools, marketing societies, handicraft guilds and the like. In every case the study group has preceded the direct action. One definite example will make the pur­pose of the movement crystal clear.

On the North-Easterly rocky shores of Nova Scotia was a community of some 300 people living "in a condition bordering on starvation." A little prior to 1930 the University missionary appeared in their midst. Fifteen listened to his message of hope. Within a year the pro­selytes had grown to 50 and then to 100. At the end of four years the settlement pos­sessed proper streets and a factory for treat­ing the fish caught. Three years later their co-operative hands had endowed them with two new fishing smacks. A school and school-house was on the way, together with curing plant and storage for fish. More recently still a study group has formed to consider the ways and means preparatory to introducing electric­ity to the village. For, to quote from the University pamphlet—"No community is en­couraged to organise any forms of co­operative action until a study circle has for "some considerable period grappled with the "difficulties and mastered the technique." I have finished; the "lesson" is read. I have given you this brief account of a great move­ment on the other side of the world, not to "paint the lily," but to bring into high relief the undertones of purpose here in Technical Schools. Certainly, we do not go into the highway and byway with our trades and crafts. Pos­sibly there is no need. But we do endeavour I take it, to serve in the same way. I think if we examine our banner carefully we shall find it bears the same device—Action through Education.

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Notes by the Director THE COLLEGE COUNCIL.

At the Annual Meeting in August Cr. Gray, M.L.A., Mr. Holmes and Mr. Hamer were again re-elected as President, Vice-President and Hon. Treasurer respectively and their con­tinuance in office will assist the smooth run­ning of the Institution. It is interesting to recall that Mr. Hamer has now filled, among other offices, that of Hon. Treasurer to the College for some twenty-three years of which twenty-one have been continuous since De­cember, 1917; the Institution owes him much for his long, active and valuable services.

Cr. F. W . Young, who has represented the Municipality of Box Hill upon the College Council for sixteen years, having decided to retire from active municipal work, rendered his seat vacant and this was filled by the ap­pointment of Cr. W . J. Boyland. During the whole of this time he was an ardent supporter of Swinburne and, in a quiet and unostenta­tious manner, did all he could to advance its welfare and procure all the assistance possible from his municipality. Its progress gave him much satisfaction and, although he is no longer on the Council, the College has no more sincere friend than ex-Cr. Young of Box Hill. W e wish him well in the less active life he is pursuing.

The City of Kew has changed one of its representatives by substituting Cr. W . J. Price for ex-Cr. E. B. Coles.

Our congratulations are extended to one of CamberwelPs representatives, Cr. Macleay, on his elevation to the Mayoralty of that city. W e trust he may have a happy and successful year of office.

COLLEGE BUILDINGS. The much needed new Junior Technical

School, to provide adequate accommodation for the large number of boys seeking admis­sion, has engaged the earnest thought and at­tention of the Council during the whole year. In December and February last much time was devoted to a suggestion emanating from the Minister of Education that it might be possible to utilise a large site in East Camber-well, set aside some years ago for a Girls' High School for the eastern suburbs, as a site for a Junior Technical School for the College. Our President was very active in the matter and devoted much time in placing the sugges­tion before the municipalities interested in the site. Nothing eventuated from the proposal because the land having been set aside for a specific purpose made it difficult to change and, secondly, funds were not available for the erection of the school as had at first been thought possible by the Minister.

The matter was brought to the notice of the Hawthorn City Council by our President, the then Mayor, and the Hawthorn representa­tives on the College Council, as a result of which the Hawthorn City Council has most generously made available a very suitable site. This is on the northern side of Victoria Road opposite to the Auburn Railway Station, with­in easy reach of certain bus routes and within seven minutes walk of the College. The site itself is of sufficient area to accommodate the building and in addition scholars will be af­forded the use on week days of the adjoining recreation area and reserve which covers an area of five acres.

It is interesting to recall that the College lias received no financial assistance from the Department in the matter of increased ac­commodation for students since the College Hall was built by the Public Works Depart­ment in 1923, when more than one-third of the cost was supplied privately by the College Council. In the meanwhile the College has been obliged to rent further premises in Bur­wood Road and three classes now meet in shop premises there and work is carried on under much difficulty in the hope that in the near future the Education Department will be able to help the College.

CHANGES IN THE STAFF. Since the last issue of our magazine the

College has lost three outstanding members of the full-time staff, Mr. D. Gray by transfer to the Collingwood Technical School, Mr. Nicholls by accepting an important position with the Electricity Department of the Mel­bourne City Council and Mr. Ivan Lewis by death.

Mr. Gray joined the staff of the Boys' Jun­ior School with the first Headmaster, Mr. McKay, in 1913, when he formed one of a staff of four, the others being Messrs. David and Rofe, and grew up so to speak with the Insti­tution, and we all miss him very much. H e \ias a tower of strength in the Boys' School and his work and teaching are known to an exceedingly large number of old students, junior and senior, who have benefited much by the training he gave them. It was good to see both Mr. and Mrs .Gray at the recent ex­hibition.

The staff and students of the Engineering Department were very sorry to part with Mr. G. H. C. Nicholls, whose teaching of Electrical Technology was of outstanding merit, parti­cularly in the higher stages. H e had been a member of the staff for some eight years, coming to the College from the State Elec­tricity Commission, and, by his helpful manner and kindly disposition, had endeared himself to all.

Old students who have passed through the Blacksmith's shop will learn with great regret

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of the death of Mr. Ivan Lewis, our capable instructor in Blacksmithing; he was a skilled craftsman of the highest order and a very en­gaging personality. H e raised the work of the Junior School students to a very high plane, and his death, following a nervous breakdown, came as a great shock to us all; our heartfelt sympathy is extended to his widow in her ir­reparable loss.

W e have thereby lost three splendid col­leagues, men of outstanding character and ex­ceptional ability, with whom it was ever a pleasure to work and men who have left us much the richer by their association with Swin­burne.

Their places have been taken respectively by Mr. Ferguson, who comes to us from the Col­lingwood Technical School; Mr. Huey from Sydney, where he was trained at the Sydney University and with the Amalgamated Wireless Organization there; and Mr. A. Ferrier from the Dunlop Rubber Co., where he was foreman blacksmith.

After many years, as part-time Instructor in the Architectural Department, Mr. Bamford resigned at the end of last year and his place was filled by the appointment of Messrs. Cous-land and Hedley, the former being a son of the Head of our Carpentry Department.

The Junior School lost the services of Messrs. Howells and O'Brien, who were trans­ferred to the Footscray Technical School, and the staff was augmented by Messrs. L. J. Bowe, G. E. Caldecoat, W . Y. Johnston. W . C. Mur-ton and W . Ride.

ITEMS OF INTEREST. The Council was very pleased to leam a*

the August meeting of a bequest of a sum of £100 under the will of the late Jabez Gads­den. It has been decided to place the sum in trust for the time being with the hope that others, particularly old students, may be able to augment the fund whereby some tangible improvement may be made to the College.

In June, at a meeting of the Old Girls' As­sociation, there was handed over to the Girls' School a handsome blackwood bookcase to serve as a memorial to Betsy L. Blackmore, and a reference to this will be found in the Girls' School Section. It is only necessary to add that such action on the part of old stu­dents and others is greatly appreciated by the Council and does much to foster those tra­ditions upon which such an Institution as ours must be built up.

The College has recently been granted re­presentation upon the Board of Architectural Education of the R.V.I.A., and Mr. Hughes, the Head of our Architectural Department, acts as its representative.

The equipment in the Machine Shop has re­cently been augmented by the addition of a

milling machine of a very good type and is soon to be further augmented by five modern screw-cutting lathes.

Engineering Notes, Note to Prospective Students in Senior Tech­

nical Classes.

The following courses are open:—

Day Time.— (A). Diploma courses in Civil, Chemical, Electrical and Mechanical Engineer­ing.

The prerequisite for these full time courses is the Intermediate Certificate or its equival­ent. Certain exemptions from listed subjects of the First Year are given incoming students with the prescribed qualifications in Science and Mathematics at Leaving Certificate. Duly qualified Diploma students are also granted exemption from specified Science subjects upon entering the University. Fuller particulars may be obtained in the School Prospectus.

Fees are £15 per annum plus fixed charges for Sports, Magazine, etc.

(B). General Engineering. Course. This is designed for those who do not reach Inter­mediate standard and is mainly practical.

(C). The facilities of the School vare also available for the arrangement of special courses involving full or part time attendance.

Evening Classes.—

Enrolments are made for (a) Certificate Courses in Engineering and in Chemistry.

(b) Certificate Courses in Engineering Trades.

(c) Courses for Apprentices.

(d) Applied Science Preparatory Course.— This is a preparatory year leading to the Cer­tificate Course proper in Engineering or Chem­istry.

(e) Single Subjects.—As fees are designed to offer facilities for course work the taking of single subjects is relatively expensive.

The advisability of a student engaging upon a definite course for a Diploma or Certificate is now well recognised. Apart from the import­ant consideration of providing a thorough grounding in his profession or trade it is re­cognised by employers as a "hall mark" when appointments are made or advancement is pos­sible. So much so, that many large employers of technical labor limit advancement beyond a certain grade to those who are of diploma standing.

To assist the worthy, various scholarships are awarded by the Government and College Council and are tenable in Day and Evening-Courses. Particulars may be had in the Col­lege office.

T H E OPEN D O O R Page 5

A number of Council Scholarships are also available for Day courses to students from Public and Registered Secondary Schools. Ap­plication for these are made to the Head­master of the school attended.

From time to time we stimulate the appe­tite, or should we say ambition, of incoming students with lists of positions held by ex-students. Here is another list. Chief Draftsman Paper Mills, Constructional

Engineers, Refrigeration engineers, etc. Power House Engineer of Tests. Assistant Manager Oil Refinery. Chemist Oil Refinery. Chemist Food Products Factory. Engineer Civil Aviation. Instructor Officer R.A.F. Research Engineer G.P.O. Testing Officer to City Engineer. Chief Engineer and Mine Surveyor.

THE REUNION. During the second term, as has been the

custom for many years, the Annual Reunion of the Old Engineering Swinburnians took place in the College Hall.

As the time drew near 7.30 p.m. the social hall became the scene of much disorder as the present students argued over the relative val­ues of the different seats at their table. That is, each student endeavoured to seat himself opposite the largest and the most palate-pleasing bottle of liquor on the table. This

really was a Good Thing (see "1066 and All That") for the now present, present students left the hall entrance clear for the O.E.S. to enter as they arrived (about 8.30).

W h e n all were seated, the maestro drew forth his baton and began beating a furious 3-4 time. The audience then became unseated and sang in unison '"God Save the King." Upon completing this song our conductor (see beginning of this par.) with rapidly mounting spirits led us successfully through several of those ancient but stirring school songs. Then followed several speeches from promin­

ent past students, past instructors, prominent engineers and Mr. Green. The audience was extremely amused when Mr. Page read out a telegram received by him from past students in Tasmania. Present students were quite mystified by the personal reference in the telegram, but the O.E.S. soon enlightened us.

Then followed the presentation of the sports

trophies and diplomas. The students who knew him were very pleased to note that this portion of the programme was in the capable hands of Mr. (Nick) Nicholls, our ex-sportsmaster and ex-E.T. instructor. Then the supper arrived. Supper time is the traditional moment for the present students to take the stage and liven up the show. W e took great pleasure in presenting "Nite Lites," a farce in two acts, produced and directed by the author, Mr. Marston, and the orchestra, Miss Greenwood, This item proved to be a

3rd Year Engineering Students, 1938. Reading left to right: Back row: L. Barnes, H. Hergt, R. Bull, L. Fineberg, R. Anderson. Front row: S. Koshade, P. Cassidy, R. Theile, F. Gerrahd, E. Johnson,

R. Pickering.

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great success, although our instructors did not approve of the publicity given to their noc­turnal wanderings. With Phillips as the premiere ballerina, the ballet might be placed on a level equal to that of the famous Russian Ballet. To watch his art was reminiscent of Pavlova.

After a few more songs, under the baton of Mr. Page, the evening drew to a close and a few tired performers (including the "skilful" curtain-raiser) retired to the rear of the hall to digest what remained of the supper. I am sure the audience left with a determination to meet again at the old School next year.

GUESS W H O ?

Awards made at the Reunion:—

Diplomas:—A. Cunningham, G. K. Ever-bach, A. W. Fergusson, N. A. Holdsworth, V. M. Jones, E. P. Lamble, K. C. D. Miles, W. H. Pickford, R. L. Roberts, M. Zmood. Course Certificates:—W. E. Stokes, B. Wig-

ley.

O.E.S. Medals:—For Scholarship, K. E. James. For Athletics, J. Wong Yen.

Machine Shop Prizes:—Angus G. Reid Prize to R. McLay. T. Main & Sons Prize, D. A. Abbott.

Sports Trophies—Championship:—

Swimming—R. Burston.

Athletics—1, R. Gunn, 2, J. Wong Yen, 3,

G. J. Cassidy.

Handicaps:—100 yds., 220 yds., 440 yds., C. Pickering. 1 mile, L. Bartlett. High Jump, Hop Step and Jump and Weight Putt, R. Gunn. Long Jump, G. J. Cassidy. Obstacle, F. Mannerheimo. Swimming.—

50 yards freestyle, W. Moore. 50 yards backstroke, 200 yards freestyle,

Miss M. Bayer.

100 yards breaststroke, E. Phillips.

Swimming Trophy to Art Department.

ISN'T IT WONDERFUL.

The roar of the lion is 100 million times more powerful than the smallest sound you can hear. (Instructors please note).

By treating typewriter paper with diethyl phthallate it can be made sufficiently trans­parent to use for blue printing.

A similar diet might enable us to see through some of the "dope" we hear.

The bio-chemists have discovered that fish and chips make a well balanced meal rich in vitamins. (You're telling me!)

Talking about dope, do you know that, among the flavouring agents added to cigar­ettes are—cocoa, chocolate, licorice, ginger, cinnamon, vanilla, coumaria, molasses* rum, syrup, angelica, oil of anise, cloves, juniper, organic esters—and of course tobacco.

The character of the true philosopher is to hope all things not impossible, and to believe all things not unreasonable.

(Sir John Plerschel). That'll do me, says Will Dodgem.

In a Trade Journal the following substances appear as common moth killers:—Napthalene, Paradichlorbenzene, Amylsulphonicacidamide, and Disodium Aluminium Silicofluoride. Only a moth would eat things with names like that.

Talking of rubbish, only one per cent of crude oil is marketed as petrol. The rest be­comes almost anything from .candles to fly exterminator. I used to be healthy and happy,

Untroubled by heart-galling care; The worries 1 knew Soon vanished from view Like bubbles that burst in the air.

I turned a calm face to the future, I was placid and brave and serene Till I found out one day That the scientists say

A man's just a human machine. He's controlled by his hormones and enzymes;

If his vitamins don't do their stuff, Or his cells go askew, Which they frequently do, His pathway is sure to be rough.

If the tiniest duct doesn't function, If his heart doesn't steadily pulse,

Or his endocrines shirk Any part of their work, There may be distressing results.

So I'm filled with alarms and forebodings; I frequently fret myself sick

Lest in some vital hour M y thyroids go sour

And m y thymus refuses to click. I once was completely contented,

But now I shall never be free Because of m y fears Of a grind in the gears

Of this fragile, mechanical me.

In Scotland there are almost 23,000 day classes in State aided schools. Of these, 130 have 50 or more scholars crowded into one room. And they pay the teachers, too!

HOUSES LIT FREE BY RADIO WAVES. A Hamburg Court has just passed judgment

on a colony of 400 market gardeners who have been lighting their homes free of cost by tapping the waves emitted by the Hamburg broadcasting station.

The evidence disclosed that an inventive

member of the colony was inspired by a maga­zine article to see what could be done with

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the electrical energy discharged into the air by the broadcasting station. H e succeeded first in lighting a pocket lamp, then a table lamp, and showed all his neighbours how to do like­wise. The broadcasting authorities were in­clined at first to be amused, but as the num­ber of poachers grew it occurred to them that the strength of the transmission was being lowered by the supply of free light. They ac­cordingly brought the matter before the courts, claiming that the transmission was being weakened by approximately five kilo­watts, or five per cent, of the total energy of the Hamburg broadcasting station. As the production of 100 kilowatts costs the station 250,000m. a year they were being robbed at the rate of 12,500m. annually.

The case gave the Court some trouble. The expert evidence for the prosecution was not very convincing, little experimental work hav­ing been done in this field except by the mar­ket gardeners. Then, having been satisfied that the current must have come from the field of energy created by the station, the Court found that the law against filching electricity could not be applied because it assumed the use of a cable.

The gardeners were, however, caught out on a law which prescribes the purposes for which the reception of radio broadcasts is permissible and which, unfortunately, omits to mention il­lumination in the domestic sense.

The three accused, who represented the colony in what was in effect a test case, were fined only 10 marks each, but were warned that such offences became more costly by repetition. ICE-CREAM FOR THE COMPLEXION! An interesting idea which seems worthy of development has been evolved by a woman dietitian, who in planning a diet for a client with a very bad complexion, made up a face cream using pure dairy cream. It brought good results, and an experienced chemist then turned this amateur recipe into a professional formula. Practical tests were given which proved successful and then came another brainwave. W h y not freeze this cream and combine many beauty treatments in one? This facial ice cream is claimed to cleanse, refresh, tone and soothe the skin and to act as cleans­ing cream, astringent, skin food, tonic and vanishing cream, plus ice massage. BRIDGE AT McCULLOCH'S CROSSING. One of the main factors in structural steel­work is the erection of same. This as some people may imagine is not merely a straight lift, the insertion of a few rivets or bolts and lo, it is in position. Instead, many trouble­some factors are encountered. A typical ex­ample of such an erection is described here­under.

The bridge in question is one designed and erected for the Country Roads Board. The erection was carried out at a crossing of the Snowy River some fifty odd miles north of Buchan. The railhead is at N o w a Nowa. The steel was designed by Challingsworth Pty. Ltd., of BurnLy. It was transported by rail to Nowa Nowa in sections of any weight under one ton. From there it was taken by a Reo semi-trailer unit to Butcher's Bridge, a small rise upon a high plateau, twenty-five miles north of Buchan. Here by means of chain-blocks it was loaded onto either one of two thirty cwt. Chevrolet trucks. The hazardous

Bridge at McCullock's Creek.

task of descending with a large overload now began. Grades of one in two and three were common, and the last seven miles was a steady drop of one in three. This necessitated drag­ging a tree-branch on behind as well as the use of all available brakes. A n idea of the grade may be gained by the fact that even when ascending empty, the trucks had to re­main in low gear throughout.

Arriving at the site, the steel was unloaded and welded into spans of larger sizes and then

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erected into their eventual positions. W h e n erected they were welded further until a span eventually weighed from six to seven tons. The erection was started from the west bank and proceeded from pier to pier until the eastern bank was reached. When completed the bridge consisted of four spans of one hun­dred and thirty feet with two end spans of one hundred feet. At the time of erection it) was the second largest entirely welded bridge in the world. It was not connected to the piers, but rested on rockers at each pier to allow for expansion and contraction of the steelwork. A height of thirty to forty feet above the river level was reckoned on being adequate, but as was eventually proved, this was not so. When the steelwork was completed the wooden deck­ing was placed on top. Throughout the construction, which took

roughly six months, the men camped at the site, obtaining their supplies from the nearest farm fifteen miles away, and from Buchan. They worked until dark and also on Saturdays. At night or on Sundays they either "listened in" or went hunting in the nearby bush. The game was plentiful as visiting humanity was somewhere near one per year. It seemed remarkable that the Country

Roads Board should desire a bridge in that God-forsaken place. At present a highway is being built from Buchan, on over this crossing, and then across the border, on to Canberra. This will eventually provide another means of reaching Sydney^. This route will open up Victoria's most rugged mountain scenery. The Board's policy of erecting the bridge at the time at which it did, may have been quite justifiable if Nature had not taken a hand. In the flood of four or five years back—before the official opening—the water rose to the' upper level of the bridge and washed the entire structure away. It left a twisted mass of steel spread over a mileage between the bridge and Orbost. Later on a bridge of practically identical design was erected some ten feet higher.

G.J.E. PIE ARE SQUARED.

This is not an example of English as spoken by Engineers. Because as everyone knows they don't. It is just a symbolic way of draw­ing yrour interest to an otherwise uninteresting subject. I hope, however, when you have read these few lines you find there is more in it than meets the eye.

Take numbers for instance; one two button your shoe and things like that. The study of numbers is very useful, such as how many beans make five (What?) You want to be very careful though with

large Numbers. People mixing with Large Numbers have been known to suffer from hoarseness, eyestrain and even broken noses.

Altogether, the adage Safety in Numbers may be a Good Thing for Instructors because they don't have to check them, but what about the Numbers of students who have to deal with Numbers so grate (full) that if you try to add them up they get bigger and bigger; this is what the mathymatishun (I bet that's wrong) calls Infinity. (I don't blame him, do you?)

Connected with Numbers you have Figures, for instance there is the Figure that peeps round the corner to see if the Common Room is tidy. If not, your Number is up—for quite a tidy Figure. Many Figures have Shape or they had years ago. That must have been when Euclid was born, for he cut many Figures of peculiar Shape. These were pre­served in Books called Propositions and much revered for their quiet humour until some busybodies called Baker Bourne 'All Stevens found Geometry in a heap of Angle Iron.

The principal thing about Gee is Pietha-gorus. H e found that Pie. Are Squared and is suspected of discovering the Right Angle. There are other things about Geometry, but it wouldn't do to mention them here.

Passing from Numbers which have Size (to help them to stick) and Figures which have Shape (very repulsive) we pass to Things which only a few can Size up or make any Shape of. They are called Algebra and Cal­culus. Algebra of course has no meaning. That's y. After the board has got full of chalk you are led to believe that y equals x but you need a Hot day to drink that in. (This joke is almost as good as those you hear in Room 3). Calculus deals with very very small quantities (like Instructors) which are liable to change at any instant. As there is no Factor of Safety Engineers do not get on Very Well here. The best way to tackle a Calculus sum is to write down dx and dy and wait for Teacher. This is called Rate of Change (pretty slow).

W h en you know more (or less) about Cal­culus you come to Interrogation or summing up. This often leads to Moments of, Inertia, Exasperation and Desperation. Without Cal­culus the Simplest Things are easy, but with Calculus you may Never get them out. That's the danger with very very small quantities. You can't see to get them out. That's why Good matli5rmatishuns wear glasses. But not vice versa. (Lancit et seq.) "PLASTICS."

The word "Plastics" generally conveys to a person the thought of surgery and the like. The true meaning of the word is "A substance that is capable of being moulded into any de­sired shape, and retaining that shape."

The present important plastics are the phenol-formaldehyde resin, Bakelite, casein, cellulose derivatives, urea and thiourea-formal-dehyde resins and a few minor substances used chiefly for special purposes.

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Bakelite was discovered in 1872 by Baeke-land, a Belgian inventor. It is said that his cat knocked over a bottle of formaldehyde into a basin of phenol, and Baekeland saw that a resinous substance formed, but it was not hailed as anything exceptional till 1907, when he took out patents for his manufacture. This' really started the Bakelite industry which now employs 100,000 people in Britain, producing £20,000,000 worth of articles yearly. It is manufactured by heating phenol and formal­dehyde in iron retorts for a considerable per­iod in the presence of a catalyst, usually caus­tic soda. After removing an oily layer from the surface of the mixture, a resinous sub­stance is formed which is dissolved in alcohol for the purpose of separating it from the other substances.

Engineering Design!

The plastic is then mixed with a little oil and finely ground wood, placed in a mould of the desired shape and size, and subjected to a pressure of 2500 lbs. per sq. inch and a high temperature, produced by steam, gas, or elec­tricity. W h e n this cools, the article is taken out, and, except for trimming where the upper and lower moulds meet, requires no further polishing.

Another type of plastic material is casein. This is present in skim milk up to 3J per cent., and until recent times this was simply thrown away. Nowadays, however, the milk contain­ing milk-sugar, calcium caseinate, albumin and water has the milk-sugar and calcium caseinate extracted from it. This casein exists in the milk in the form of calcium caseinate in colloidal suspension. The casein itself is precipitated by adding dilute sulphuric acid to the liquid, which curdles the milk, the small amount of remaining fat is washed out and the residue allowed to dry on trays at about 62 deg. C. After drying, the cakes are ground to a fine powder and dyed any particular color desired

by spraying. Unlike bakelite, the casein is not mixed with any filler, but simply placed in moulds and subjected to temperature and pressure. Again the article does not need pol­ishing.

The other chief forms of plastics are cellu­lose acetate and cellulose nitrate. Cellulose acetate is noninflammable and is therefore used for moving picture films and electrical in­sulation. "Celluloid" is manufactured by roll­ing cellulose nitrate and camphor together under high pressure to a puttylike mass which can then be moulded into any desired form.

The possibilities of plastics are many, a plastic house will be built, probably, by fixing sheets to a steel or wooden framework: and there is no part of the house which could not be satisfactorily moulded from the synthetic product. It is the first satisfactory material to fulfil the ideal of a factorymade house, the disadvantages of steel and iron being well known. Further, because the plastics can be colored as desired, wallpapers will not be re­quired, and housewifes will have a permanent, washable and highly polished wall.

Some people go further and suggest that it will be possible to press motor car bodies from plastics, and even construct a consider­able part of the mechanism from them. One great advantage would be lightness, for plastic is often as light as aluminium. There is no doubt that as experiment continues we shall see a whole group of plastics, each with their special qualities; some designed for great ten­sile strength such as the most recent plastics made from urea and formaldehyde which have properties making them decidedly materials for construction as will be seen from the fol­lowing data: Tensile strength, 4 tons per sq. in., cross bearing strength 6 tons per sq. in., non-inflammable, easy to clean, high resistance to oils and chemicals; some to withstand vi­bration and others friction.

If the cat really did upset that formalde­hyde, it little realised it was founding an in­dustry likely to become as important as that of iron and steel.

N.R.Y. DIVING AS A HOBBY.

Some of the beauties of under water nature can be glimpsed through the inspection glass of an ordinary diving suit, but not everyone can afford such an apparatus, besides they take a fair amount of time in donning.

But diving helmets are cheap and easily made. All that is necessary is a decent size oil or paint drum, a piece of \ in. plate glass, putty, plenty of solder and lots of patience, and most of all a fair sized vocabulary. The latter is most essential.

A good sized air pump is( necessary, prefer­ably a double acting type. A girl friend with more patience than average is an asset, by the way. Leaving English is useful, in that it re-

Page 10 THE OPEN D O O R

quires skill, endurance and the correct use of the English language to convince the girl friend that pumping for half-hour stretches is beneficial to preserve that schoolgirl complex­ion—pardon—figure.

N o w to get back to diving. A length of hose of about 60 ft. is used for supplying the occu-i pant with fresh air. About 60 lbs. of lead is required to keep the helmet and occupant under the water; this is cast in a crescent shape and fixed to the helmet.

A very convenient piece of apparatus, also, is the telephone for notifying the one above that the air supply is diminishing.

Salt water is better to dive in than fresh, since there is more marine life and the salt­water is usually warmer. Sharks are com­paratively harmless if the body is completely covered in some form of dark clothes. If hands and legs are left unclothed they appear very

.The Helmet.

white under the water, and it is this which attracts the attention of the shark. Fish are a nuisance and keep biting the fingers and almost have to be kicked out of the way. A depth of about 50 feet can be reached with ease in an open diving helmet, although the pressure becomes about double atmospheric pressure, consequently pumping and breathing become a little harder. Sometimes at about 20 or 30 ft. a buzzing sensation is felt in the head and can be overcome by going through the actions of yawning, which opens a passage between the ears and the back of the nose and so makes the pressure on both sides equal. If the diver has a cold, this passage is clogged and cannot be easily opened, consequently diving is bad in this condition. The speed with which ascent, and descent are carried out is immaterial, but if the diver is at 60 ft. for more than 30 min­

utes it is advisable to come up in stages to allow the absorbed nitrogen in the blood stream time to pass out through lungs and nose. If this is not done, a tingling or aching sensation at the elbows and joints is exper­ienced.

In a severe case, this state may cause par­tial paralysis, called diver's paralysis, or "bends."

This "bubbling" effect is illustrated by a soft drink corked in a bottle. W h e n the cork is taken out, the compressed carbon-dioxide bubbles off from the liquid rather rapidly. The same thing occurs when the pressure is taken from the diver, bubbles of nitrogen come away from the blood, but cannot get away quickly because the blood is much thicker, thus the stages in ascending.

Care has to be taken in walking along the bottom, because a fall will dislodge the hel­met and flood it, and to make it easier for the diver to reach the water level, the lead is placed on the helmet and not the boots or chest. Thirty feet is a comfortable depth to work at, and not hard to reach the top with one breath.

F.V.M. TRAMPING NOTES. This year our hikes have been small, so far

as attendance is concerned, but very satisfac­tory, as on all occasions the sun has shone for us. On the first trip, to Belgrave, it shone a little too heartily for us. Rushing through blackberries and bracken, i.p the steep incline of the "old Tram track," it was most annoy­ing to have the sun beaming full in your face. Therefore when we reached Kalista we liter­ally stormed the store for soft drinks. O n leaving the store we rushed through virgin bush, which is the undergrowth of the Sher-brooke Forest, to the falls, where we ate our lunch (the latter explains the rush). From there we went to Tremont, One Tree Hill, down the Thousand Steps (or jumps) to National Park, thence to the station at Fern­tree Gully.

W e were invited by our friends the Foots­cray boys and Mr. Howells, to join them on a trip to Macedon. A parlour coach carried us from John Street to Macedon. While we ate our lunch we enjoyed the view from the Memorial Cross, at least those who had time, owing to the time of day. During the after­noon, on the way from Hanging Rock, several members of our party entertained us with a side-splitting show of climbing trees, and run­ning up vertical cliffs, generally acting like their small but energetic friends at the Zoo. The leader of the troupe imitated the hungry lion's roar, exceptionally well.

Our hike to Whittlesea, which happened to be our first visit there, was very satisfactory. The dog-box on the petrol train is a nerve-

THE OPEN DOOR Page 11

racking affair at any time, but when the girls (who were in the majority) began to play mouth organs, tin whistles and combs, the noise was deafening. It may be interesting for readers, to know we had the box to ourselves. An excellent view of the Yan Yean could be had nearly all the day.

As is usually the way, Donna Buang was our crowning glory. After heavy snow falls and frosty mornings, a bright sunny day and an equally bright party made the day very successful. I was told that a certain member of our party had a very stiff arm for some days after, from the effort of protecting her­self in a snow-ball fight, for which she was directly responsible.

Unfortunately our movie-cameraman was not on the scene of the battle, as he was else­where having a film taken of himself in action. It seems that the boys tried hard to outdo the girls in head wear; some of the smartest Paris models appeared from ruck-sacks, or somewhere, worn at the latest angles, which became very acute, and not so smart, while they; practiced "ski-ing."

W e were very sorry to lose Mr. Howells as our leader, but we have not lost him alto­gether, as he has been to several hikes. Also we wish to thank Mrs. Winter, who has made some of our tramps possible by her company.

MERLE MACHIN. SENIOR SPORTS.

The Senior Swimming Sports. The weather for the sports this year was

reasonable, with a slight breeze to make the competitors cold. W e had, however, a great improvement on the previous years by having an, amplifier for announcements. This was provided by two enthusiastic students of the jthird year, namely, A. Koschade and A. W . Anderson, whom we heartil thank. Mr. Ste­venson did a fairly good job as announcer. The numerical strength of the competitors was not quite as good as previous years, although some of the events were well contested. As is usual, the 50 yds. freestyle Handicap

was one of the greatest attractions, there being necessary three heats. The 50 yds. Freestyle Championship also attracted a fair number of potential swimmers. Easily the most popular events of the day were the no­velty events. This is regrettable, as the fix­ture is undoubtedly intended to stimulate good swimming. In the Dog Paddle Race over 25 yds. there were 2 heats of 10 competitors, showing the large entries in this event allowing for withdrawals. The Egg and Spoon Race was nearly as popular also. Chomley repeated his usual offence of winning the Underwater Swim, by doubling at the least his next com­petitor's effort.

The Art School team won the much con­tested Inter-Departmental Relay, and are to be heartily congratulated. The race was a very close one and was strongly contested, al­though it could have been faster. One of the major hitches for the "Engineers" occurred in this race, owing to the extreme difficulty for them to get swimmers of sufficient calibre to compete. Apart from this, there were not many hitches in the programme this year, all breaks being filled in by the playing of recorded music by A.K. and A.W.A. Mr. Marston's services as official starter and timekeeper were also very much appreciated. Mr. Cole, of the Camber-well Swimming Pool, did a good job in the judging of the Diving, in which there were, however, only five competitors owing to with­drawals. The Sports this year, although showing

ample room for improvement, were as good as the previous year's events. W e hope, how­ever, that the Swimming Sports will continue to be an annual day of friendly rivalry be­tween the Engineering and Art Departments. And so, until next year, when the Art School will lose the Relay Race, maybe.

"COMMITTEE MEMBER." Championship Events: 50 yds. Freestyle—Stott, 1; Mack, 2; Burston, 3. Time, 30 4/5 sees.

100 yds. Freestyle—Stott, 1; Burston, 2; Miss M. Bayer, 3. Time, 1-17 2/5.

100 yds. Breast Stroke—Burston, 1; Miss J. Alexander, 2; Stott, 3. Time, 1-38 4/5.

50 yds. Backstroke—-Stott, 1; Miss M. Bayer, 2; Phillips, 3. Time, 43 2/5.

50 yds. Girls' Freestyle—Miss M. Bayer, 1; Miss J. Alexander, 2. Time unknown.

Handicap Events: 50 yds. Freestjde—Moore, 1; Kohlman, 2; Phil­lips, 3. Time, 40 2/5.

200 yds. Freestyle—Stott, 1; Miss M. Bayer, 2; Miss J. Alexander, 3. 3-31 2/5.

100 yds. Breaststroke—Phillips, 1; Burston, 2; Miss J. Alexander, 3. Time unknown.

50 yds. Backstroke—Miss M. Bayer, 1; Phillips, 2; Chomley, 3. Time, 45 2/5.

Novelty Events: 75 yds. Medley—Burston, 1; Miss M. Bayer, 2; FJlis, 3. Time, 1-11 2/5.

25 yds. Dog Paddle—Hall, 1; Chomley, 2; Miss M. Bayer, 3.

Egg and Spoon Race—MacKenzie, 1; Curnow, 2; Bloom, 3.

Under Water Swim—Chomley, 1; MacKenzie, 2; Wong Yen, 3.

Dive—Phillips, 1; Hergt, 2; Miss P. Court and Miss J. Alexander, equal third.

Interdepartmental Relay—Art School Team,

•

Page 12 THE OPEN DOOR

SENIOR FOOTBALL 1938. By "Rover."

Training for the 1938 season commenced after we returned from the Easter vacation. It was most unfortunate for us that we could not obtain the services of Mr. S. Stewart, the former interstate half-back, and present coach of Hawthorn seconds, who coached us during the early part of last season. But an excel­lent substitute in J. Ryan (one of our first year boys), who for the past three years was a member of the Xavier College first eighteen, willingly offered his services to coach the team.

An excellent muster of players turned out to training, which augured well for the coming season. As we had only 7 of last year's regu­lars back it was up to the newcomers to keep the flag flying.

On the eve of the opening match Thiele was elected captain, W o n g Yen vice-captain, and Ryan selector. In this match we were handi­capped by the absence of two of our stalwarts of last year, Bartlett, who had the misfortune to break his arm just before the match, and W o n g Yen, who was away in Sydney. Al­though we were defeated by De la Salle, it gave the selectors an opportunity of making some drastic positional changes.

Of the old players, Sharpe, W o n g Yen, Daw­son and Ellis showed that they were getting into their stride and would be conspicuous in the matches to come. Of the newcomers, Ryan, Hall, Kohlman, Everbach, Deane and Dickie were outstanding, and showed that they were ably filling the positions of those of years past.

The annual visit to Geelong was approach­ing, and with players old and new gradually settling down to their positions, a keen match was expected. A happy group of about 60 boys left the College to spend a most enjoyable day out. En route to Geelong we once again vis­ited the Ford factories and were very inter­ested in the new equipment that was installed. W e arrived in Geelong at 12.15 p.m. and as usual were advised to have lunch in the park and visit the lovely Art Gallery.

As usual, Geelong fielded a much heavier and older team, and judging by the play in the first half, it looked as though the big boys had properly put the "wind up" our mosquito fleet. But our stalwarts, Ryan, W o n g Yen, Hall and Ellis soon showed the little chaps how to deal with the big chaps, and with a stiff lecture by the coach at the interval, Swinburne turned on a brilliant brand of football and put on 5 goals to Geelong's 1 goal; but this effort was too late, and Geelong ran out victors by 5 goals. One of the best performances put up by Swinburne against our old rivals.

This showed that we were definitely on the up grade. Further proof was shown in our next match, when School Mines, Ballarat, made the trip to Glenferrie. Swinburne quickly put

on 1-3 in as many minutes, and had the visi­tors rattled. But because of scrambling play and hurried kicking, the forwards failed to force home the advantage afforded them by Swinburne's winning ruck and centre line, which dominated their department all day. Swinburne kept in front till half way through the last quarter, when Ballarat came with a wonderful burst and snatched victory by the narrow margin of 11 points. But dame for­tune seemed to have only paid us a passing visit, because a series of defeats against Wes­ley, Xavier, Melbourne Grammar, Wesley and Melbourne High School followed. O n August 3rd Geelong made the journey to Glenferrie, and it was the old' story over again. The last match of the year against Ballarat was eag­erly looked forward to because of the thrilling match we had early in the season, and it was our turn to visit Ballarat. But owing to the unfortunate death of one of the Ballarat play­ers this match was cancelled at the last mo­ment. The news was received with much re­gret by our staff and players, who remembered the fine play of this student.

As usual, the central umpire in each match awarded votes for the first four players in the iside.

First J. Ryan, who obtained 35 pts., was the most outstanding player in the side, and was frequently named as the outstanding player on the ground. It was grand to see this fine player renewing his public school battles against Wesley, Grammar, and his old school Xavier. Ryan played at full back, centre half back and centre. Typical of his play was his high marking, long and accurate kicking and his speedy dashes up the field which frequently nonplussed his opponents. A bright football future is predicted for this player, who also plays cricket with Melbourne.

Second, J. W o n g Yen (vice-capt.), who ob­tained 14 points. Also was conspicuous throughout the season. Although lightly built, this player beat bigger opponents by sheer fearlessness, clever ground play and good dis­posal. H e goes for the ball with plenty of confidence, which is the vital item for a suc­cessful rover and does not let up until he has passed the ball on to a team mate. With Hall 'and Ellis a formidable first ruck was fielded.

Third, A. Hall, who obtained 11 points. Showed great form in the ruck. Although smaller than our ruckmen of past seasons, this first-year player from Grammar showed that he had been well taught in the finer points of football. Typical of his play was his fearless dashes through the packs, his fine marking and his ability to kick with either foot, which helped him out of many a tight corner.

Fourth, Dawson, who obtained 9 points; played on the wing. This little player showed remarkable aerial ability for one of his size and was the originator of many of our for­ward moves and the stumbling block to many

THE OPEN DOOR Page 13

a promising move started by the opposition. Sharpe, Deane and Ellis each obtained 8

points. Unfortunately for us, Sharpe was hurt in a motor accident early in the season. He played rover, and with his fearless play ac­curate disposal was always conspicuous. Deane played wing and wing half-forward. With clever leading out, safe marking and accurate passing to the full forward, he often earned the applause of friend and foe. Ellis, playing full back, was reminiscent of

Thomson, who occupied that position two sea­sons ago. With spectacular marking and long kicking he was often under notice. Phillips (3 pts.), Bartlett (2 pts.), Thiele

and Thake 1 point, played sterling football and will be conspicuous next season. Kohlman, playing full forward, was the most

successful goalkicker, with a tally of 16 goals. He lead out well, kicked accurately, and made the most of the few opportunities that came his way. Being only a first year player, he should be much higher up on the list in future sea­sons. Everbach and Dickie battled hard on our

half back line and frequently came under notice with fine clearing dashes. Taunton, Monger, Mannerheimo and Ben­

netts played good football on occasions and should be much in the limelight in future sea­sons. Although we were not successful, much valu­

able experience was gained by the younger members of the team, who I am sure will com­bine to make an excellent team next year. In conclusion, I would like to thank Mr.

Page for the fine way in which he conducted the programme and the excellent way in which the players were cared for, to the officials, Heigt and Clugston, who never let us down, the whole team jo.in together to say, thank you. . .

A N N U A L ATHLETICS, 25th AUG., 1938.

Senior School Events and Results.

Championships:

100 Yards—J. Ryan, 1; G. Cassidy, 2; A. Hall, 3. Time, 11 sees.

220 Yards—G. Cassidy, 1; A. Hall, 2; J. Wong Yen, 3. Time, 25 3/5 sees.

410 Yards—G. Cassidy, 1; J. Wong Yen, 2; A. Hall, 3. Time, 58 4/5 sees.

880 Yards—J. Ryan, 1; J. Wong Yen, 2; G. Cassidy, 3. Time, 2 min. 25 sees.

Weight Putt—A. Hall, 1; J. Ryan, 2, G. Cas­sidy, 3. Dist., 26 ft. 9 in.

High Jump—E. Mack, J. Wong Yen, 1; R. Monger, J. Ryan, 3. Hgt, 4 ft. 10i in.

Long Jump—J. Ryan, 1; J. Wong Yen, 2; G. Cassidy, 3. Dist., 20 ft.

Hop, Step and Jump—A. Hall, 1; J. Wong-Yen, 2; J. Ryan, 3. Dist., 36 ft. 7 in.

Handicaps: 100 Yards—J. Bryce (6 yds.), 1; J. Ryan

(scr.), 2; C. Pickering (2 yds.), 3. Time, 11 sees.

220 Yards—J. Bryce (12 yds.), 1; L. Kohlman (8 yds.), 2; C. Pickering (scr.), 3. Time, 25 4/5 sees.

440 Yards—L. Bartlett (6 yds.), 1; D. Earn-shaw (9 yds.), 2; L. Kohlman (5 yds.), 3. Time, 60 3/5 sees.

1 Mile—J. Bryce (200 yds.), 1; R. Monger (200 yds.), 2; L. Kohlman (150 yds.), 3. Time, 5 min. 51 2/5 sees.

Weight Putt—A. Hall (6 in.), 1; J. Ryan (scr.), 2; G. Cassidy (scr.), 3. Dist., 27 ft. 3 in.

High Jump—R. Monger (5 in.), 1; J. Wong Yen (1 in.), 2; E. Mack (scr.), 3. Hgt., 4 ft. Hi in.

Long Jump—J. Wong Yen (2 ft. 6 in.), 1; J. Ryan (scr.), 2; W. Taunton (3 ft. 0 in.), F. Mannerheimo (3 ft. 6 in.), 3. Dist., 20 ft. 3 in.

Hop, Step and Jump—A. Hall (2 ft. 6 in.), 1; J. Wong Yen (2 ft. 6 in.), 2; G. Cassidy (3 ft. 0 in.), 3. Dist., 39 ft. 1 in.

Obstacle Race—R. Monger, 1; W. Taunton, 2; F. Mannerheimo, 3. Time, 2 min. 40 1/5 sees.

Senior Champion—J. Ryan, 19* points; J. Wong Yen, 17 points; G. Cassidy, 16 points; A. Hall, 15 points. From Ex-students

EXTRACTS FROM A RELUCTANT LETTER WRITER IN DARWIN.

Commences with a few well chosen remarks about the character, antecedents and possible subsequent fate of editors in general, and one in particular. Proceeds.—Went to Adelaide by train and

thence north by New Guinea Airways—an ad­jectival trip, journey maddening for monot­ony—brown earth, eating, sleeping and hoping you won't be sick. Stayed the night at Ood-nadatta—the world headquarters for goats. Darwin! Average country town in appear­

ance, enough colours in humanity to make a Joseph's coat. Accommodation for strays (like me) doesn't

exist—well laid out, but the older homes! They make much better radiators than Griff's "Pieheaters." Water supply—wells and tanks. Beer drinking seems to be the chief hobby,

but tell Griff that Emu Beer (W.A.) is N O Good. His favorite drink by the way is £1 a bottle. Pictures are shown three times a week with

an interval from 9.30 to 10 p.m. (closing time for the "Pubs.") Ladies must wear evening dress at the Saturday performance! Swimming? Yes, in the baths at high tide

only. Otherwise you are just a-plain suicide.

Page 14 THE OPEN DOOR

Fruit? Yes, I believe you can get fresh fruit—in Adelaide. As to keeping up appearances, this is very-

hard on the purse when in Town. M y first week's laundry bill was 15/-.

A note regarding the population is of inter­est. It is described locally as—Government Officials — with an adjective in front — and "Hobos," with several adjectives in front. An impartial observer told m e there was no differ­ence between them.

In the last six weeks I have been doing a fair bit of moving around by plane—2000 miles South and round the "West to Wyndham, but will keep the details for another letter. M y general impression to date of the Nor­

thern Territory is that it would be a great place if they could only conserve the huge waterfall of the rainy season. Living is of course expensive, and strange things happen (but not for Magazine reading). N.T. is surely a land of eternal sun, heat and pests. You need to be a H e Man to stick it.

LA. Note.—The writer went North two months

,ago as an Inspector of Aerodromes (Civil Aviation).

IMPRESSIONS OF A N ENGINEER IN

ENGLAND.

"Impressions" to be successful, should be written by a Tourist in a hurry, specialising in impressions and setting them down with con­viction. Unfortunately—I learned to live in England—and "impressions" under the mould­ing influence of time fade and give way to riper knowledge and judgment, which is the last thing the impression seeker needs.

One thing I did find! is that the pleasure to be derived from visiting England is, up to a point, in inverse ratio to the money one has to spend on the adventure. For, if too much of that commodity is carried, it buys immun­ity from the necessity of ever mixing with the People — there are two En-glands, one for the monied tourist and one for the people of England. Being not over blessed with the money incubus, I learned a good deal of the England of the people.

Then, there are all sorts of little surprises ^waiting you. One Sunday morning for in­stance I was in Battersea preparatory to a business visit. And I walked out for a place to eat. I soon found that Battersea is a place where one lives and therefore there is no need to go out and eat. Still, I found a Carman's eating house with oak tables and straight up ;ind down benches; where the menu was chalked on a blackboard and repletion was to be had for 7-Jd—good eating too. And talk! You had to! Everything from horse­flesh to foreign politics and incidentally two myths about England went West.

W e hear a good deal of the colossal ignor­

ance in England of things "colonial." I never came across it. I found the reverse, in fact an active and surprisingly intelligent interest in Australia and our doings.—We sat one evening in the village inn in Edale and talked with the shepherds. Their subject was natur­ally sheep, but they wanted information about sheep troubles in Australia, in fact, more in­formation than I could give. Edale is a charming Derbyshire village just below Render Scout. And you sit on top of the Scout for hours and never meet a soul—although it is only 3/2 return from Manchester. H o w the conversation started was this way. W e had rescued a sheep from the snow on Kuider—the top of its head only being visible in the drift. So we brought it down to the inn. Later, we gathered from the shepherds that that was pampering the creature! Speaking of sheep. Many people will have heard of the Babcock and Wilcox works at Renfrew—probably the biggest boiler yards in the world. Yet on the other side of the fence sheep are grazing-; and corn fields- wave 200 yards from where the Queen Mary was built. That seems typical of the country—rural activities cheek by jowl with great engineering and industrial enter­prises. Speaking from experience I know it is definitely the ease with Babcock Wilcox, Metropolitan Yickers, British Thompson Hous­ton and many I.C.I, plants. Then again, industry produces soot (.or did once), and soot ruins cabbages. So legislation says Soot and Grit Arresters must be erected.

For instance Fulham, in S.W. London, is a residential area with a power station of ap­proximately 200,000 kw. capacity. Before it was approved the flue washing equipment was tested for its stated ability to eliminate at least 97 per cent, of its sooty and noxious gas content. The cost of keeping this part of the plant alone in operation is 1/20 of a penny per unit of electricity. Also, if the washing plant refuses to wash, the forced draught fans automatically stop.

There seems to be decided movement to im­prove general housing conditions in all the large areas. As an engineer one sees these evacuated areas all over the place. Of course the economics of the change is involved, but modern cheap and rapid transport has re­moved the necessity for workers to live in hives about their work. In passing, it is in­teresting to note that whilst I saw many tram lines being taken up I saw no new ones being-put down—mostly motor buses with Diesel en­gines. Liverpool seems the place for tram ears, and whichever one you get on you finally reach the river front and the ferries. Liver­pool seafaring men handle these in much the same easy way that a taximan handles his cab. Too and fro across the river in all wea­thers—in fogs they seem to steer by sound of the horns blaring on the quayside. There is one fine one, the Royal Daffodil II.—"Royal"

THE OPEN DOOR Page 15

because it did its bit in the war, landing men for the Zeebrugge attack, and with nothing to show now but "Royal" and a few dents in the funnel.

It may be of interest to hear how one lives and gets about. In the course of m y wan­derings on jobs I met quite a few of the younger engineers—from all over the world, seeking experience and knowledge. A few were moneyed and travelling at their own ex­pense; many held travelling scholarships, and many others were doing College Apprentice courses at the bigger works. These courses are open to University graduates and are so popular that vacancies are filled by selection. When I left Metropolitan Vickers there were some hundred odd such people there, about half being from overseas. The courses are for two jrears, well organised and designed to give practical engineering knowledge of all the various shops. The approved way of getting from here to there is to ship as a supernum-ary engineer on one of the standard lines. In this way £15 can take you from home to the works in England. Once there the rate is £2/10/- per week. This may not seem much, but then you can get good "digs" in Man­chester for example, for 25/-. If you pay 30/- a week you are reckoned "frightfully ex­travagant." Then the works canteen will sup­ply very good "eats" at 7/- per week. In­comers usually bring a "wardrobe" With them.

Sports are cheap, and as there are plenty of others living on the same money it is not difficult to find companionable company. How­ever, having got to the place it would be a pity to come away without seeing the country­side. For this, things are very easy. A n in­stitution known as Youth Hostels solves the whole thing. For half a crown you are a full member. . In every part where there is scen­ery, there is a chain of Hostels—roughly a day's walk apart—where one can sleep at 1/-per night. Rules are simple. Blankets are provided, but one must carry a sleeping bag of sheeting. Cooking utensils are provided and the member provides the food and energy. Motor transport is taboo, lights are out at 10 p.m.—-no hardship after 20 miles of walk­ing, and one must leave before 10 the next morning. In some of the larger hostels the staff will cook as well for another shilling. Cleanliness and so forth are enforced very simply. You give up your membership card on arriving, and get it back on leaving—if and when!—otherwise no more Youth Hostels for you! I can tell you a very nice crowd use the Hostels.

London is a more expensive proposition. Holidaying there and seeing all that is worth seeing will run to a pound a day.

After all this rambling I cannot but re­commend anyone who can possibly do so, to do likewise. Even without the experience of shop life it is still worth the effort. W h e n one

does see the Engineering Shops and work with the men, one begins to realise whatthe econ­omists mean when they talk of "The Advan­tages of Established Industries and Hereditary Skill." Points which have formed the subject of

three months' debate over here are settled as a matter of course there in a couple of hours by one man. I knew men there who design power installations from memory at the rate of one per fortnight.

W . J. Reynolds.

SEEING LIFE WITH A DRAWING BOARD. Hobart 10/10/38.

Dear Mr. Brunskill,— You have asked for a story, so here goes,

commencing where I left off in m y last letter to you back in 1930.

After a two years' appointment with Mount Lyell Mining and Railway Co., at Queenstown, Tasmania, I proceeded to the North of Queensland, where I was chief instruction draughtsman at the well known Mount Coolon Gold Mine. This mine is situated some 135 miles inland from Bowen and 90 miles from nearest railhead. Leaving Mount Lyell late in November,

1931, with most mountains snowclad, I arrived at Mount Coolon weeks later to be greeted the first day there by a shade temperature of 117 deg. F., and having travelled by train, steamer and car some 2700 miles. The plant at Coolon consisted of a complete mining, crushing, and countercurrent decantation cyan­ide treatment plant, complete with a large con­crete water reservoir, steam power plant, workshops and staff housing scheme. The treatment plant has a capacity of 5000 tons of crude ore monthly, and gave a 2000 oz. return with a 98 per cent, gold extraction. The en­tire plant was a going concern within 9 months of turning of first sod!! . I lost 1 § stone in weight on the effort. Returning to Melbourne via steamer from Townsville after a most in­teresting trip down the Great Barrier Reef, I joined the mining staff of Charles Ruwolt Pty. Ltd., and after a few months in Melbourne was sent to Kalgoorlie, W.A. M y first work there was on the design of a compelte crushing, flotation, roasting, filtration, precipitation and smelting plant; in other words a gold ore treatment plant of some 18,000 tons monthly capacity. This plant was a most interesting one, having a very complex flow sheet, and like all big construction projects was a rushed one, production being reached 11 months after my arrival at the famous Golden Mile. Kal­goorlie is a most interesting town, and during m y three years' stay in W.A. it was the scene of intense reconstruction activity. I have walked some miles underground on various mines. Quite apart from being the biggest gold producing centre in the Commonwealth,

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there are many other interesting aspects, for instance the water supply is pumped from a weir some 300 miles west. The journey by train from Melbourne is also full of interest, the famous Nullabor plains being the largest known belt of limestone country in the world, and is traversed at one stage for 300 miles of railroad without a single bend.

At the conclusion of the above construction, I was sent some 400 miles north as construc­tion engineer in charge of erection of another gold treatment plant of 5000 tons per month capacity. This plant included a Diesel power plant for generation of electrical energy, and a few records of construction were made, the plant being in production 15 weeks after first sod was turned. Just prior to leaving Kal­goorlie I was fortunate enough to learn of a promising gold prospect, and with the aid of my friends and manjr trunk line calls to Mel­bourne, managed to organise mining activities on a show which was floated in Melbourne in a few days. The £5 syndicate shares actually rose at one stage to £75, and the reward for my initial efforts was exceptionally substan­tial. Reverting to Mount Magnet, after con­struction was completed, I was obliged to su­pervise the running of the plant until the mining company's mill superintendent arrived some 6 weeks later.

During m y sojourn in this exceptionally hot and isolated community, I saw many parts of the Golden West, which is incidentally my native State.

In the course of m y 'luties with Charles Ruwolt's, I have visited Wiluna Gold Mines, Triton Gold Mines, Meekatharra, Big Bell and all the famous gold producers of this vast State. Returning to Melbourne early in 1935, flushed with good fortune, I decided to settle down in Melbourne. But alas' after some two months of intensive motoring and general re­laxation, the urge of W.A. was too strong, so back to Kalgoorlie I went, shipping m y car from Melbourne, and driving from Frrniahtle.

I was sent by m y old firm to do some special design work for another large plant in Kal­goorlie, but after some four months was asked to go to a place --idled Youanmi (You and Me) some 300 miles north of Kalgoorlie. This meant spending some 2 years in an ex­ceptionally isolated and dryr part, so I declined and returned to Melbourne, only to be called upon to design and finally erect yet another gold treatment plant near Kalgoorlie. After spending some three months in designing in Melbourne I again retuvnei to Kalgoorlie and spent m y last 5 months there. Having been: in contact with most of the principal mining people of Australia, it was very easy to pick and choose construction work, and learning of big schemes in Broken Hill, I decided that I would complete m y knowledge of the various metallurgical processes in use.

In May, 1936, I was appointed as chief con­

struction designer for a gravity-cum flotation plant of 2400 tons per day capacity. M y ap­pointment was with the North Broke.i Hill Ltd. and was for a contract period of two years. This was quite the biggest scheme I had been associated with and the completed mill is the largest and most up to date mining concentration plant that we have in the Com­monwealth. This plant is an engineering gem, quite

apart from the most interesting metallurgical processes used. It was with many regrets that I left this plant behind, for with it I have left nine years of intensive mining construc­tion activities.

For any student contemplating an engineer­ing career I would well recommend a mining one, for in these large mining centres every phase of engineering is present, and most things are done in a large way.

I have terminated m y wanderings around Australia, and am now finally anchored in Hobart. You are no doubt aware that I am chief draughtsman for The Australian News­print Mills Pty. Ltd., which company is about to erect a large mill for the manufacture of newsprint, more commonly known as news­paper, and of this industry and its engineer­ing aspects I could write volumes. This scheme is a very large one and the first section will involve an outlay of well over £1,000,000.

Please convey m y regards to Mr. Green, Mr. Griffiths and any other masters with whom I was associated many vears ago in 1921.

Yours very sincerely,

RONALD A. BEGG.

CONSTRUING CONSTRUCTION. Some people set out to work their way

around some part of the globe hoping to exist on the spoils of their labours whilst they travel on to further fields of endeavour. Al­though what follows may indicate otherwise it Cannot be said that this! was m y aim, when a little over four years ago I found myself on the labour market after having been ejected from the halls of learning through being un­able to pass in French.

Well four years may seem only a short time but I (and it is an old grandfather speak­ing) as I look back, realise that I have toiled in no less than six scattered localities for per­iods ranging from one to twelve months.

M y first excursion took m e to the famous Goulburn Valley where certain surface drain­age works were being undertaken to drain the surplus water from the blocks which in the "Fruit Area" average about thirty acres. These drains were virtually open earth chan­nels leading to some convenient outfall such as a river or swamp. The method of con­struction, which depended on the size of the drain, was either by horse teams or by hand with relief labour.

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One diversion was pay day for the men. This was of particular interest after a few days of rain when the pay car would slide from one side of the formation to the other in 9, few lengths of the car, eventually landing in the table drain. It was quite interesting on such occasions to see the arm of the law in the

form of our pojice escort giving a pound or two to the push.

It was quite on the cards that some pay day would find one standing out on some un­protected channel bank whilst half an inch or so of rain pelted down. It was preferable under the circumstances to take it all as the bank would be rather greasy with a few feet of water on either side.

One interesting "blockie" with whom we officially came in contact, was always complaining that the seepage from the irri­gation channels was ruining his land. If at any time one honoured him with a visit he would show, with much gusto, the spot where one night he had left a multi-furrow plough standing, to find next morning that only the handles appeared above the surface. H e could indicate also another spot where he had lost in a similar manner a team of horses!!

It was during m y stay in this place that I encountered m y first flood. In connection with this flood, it was necessary to remove from the regulating weir some five hundred drop bars, thus flooding about 34,000 acres. The removing of these drop bars and other incidental works took the best part of eight hours. Eighteen hours after, word came through that the flood had broken through the levee bank. By the time the first recruits, other than the usual patrol, had arrived, the water was surging through a gap half a chain wide. Although every effort was made to stop the gap fj-om widening it reached three chains before it could be controlled. Working con­tinuously it took about a week to stem the tide and in the process over fpur thousand sandbags were used. Fortunately the flood commenced to drop a little as we were closing the- breach, thus making the closure compar­atively eaSy. It was not until after I had left the district that the levee bank was finally re­paired.

It Was a treat during that flood, in the early hours of the morning after having had very little sleep, to come across the water bailiffs who' had been brought in for the emergency. These men would be "snatching it" after a heavy night shift. There as they boiled the billy before departing they would insist on one having a cup of tea with] them. Never could one wish to meet a happier crowd of school boys as they laughed and talked around their little fire. It is these men that one would usually see pushing their bikes, with shovels and old leather bags attached, along the irri­gation channels as they regulated the water.

In the office at that time it was a common saying when it rained that one could almost hear the blockies shutting down their irrigating gates along the channels to stop the water coming onto their blocks. This common though illegal practice kept the bailiffs busy on such occasions as with the same amount of water coming into the channel the bailiffs had to move to dispose of the surplus to prevent overtopping and scour­ing of the channel banks. Those water bailiffs certainly knew how to handle water in large volumes. Although I was never able to see it myself, it was a great sight, after a good rain when there was no demand for water, to see some three hundred cusecs, about 2000 gallons per second, being discharged into the Broken River from the Main Channel.

The irrigation channel system in the dis­trict had been rather "Topsy" like in its growth, which led to many anomalies. One of these made itself obvious from the fact that one channel had no less than eight different names. It was found on the plans on another occasion that a certain loop channel built to reaugment the supply of the main channel from which it branched at a higher point fed back into that main channel at a lower level than the main channel itself was at that point. This proves since the loop channel worked satisfactorily that water can flow uphill. Q.E.D. On another occasion a certain chan-jiel of which we had the plans could not be located in the field. Months later it was! found that the channel served the few acres owned by the head bailiff.

But one must press on. A few months later I found myself in another country town in the north of Victoria supervising the erection of a concrete bridge. The story goes that a couple of days before

the arrival of the first train at that town the local worthies thought that the town was rather barren for such an occasion with the numerous dignitaries arriving on that train. To overcbme this deficiency much civic pride was shown by the digging of holes down the main streets and in a series of trips to the mallee close by suitable trees were cut down and brought into the town and "planted" in the holes.

But I must be getting on with the Bridge— The supervising of this bridge contract was;

made interesting from the fact that on certain sultry days many warnings would come from the locals to the effect that I should treat the contractor with all due respect on such days, for was it not on such a day that he had killed the Clerk of Works on another bridge close by. It would be interesting to give a descrip­tion of this contractor's caravan as he would line it up for a trek across country, but space wijl not permit. Sufficient to say, however, that he stated that he came about a hundred miles for a few shillings — the price of lu-

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bricating oil for his steam tractor. And so to Mildura in the middle of winter.

What a glorious winter climate and what a fascinating place this capital of Sunraysia is when one considers its history and what it has gone through until it is now one of the queen cities of the State. W h o , fifty years ago, in looking for some place to start an irrigation settlement, the first of its kind in Australia, • would have selected the far northern mallee. Yet this was the site that George Chaffey chose above all others along the Murray. It is an axium in irrigation that aridity is a sign of fertility provided water could be found. George Chaffey is the real father of irrigation in Australia, bringing as he did valuable exper­ience of other irrigation settlements that he had founded in the States.

It is a very interesting story of how Chaffey came to select the site of his Australian ex­periment, and perhaps I might be pardoned for relating it. In search for suitable land he journeyed down the Murray from Echuca to below Swan Hill and finding nothing that really suited him decided to work up the river from the South Australian end. Eventually he arrived at Wentworth and heard of the Mildura sheep station, which at the time was in liquidation, as it had been several times before. It was at the time carrying stock which amounted to "acres to the sheepi," but now with irrigation fifteen acres is sufficient to support one man and his family.

In visiting this station with his manager, Chaffey was much impressed with the fruit trees and flowers which, watered by the waters of the Murray, grew in profusion around the homestead. The manager knowing that in Chaffey, who to him appeared to be a rank greenhorn, he had a prospective buyer, tried his best to interest Chaffey in the grazing pos­sibilities of the station. But Chaffey was gloriously disinterested in all these things but showed keen interest in a .certain billabong and an adjoining ridge, as well . as the char­acter of the soil. W h e n Chaffey, a, day or ,so later, asked for a theodolite he, was told that he need not doubt the accuracy of the boun­daries, but Chaffey was not interested in the boundaries but in the height of that ridge above river level. The poor station manager could stand it no longer.

"Are you a greenhorn or am I," he asked; "I have tried to tap you and to show you the best grass on the station, but you have not been in the least bit interested."

It was then that Chaffey told him of his plans for an irrigation settlement and the poor manager realised that he was the greenhorn.

So after much political bickering Mildura was launched by the Chaffey Brothers. The brothers gave all that they possessed to bring Mildura into fruition so that when calamity struck them through no fault of their own only

George Chaffey was able to scrape enough money together to return to the States where in later years he was able to complete other engineering projects.

It is significant that there is in Mildura no monument to the real founder, but George Chaffey needs no monument. The whole city and settlement will be his monument while they last. The "Life of George Chaffey," by J. Alexander, is a fascinating book for any who are interested in Mildura, irrigation, or a great engineer; and the recent book "Water into Gold," published under the auspices of the A.D.F.A., gives an interesting description of the work started by George Chaffey and carried on by others.

It was one night whilst I was stationed at Mildura that I had the pleasure of seeing the pumps start up for the first watering of the season. Over forty years ago George Chaffey prepared the plans and specifications for the complete units, engines and pumps; and, al­though at the time the leading engine makers in England would not put their names to them as they were of such unusual design, and the leading Australian engineers of the day con­demned them as being unsuitable, all these en­gines and most of the pumps are still operating to-day. It was a thrill on that night to watch one after another of these great engines start up for its continuous three weeks' run for the first watering of the season.

The work upon which I was engaged was in connection with the subsurface drainage of the Mildura Irrigation Area. Over the fifty years of irrigation at Mildura the continuous water­ing has saturated the ground, causing foot rot to the vints as well as the usual salt trouble so often the ruination of irrigation settlements. It was the aim of the subsurface drainage works to drain each, block to a depth of four feet six inchts, and this necessitated a drainage reticulation system of pipes, earthenware or concrete, .from four to thirty-six inches'- diam­eter at depths ranging from five to thirty-five feet. - The usual method of construction was shaft and. tunnel the strat ranging from firm clay needing no timbering in tunnel to fine Mallee drift slurry that had to be very care­fully timbered, as the drift would find its way through the slightest crack in the timbering.

The job was being performed under relief conditions, which at times led to certain amount of labour difficulties. O n one occasion the first aid officer was trying to attend a patient in preparation for sending him off to hospital. T w o of the patient's friends, who at the time were drunk, it being the week end, tried to interfere, necessitating their being laid out by the first aid attendant. After sending the patient off to hospital he had to set to work to bring their friends round. The next day he resigned his position.

One of the overseers on this job was very

T H E OPEN D O O R Page 19

bright and quick on the uptake, and the fol­lowing conversation was reported:—Miner:— "You know all that this job needs is brute strength and stupidity."

Overseer Herb-.—"Right, you've got both; you ought to be pretty good."

It was with regret that I left Mildura, but at the time the call came to go to Sydney and the call was accepted. The day after m y arrival in Sydney 1 found myself located in the construction office of an outfall sewer that was in the process of being built. The total length of the sewer in construction at that time was twenty miles. O n the section on which I was located the sewer was being ex­cavated mainly in tunnel through sandstone of the Hawkesbury River series at depths ranging up to one hundred and twenty feet, depending on the surface contour. The tunnel was excavated thirteen feet six inches wide by nine feet high and was being lined with con­crete to give a finished size of twelve feet by eight feet. The method of excavation was usually by the heading and bench methodj using about two pounds of explosives per cubic yard. The spoil was boodeled into mining trucks and hauled to the surface in mining cages. " Up to forty feet per week (five days of two shifts) was the advance in this tunnel in sound ground, although the average was in the order of thirty-two feet.

On one occasion a rather interesting letter was received showing the effects of blasting in populated localities. It ran something as follows:—

"I wish to-draw your attention to the fact that living in close proximity to your works the blasting at that depot has caused the death of m y pet canary. I should be glad if a re­placement could be affected. Hoping to hear from you in regard to this matter. Yours, etc."

M y ramblings have not quite finished for some time later I found myself transferred to the outfall' section of this sewer. Here the sewer is somewhat wider, the excavation being-taken out eighteen feet wide by ten feet high, making the finished concrete lined sewer six­teen feet two inches by eight feet high, and eventually to carry six feet of sewage. Us­ually the sandstone is self supporting over this span, but in some poorer country some of which is only clay, it has been necessary to timber the drive, which has made the ex­cavation slow and very expensive.

One of the interesting jobs yet to come will be the blowing out of the outfall itself some thirty feet below sealevel. Many have sig­nified their desire to be there to catch any fish that might (a big might) be stunnec! by the concussion.

Well, ramblings now seem to have come to an end. Here I have been stationed now for over a year, which is quite a record. But

still who knows that one may not yet have lost the wander lust and again set off for pastures new.

A. Poppins.

MODERN REFINING. H o w many times in yrour life has a para­

graph of some book caused you to sit back in thought, seeing every light and shade of some perfectly described scene, meanwhile your sur­roundings are in another world. In reality the author has achieved a piece of perfect sales­manship; he has, by using simple, well-chosen, readily-understandable English words, im­pressed you with a vivid mental picture of his o w n — a scene or some episode of life. Good salesmanship is definitely the power of

lucid description, and to enter a reseller's place of business and discuss, firstly, such topics as Haematoma, Poliomyelitis, Pertussis, and Thyreotoxicosis, and secondly Isomerisa-tion, Reforming, Hydrogenation and Depoly-alkylation, would cause your listener, espec­ially if he be a good Australian, to suggest a "bob each way on the first and all up on the second." Actually the doctor is only describ­ing the ailments of the human body with the difference that you and I would call them a bruise, infantile paralysis, whooping cough and heart failure. The last four words above are really only technical terms describing the ways and means of correcting the ailments of petrols in their tendency to knock.

The petroleum business lately seems to have been flooded with a multitude of technical terms, and those which are in most need of clarification are Cracking, Polymerisation (pol-imer-ize-a-shun), Reforming, and Hydro­genation (hi-droge-en-a-shun).

Before attempting to describe each process, we must first refresh our memories concerning the fundamental existence of the products. Petrol, in fact the whole of the petroleum family, is just made up of two of nature's elements — carbon and hydrogen and nothing else. The difference between petrol and trans­mission oil is just a variation in the number and arrangement of carbon and hydrogen par­ticles (really called carbon atoms and hydro­gen atoms). Let us simplify: Supposing we imagine the bricks of a room the carbon and the mortar between the bricks the hydrogen, then by adding more rooms we may build houses of various shapes and sizes:

A house containing 1 to 3 rooms represents a petroleum gas.

A house containing 4 to 14 rooms represents fractions of petrol.

A house containing 14 to 20 rooms repre­sents fractions of kerosene.

A house containing 20 to 30 rooms repre­sents fractions of gas oil.

And so on; the larger the house the heavier or more viscous the petroleum products.

N o w we can also imagine that houses can

Page 20 T H E O P E N DiOOR

be jerry built or weak in construction; remem­ber' this, as the sequel follows later.

W e are now in a position to explain very simply the progressive phases of refinery de­velopment.

The CRACKING of Hydrocarbon: This is the oldest type of refinery treat­

ment. It was developed to transform the plentiful but less valuable kerosene and gas oil into petrol. Kerosene and gas oil, in other words 14 to 30 roomed houses, are cracked or broken into 4 to .14 roomed houses, but the division cannot always be kept completely to this size so that there are always one or two rooms in breaking up a large house to spare.

N o w technically, in the cracking of kerosene or gas oil into petrol, large quantities of gases are formed, the majority of which, in the past, were useless waste. This gas production re­presented up to 20 per cent, by weight of the original product used. Petrols produced by the cracking process are of higher antiknock value than natural petrols, excepting the nat­ural aromatic petrol.

The POLYMERISATION of Hydrocarbons: The enormous waste of gas from the crack­

ing process led to the development of Polymer­isation. Petroleum gas, to again use terms of the building trade, is a single or double room house structure. Now, if we take several of these one or two room structures, and join them up into one 4 to 14 room structure, we have built a petrol house and so turned useless gas into valuable petrol.

This polymerisation process is not very new and is really an adjunct to Cracking. Just as in the cracking process, the public are not supplied with a 100 per cent, cracked motor spirit or 100 per cent, polymer motor spirit but usually with a blend of natural petrol, cracked petrol and polymer petrol. The antiknock value of pplymer petrol is usually high but production is limited by the amount of gas available, which again depends on the output of cracked gasoline.

The REFORMING of Hydrocarbons: Approximately 95 per cent, of the world's

natural motor spirit, and particularly the par-affinic and Napthenic types, is very low in antiknock value and only suitable for compres­sion ratios up to 5J : 1. The addition of too" much cracked gasoline causes off colour and gum formations in storage. There is not enough polymer gasoline to assist, so that, necessity being the mother of invention, re­forming was born.

Reforming can be considered more simply as rebuilding, and as far as 95 per cent, of the world's natural motor spirit is concerned, from the anti-knock point of view it is a very jerry-built affair. The natural Paraffinic and Naph-thenic petrols can be likened to a long, very tall and terribly narrow gutted building set

on a cliff where the four winds of heaven will crack the walls and blow the building over (the four winds have been likened to the in­tense heat conditions of a combustion head of an engine).

Let us rebuild and place the bricks and mor­tar so that our reconstructed house is more rigid and of stronger design, not so tall and long, but compact, with perhaps double thick­ness of walls, and then let the wind blow, or, to return to technicalities, let compression ratios go up.

Reforming then consists of starting with a finished but low anti-knock petrol and rebuild­ing it to high knock-resisting petrol. The pro­cess — a new development — is an epoch in refinery history.

The reforming of finished petrols, "finished" in all but anti-knock value, is operated with a certain amount of gas formation; the gas so produced is polymerised and added to the re­formed petrol. The outstanding feature of the reforming process is its finger-tip control, the greater the degree of reforming, the higher the anti-knock value of the finished petrol, so let compression ratios go up — reforming can take it.

The H Y D R O G E N A T I O N of Hydrocarbons: Hydrogenation could most easily be ex­

pressed as futuristic architecture, but incor­porating such utility that it will, and has, be­come highly popular. Certain of nature's hy­drocarbon houses, such as are found in coal tar oils, have been built with too little mortar, and because of that can only be built into petrol houses by increasing the mortar.

Hydrogenation was a process developed to add hydrogen to coal tar oils and so produce petrol, and it is now being thoroughly inves­tigated in England and Germany from a com­mercial standpoint. Cost of production, how­ever, is an enormous handicap, but continued investigation is essential from a defence point of view.

Hydrogenation, however, is now playing a very important, role, and a Company is using it extensively in the following way:

Gas houses are built up (polymerised) into definitely-shaped petrol houses, but these were not passed by the building inspector as they lacked a sufficient quantity of mortar. The further mortar is added (by hydrogena­tion), producing a perfectly designed house, or, technically, iso-octane — the highest anti­knock pure spirit so far produced commer­cially.

M. MacLean.

MANUFACTURE OF LIME. The various mineral forms of calcium car­

bonate have been known since very early times, lime burning being practised by the Romans and in all probability by earlier peoples.

The element Calcium does not occur free

THE OPEN DOOR Page 21

in nature, but its various compounds form a considerable portion of the earth's crust. Calcium carbonlate as calcite, marble, lime­stone and chalk forms whole mountain ranges, while dolomite, calcium and magnesium car­bonates, also occur in enormous masses.

Quicklime (CaO) is ordinarily obtained by heating calcium carbonate, the action being reversible, and is' not complete unless the car-bondioxide is allowed to escape.

The action is carried out in practice in a large tower known as a lime kiln. Modern limekilns are of many types, the main ones being the mixed feed kiln, in which alternate layers of stone and fuel, such as wood, coke, coal etc., are fed into the top of the kiln, and the gas and oil fired kiln in which only stone is fed in, the roasting being accomplished by means of natural gas, producer gas and oil fuel.

In the case of the Lilydale Lime Works, the kiln is of the mixed feed type, coke being the fuel used.

The processes in the manufacture of lime at the Lilydale Works can be stated briefly as follows, beginning with the quarrying of the limestone.

Only those seams of limestone, which in the case in question is a very hard grey blue stone, having a high calcium carbonate con­tent are selected for the manufacture of lime, other seams having a lower percentage of calcium carbonate, being crushed for road metal, and used for ornamental building stone, etc.

The limestone is blasted from the quarry face by explosives, and then hand broken into convenient sizes for handling. It is then loaded into trucks and thence conveyed to the pit head, where it is tipped into a large bucket like skip holding four cubic yards of stone when full. It is then hauled from the quarry up a long steeply inclined railway to a large crushing plant, where the stone is crushed to a uniform size of about 6 inches. It is then conveyed by means of a mechanically driven shaking table to the limestone hopper, where it is stored. As required the stone is drawn off from the bottom of the hopper by means of a conveyor and fed into the truck which is to carry it to the top of the kiln. The amount of limestone in the truck is automat­ically weighed to a determined weight, the conveyor shutting off when the correct weight is reached. The truck is then hauled up an inclined railway to the top of the kiln where the sides lift up and the charge of stone falls into the kiln, being evenly distributed around the kiln bv means of an inverted bell shaped piece, situated in the top of the kiln. The coke is fed in in a similar manner from a hopper situated opposite the limestone hopper. It is also automatically weighed, there being

a definite ratio of stone to fuel. The weight of coke being determined by its moisture con­tent, thus if the coke is damp, more will be required by actual weight to maintain the cor­rect ratio of stone to fuel. The kiln is usually fed in the order of two trucks of stone to one of coke, thus producing alternate layers.

The actual burning of the stone takes place roughly at about the centre of the kiln. The maximum temperature reached is about 1100 deg. centigrade. Thermo-couples are situated at various points in the side of the kiln so that the temperature can be determined at various levels. These temperature readings are taken every hour of the day and night and so enables the temperature to be controlled and thus en­sures maximum efficiency in the burning of the lime. Another important factor in the control of the kiln is the regular analysis of the flue gases. These tests indicate the per­centage of carbon-dioxide, carbon-monoxide and oxygen which are escaping through the flue. The air draught necessary for the burn­ing of the kiln is supplied by two large fans situated at the bottom of the kiln. The burnt lime, after it has passed down through the fire or dissociation zone, is cooled by the up­ward draught of air and is then mechanically drawn off at the bottom. The action of the kiln is continuous, more stone being fed in at the top as lime is drawn from the bottom. The lime then passes onto a shaking table, where it is classified by a staff of "pickers" into its various grades. The highest quality is used for the manufacture of hydrated lime for plastering purposes and chemical lime, that is lime used in chemical processes such as the manufacture of ammonia. Grades of lower quality are used for mortar and agricultural limes. Lime required for the manufacture of hydrated lime Ca ( O H ) 2 passes along the shaker to a bin where it is conveyed by a bucket elevator to a. crushing plant, where it is crushed to a size of about i inch. It then passes along into a storage bin from which it is drawn by a horizontal screw conveyor to the hydration plant. Here a fixed quantity of water is added to a fixed quantity of lime and the following action takes place with the evolution of much heat:

The hydrabox consists of a large 2-box like structure inside which revolve enclosed paddles which keep the lime in a constant state of agitation and so ensures thorough mixing and complete hydration. When the hydration is complete the hydrated lime is drawn from the bottom of the hydrator by a screw conveyor and passes into a "Raymond air separation mill," which by centrifugal force separates nearly all the coarse material from it, only about 1 part in 100,000 being large enough to be retained on a sieve of 30 holes to the linear inch, and about 1.5 per cent, being re­tained on a sieve of 200 holes to the linear inch. • The finished product is then blown by

Page 22 THE OPEN DOOR

fans into a bin from which it is bagged into 50 lb. bags and loaded into railway trucks for distribution.

C. H. Harrop.

PETROLEUM OILS. In world affairs to-day oil is of paramount

importance. One of the secrets <>f a very large part of the political manoem ring of to-day is to be found in the necessity to relain or ac-i quire oil supplies. Oil is an absolute essen­tial, both in peace and war time, for indus­tries, the navies, and the transport of the world. Deprived of it in war time any nation must collapse. It is a certain fact that if the nations had placed a veto on Italy's oil sup­plies during her Abyssinian campaign, con­quest would have been impossible. Australia is at present dependent on out­

side supplies. Numbers of tankers are con­tinually converging on Australia, bringing the essential supplies for our use. The first aim of an enemy making war on us would be to cut off these vital supplies from us.

It is interesting to examine the sources of supply. They are not many: Rumania, Russia, Persia, Netherland East Indies. The American sources, which are the greatest and most nu­merous of all, include Pennsylvania, Califor­nia, Texas, Mexico, Venezuela, and Bahrein. The Rumanian fields are particularly proli­

fic. These oil-fields were a great objective for the Germans in the last war, but to their ex­treme disappointment and disgust the bores were thoroughly filled in and put out of action by British engineers before the German ad­vance. The wheel of fate has once again turned full circle, and at the present juncture this field is one of the richest prizes, which Germany hopes to gain in her drive to the East. This time she will get all the oil she requires.

As regards the Russian fields, even before the war production was second only to Amer­ica. After a period of very poor production during the early years of the Soviet regime, they now far overtop their pre-war rate of production. Russia has again resumed second place to America. The main Russian fields are grouped between the Black Sea and the Cas­pian Sea. Maikop and Grosny are both in the Caucasus, situated in the midst of magni­ficent mountainous country. Baku is on the shores of the Caspian Sea; the oil from here is pumped across to Batum, a Port on the Black Sea. Russia is thus not only able to provide for her own supplies, but is also able to export largely — a matte? of great econ­omic benefit to her.

Of great importance to the British Empire are the Iranian and Irakian oil-fields. The Anglo-Iranian (Anglo Persian) has conces­sions over most of the Iranian fields. The oil is piped down to Abadan, at the head of the Persian Gulf, where a large proportion of the

crude oil is shipped in tankers to be refined elsewhere. A few years ago the Persian Gov­ernment cancelled the British leases on this field, undoubtedly at the instigation of the Soviet Government and it was only with diffi­culty that they were persuaded to grant the leases again, and this time on much less fa­vourable terms to the British Company than before. The Irak field at Mosul was fairly recently discovered. This oil is piped to Haifa and Tripoli on the Mediterranean. It is this pipe line that the Arabs delight in cutting, much to the discomfort of the British Govern­ment.

Turning to the East Indies, this area, with the exception of Timor and British North Borneo belongs to the Netherlands. The crudes from Borneo and Sumatra are noted for their high aromatic content, which gives the spirits refined from them such excellent anti-knock properties.

The greater part of the oil is imported to Australia already refined.

Though the oil arrives here as the finished product, every shipment is rigorously tested to ensure that it fulfils all the requirements of quality.

A brief summary of some of the more im­portant tests may be of interest. Motor spirits are tested for knock rating in standard test engines. One method measures the actual oc­currence and intensity of knocking, the result being compared with those obtained using cer­tain standard reference fuels. Another method measures the power output of an engine, using different compression ratios, the object being to determine the highest useful compression ratio.

Distillation is another important test, as on the boiling range of a spirit depends quickness of starting and efficiency of running. Distill­ations are also carried* out on lighting and power kerosenes, Diesel oil and fuel oil. Light­ing kerosene is tested for burning qualities in standard lamps, any tendency to smoke or other trouble being noted. Flash point deter­mination is also carried out on this product, a minimum flash point being specified as a precaution against lamps exploding. A special test is applied to Diesel Oils for use in the high speed diesel engines of modern road ve­hicles, where it is most important that the fuel shall be free from any dirt or other matter liable to cause clogging. The tendency of an oil to clog a specified filter is measured.

Among the routine tests for lubricating oils are:—Viscosity, flash-point, pour-point, specific gravity and colour. The flash point gives a comparative indication of the volatility of oils, on which depends the consumption The pour-point, which is the lowest temper­ature at which the oil is liquid, is an important test for oils which are to be used under low temperature conditions, as in lubrication of machinery in winter, and in refrigeration lu-

THE OPEN DOOR Page 23

brication. Specific gravity and colour are of use in identifying the origin of oils, and in detection of contamination.

Another type of test is that in which the probable performance of an oil is investi­gated. In this class fall the Conradson and Ramsbottom coke tests, and oxidation tests. In the Conradson and Ramsbottom tests the liability of the oil to form carbon deposits on pistons, etc., is measured. The oil is sub­mitted to dry distillation under specified con­ditions, and the percentage of coke formed determined. In oxidation tests, such as that specified by the British Air Ministry, the oil is maintained at a high temperature and air is bubbled through at a controlled rate. At the conclusion of the test, the increase in vis­cosity and liability to coking is measured. A similar test to this is the Michie Sludge Test for transformer oils. In this case the oil is oxidised in the presence of a copper catalyst, and at the conclusion of the oxidation, which is carried on for a period of forty-five hours continuously, the oil is dissolved in a special petroleum spirit, and the sludge filtered off and weighed.

Oils and spirits, having been found to be up to specification, according to such tests as those described above, are then distributed by the oil companies for the multifarious pur­poses of Industry, Aviation and Transport.

Under the terrific drain that this imposes in each and every civilised country at the pre­sent time, it may be asked how long will the limited supply of petroleum hold out? It is impossible to make any accurate forecast, as more scientific methods of prospecting and deeper drilling are constantly prolonging the life of the supply.

C. H. G. Smith.

Carpentry and Joinery Department, Technical Visit.

A Trip through a Bush Timber Mill. A very instructive and pleasant day was

spent at the Victorian Hardwood Co.'s bush mill, Powelltown, by the students of Swin­burne Technical College Carpentry Depart­ment.

Approaching the mills one is impressed by the desolate nature of the surrounding hills. This is the country that has been thrown open to the graziers, after the timber has been cut. What then will happen to our beautiful forests if this state of affairs is allowed to continue. The answer is supplied when one reaches Pow­elltown. Here, instead of allowing the gra­ziers to use the country, the young forest is allowed to continue its natural growth, A

continuous cycle of milling is thus obtained without damage to the forest.

At the log yard one sees the giant trees brought from the further distant hills by a special locomotive. A few words about this engine will not be amiss, as it is of particularly unique construction. A tremendous pulling force is obtained, as the small wheels are in­dependently driven. This is done by placing the cylinders vertically on one side of the frame. The engine is of 2-0-2 construction, so the cylinders are placed centrally. A shaft then extends to the front and rear from the crankcase. A bevel gear is attached to the shaft opposite each wheel and this gear en­gages with a bevel gear on the wheel itself. As the gearing and cylinders are on one side the boiler is placed on the opposite side for balance. This gives the engine a freakish ap­pearance.

From the log yard the t^ees are taken to a special cross cut saw. This is not of the usual circular or band type, being more like a horizontal jig saw. The saw is rapid in its operation, and an unusual feature is, that the cutting stroke is the backward one. This saw wns made by the company itself.

The logs are then taken to the breaking down saw. This is a wonderful machine, being almost entirely automatic. The logs are hauled onto a platform. A ram then sets in motion a set of radial arms which are be­neath the platform. These arms swing up­wards and push the log over to a movable plat­form. This platform is hydraulically operated and is free to move in a forward and reverse direction. On the forward movement the log is carried through two circular saws rotating in opposite directions. The saws are six feet in diameter and placed one above the other and slightly staggered. The machine is thus capable of cutting a 6 foot diameter log. The size of the flitch to be cut is regulated by an automatic fence which is operated by turning a pointer on a dial to the required size and setting the mechanism in motion. On the com­pletion of the backward movement the log is turned over, if necessary, by a hook attached to one of the radial arms. The operation then continues. The flitch cut drops on to live rollers and is carried to the breast saws. Small pieces are taken further to be cut for box material.

The breast saws cut the flitches into quarter sawn boards of the required size. A n inclined conveyor throws the boards to one side, whilst offcuts are taken to radial arm cross cut saws. Offcuts of value are cut for such things as broom handles, etc., whilst waste is fed to the furnaces. One of these furnaces is of inter­est as it burns nothing but green sawdust.

It is noticed that the boards as they come from the saw are quite wet. They are, there­fore, put through a drying process. It is in this process that much depends for the ultim-

Page 24 T H E O P E N D O O R

ate strength and quality of the finished timber. There are two methods of drying, air and kiln. A n air dried board is quite as good as a kiln dried piece, providing that it has been left long enough to bring it down to the usual 15 per cent, moisture content. This would necessitate a drying period of years, which obviously would not be a paying proposition. The heat method has been found to be the combination of the two systems. The boards are stacked in the yards in such a manner that the air can freely circulate between them. They are left there for a period of four to five months for 1 in. timber and longer for thicker material. After this period is up they are taken to the kilns. The kilns are specially constructed cham­bers that are heated by steam. The steam pipes run under the stacks and the heat is controllable by turning on or off the pipes as required. The air is kept circulating by fans. The stacks are taken from the yards to the kilns by means of an electric traverser machine. A winch on this machine places the stacks inside the kilns and also removes them. The usual drying period is from 4 to 5 days. The company has just installed two of the most modern kilns in Australia. They are constructed of brick and specially lined. The steam coils are placed at the top in these kilns and the fans are vertically placed. The kilns are equipped with automatic thermo­meters and recording instruments which make a chart of the whole operation. The company also possesses a wonderful instrument that de­termines the moisture content of any piece of timber. The advantage the kilns have over air drying is quickness and thoroughness. In air drying the ends and faces are really the only parts properly dried, but kilns dry right through the timber. During the course of drying the boards often develop a corrugated surface on the edges and faces collapse. All timber is made up of numbers of cells which cuhtain moisture. W h e n the moisture is dvied out the walls of the cells sometimes collapse, which gives the timber the warped ahd twisted surfaces men­tioned. It was discovered by a Melbourne! man named Grant that if the warped piece is put through a process known as reconditioning the collapses and corrugations can be eradi­cated. The reconditioning simply consists of plac­ing the timber in a sealed chamber. Steam is pumped into this kiln and the temperaturs raised to about boiling point. It is in the boiling of the timber that the siecret of the process depends. The reconditioning remoist-ehs the cells and the timber swells back to its original shape. The timber is then placed in the redrier,

which not only completes the drying but seals the cells so that the timber cannot twist or warp again under normal conditions.

In summing up if ,can be seen that we owe a lot to the introduction of science to the timber industry, for the vast improvement in the quality and strength of our Australian timbers which now equal, and even surpass, the quality of imported timbers. It is through the courtesy of the Victorian Hardwood Company that these interesting facts were made available to us, and our thanks are due to Mr. Currie for making everything so clear.

G. Brown.

A Scotchman entered a bicycle shop, where recently he had purchased a bicycle.

"It's about the bike, mon," he said.

"Hasn't it arrived yet?" enquired the shop­keeper.

"It has," replied Jock, "but the free wheel hasn't."

"There was a young woman called Lena,

W h o bought a new vacuum cleaner;

But while working one day,

She got in the way,

And ever since, no one's Sena."

— D . H. Staggard, B.3.

"Before a man is married, he is a dude; after, he is subdued."

— W . Holland, B.5.

The organ grinder was playing a tune in the street watched by an interested urchin. At the end of the tune the urchin said, "What tune Was that you were playing?" That was called "The Death of Nelson," answered the organ grinder. "Lumme, what a 'orrible death," cried the urchin.

— B . Nicholson, B.ll.

Humour. Serious Scout: "Do you know that a horse

ran away with m y brother and threw him N o w he is laid up for six days." Bright cub: "That's nothing, my brother ran away with a horse. N o w he is laid up for six months in jail."

— N . W . Cole, B.9,

THE OPEN DOOR Page 25

Architectural Department.

"I tell this tale which is strictly true, Just by way of convincing you H o w very little since things were made Things have altered in the building trade."

Kipling. After reading the copy gathered together

this year by an enthusiastic editorial staff, I

find the vein in which they have written infec­tious, and it requires considerable concentra­tion on m y part to keep these opening notes in a more serious tenor. In doing so I trust that m y comments ,if dull, will form a back­ground to the highlights which follow. • It was with a deep sense of regret that we

Page 26 THE OPEN D O O R

accepted the resignation of Mr. Bamford from the teaching staif, particularly after his asso­ciation with the school for something like eleven years. Mr. Bamford felt he was unable to continue giving the time necessary to his teaching, and unslfishly insisted upon the ac­ceptance of his resignation.

I feel certain Mr. Bamford gained some compensation for his long association with, the college when the students tendered him a very warm welcome, and made a suitable presenta­tion on the occasion of his recent visit to us.

W e welcome to our department Mr. Hedley, who this year took charge of Grade 1 Build­ing Construction. Mr. Hedley entered into his work with the enthusiasm we expected, and which is so necessary to the success of the work, and was responsible for arranging a very interesting lecture by Mr. Hudspeth.

W e also extend a warm welcome to the many students who enrolled in the depart­ment at the beginning of the year, and trust their studies will culminate with the success they desire.

Last year I wrote of the spirit of co-oper­ation we were endeavouring to foster in the Architectural Department. It is very satis­factory to report that this spirit of co-oper­ation and feeling of good fellowship between the teaching staff and the students has been maintained and extended, and was to a great extent responsible for the excellent results ob­tained in the examinations last year. The innovation this year of a Committee

M e ting from time to time and composed of the teaching- staff* and students representing various classes was. we all agreed, an out­standing success, and the only cause for dis­satisfaction was the limited amount of time available to discuss the many items of inter­est that were raised. However, much good accrued from the constructive criticism of our methods of organization and teaching, and I feel that this meeting is only the forerunner of a permanent Committee which can be elected at the beginning of each year.

Once again I sincerely thank m y colleagues for the invaluable co-operation and also the students for their loyal support in all matters pertaining to scholastic work, and social functions held during the year.

In conclusion, I trust that everyone will leave no stone unturned to make the results of the year's work even more successful tha.n the preceding year.

Eric Hughes.

A HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE.

Grade I.

The history of architecture goes back a long way, like a single-fronted house. It goes back much too far. Australia is only one hundred and fifty years old, as time flies. Architecture is older than that. It dates from pre-historic

times, when the Sydney law courts were built. Architecture is the product of an older

civilisation and is now practically a lost art. It has been superseded by. functional design, which came into being about the same time as crooners. The orders of architecture were many and

complex. The orders of most modern archi­tects are very simple. The reason is not ar­chitectural but financial. There are five orders of architecture, but

these are overruled by the client ' orders, which vary from day to day as the work pro­ceeds and usually countermand those given on the previous day.

The principal thing about an order of ar­chitecture is the column, with cap and base. In modern architecture the cap and base are omitted, and sometimes the column. There is also the entablature which is a good place on which to write advertising signs.

According to the text books there were many influences on ancient architecture. These were:—

1. G E O G R A P H I C A L : This caused a man to build his house in the vicinity of his block of land.

2. G E O L O G I C A L : No, I don't know what that could have been, either, but it must have.

3. C L I M A T E : This influence has ra big bear­ing on all architecture and it was the natural human urge to climb that first induced people to approach their houses up a steep flight of steps.

4. SOCIAL: This is what causes a man to build his house alongside his neighbour's so that he can borrow his lawnmower. This is the first step towards socialism.

The Egyptian idea of building was to as­semble as many stones as possible in one place and then make a heap of them. The result was called a pyramid. If the truth were told, I am sure it was more often an accident. The pyramids were built by the Egyptians.

Their method was to spread stones over a large area, then another layer over a slightly smaller area, and so on ad valorem and add stonum. When they came to the top the job was fin­ished, and there was an argument over the final settlement.

The clerk-of-works was callpd Spinifex. After the first job he was so good that he never looked back, so he turned Into a pillar of stone. H e was condemned to contemplate his handiwork until the sands of the desert grow cold.

Inside the pyramids are the tombs of the Kings. They believed in having plenty over them, just to make sure. The poisons weren't all guaranteed in those days.

Many tunnels were driven into the heart of the pyramids. These were built by the local councils, who were handicapped by having no roads to tear up at the time. The pyramids were the next best thing.

THE OPEN DOOR Page 27

After the pyramids were completed there was still sufficient stone left over for a few temples. One of the most important was built at Luxor; or we think it- was built there, as that was where it was found. Well, Luxor is somewhere about there. Sanitation was, trf course, an exact science

when the pyramids and the Temple of Lux-or-wbat-ever-it is was built. All the sewage was drained off into the Sewers Canal, con­structed especially for the purpose. Just beyond the Temple of Luxor is a small

coffee house or restaurant. It is known as Lux Inn. Owing to numerous police raids, however, the present proprietor thinks that his Lux Out.

Q U E S T I O N N A I R E : Students are to ask themselves the follow­

ing questions on the subject matter. If the answers are unsatisfactory, students are to severely censure themselves and, in extreme casesi, may cane themselves.

1. W h y are the orders 'of architecture? 2. (a) What event of great architectural

importance took place in 1066? (b) What year did this happen?

3. In what way would the use of glass bricks have improved:—

(a) The Leaning Tower of j^dndoh. (b) The Temple of Castor and Seidlitz. (c) Nelson's spy-glass.

4. If Egyptian architecture was found in Egypt, what was Pharoah's rerily to Colum­bus? "

5. From your personal experiences of lady clients would you have accepted the position of architect to King Solomon? r

6. Explain the differences in the appear­ance and uses of:—

(a) A lotus leaf. } '•< t •,, (b) An acanthus leaf*

In reply to those enquirers who have asked whether we intend to establish a school for the teaching of architecture on the lines laid down here we beg to state that the matter is still before the Master in Lunacy.

A HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE.

Part 2. . Part 2 is very complicated and therefore harder to follow, but this article sets it out very simply. It deals mainly with the archi­tecture of the Dark Ages, also known as "medieval." (Medieval — medi from medi­ocre, eval — pretty awful. Thus "Dark Ages" speaks for itself). The first style is Saracenic. The most note­

worthy thing about the Saracens is that they were very fond of onions, and so built onion-shaped domes on most of their buildings. That is what is called a strong characteristic of the style. They also liked building wonderful tombs in which to bury their wives. Judging by the Taj Mahal this became rather expen­sive after the first half-dozen.

Byzantine architecture, from Byzantinium in Turkey, is very similar to Saracenic, in that the architects, who were known as Turkeys, also built onion-shaped domes and minarets. These are now a lost art.

After this came Romanesque, so called be­cause it is a very poor imitation of Roman. The Romanesques were only a cheap kind of Roman anyway. W e pass now to English Medieval Architec­

ture, which name applies to any period, par­ticularly modern. There are many styles in this, too many in fact. First we have Saxon, of which little remains but Stoke Penge. The method of construction of Stoke Penge, namely, to place several stones in a heap and forget them, has been copied extensively by modern builders. Following this was the Norman style, pro­

bably named after someone. However, at this date that doesn't really matter, does it?

Early English was so called because the English are an early rising race, and raced to gvt their building finished. This is usual in modern times. The next two styles — Perpendicular and

Decorated. Perpendicular gets its name from the fact that the buildings were made to go up (or down), rather like our clients' ideas. The latter style was so called because people have always been fond of decorating them­selves, and gradually fra-nsfe'Ted their habits to their buildings. Architects always had queer ideas, anyway. Gothic architecture is noteworthy only for

the fact that vaulting was highly developed. Vaulting was a very popular game of the Dark Ages, and was usually played for high stakes. Fan vaulting, not to be confused with a more modern pastime, was a very refined type common to the English Decorated period. The players decorated themselves with Tans in this type. Vaulting is still played to-day by clients who find it handy when the contractor (or the architect) wants to be paid. This modern version is usually practised over the back fence.

(Owing ;to lack of knowledge and intelli­gence, there will be no questionnaire).

I. Simmons.

MR. HOPPER. On April 8th we received a visit from Mr.

Hopper, who gave us one of the best addresses we have been privileged to hear. Mr. Hopper told us how in May, 1937, with two friends, he commenced a journey in an open boat from Melbourne to Cairns. Some of his remarks (and photographs) had to be censored as he had overlooked the possibility of a young lady in the class. However, there were many laughs as Mr. Hopper described their 3000 mile jour­ney along the coajst. Highlights of the trip were wild? sheep, being washed overboard and very nearly drowned, and fourteen girls to three men on an island in the Pacific. This was

Page 28 THE OPEN D/OOR

voted an excellent address and we thank Mr. Hopper sincerely.

M R . HUDiSPETH. During second term we were addressed by

Mr. Hudspeth, Consulting Engineer, who was introduced by Mr. Hedley. The lecture was very interesting and instructing to all the students.

P E R S O N I F I C A T I O N O F T H E T H I R D D I M E N S I O N .

Rendering is the art of, producing the third dimension, that is adding to the Builder and Owner the poor Architect, thus forming the eternal triangle. This dimension is formed from the result of different tones:—High tones from the Owner and low tones from the Builder. These tones may bring him forth in different grades: light, heavy, good, bad or in­different, most students bring in the indif­ferent grade. This dimension is most successfully pro­

duced by rapid washing. He should be pro­duced rather large in form, as a bold wash on a large surface produces the best effect. W e are told the old masters used as many as 100 washes to make him perfect. This was pro­bably done in a Roman bath where water was plentiful and the reflected light would be seen to the best effect on his convex surfaces.

From the time of his first washing, till he finally^ stands out in relief quite bold with high light on his protruding portion and great depth in shadows at the rear, he should be kept continually wet (not too much water with it).

If blotches or shadyr spots occur he should be sponged freeljr with plenty of water till his surface is pure and white again. Allow to dry before the next wash is applied. Do not touch while wet and change the water bowl frequently. If it is desired to produce him from a med­

ium not mixed with water (as preferred by most students) a 6H pencil may be used when the image is engraved on the paper by natural pressure (3 finger power), and if the pencil is then erased the depth of the relief will produce this dimension to perfection.

Stewart Handasyde.

"THROUGH THE KEY HOLE." A certain Irish laddie has "bee-oo-tiful" red

hair and spends a lot of his spare time at that last place on God's earth—Omeo.

In desks two and three, Jeff and his friend (with the name of a famous inventor) get their heads together and after much whisper­ing—subdued chuckles are >eard. You must tell me that one sometime, J>fi.

Tack. ;n the far left hand corner also has "bee-oo-tiful" hair, brown but rapidly turning a lovely golden blonde. W e suspect peroxide. There will be a collection for a lad with

the name of a famous aviator (won the Cen­

tenary Air Race). Alan is trying to grow a "soup-strainer," and the collection will buy him a razor. W e like Mr. Hedley's variety in neck wear. John H. wears the very latest in Sports

coats. W e doubt having seen him in anything other than a Sports coat. That is to say you know what I mean. The stillness of the class room is often shat­

tered bv a melodious voice. "Tommy" wants to be a "Bing." If he doesn't keep quiet there will be a "Bang." in the first row is to be found a representa­

tive of one of our major Oil Companys. This budding young Architect, with fair hair (we again suspect peroxide) and dimples a la Temple; is outstanding in his attire, which varies frpm green shirts with blue ties and pie hats, to all brown sports clothes and "Bee-oo-tiful" scarlet socks.

There was a "straightening of ties and a brushing of hair" when a young miss decided to learn Building Construction this year. A certain young Stewart clan, soldier, in the

second row, often (very often) wanders across to his neighbour for a chat.

"Mind the uniform, Frankie." W e like Mr. Orme's "Boards!"

THE MOUSE AND THE RATS. (With apologies to the Rats).

Once upon a time there was a mouse who lived under a floor joist, or behind a skirting, or in some such place where respectable mice frequently' dwell; and when she found a piece of tasty cheddar cheese in the larder, she thought the world was a good place to live in. One dayr, after a party, she found a piece of

Gorgonzola and this changed the whole course of her life. It was something like you or I winning Tatt's; if such a thing happened to us we might quite easily get above ourselves, that is why Providence never lets us win. Well this mouse got quite uppish; whyM she thought, should a mouse be content to scuttle about behind skirtings and along floor joists, there must be far more interesting things in the world.

She had for instance heard sly whispers about wall cavities, brick flues and down pipes. There were legends about far off places such as roof trusses, which her great grand­fathers had once, so legend told, discovered; but the said ancestors had never returned to confirm this. Then there was herring-bone strutting and

that sounded even more exciting than Gorgon-gola, so the mouse decided to go and find out all there was to know about such things.

Forsaking the homely skirting board, she scuttled up and down a number of streets, until she came to a remarkable building with an "Open Door" marked Art. Feeling remark­ably courageous, if somewhat lost, she skipped up a broad staircase, went into a skid along

THE OPEN DOOR Page 29

a gloomy passage and found herself outside a door marked Architecture. By this time her courage had ebbed slightly, but not her cur­iosity—oh nol With a defiant squeak she slid under the door and gazed around -her: to her horror instead of finding a delightful assort­ment of roof trusses, jack rafters and cavity walls she found a room full of large, and very masculine, rats. The rats were even more surprised than the mouse, but hid their feel­ings in loqks of contempt. Fancy a mouse thrusting herself upon them, well they'd fix that.

A mouse, who lived under a floor joist, con­sidering herself the equal of rats who dug holes under foundations and knew all the secrets of 4:2:1 mix, rats who swaggered along wall plates and purlins and swung by their tails from tie rods, rats who could make exciting short circuits in power cables' and bring fire engines chasing along the streets, rats who even went voyaging on great ships to foreign lands; to be insulted by the invasion of a mouse. N o ! they would not even be insulted, they could afford to ignore the inci­dent.

The mouse—well, the exciting things she was seeking seemed as far away as ever, cavity walls, geometric strings and tile battens still seem as inexplicable and legendary as the things her great grandfathers are said to have seen. But she is still curious and as a punish­ment for curiosity she endures the ordeal of sitting at a desk among a squeaky band of contemptuous rats, to whom the things she seeks, cavity wallsi and such, are not even ex­citing, but every day things. She endures be­cause curiosity cannot be cured by punish­ment, but often she longs for release from curiosity; for release from the rats; for the peaceful crevice behind the skirting; for chedda cheese, not' Gorgonzola.

J.L.F. and Another.

TO THE EMBRYO ARCHITECT. A student setting out on a course in Archi­

tecture has one aim in mind, namely the gain­ing of those qualifications which will enable him to practise in his chosen profession.

H e has before him at least six years of hard work, that is under the most favourable con­ditions. Usually all this work has to be done at night after working in an Architect's office during the day.

It can be readily seen, therefore* that the student who sets out on this course must have unbounded enthusiasm and determination to succeed if he is to carry it to a successful conclusion.

From what I have said it might be thought that m y aim was to discourage the student who has chosen architecture as his profession, but the opposite is rather m y purpose!

Although he faces a long and arduous course

it should be said that, given the necessary, en­thusiasm, he will find his studies full of in­terest, and the avenues of research opened up for him many and varied. H e will view the history of ancient Countries and Empires in a new light and that history which was once a dry and uninteresting study will gain new life and a new interest.

H e will learn of numerous materials, their peculiar properties ,and how their use may influence the design of buildings, and leave their imprint on the period and place of their use. H e will find that every structure pro­vides many problems for the architect, and, in the solution of these problems, the designer, if he does his work well, gains much satisfaction, the sense of a job well done.

In short, what appears a long arduous course of study can become an absorbing inter­est in the life of the student ,one that will repay him handsomely for his efforts, at least in pleasure if not in money.

It is your outlook on your work that can make it difficult and burdensome, or intriguing and interesting.

What is your outlook? Fuhrer.

THAT MAG. ARTICLE? . . . I don't know why—perhaps it was just m y

unlucky day? Anyway, it was m y job to gather in the "mag" articles from Building Construction 1.

At first I thought it would be just too easy. — A word from me, and all the class would scuttle away—scribble feverishly for half an hour and return with a triumphant smirk and a literary masterpiece.

Nay, not so. I spent several hours at var­ious times coaxing, begging, pleading, implor­ing-—and threatening-

I would approach them one at a time and put across the old story... ."Hallo old man, coming ort well with your drawing—looks very nice. .Er. . .-.What do I want to borrow? Oh, er, nothing,"old man, that is,.... I was wonder­ing if you would write a "mag" article; I think you look like one of these brainy journalist fellows. (That goes over well).

What will you write about? Oh, well! Er ....How about life in the bathroom, er—I mean—classroom. No? H o w about some ex­periences of people you meet coming to school of a night; No? Well, how about.... Oh, dammit, think of something yourself—I'll be back in a week—have a go at it, there's a good fellow. You will? Good, your drawing is rather good.

Or if, as more often they did, say "Really, I can't write for nuts! Whereupon he is in­formed that he is not being asked to write for nuts—but a magazine article^and (as a parting shot) "I think your drawing is rotten after all!"

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I have received one "mag" article so far— Great Chap! God Bless Him!

"Enyam," Building Construction 1.

BUILDING C O N S T R U C T I O N — G R A D E 1.

FINAL EXAMINATION PAPER.

Time allowed 2 hours. Only 8 questions to be answered, one of

which must be the 7th. Candidates who are more than 20 minutes

late in handing in their paper must answer it again, to-morrow' nighti Only two candidates will be permitted to

work together as three is a crowd. If a candidate considers that he has not got

sufficient data to answer a question he may make any assumption he wishes. Candidates are asked to refrain from mak­

ing an excessive number of phone calls during the examination, as the lines are generally engaged during these hours. The value of the questions will be per mark

per question per student perhaps. The following- instruments and materials

should be brought b.v students to the examin­ation. Abundant amount of tracing paper. Photos and sketches. Change of underwear. Chewing gum, tobacco, and cigarettes

(cigars not permitted) and pipes. Female students will be permitted chocolates

and lipstick. 1. Draw to the scale of 5 toes to 1 foot

(bunions not to be counted), the section through a fireplace, and indicate construction required and state method you would adopt to train smoke to go up a chimney.

2. Indicate with sketches method of induc­ing smokers to place the butts (botli florentine bronze and nickel plated finish) in the fire rather than on tire hearth. 3. Give reasons why you consider stuoke

should go up the chimney rather than in the room. 4. Where do voids occur.

a. In concrete. b. Under foundations. c. Or in the heads of studento.

Any suggestion of a void in the attic of the . examiner will probably nullify the whole paper. 5. A master's error may mean unexpected

results whereas a student's stupidity may re­sult in another 12 months' drudgery. Discuss this statement in a short essay of about 7 pages. 6. What are the most important covering in

a student's structure. Collars, ties, studs, braces or soles. Holdfasts may be considered in lieu of braces. 7. Which is the greatest distance in an un­

principled roof. The width of the hips across the beam or the width of the apron across the

front. If the roof is principled it should not rest on unprincipled supports. 8. Mr. Nowell wishes to build a small resi­

dence and has submitted details which are characteristic of himself. Draw to Jockey Club scales of 8 furlongs to 1 mile the rear elevation. To be twin bouse (old fashioned type), with

closed coupled roof. Privacy to be obtained by external shutters

or Guards (Royal Scotch regiment). Front, to have projecting portico dressed ex­

ternally and with frieze and lined internally with acid resisting material. ' -Head (door) to be throated, toothed and

tongued. Fireplace to have rock faced breasts. Cap to be square and true and should wear

the old school badge. Under no circumstances will the fxaminer

accept presents. However, his phone No. is I.O.U. 241. Applications for preferential . treatment, unless underpinned by cheques, or bearing the cosmetic imprints from female stu­dents will not be considered. Cheques should be of coarse aggregate of a durable nature and there should be no trace of foreign matter; they should be crossed, the correct exchange added and made payable to the Teachers' Banking Company of Glenferrie unlimited.

Stewart Handasyde. GRADE III.—BUILDING CONSTRUCTION. FUHRER, Herr Von Couslands.

CLASS, at least three of Melbourn's lead­ing intelligensia.

Herr Von Couslands.

Our year and this column is going to be composed of threes' in as much as our dashing Leader, Mr. Couslands, we consider, is three men in one, that my dears is not guff, guff, but a unanimous opinion. I wonder? Have we the temerity to dare mention about the Iiddler that with his mighty 2* inches upset Mr Fitchett's boat when he was fishing off Dudley Flats last month.

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Also our general E A T S S T E W A R D of the Smoke Night. "Nowell, Nowell, let m e abide in thy love," so the ancient Psalmists sang; but Nowell, unlike the orig., doesn't love us, if he doesn't get at least, 95 per cent, of the glare that beats around the throne, but Nowell old Boy, perhaps we can blame the Bocker that sits so loosely about the ears.

Contribution by Our Artist Trist.

Great, ain't it. But you should see him draw the ground plan for a W.C. (Weather­board Cottage). Talking about drawing, every penny of the 2/- in for Mr. Bamford's present was like extracting large size eye teeth from out budding Longstaff.

So much for Social? jottings. W e must thank Mr. Hedley for arranging

for Mr. Hudspeth's very interesting lecture on Engineering Construction, which was invalu­able to us as a Grade.

Mr. Cousland must be mentioned for his kindness in taking us to Coles' building in course of construction.

Mr. Hughes, under whose guidance our in­structors do their able job, should also know of our very sincere admiration.

Rex,

SMOKE NIGHT. A very enjoyable time was spent by a num­

ber of the students and instructors of this De­partment at a listening-in party (where no­body but Nowell listened-in) on ,22nd August in this Year of Grace. The party was very, well organized by.the

' Committee in charge of . operations, ' and -J. Fitchett, j'un., very • handsomely made a pre­sentation, to Mr. Bamford in recognition of his services to the Department, and of his help to some of those present in their first and second years of Building Construction. Though we did not hear "Australia Win the

Test," all left in a mood that shows that such "get-togethers" between students and Instruc­tors are quite a success.

The Nut.

Our Dance. Well, we have heard it was the most success­

ful function held at the school. W e thought so. Nuff said.

QUANTITY SURVEYING. The latest innovation in the Architectural

Department is the Quantity Surveying Class, which has a very able and well-liked Instructor by the name of Mr. Scott.

When this class was first mooted, all were rather dubious of this eventual success. How­ever, pioneered by an enthusiastic gathering of youths scholarly and otherwise, all anxious to learn, an ideal understanding was soon reached with the even-tempered instructor, who was eager to impart his knowledge . The Grade 1 students this year have proved

as keen as the initial pupils, and since a young-lady has come to the class still greater enthus­iasm has been manifest and the attendance, if not the pulses, are regular.

Mr. Scott, having spent a number of years at Quantity Surveying in Scotland, where they, as it is to be expected, have the most scientific and exact method of measuring in the world, is quickly moulding us into a promising group of Scotch (by absorption) builders, and that is the reason, mon, I sign myself.

A. J. " M A C " Potts,

Art Department ART EDITOR'S NOTES. Since his return from a tour of Britain, the

Continent and the United States of America, Mr. Stanley W . Tompkins, Head of the Art School, has infused his students with an en-tnusiasm for practical experiments in Art. Greater results from this approach to pro­blems, will no doubt be seen next year when the students now showing promise will be cap­able of more advanced work. The impact of an active mind recently stimulated by a wide experience of conditions of art education in twelve countries has stirred the Art School to a realization that energetic policies are in the air.

From 16th to 20th May, Mr. Tompkins held an exhibition in the Art School of the major part of the publicity matter collected on his travels. The exhibition received highly favour­able reports from' Melbourne's art critics. Mr. George Bell stated . that' he was especially pleased with the selection of posters made with a view to giving the students an appreciation of the best that poster artists had done lately. Mr. Basil Burdett, Art Critic of the "Herald," wrote: "Mr. Tompkins has wisely chosen his collection to show the students at Swinburne the variety of methods, processes and treat­ments used by modern publicity artists abroad." Mrs. George Swinburne performed the opening ceremony. Educational authorities and manufacturers visited the exhibition. For­mer students attended enthusiastically in a body.

On two occasions during the year, Mr. Gun-nerson and Mr. Bassett-Smith very kindly showed colour films in one of the studios of the Art School. The majority of the films were taken by Mr. and Mrs. Gunnerson and Mr. Bassett-Smith on world tours.- The staff

Page 32 THE OPEN DOOR

and students extend their gratitude and ap­preciation.

A successful dance held this year is reported elsewhere in the magazine.

In this issue are some impressions of Mr. Tompkins' tour taken from his dairy and an interesting summary of the aims and ideals of the Incorporated Society of Artists in Com­merce in London.

A FEW IMPRESSIONS OF MY TOUR. By S. W . Tompkins, Head of Art School.

Notes in m y diary provide the following dc seription of places and events in a number i>f capitals and other important cities selected us being of more general interest than a de­tailed account of educational centres and schools visited. London.—No one can adequately describe

London. It has the atmosphere of an ancient city that has kept pace with time. London is dark, of a coloured darkness. The sooty blackness of age-begrimed buildings, so often pictured, does faint justice to the reality. London is a city of fabulous dimensions and yet somehow it feels like home. Indifferent as it is to the individual, by its very indiffer­ence it bestows a freedom. N o one has ever fathomed its mind or heart but it is friendly to the enquirer after knowledge.

The crowds of railway terminuses and con­gested stores, the low-lying smoke from tene­ment houses, the dampness and cold are all characteristically part of London. Traditional reverence preserves the palaces,

churches, historical buildings and mansions. The Art galleries, museums, bridges, monu­ments, parks and gardens add the touch of culture and dignity. The streets, the thousands of buses, from the

top of which you can really see London, the taxis, the gopd-nafured policemen and the slow moving pedestrians give a unique individ­uality to this immense city. A city which it would take a lifetime to know. A city en­hanced by the constant presence of Royalty.

During our stay in London we lived in the artists' suburb, Hampstead, overlooking the famous Hampstead Heath. Each day we ex­plored some part of London visiting a mu­seum, an art gallery, an historical building or the market places where everything is sold from a nib to a grand piano. W e spent many hours wandering about the streets, we watched the shipping activities from the banks and bridges of the Thames. W e listened to orators using Hyde Park as a safety valve. W e were greatly amused by the antics of the street en­tertainers.

The Underground with its network of tubes, the lifts and escalators, the automatic ma­chines supplying us with tickets and change are remarkable features of this magical Lon­don. W e saw unusual and interesting things every day.

W e humbly agree with Dr. Johnson, who said: 'When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life."

A Night at the Opera.

W e took the opportunity of seeing "Don Juan" from a box at the Royal Opera, Covent Garden.

The boxes are merely divisions of, what we in Australia, call the dress-circle. Partitions are built to the edge of the balustrade, divid­ing the circle into compartments, each of which is provided with easy chairs. Our box was situated on one side of the circle and in such a position that we obtained a good view of the people in the opposite box, but could only see the stage by leaning far out. I knew that this was not done, but after the

first act, I became so interested in the sound of the performance of this modern opera by Eugene Goosens, that I stood up and leaned right out for the rest of the evening. I saw, as well as heard, the opera, though I felt m y behaviour might possibly cast a further re­flection on the innocent overseas visitor.

The opera was well produced. Lawrence Tibbet took the leading part. The music was very modern and suggested the emotions of the actors more than the striving after tune­ful melodies.

Brussels.—In Brussels we were whisked in a taxi down the main street to our first Con­tinental hotel. Here we discovered the funny beds where the bedclothes consist of two sheets and a large bolster. This bolster is rolled about on top until a comfortable posi­tion is gained. If it is hot, you are faced with the difficulty of pushing it on the floor and having no bedclothes except a sheet, or leaving the bolster where it is and sweltering—no al­ternative is provided. AJ1 doors and windows are in pairs to keep out the noise of traffic and bells of nearby cathedrals, but believe me, you cannot keep a good bell out!

Morning, and we had our first Continental breakfast — coffee and rolls, crisp little rolls, not much butter and a tiny pot of jam. After making the most of our frugal breakfast we took a sight-seeing tour of the city. (In each city on the Continent that we visited we found this a good plan, as it gave us a general sur­vey of the place). The guide, a humourist, pointed out various palaces and public build­ings, made us rub a statue's hand for luck, then pointing to a fine building, he said, "That is the largest paper manufacturer in the coun­try." It was the National Bank . Further on, he showed us the "Marionette Theatre"—Par­liament House.

On passing the equestrian satue of King Leopold II., the guide told us that this King could never ride a horse, and drew our atten­tion to the inscription which was in Latin. H e said that two languages were spoken in Belgium — Flemish and French. Nobody could read the inscription, so everyone was

THE OPEN DOOR Page 33

happy. The statue was placed at the back of the palace where a secret door was found. "It suggested," he said, "that the King used this entrance more than the front one, espec­ially at night." As we passed on, we saw a lot of young-

soldiers drilling. They looked pale and under­sized. They were the war babies of a war-battered country preparing for the next con­flict. Every member of the party was affected by the sight and the guide ceased to be face­tious.

Berlin.—A capital, serious with a mission— to give living expression to the Nazi concep­tion, to the heroic and the race—and—history conscious view of life. W e travelled to. Berlin by a wonderfully

smooth-running, well-equipped train, arriving on the 1st of May r—May Day. Uniforms were everywhere. Thousands of people were mak­ing for the Great Square in the Unter der Linden. W e joined the thousands in the Great Square/ A huge may-pole first met our gaze. Soldiers were preparing for a big torchlight procession to be held that evening. W e later saw the procession of 200,000 men, each with a torch, marching to hear Hitler give his mes­sage. W e could not then get near the Square.

Prague.—Prague is a very wonderful old city, with some remarkable examples of archi­tecture. The Town Hall with its fine Council Cham­

ber in black and: gold, its splendid murals by V. Brozik, the famous clock with the twelve apostles, St. Vitus' Church with its silver tomb weighing one ton—these and many other ex­amples of art and history made Prague a place to be remembered. The old Jewish cemetery had 12,000 tomb­

stones placed close together in a very small area. The old synagogue, a dirty musty place, reeked with history, even to the smaii cubicle at the entrance where, according to history, a Rabbi, not being allowed to wash himself, entered, lit a small fire and bathed in his own sweat.

The slums of Prague, which were shown to us by the guide, were very picturesque to the artist, but to the health inspector, positively filthy. The same guide pointed out the tomb of the Unknown Soldier and told us that on a previous tour, when he was showing some Americans round, one of the women tourists said, "Say guide, you speak English very well; but tell me just as a favour, what is the name of the Unknown Soldier." Vienna.—We took a three-hour trip through

Vienna and visited its old and historical build­ings, its modern sections, its famous business thoroughfares, its churches and museums.

On the way we inspected the block of apart­ments built for the working classes. The whole area is three-quarters of a mile long, und in­cludes a wonderful children's playground. Each apartment, three rooms and a kitchen, is

let at a rental of £1/10/- per month.

W e visited the Castle of Schronbrunn and were shown its forty-five gaily decorated rooms. The Indian room with its original drawings on the walls, and inlaid wood panels, was of particular interest.

Budapest.—One of the brightest and gayest spots we visited. The cafes lining the banks of the Danube, the Hungarian bands playing, the bright coloured national costumes, the well-dressed men and women, the shop window displays, the market places with old women selling exquisite craftwork, all these make Budapest a delightful place for the tourist. The posters and the packages are very attract­ive. The Art Galleries contain the usual mas­terpieces. The exhibition of Contemporary Artists' work was remarkable. The so-called "Modern" work with its purple and green women, its head out of proportion and its crude colour scheme suggested more a touch of humour than seriousness. One could not be serious in Budapest. Then there is the wonderful Margaret

Island, situated in the middle of the Danube with its beautiful gardens^ fine hotels and splendid swimming pools. A place where one can be really happy. Innsbruck.—Huge snow-clad mountains sur­

round the town and make a wonderful back­ground to a quaint village. W e ascended the Hagelekar Mountains, 7,650 feet, by funicular and cable railway, and got a reall thrill—in other words, a big fright. The panorama from the summit is magnificent. W e took a train to Hall, a remarkable little

village, five miles from innsbruck, and saw a very old church, the doors of which had fine old wrought iron locks and hinges. W e visited an old woodcarver, Andreas Crepaz by name, whoi is over eighty years of age and still spe­cializes in the carving of crucifixes. H e showed us his drawings and anatomical studies, and demonstrated his skill with the chisel—a superb craftsman.

Lucerne and Lugano.—Delightful spots in which to relax, with their unbelievable scen­ery, snow-capped mountains reflected in lovely lakes, splendid woodcarving for sale every­where, colourful posters, happy faces, orches­tral concerts in gardens and shady esplanades —generally described as "Heaven on earth."

Venice.—On arrival we boarded a gondola and were rowed, propelled or pushed through smelly waterways, past old homes and coal barges to our hotel. At first we were a bit disappointed, but later we realized that our route was taken through these dirty back ways to save time. However, our disappointment soon turned to amazement when we saw the Grand Canal, the Doge's Palace, the Great Square of St. Mark's and the Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute.

W e visited a splendid exhibition of the works of Tinboretto held in the Palazzo Pe-

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saro — a splendid collection and well arranged.

The Ducal Palace with its wonderful paint­ings, the Bridge of Sighs and the dungeons, the Basilica of St. Mark's, the Rialto Bridge, the shipping with its gaily coloured sails, the gondolas moving slowly along the Grand Canal transporting lovers, old and young, to the realms of romance, the narrow streets, the ab­sence of vehicles (even of a child's scooter), the glass blowing, the Lido, the food and the rich red Chianti made our short stay in Venice a link in our chain of exciting experiences. Florence.—Our trip from Venice to Flor­

ence over the Apennines and through a tunnel, eight miles long, at about sixty miles an hour, was very uncomfortable, but Florence, the great Art centre, made us soon forget the hot and stuffy train.

W e first visited the Chapel of Princes (Medici chapel) designed by Michelangelo, and containing the finest sculpture of this famous craftsman—it is difficult to describe this noble and beautiful chapel. The figures of Lorenzo, Guiliano, D a w n and Night, Michelangelo's statue of "David and the Slave," the statues of Perseus (Cellini) in the Loggia dir Lanzi, the works of Donatello, the Uffizi Gallery, the Pitti palace, the Palazzo Veechio, the Baptist­ery with its famous Chiberte doors, the Cathe­dral (Duomo) and the Campanile designed by Giotto are wonderful. To come face to face with these things which I knew only from books merely confirmed m y ideas that words cannot describe an actual experience, and that from an artist's point of view the camera always lies.

Florence is known as the "City of Flowers," and it was our good fortune to see a competi­tion held in the front of the Pelazzio Veechio for the most beautiful flower girl. Flowers everywhere, and lovely girls carrying huge bouquets paraded before the crowd of on­lookers who registered their votes.

A shaky old tram took us up to Fiesole situated on a hill overlooking the valley of the Anio. Many beautiful villas are situated on the hillside including the Villa Palmieri (owned now by an American) which, tradi­tion tells us, is the place where Boccaccio's gav company spent their time telling stories

The Church of San Miniato (101?) at Fie-sole is interesting as an example of Tuscan Romanesque style. Florence has so many art treasures that it is liable to cause "art diges­tion," a complaint which can only be over­come by choosing reasonable "meals" at regu­lar hours. Nice and Monte Carlo.—Two pleasure re­

sorts which showed us the gaiety of the French Riviera. So well organised are the attractions of these places, that thousands of tourists from all over the world make them their play­ground. Paris.—The attractive city of the world. It

has a peculiar charm which is not easy to de­

fine. Paris appears to be given over mainly to

pleasure, and yet, at first we were impressed with its uniform appearance. After explor­ation it astonished us with its variety of as­pects—an ancient and yet modern city. The Paris taxi-drivers seem to have no respect for pedestrians.

At the bookstalls along the Seine pedes­trians turn the leaves of grimy books. The Latin quarter, of which the world has heard so much, the resort of learned societies, schools and international students, is not so interesting as it was before the war—so we were told. The well known cafes and restaurants have be­come night-seeing places, and much of the "life" there is merely theatrical display for the tourist.

The essential part of Paris is the section of the Grands Boulevards between the Made­line and the Rue de Richelieu, where exclusive shops and cafes give an elegance which makes Paris the principal centre of fashion and amusement.

From the artist's point of view, the Louvre — o n e of the most magnificent palaces of Paris —houses a marvellous art collection. The en­trance to the Louvre with its well placed "Winged Victory," the arrangement of the galleries with wonderful examples of Rem­brandt, Rubens, Ingres, Leonardo da Vinci, Delacroix, etc., and its galleries of Assyrian and Egyptian sculpture are very impressive.

The Luxemburg set in beautiful surround­ings and housing modern paintings and sculp­ture; the Ecole des Beaux-Arts, the academy of painting and sculpture, with its old and musty class-rooms where thirty professors teach over 1500 students; the Musee de Cluny with its collection of handicrafts; the tomb of Napoleon; the Madeleine with its interesting sculpture and modern frescoes; Notre Dame, the cathedral of the Archbishop of Paris, with its remarkable woodcarving and monuments— all these examples of art and history were visited by us. To describe them is beyond rny capacity.

W e visited the Palace of Versailles and were disappointed. Perhaps we were tired of see­ing palaces. Perhaps the palaces of Berlin, Potsdam and Prague had sapped all our en­thusiasm and admiration.

The Paris Exposition, however, gave us a wonderful reaction. There we were in an old city, in the centre of which was springing up a collection of ultra modern buildings to house the world's best examples of art and industry. When we visited the Exposition it was still unfinished, although it had been "opened" two months previously. The designs of the pavil­ions, the high standard of the art and the handicrafts shown, the colossal stone carvings, the general propaganda, the huge photographs were amazing. Then again, at night the illum­ination of the buildings, the remarkable effect

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of the Eiffel Tower, the gaiety of the whole place, the cabarets, the theatres, in fact every­thing, gave us the impression that Paris was "living."

* * * W e left London on September 15th, travel­

ling across the Atlantic to N e w York on the "Queen Mary." During the voyage of five days we had the opportunity of thoroughly exploring every class of this huge luxurious liner, the decorations and furnishings of which are really wonderful. Our arrival in N e w York was just a big exciting experience.

* * *

New York.—The "City of Dreadful Heights" — a fleet of skyscrapers rising out of the sea. Man}' with lawns and gardens on their roofs. The smart shops of Fifth Avenue are a joy to the visiting woman tourist. The American woman knows how to dress inexpensively and well. She is well groomed and carefully made-up.' As American women say, "Money care­fully spent on one's back and face nearly al­ways pays dividends."

The Rockefeller Centre, occupying three city blocks with its murals, sculpture and other forms of decoration, its bronze foun­tains in the Plaza; the high Empire State building with its one hundred and two stories' and seven miles of elevators; the University, Art Galleries, Museums, Hospitals, Medical Colleges, Planetariums; Broadway — "The Great White Way," Radio City Music Hall and other places of amusement; the finance quar­ter, Wall Street, and the Stock Exchange; the parks and gardens, the "Little Church Around the Corner," the noise and the speed—often to the tourist a stimulus which can be rightly called a "mental spring-cleaning." Washington.—A city of fine buildings, wide

tree-bordered avenues, and fine modern mem­orials. Chicago.—A dynamic city with amazing-

buildings, beautiful parks and boulevards. The great beauty of the great inland lake, Lake Michigan, the Art Galleries and sculpture, the overhead railways, the big hotels, the bustle and the noise—surely a city of ambition and force. Grand Canyon of Arizona.—A gigantic

chasm, 217 miles long, 14 to 18 miles wide and a mile deep—at its bottom it imprisons the mighty Colorado so completely as to make it practically invisible from above. On arrival at the El Tovar hotel we had our first glimpse of the grandeur of the famous Grand Canyon which seems to change its indescribable colours every minute—it is a remarkable illustration of the action of rain, wind and frost in the erosion of the surface of the earth. Los Angeles.—-A remarkable city which I

understand built itself on oil, oranges and movies. The wealth and glamour of Holly­wood and the magnificent homes in Beverley Hills, the beach resort at Santa Monica, the

film studios, the unusual cafes and the wide paved highways which radiate in every direc­tion to points of interest, provided a new in­terest and stimulus.

W e had the good fortune to meet Walt Disney, who arranged for us to be conducted through his studios, where we had explained to us the interesting method of producing animated cartoons. What impressed us most was the reverence that each artist had for the little characters — Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Pluto—who were more than drawings, they were really living beings. W e were also given the opportunity to visit the Paramount studios where we met the Art Director, Hans Dreier, who allowed us to spend a good deal of time in the Art Department, gaining information on the designing and producing of "sets." H e presented m e with a number of original draw­ings. W e saw shots being taken and explored the huge studios.

THE AIMS AND OBJECTS OF THE INCOR­PORATED SOCIETY OF ARTISTS IN

COMMERCE.

Mr. Tompkins attended the Annual Meeting of the Society in London and gave a short address on the conditions of advertising art in Australia. The Society seems to be well established.

The President expressed a wish that a similar society be formed in Australia, and that it be affiliated with the English Society. The aims and objects of the Society are: 1-—To provide a recognised and represen­

tative body to which all artists in commerce and industry may belong. 2.—To co-ordinate the various interests re­

presented in Art in Commerce, affording means of self-expression, and opportunities of co-operation with bodies representing other in­terests.

3.—To strive for a fuller recognition of Art as an important factor in reanimating British Trade throughout the world. 4.—To do all in its power to raise the

status of the Commercial and Industrial Ar­tist. 5.—To initiate or assist in schemes of educa­

tion and culture in connection with Commer­cial and Industrial Art. 6.—To hold examinations in Commercial

Art, and to award certificates and diplomas. 7.—To organise lectures and meetings for

members and provide lectures and speakers on Applied Art to other organizations. 8.—To organise Exhibitions of Commercial

and Industrial Art. 9.—To organise or supervise Competitions. 10.—To establish and conduct an Employ­

ment Bureau. 11.—To establish a Central Bureau for put­

ting enquirers in touch with free lance artist members.

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12.—To provide members with advice on legal matters.

13.—To protect and safeguard in every pos­sible way the interests of artists engaged in commerce and industry.

14.—To form an International Reference Library of works treating every form of Ap­plied Art.

15.—To publish a Magazine and a Year Book devoted to the interests of artists in commerce, and to reproduce work of conspic­uous merit.

16.—To inaugurate a Benevolent Fund.

ART LIBRARIAN'S NOTES.

In casual reading provocative sentences hit us at every turn. Books picked up at random in the art library may bring about many a productive train of thought. A note book is a necessary part of every art student's equip­ment.

To discover how suggestions and ideas are made available, let us look through a few copies of "Design." What appeals to one may not have the same value to the next reader, but here is a selection.

In the January, 1937, number of "Design" an article on "Torn Paper is a Simple Intro­duction to Painting" states "Torn paper work ....is justified because it is a splendid fore­runner for oil painting. It teaches the advan­tage of laying the paint directly on the paper instead of mixing and blending it. Bits of torn paper may be lightly laid over the sur­face of the picture just as paint may be lightly 'skummeri' on parts of a canvas to give a better effect on a field, or water, or on a cloud. . . . [One] learns by startling experience that little dabs of colour actually fuse at a distance."

In the same number in an article on "Cari­cature and Cartooning" one reads "Expression is the life blood of the cartoonist's work.... So utilize your spare time by making little sketches of heads and expressions. A n inter­esting point that should be mentioned here is the feeling which one should try to embody in one's drawings—'character should not look like somebody but rather feel like somebody looks,' savvy?" In an article on "Marketing Your Design

Ability" there is the pertinent sentence "For­get the aesthetic quality of your design and talk about increased sales, inexpensive produc­tion and market appeal."

W e find in the March, 1937, number of "De­sign" this quotation: "It is to the artist and to his brother the artisan that we owe what we spiritually know of the succeeding manifes­tations of civilizations upon our earth." Then, in April, 1937, "Design," in an ar­

ticle on "What D o You See?" we read: "Recognition has been substituted for per­

ception. The average person recognizes par­ticular objects by their previously associated meanings. . . .

"Moreover, the person who has been effec­tively exposed to a specific advertisement will be less visually receptive to future layouts of its kind, as he will tend to recognize the pro­duct as meaning an end to fulfill a special function.

"Man's sensitized perceptiveness concerning streamlining is comparable to woman's aware­ness of the changing form of kitchen utensils, electrical appliances, and other utilitarian ob­jects."

On another page of this number, is the ar­resting phrase "in terms of our elaborate ma­chine civilization." H o w this sets the mind going if we stop to allow it!

"Design" for February, 1937, causes us to think for a moment of dramatic art. In "Let us Choose a Play," by Norwood J. Engel, occur the following two interesting para­graphs:

"Wnen you are selecting a play certain fun­damentals should not be overlooked. The first essential would be dramatic value. If a play will not hold an audience, if it does not have a clear cut definite line of conflict, if it does not develop a certain suspense, or if the action does not build itself around the unusual with surprises, sensations, sympathy or any mental or physical emotion, then we would consider that play as lacking in dramatic value.

"Characterization would be the next funda­mental we would emphasize. After all, regard­less of how large or small a part in any play, the character should show itself as a living person with human understanding.

In the April number is an article bearing directly on commercial art containing these paragraphs:

"Aldous Huxley says: 'Most advertising ar­tists spend their time elaborating symbols that stand for something different from the com­modity they are advertising. . . .Sex and money —these seem to be the two main interests of civilized human beings. That is why even aperients and engineering jobs have to be ad­vertised in terms of some symbol of wealth or eroticism. Mr. Knight Kauffer is also a symbolist; but the symbols with which he deals are not symbols of something else; they stand for the particular things which are at the mo­ment under consideration. Thus, forms sym­bolical of mechanical power are used to adver­tise powerful machines; forms symbolical of space, loneliness and distance to advertise a holiday resort where prospects are wide and houses few, and so on.

"In this matter, Mr. Knight Kauffer reveals his affinity with ,all artists who have ever aimed at expressiveness through simplification, distortion and transposition, and especially with the Post-Impressionists and Cubists. The

THE OPEN DOOR Page 37

aim is the same: to render the facts of nature in such a way that the rendering shall be, not a copy, but a simplified, formalized and more expressive symbol of the things represented. The aim is common to many of the most in­teresting and significant of contemporary ar­tists. It is Mr. Knight Kauffer's distinction that he was among the first, as he still re­mains among the best, of the interesting and significant contemporary artists to apply these principles to the design of advertisements. So much for half an hour in the library.

N o w what have you got to read in spare mo­ments at home. A serious reader always has two or three books at hand. Let us idly dip into "Gifts of Life" by Emil Ludwig. Some quotations used by Ludwig for his chapter headings will serve. "Art gives pleasure only if it appear to be

effortless; it should seem as if improvised." "Only a few have both thought and energy.

Thought expands, but cripples; energy vital­ises, but narrows."

Pointed barbs of thought, dangerous ideas making action imperative, packed informa­tion, sensuous expressions awakening a sense of beauty, are all waiting in closed books for the reader with that acquired understanding that comes as a reward for long and careful reading.

HORSES AT THE ROYAL SHOW.

Well, it's all over now, the Royal Show, with its bustle and excitement, drums beating in the sideshows, dust and papers whirled about by the wind, the conceited ponies, in­cessantly calling to each other, answered by the fr nzied barking of dogs, and snorting of roud draught horses. Here we are, turned out in the paddocks,

with nothing to do except nibble the fresh spring grass and laze in the sunshine, till autumn comes again and we are brought in to be shod, stabled, groomed and exercised in readiness for next year's Show.

It was fun, wasn't it? Even the frosty mornings before the sun was up, when our mistress came with a lantern to saddle us up for exercise. W e went out shivering in the darkness, but came home tingling with warmth, our neat hooves crackling through the frozen turf. W e were looked after like children. Every meal was varied so we would not tire of our feed. Our hooves were oiled, our teeth were filed, and we were groomed till our coats shone like satin. Then there was our education to be seen to. W e had to learn manners, paces and routines. W e had to get used to traffic, noises and papers blowing about. H o w frightened I was the first time I saw a steamroller. I didn't want to pass it,

and I reared right up. But m y mistress was firm. She made m e go right up to it, and when it snorted I snorted back. But although it snorted at m e it didn't hurt me, so now I'm not at all afraid of them. At last we were ready, so a few days before

the Show opened we were taken there to get used to our new surroundings. W e were ex­ercised then on the arena where we were to be judged in a few days. All the grandstands were empty and silent. As we cantered round a rabbit scurried away under the fence from where it had been nibbling the grass. In a few days the grass would be worn down, trampled by hundreds of aristocratic hooves. I wondered what the rabbit would do for a living then. Every day came trucks and horse-floats laden with competitors. The great bulls, bored with everything, frightened m e at first, but I soon got used to them.

Never was there such excitement amongst horses and ponies as on judging day. Stal­lions reared and kicked, frequently knocking over their owners and scattering the people around them. Ponies whinnied and neighed; draught horses arched their great necks, con­scious of their massive beauty; hacks, trying valiantly to remember their manners, trotted and cantered, longing to toss their heads and fling themselves away. All were proud, but prouder still when the judge stopped before them, and the steward tied ribbons around their necks.

W e didn't get much sleep that week as there were late parties every night in the locker rooms behind our boxes. The morn­ings were early too, as all stables had to be cleaned out before eight o'clock. But it seemed worth it all, to be paraded before an enthusiastic crowd, with ribbons around our nec'-s. But now it is all passed, and here we a~e '-iavin-v n. well-earned rest, lazing in the r'- '-'-e and dr aming of Shows to come.

Margaret Gunnersen.

Some Linguist.

Customs Official (to Chinese immigrant):

"What's your name?"

Chinaman: "Sneeze."

Custom's Official: "Is that your real name?"

Chinaman: "No; me had it translated into

velly good English by ship's fireman."

Custom's Official: "Well, what's your real name?"

Chinaman. "Ah Choo."

— C . H. Beauchamp, B.9.

Page 38 THE OPEN DOOR

Xmas Card Designs.

Design by Jacqueline Herbert.

CM RIST m O G GREETinCS Design by Joan Turner.

Design by Margaret Gunnerson. Design by Ralph Pickford.

THE OPEN DOOR Page 39

FIRST Y E A R NOTES.

W e started the year well with twenty first year students, but during the year two of our members left—Joyce Citrene and Eva Millot. However, we welcome to our midst Jean Plant and B. Grinter. We have been well represented in the

sporting activities of the school this year. In the swimming sports our two represen­tatives were Ian Thake and R. Spread-borough, and our only results were R. Spreadborough third in the Egg and Spoon race. One of our members, Joyce Carter, plays in the school tennis team; two, J. Herbert and H. MacSwain, in the hockey teim; and I. Thake and R. Spreadborough in the football. The two last mentioned also represented us in the athletic sports on Thursday, August 25. The school dance on April 29th was a

great success and we all enjoyed ourselves thoroughly. W e had three members on the committee: J. Kerr, J. Herbert and M. Stu-dee. W e benefited £27 from the dance which was in aid of school equipment. We have all worked hsrd during the year

and the results of our efforts decorate the walls of the first year room and corridor. A. gramophone brought by one of the

^ulents has a^pd greatly to the lunch hour amusement. When the gramophone unfor­tunately broke down, contributions from members of the st'ff were gratefully r^cived Other contributions supplied the amount necessary for the repsirs and we now have more haprjy, if not high class mu"ic fov the class mus^c-lovers. in conclusion, we wish the form as a

who'e fh» b^rt of luck for the examinations to be h"ld in December, and also our best w!=h<»s to the staff and the rest of the art school for a very happy holiday thi« fummer.

j. Kerr. J. Herbert. SECOND YEAR NOTES. With Epologies to "Walter and Herman,"

"The Argus." It was the 11th of February. 1938, when

the 1st year students returned To Swinburne as 1"38 2nd year students, although .tb/y felt themselves to be just as young as befoie and they talked and giggled as usual and when they had acquainted themselves with their room they discovered to their horror that Geometrv W E S in store for them but still they talked and talked and when the swimming sports were over the next annoy­ance was the coming Art Ball and P. decided to go and therefore had to learn to dance and wlhen the masters were out of the room there was nothing but dancing drncing and mo-e dancing or was it dancing with a book in one h<?'nd and a partner in the other. "Aw gee M. go on do this one with me" However P. managed successfully and

enjoyed the ball. 2nd Term ended with a competition and

ended by beginning another and this sounds rather complicated and is although the end of term competition was a great success no one succeeded in obtaining 100% but we were not downhearted in fact we were pleased and started Wiltshire's competition with gusto the subjects ranging from cabbages to cotton reels from fish to glue pots from calves to musical instruments and after these we put our originality as artists to posters as large as ourselves. W e have suddenly become vain and have

collected penny pieces for • every female which purchased a pine mirror hung inside the door and two cakesjrf soap with which to wash our hands after a grovelling period of Geometry or a tussel with sketch paper and charcoal or should I say charcoal and sketch paper already we find' the advantage of the mirror—a sort of grab hat glance mirror run.

K. Buttle. THIRD Y E A R NOTES.

Wanted in hurry: Few tons time, several gallons paint and bottles of inspiration. Rither obvious who wants the above? It

all started when a Melbourne firm sent in their annual competitions which rush you at the end of the term and toss you into exams. Although they account for many a turmoil and brain fever just before the wrinkle on a 3rd year's brow, these com­petitions are wonderfully interesting and they are excellent publicity. Therefore perhrps it will be excused if these notes go a little farther in attempting to explain something that occupies quite a large part of our last term. In this year's competition we are workirg in entirely our own" ways and methods, trying to express individuality in each poster and not keeping strictly within the limits of the usual type of work th' t is done. Apart from these competitions we have experimented in textures and various treatments all through the year svh:ch effort has provided samples that are goirg to prove most useful in the "Rosy Future." All this work has been so absorbing that

in consequence, the year has flown and it's au'te hard to realize this is the kst term of the last y~ar for some of us. What about endirg it properly with exams, and darce^ al1 mixed up together? It sounds ra+hrr dul1 to just end our d°ys wi+h exams ft rppear~ to be an accepted idea (else-K T V - M ' +h t last t"rms were invented for "r zz'e-"azzle" ap°rt fr-m exams. No 3rd v~a,r (after h<v"d training) could be tempted in this wav (?> for there is a saying "Life is rh"rt: Art is Ion"-." So work we must wth gr^?t ho"es in rni^d. such as time and inspiration (the latter is often pronounced

Page 40 THE OPEN DOOR

through the nose—a la Oxford). Despite the fact that we have been

working so hard, we have managed to squeeze in enough time for dances and usual amusements, as well as a little dash of sport. 3rd year's worthy members have remained unconquered on the hockey field (?) as well as unbeaten on the tennis court •( ?); in fact, we feel quite unsurpassed —which is not unnatural under the circum­stances. It may be noticed, however—be prepared to squirm all those whom it may concern—that neither Art- Club's or weekly sketches have been mentioned; they are far better left out-, being the source of all inferior complexes in 3rd year. There is a certain tense air when we wait every month for those inevitable criticisms of weekly sketches and art clubs. " Strange though it may seem, the boys seem to be near the top in the Art Clubs., their percentage of hundreds is positively amazing. How very impossible it is to try to express

our immense gratitude to Mr. Tomkins; it is useless to attempt to thank him for all that he has so enthusiastically taught us. The only way we can possibly show our appreciation to him and the rest of the staff is by the results of our work now and in the future. Soon for some of us it will be "goodbye School." So, with our school days must end these "jots" ffom a 3rd year's life at Swinburne.

Patricia Court. FOURTH YEAR NOTES.

"Hi there!" cried the printing press. "Got anv air left?" "Just a little," puffed out the air-brush.

"But I'm fast going. What is it?" "Oh, just a little chat. Do you notice

how quickly the year has gone?—and soon we'll be getting a new set of fourth year students. I've rather liked this year's batch —they sing such a lot. Crooning they call ft. Also, they're expert at whistling. Cheers them up." "It Was rather nice to have Mr. Tompkins

back, again with all those new ideas." "Yes," the airbrush agreed, "and I'm used

quite a lot nowadays, even by the first and second year students. Everyone liked his exhibition of posters and publicity, didn't they? I heard the students talking most enthusiastically about it." "I've been doing a lot 5f nice work, too

lately," said the printing press, preening itself a trifle. "In fact, this line above me has all sorts of things on it. Ships and geese, galloping mustangs, trees and cows —and have you noticed the singing native? This class does love its singing." "Yes," said the airbrush, "these students

certainly vary their work; we have all sorts of things round this room—all those oil paintings, for instance. The class did a

great deal of sketching in first term. Watson and Glover never seem to stop painting; then there's that mural that hops all over the place. "It would be nice to dash about a bit,"

sighed the printing press. "But we hear and see a lot, just the same."

"By the way," said the airbrush, "what were all those sausages for last term. J can just remember seeing them before I expired one night." "OH, that was such fun. Mr. Gunnersen

kindly came to show the students some of his coloured movies, and you saw some of, the supper. Everyone enjoyed that, and they also have another evening in mind. Let's hope you see some of that." "Depends on if I've got any pressure.

Life is so' uncertain, an up and down business. Oh, I'll be asleep soon/' he yawned, "anything else?" "Oh, no, except that I'll wink at you in

the morning when they get busy with the poster competition."

Hilary Barber. ART SCHOOL DANCE NOTES.

The art students held a very successful dance on April 29th at Tudor Court. The main decorations included large red and silver palettes and some sketches by Jack Hanna. During the evening balloons and streamers were distributed. There were 280 guests present. The following members of the committee undertook the preparations for the dance: Lorraine Wagstaff_and Pete Slattery (secretaries), June Alexander Peggy Thonemahn, Jacqueline Herbert Margaret Sturdee, Jean Kerr, Eva Harris, Joan Catarinich, Hilary Barber and Margaret Gunnerson.

Pete Slattery. T A L L TIMBERS.

Beyond grey buildings standing dank and bare,

Amid the dirt and.dust of city air, Tall timbers sway and weep each cloud away Across blue skies and over hills of grey. 'Neath slender boughs which waver in the

breeze, And birds of every hue among the trees, A brook runs rippling through cool dell and

glade. Where tall green ferns provide refreshing

shade. At night, when men sit round their fire and

smoke, While frogs among the bogs and ditches

croak, The giants of the forest watch them all, And owls among their branches hoot and call. Alas! I wish that I could once more roam Among tall timbers where I had my home; Though I may chance to wander for a day'. Here, in the dusty city must I stay.

R. Spreadborough.

THE OPEN DOOR Page 41

WITH APOLOGIES TO A. A. MILNE.

The girls asked Mack and Mack asked Miss Lewes "Could we keep our Art Clubs For another day of so?" Mack asked Miss Lewes"'and Miss Lewes said: "Why certainly I'll go and tell the chief now And hope he won't .say no." Miss Lewes said: "I'll go now And went to the Chief of Staff. "Talking of the Art Clubs The students wish to do, Many of them think that Another day is needed. May they have another day. Or possibly have two?" The Chief said - "Bother" And then he said "Confound that class." The Chief said: "Confound that class" And strode up the stairs. "Nobody," he said as he walked into third

year; "Nobody," he said, as he faced an anxious

class; "Nobody, my children, could call me a

hard man; So—take another day or so and just go

straight ahead." Joan Turner.

THE BOYS JUNIOR SCHOOL

House Competition.

A little chat on how the House Competition works may not go astray, especially to the younger boys of the school, and also to those that have left some time. The school is divided into six houses,

roughly about 100 boys in each, which are named as follows: Batman, Collins, Flinders, Henty, Hume and Latrobe. Nearly a quarter of a century ago, Mr. Boa mas made a cup for inter-class competition. Then in 1935 the House system was introduced. The system at present in operation is as follows: Each house is given 300 points to start with; 150 of these" are given for Assembly, and the other 150 for Discipline. Every time a boy is late for Assembly,

he loses one point for his house; in addition he gets one hour's detention. When a boy

fails to do his home lesson he loses one-third of a point in discipline, as well as doing one hour's detention. In sport, we have many branches now, so that all boys are actively engaged on sports days. In Winter, we have football, lacrosse., tennis, hockey, bat tennis and quoits, while in the Summer, cricket, tennis, hockey, swimming and athletics. W e have two sports days per week—Wednesday for the A1-A6 and B-l-12; and Thursday for the C1-C8. Points are awarded as follows: Cricket and football, 12 for a win; 6 for a draw. Hockey, 6 for a win; 3 for a draw. Bat Tennis, 3 for a win. Quoits, 4 for a win.

General. Every boy representing the school in any

inter-school game gains two points for his house. This is to make up for his loss to the house team.

Progress. Terminal examination results are taken

into account. If a boy's average is— 85% or over, he gains . . 5 points 80% to 8 4 % 4 75% to 79% 3 70% to 7 4 % 2 60% to 69% 1 50%<' to 59% 0 40% to 49% — 1

39% and under — 2 The finsl result of last year's competition

for the Boamas Cup resulted in a win for Collins House, made up as shown:— Assembly Discipline Sport . . General . Progress

Bat. -4 38 147 98 114

Coll. 1 39 215 117 126

Fl. -1 49 165 52 131

He. 24 52 216 35 108

Hu. 25 45 118 40 119

L. -11 46 76 81 73

Total . . 393 498 396 435 347 265

This year the competition has been a very keen one and it looks as though Hume House will win the Boamas Cup for the first time. Mr. Boamas would like to see his old house win, and I know I certainly would. These are the results to date:—

Bat. Coll. Fl. He. Hu. Assembly 58 41 57 69 66 35 Discipline 74 62 62 75 57 54 Sport .. 160 239 169 129 140 103 General . 136 97 139' 67 231 130 Progress 63 60 64 50 63 55 Total . . 491 499 491 390 557 377 With only two months to go, it can be

s»en from the,, results that in Assembly and Discipline, although the school is much bigger than in 1937, fewer boys have come late and fewer boys have failed to do their home lessons. And as a result the marks received by boys at the half-yearly exams. are higher than last year.

P a g e 42 THE OPEN DO O R

I would say that everything points to a very successful year.

NOTES O N CLUBS A N D HOBBIES.

The Electrical Club.

During the first and second periods on Wednesday afternoon, we sat in the science room and devised some very scientific instruments under the supervision of the now departed Mr. Chegwin. Out of the maze of copper wires, iron, and bits of insulating tape, issued some weird and Wonderful electric motors, bells and switches, which we hoped would work. After some gentle persuasion, some of our gadgets were induced to go, but even our learned teacher could not get others to work. A motor horn was repaired and its rather loud bellowings brought forth a few teachers who, after tripping over wireless aerials, said in no uncertain terms that they didn't want their classes disturbed. This, however, did not deter us from ringing bells all day, much to our teacher's disgust; but as that gentleman has now gone to another school, all is quiet on Wednesday afternoon.

J. Edmond, A.5. PUBLIC SPEAKING CLUB. This club, which meets in one of the staff rooms has had some v6vy interesting dis­cussions. Several of the older members left school during the year, and this gave younger lads a better opportunity for self-expression.

Sport, politics, and the international situa­tion have provided topics for debate. Who

knows that there may not be in our class some budding Alfred Deakin?

G. Mason, B.6.

THE CAMERA CLUB. This meets in Room 9 every Wednesday

afternoon and Mr. Ferguson is our mentor. For a dark room we use the room behind room 24. A dark room with red light is needed, because white light is too chemically active and the film gets fogged. Those who have no developing or printing, tint their photos with special inks. Others, of course, are outside doing the actual photo-taking. Good advance has been made.

W . Holland. MODEL BOATS AS A HOBBY. This year we managed to turn out several

pood model boats during the hobby period. W e had a good show at the .exhibition, the models ranging from yachts to submarines. Not all the models were successes, some launches resembling submarines in their sailing capabilities, while some unfinished models made good firewood. The, canoe club, a branch of the model

boats, began making a 16 ft. canvas canoe, under the guidance of Mr. Nelson. But that will not be finished before next year, when another good show of models is certain.

E. Hanke.

House Captains, 1938. Reading left to right: F. Blight (Flinders), P. Barratt (Latrobe), D. Grimsly (Hume), L. Willis (Batman),

R. A. Stone (Collins), A. Hiscox (Henty).

THE OPEN DOOR Page 43

T H E GYMNASIUM.

The Gymnasium Club, which meets in the locker room during the hobby period every Wednesday afternoon, is doing excellent work under the able supervision of Mr. Pike, the Education Dept. instructor, and one of our masters, Mr. Potter. W e have recently acquired some new equipment, which makes the work much more interesting. W e start each day with a few simple

exercises, which loos£5 us up for the harder work and mat work which follows. Some very good tumbling is done on the

mats, especially by Rogers and Young, two of our star performers. Some of the tumbling, such as the handspring, the for­ward somersfult, and dive over seven boys, is very difficult. Most of our tumbling was seen at the Frolic Night, and the general opinion was that it was of a high standard. In addition to our ordinary _ work, we are

practising for our speech night display, and we can assure you it will be as good as—if not better than—our last.

J. Reid, A. Keeley. THE LIBRARY CLUB. This club is under the leadership of Mr.

Zachariah, and meets every Wednesday. During this time the boys read, classify, repair and bind books. A new range of books was selected by the boys and every boy was thrilled at their arrival. These included the latest on Central and Northern Australia, together with adventure stories and books on scientific subjects. There are some 20 boys in the club, and a profitable and enjoyable year has been spent by all.

L. Day, B.2.

THE FIRST AID CLUB. The First Aid Club is in the capable

hands of Mr. McNamara, who is a first aid medical officer, and who gives a great deal of his time to the club. The club deals with the remedies for fractures, snake-bites, and abrasions. Another great part of the club's work is demonstration of the use of ban­dages, both triangular and roller. The club has made great progress during the past year.

W. A. Nicholson, B.2.

SCHOOL ORCHESTRA. The boys' junior school orchestra has been

in existence for about 11 years, during which time it has undergone many changes, as each year the experienced players leave the school, and new talent is enrolled. Of course, each year there is a change in the combination of instruments, as it is not a case of pick and choose, but collect what is

offering and try to mould the whole into a harmonious unit. W e have had some good musical talent

pass through the school and it is very pleasing to note that a number of them who have been away, from the school for several years are always ready and willing to assist the school orchestra at the annual speech night. Such a spirit is highly appreciated. Congratulations to R. Bourne, who. was

successful in winning the Australian Cornet Championship in Sydney during the last contests.

S. Bennett.

SWINBURNE PARENTS' & CITIZENS' GUILD.

This year has been a very busy one for the Guild, six dances, one card evening and a children's fancy dress frolic having been held. The most successful function was the

Frolic, held in the Hawthorn Town Hall. The committee, who arranged this evening with some trepidation, felt amply repaid by the wonderful response of the parents and students, the only fear being that perhaps the hall would not hold the seemingly never-ending stream passing through the doors. The Guild committee were very gratified

by the enthusiastic co-operation of the College staff, who must have felt every satisfaction when the various items went through without a hitch. Apart from these functions, there have

been committee meetings every month, where much good work has been done. The quarterly meeting of the Guild, held in August,, was one of great interest, a travel talk by Mrs. Tilley, describing her exper­iences during her trip to Europe being much appreciated by the members. The year has been a fairly successful one

both financially and socially. Quite a number of parents and friends have joined the Guild since 1937, but there is room for many more. A membership of six hundred should not

be too much to expect when one considers the number of students attending the College.

Membership is open to all parents and others interests, the fee being one shilling per annum. All those who have not yet linked up are advised to attend the annual meeting, which takes place on the 2nd February, 1939. A large and representative gathering will

give fresh impetus to the Guild, the sole aim of which is to assist in every way possible the College and students.

C. A. King.

Page 44 THE OPEN DOOR

O U R NIGHT OUT.

(A Student's Version of the Frolic Night)

After much preparation, the night of the 23rd August arrived. At 8 o'clock there was a large crowd at the Town Hall, and it was apparent tht,t everyone was going to make the most of the four hours of entertainment. As the night went on, all showed their appreciation of the dancing, and the supper was excellent. The judges showed good taste in selecting

the piize-winners, and those who won prizes certainly earned them. The members of the staff played their part well, and without their aid this entertainment could not have been made possible. It is to them, as well as the members of the Guild, that we owe our thanks. Now let us get away from the serious side

for a while. From what I hear, there were numerous harsh words from distressed fathers when their misguided sons arrived home in the early hours of the morning— after taking home a friend! Next time, boys, you had better take some cash with vou, as it proves rather expensive taking-friends home on the bus or train. And now let us deal with the after-effects

of this night out. Some of the lads have been wandering around in a daze ever since. And now, in conclusion, considering the

good time we all had, why not have a night for us every term, as they do at High and Technical schools, even in country towns? The adults get their night every month, so why shouldn't we have ours every term?

F. J. Hall, B.3. ARTS A N D CRAFTS OF AUSTRALIAN

ABORIGINES.

Just as we have our different arts and learn to make and use different tools, so we find that the Australian blackfellow has his implements and arts, and that he has had them for hundreds of years. He has the stone axe, which is his" main implement. Some tribes mount their axes on handles. The blackfellow will choose a sapling of a tree, split it one end, fit the axe in, and then bind it with the sinews of an animal: or sometimes he will use resin obtained from a free. Another very important implement of the

blackfellow is his scraper, used for scraping and smoothing handles of implements, and for the markings on shields, boomerangs, etc. The scraper is made of a piece of chipped flint, with one or more sharp edges. Knives are used for cutting and skinning animals. One of the most well-known implements of the blackfellow is his boomerang. The Australian blackfellow has several

kinds of art, some of which I will mention. One is weaving and platting, done with

grass and reeds. Out of these the black­fellow will make bags to carry things which he treasures. Another art of the blackfellow is drawing. The blackfellow has left his markings m ancient caves, which are hun­dreds of years old. These things go to show that the black­

fellow has had these arts for many years. These drawings were and are done in ochre and charcoal. The blackfellow also has another art, which is carving used on shields, boomerangs, etc. Sometimes it is used for ornamentation, and at other times for tribal markings. It is interesting to note how the black­

fellow makes his caxoe. The first thing he will do is to pick a suitable tree, cut out the shape of the canoe with a stone axe, or sometimes he will burn the inside out. Then there is the bark canoe, made of the bark of a tree, and built on a sapling structure.

Lionel Rogers C.5. "I G O A-ROWING."

It was not very long ago when a friend of mine asked me to go for a sail on Albert Park lake. The day being very windy, I thought^it a good idea. I will omit how we got there, as nothing of an exciting nature happened. By the time we arrived the wind was

blowing even harder, but this only made us more eager to get on with the job. As I had not been sailing for a month or two, I can assure you we did not take long to "get her rigged." After paying for the boat, we were soon under way. My friend took the main-sheet and jib, while I took the tiller. It was about all he could manage to hold the main-sail, the wind was so strong, but we certainly made her move. We were sailing close-hauled, and when

we went to go about, well, we didn't quite get as far as that An extra puff of wind seemed to come at the same time, and tjie wind then being abeam, we found ourselves in the water. I was under the water with the mainsail on top of me. Naturally, we cursed a bit., and both seemed to say together: "The ceir.re board." As I was tangled up in the main-sheet

and sail, I told him to drop the plate. The plate being the centre board, or drop keel. As he did it, I noticed the rudder and tiller being b^own away, but it was no time to worry about it then. Then we set about trying to get her on

an even keel, but when I went to stand on the plate, as you do "co raise theni, I fell into the water again, because the plate wasn't there. M y friend thought that I meant him to take the plate out, instead of

THE OPEN DOOR Page 45

lowering it down through the boat. You can imagine what I said when he told me what he had done, the plate with blocks and tackle being at the bottom of the lake. It was worth about £1/10/-. Although, we towed the boat in safely,

we did not find the plate. Then we went out in a row-boat looking for it, my friend hanging a huge rake over the stern, while 1 did the rowing—and rowing it was, with such a wind. Though we fished for about two hours, we did not find it. As for being wet, we were wet—every bit of us—but by the time we got home we were thoroughly dry. The reason I gave for going "by the board" was because, in our haste, we had forgotten to drop the plate, plus, perhaps, a little faulty sailing.

N. R. Browne, A.l.

Boys' Tennis .Team. Reading left to right: Stevenson, Wittenbach,

Unsworth, Aeocks.

T H E G R O W I N G OF MINIATURE TREES.

The Chinese have for a long time guarded the secret of growing of miniature trees. This is how it is done:

You first get an orange and cut it in h If, then carefully scoop out the inside. Then coat both the outside and the inside

with a thick coating of shellac. Fill the r-kin with rich soil and plant your seeds in it. Water plentifully, but not profusely, and put in a warm room with plenty of sunshine. After a while the roots of the tree will

come through the skin You cut these off flush with the skin,, but be careful not to damage the shellac. It is this cutting of the roots that stunts the tree. When the troe has reached maturity, you

can transfer it to a more attractive holder. Fruit trees, such as the orange, will bear

fruit when grown in this manner. H.G.R.

M Y FIRST A E R O P L A N E FLIGHT.

We started out early one Sunday morning for a day's car journey, intending to go up che hills; but as we passed the aerodrome we decided to go in. We were walking around, inspecting the

hangars and the planes, when my father recognised a pilot who was a friend of his. The pilot offered me a ride in his plane. I accepted the offer and climbed in beside

him. He drew back the stick and then pushed the knob operating the throttle. Immediately we were* rolling into the ten-mile-an-hour wind. Keeping my eyes on the concrete strip, I awaited the thrilling moment when we should leap into the air. That moment never came. W e had gone perhaps 600 feet, when suddenly I realized we were off the ground and climbing. W e climbed to 1.000 feet, then levelled off. After cruising for a while, we climbed to

2,000 feet. The city was set out below us like a model map. The houses looked like dolls' houses. W e flew on for a couple of miles, then the pilot asked me where I would like to go. I motioned towards a mountain on the east, and described with my arm a course leading back to the field, a flight that would take perhaps twenty minutes. Slowly he nli\ed the stick to the right. Down went the right wing, and we turned in a gentle bank. As we neared the field, the pilot motioned "down." W e started to descend. Through the forward windows I could see the near edge of the runaway,, dead ahead. The last mile down the invisible chute passed too quickly to leave anything more than fleeting impressions. . Houses, wires, telegraph poles, then the ground; less than 100 feet ahead was the runaway. W e levelled off when we were about sixty feet from the landing strip, the wheels touched and the plane settled to earth. The pilot jammed his foot on the foot^brake and we came to a quick stop. And so my first flight had come to an end.

L. Tozer, A.3. THE WELDING MACHINE AT

SPOTSWOOD. This machine is German-made and welds

two rails together in 3 minutes. The rails are clamped so that from a distance of h inch they can be pushed together and away with a pressure of about 80 tons. When the large current of low voltage is turned on, the "making and breaking" pro­duced by the moving rails sets up intense local heating, with showers of sparks. This welds the two ends After this, two men, each with an electric chisel, cut off the overlapping metal whilst still hot. Then it passes to a man who grinds the joint smooth with a hand emery wheel.

M. Ashworth.

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THE WORLD WITH A BILLION MOONS.

When we look up into the heavens from our earth, we see countless apparently similar heavenly bodies. They are not all similar when viewed through the telescope. For example, Mars has markings on the surface called "canals." However, we are going to discuss another member of the solar system—a mighty member—Saturn. Saturn is 886 million miles from tthe sun;

and the next largest planet to Jupiter, having a diameter of 74,240 miles. Its orbital period (i.e., time taken to travel completely round the sun) is 29J of our years, and it turns on its axis once in every ten hours. Saturn weighs about the same as a globe of walnut wood of the same size, and if it were placed in a huge bowl of water he would float with 1 of his bulk above the surface. However, the great wonder of Saturn is

its system of rings. These rings, it is agreed, are composed of billions of "moon-lets," as they have been termed. You may ask how they were formed? The accepted theory is that they once formed part of a large moon, like our own, and this coming too close to Saturn was torn to pieces by the planet, or that some other large heavenly body, wandering around in space, wks the method of disintegration. There are three of these thin flat rings,

each only 100 miles in width, an outer bright one 12,000 miles wide, separated by a space of 1,800 miles from the broadest and brightest ring, 17,000 miles wide, and finally a semi-transparent ring 11,000 miles wide, with a clear space of 7,000 or 8,000 miles to the planet. As seen from Saturn's equator, these rings would appear to be a bright line stretching from East to West. Some scientists believe that our moon will

one day become a series of rings like those of Saturn. If that dfciy comes, the nights will be much brighter than the present nights, for the tiny moons will reflect much more light than our moon does, and there will be moonlight all night long. This, however, will not be welcomed by the younger generation.

I. Beer. FACTS.

1. In the Arizona desert, the cactus plants are very much higher than horses. 2. In Africa, there are lily leaves which

a child of about 10 years could ride on (and not sink. The diameter is about five feet. 3. The cocoanut tree gives us, besides

cocoanuts, margarine and candles. Geoff. Wilkinson.

THE TRUE GOLD OF OUR FARMS OF AUSTRALIA."

Acres and acres of wheat-lands, The wealth of the country is there,

Dozens and dozens of farm-hands, Toil in the country air.

Miles and miles of railways Over which the harvest is sent,

Tons and tons of wheat and maize, Into the silos went.

A Budding Poet—Walter Vaughan, A.l.

FERRETS.

The ferrett, which is a small yellowish white animal, is used for getting rabbits. It is a very delicate animal, and is apt to get a number of diseases, some of these being the foot-rot, distemper and the scab. Foot-rot is caused by cold damp hatches.

and by putting the ferret back in its hatch with its tail and feet covered with clay and matted hair. The first sign of this is when the feet swell and sores cover the nails. To cure this, we bathe the feet with soft soap and water, and then cover the feet with boracic ointment or vaseline. W e do this each day until the feet are cured. Distemper causes the ferret to shiver, and

the eyes to redden and swell, and the ferret seems to have no desire for life. There is very little chance of curing this, and nine times out of ten the disease proves fatal.

T.Mc.C. NEWPORT POWER HOUSE.

The Newport Power House is situated at the mouth of the Yarra River, and occupies approximately thirty-six acres of land. Here is generated all the power used by the electric trains and the two departmental electric tramways, also for certain lighting, signalling apparatus, goods yards, and a considerable amount for private works. About 3,220 tons of coal per week are

burned in the 24 boilers in Newport "A" for the heating of water and evaporating into steam to drive the turbines and generators, which give out electrical energy at 3,300 volts. The circulating water used tor condensing the steam is drawn from Hobson s Bay through screens for the removal of debris; so that the pumps will not be blocked or the small condenser tubes damaged.

F. Blight, A.2. THE HERO OF THE CLASS.

Behold him, master of the class Yon lanky bearded lad;

Refrain from joking at his growth That makes him feel so sad.

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Beside him sits our Uncle Mick, In rain or hail or snow;

He thinks he's his Santa ClauSj, Just why we do not know.

As many of you are aware, This active whiskered boy

Possesses great dynamic powers Opponents to destroy.

But now that, is's lost his beard His strength must also go;

Then teachers do not worry him, Whom work distresses so.

But now the year is almost done, And we shall all remember,

This charming, smiling, bearded friend, Until our last December.

N. Supple, B.12.

A N N U A L SPORTS MEETING, A U G U S T . For the first time in many years, we

decided to hold the Annual Sports Meeting on the last Thursday in the Second Term. Many thought it would be impossible to

get a fine day, but luckily enough the weather was kind and the sports were held under ideal conditions. Many fine performances were recorded and

we have great hopes of winning many events at the Combined Sports Meetings—the girls at Richmond on Friday, 21st Octobeir, and the boys at Geelong on Friday, ,28th October. The Parents' and Citizens' Guild again provided refreshments for the staff and their efforts were greatly appreciated. Our Head Master, Mr. White, has gener­

ously donated a beautiful hand-made cup. the work of Mr. Bomas, for inter-House competition in athletics. The house to have the distinction of being

the first to win the "T. R. White Cup" is Latrobe, 87i points, with Hume. 861, second, and Batman, 80 points, third; then followed Collins 62£, Flinders 62, and Henty 35£. In the 75 yards and ,100 yards, it was decided that 12 runners were too many to judge five places from, so six started in each of these events, and three places were taken—and the judges found no difficulty in doing so. One new event, the 880 yards cir­cular relay, proved a great novelty. Ten boys constituted a team, five boys under 14 and five boys over 14. These boys had not previously run in an event, not being up to standard. The main object of the event

was to give more boys a chance of competing and thus help to get a more accurate estimation of each house's athletic strength. The tunnel ball under 14 also gave the younger boys a chance to compete. Individual Champions.

Over 15 years: Timms (Hu.l, 231 points. Under 15 years: Stone (C), 161 points. . Under 14 years: Harper (L.), 15 points. Under 13 years: Rogers (F.),. 13 points. Details of Boys' Events. Long Jump Over 15: Timms (Hu), ,17 ft. 11 in, 1; Ashworth (B), 17 ft. 6 in., 2;

Boys' Cycling Team.

Grimsley >(Hu). 17 ft. 1 in., 3; Larkin (F). 4; Dindsdale (B), 5.

Under 15: Stone (C), 16 ft. 6 in., 1; Supple (L), 2; Bovill (Hu), 3; Gonmon (C), 4; Phillpott (F), 5. Under 14: Harper (L), 13 ft. 8 in., 1;

Thatcher (B), 2; Staggard (B). 3; Pearson (C), 4; Cole (Hu), 5. Under 13: Rogers (F), 13 ft. 61 in., 1;

Goy (Hu), 2; Davies (L), 3; Van Every (L), 4; Cridge (Hu), 5.

Page 48 THE OPEN DOOR

High Jump, Over 15: Ashworth (B), 4 ft. 11 in, 1; Parker (B), Timms (Hu), 2; Christie (Hu), 4; Ford >(L), Larkin (F), 5. Under 15: Bee (He) 4 ft. 11 in., ,1; Keeley

(F), 2; Wittenbach (B), Stone (He), 3; Elsey (C), Beer (F)„ 5.

Under 14: White (B), 4 ft. 4 in., 1; Simmons (B), 2; Rogers ;(C), Cole (He), Quinn (Hu), Bowman (Hu), 3. Under 13: Rogers (F), 4 ft. 2 in., 1;

Nicholson (Hu), Miller (C), 2; Barry (L): 4; Billings (C). Wenker (Hu), 5. 100 yds. Championship Over 15: Timms

(Hu), 1; Ford (L), 2; Willis (B), 3. Time, 12 sec. Under 15: Stone (C), Supple (L), 1;

Phillpott (F), 3. 12 sec: "f

75 Yards Under 15: Davies (L), 1; Read (F), 2; Barker (B), 3. 10-4/5 sec. 75 Yards Under 14: Bowman (Hu), 1;

Di-atuch (L), 2; Jones (C), 3. 10-2/5 sec. 75 Yards Under 14: Wong Yen (F), 1;

Pearson (C), 2; Craddock (L), 3. 10-3/5 sec. 75 Yards Under 15: Keeley (F), 1; Wicking

(C), 2; Crittenden (L), 3. 9-3/5 sec. 75 Yards Under 15: Edmond (C), 1; Sin­

clair (L), 2; Fitcher (Hu), 3. 10 sec. 75 Yards Over 15: Parker >(B), 1; Brown

(L), 2; Motteram (F), 3. 9-2/5 sec. 75 Yards Over 15: Hiscox (He), 1; Fargee

(B), 2; Kimpton (Hu), 3. 10 sec. 220 Yards Under 14 Championship: Harper

(L), 1; Rogers (F). 2; Cole (He), 3; Poulton (L), 4; Thatcher (B), 5. S29-3/5 sec.

Boys' Football Team, 1938.

Under 14: Harper (L), 1; Thatcher (B) 2; Gny (F), 3. 12-3/5 sec. Under 13: Wenker (Hu),- 1; Hood (B), 2

Rcgcrs (F), 3. 13 sec. 100 Yards Over 15: Ashworth (B), 1

Lark (Hu), 2; Young (L), 3. 11-4/5 sec. Under 15: Gonmon (C), 1; Blight (F),.2

Dixon (L), 3. 12-1/5 sec. Under 14: Poulton (L), I; Cole (He), 2

Staggard (B), 3. 131-1/5 sec. Under 13: Read (F). 1; Davies (L), 2

Russell (C), 3. 13-2/5 sec. 75 Yards Championship, Under 13: Wenker

(Hu). 1; Rogers (F), Van Every (L), 2. 10-1/5 sec.

2 0 Yards Under 15 Chamn.: Stone (C), 1; Gonmon (C), 2; Supple (L), 3; Bovill (Hu); 4; Phillpott (F), 5. 26-3/5 sec. 220 Yards Ov<>r 15 Champ.: Timms (Hu),

1; Ashworth (B), 2; Ford (L), 3; Willis (B), 4; Lark (Hu), 5. 26-1/5 sec. 440 Yards Over 15 Champ.: Timms (Hu).

1; Willis (BL 2; Gonmon (C), 3; Stone (C). 4; Brown (L), 5. 60-2/5 sec. Tunnel Ball. Under 14: Henty 1, Hume 2,

Collins 3, Flinders 4, Latrobe 5. Time 72-2/5 sec. Tunnel Ball, Over 14: Flinders 1, Hume 2.

Henty 3, Collins 4, Batman 5. 69-1/5 sec. Circular Relay, 880 Yards, 10 boys each

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team: Latrobe 1, Batman 2, Hume 3, Henty 4, Flinders 5. Time: 1 min. 47 sec. 440 Yards Relay: Batman ,li, Latrobe 2.

Hume 3, Collins 4, Henty 5. Time 49 sec. Musical Chairs on Bicycles: Barrett (L),

1; Hiscox (He), 2; Uhsworth (Hu), 3; Acocks (C), 4; Young '(L)„ 5.

Star Performances:

Over 15: Timms, Long Jump, 17 ft. 11 in.; 440 yards, 60-2/5 sec.

Under 15: Stone, Long Jump, 16 ft. 6 in.; 220 yards, 26-^/5 sec.

Under 14: Harper, 100 yards, 12-3/5 sec; 220 yards, 29'-3/5 sec. Under 13: Rogers. High Jump, 4 ft. 2 in.;

Long Jump, 13 ft. 61 in. Wenker, lpo yards. 13 sec.

CRICKET NOTES,, 1938.

Five matches were played this year—three in term I. and two in term III. Of these, two were won and two lost, whilst the other match resulted in a tie on the first innings. Mainly due to the inexperience of our

players, we made only 39 in the first innings of our first game against Richmond. They replied with 6 for 56. In our second innings we scored 5 for 112, of which Reed (scored a well-made 65.

Against Brighton- we were again unsuc­cessful, scoring 111 to the 131 of our opponents. Kimpton and Bee batted weli to score 31 and 30 respectively. Willis (4-20) and Beer (3-34) bowled well. W e achieved success in our next game—

that against Prahran. W e scored 117 (Willis 50, Sinclair 21) to 73. Symonds (4-24) and Willis (4-17) proved to be accurate and pacy bowlers. The two third term matches were most

exciting. Against South Melbourne we tied with 57 each. Reid (22) and Beer (14 not out) were the only batsmen to reach double figures. Beer (5 for 5) and Mitchell 3-6) bowled excellently. Our final match against Caulfield brought

success. On the first day they declared at 144 for 6 wickets. Mitchell flighted the ball well to take 5 for 38. W e replied with

7 for 151. Bee (48), Willis (31) and Beer (29 not out) batted forcibly. Thus an interesting and enjoyable season was spent.

FOOTBALL NOTES, 1938.

Boys' Junior School.

The football team had a fairly successful season this year. A slight unsteadiness in one or two of the critical matches probably cost us the premiership.

Boys' Cricket Team. Reading left to right: Back row: Reid (vice-capt.), Dinsdale, Kimpton, Christie, Sinclair. Front row: Cross, Bee, L. Willis (captain), Allnutt, Beer, Mitchell.

Page 50 THE OPEN DOOR

Results:

v. South Melbourne, won 14.17—4.4 v. Caulfield, won 13.13—6.10 v. Footscray, lost 6 4—13.6 v. Melbourne, lost 8.9—8.10 v. Collingwood, won 10.16—8.10 v. South Melbourne won 12.16—5.14 v. Caulfield, won 33.21—16.19 v Footscray, lost 7.1.1—15.9 v. Melbourne, not played. v. Collingwood, won 14.15—11.16

Some of the boys who rendered excellent service were: Blight, Willis, Harper, Kimp­ton, Bee, Stone, Ford, Ashworth. A number of boys will be remaining at

school next year, and should form the material for moulding a strong team.

A.G.M.

GIRLS' JUNIOR S C H O O L SPORTS.

Owing to the epidemic last year, the customary swimming carnival was not held at the beginning of this year, much to the students' disappointment. However, this year we were able to re-ccmmence the inter-school matches, in which the tennis players were the most successful, jurt missing the cup by two points when they played off the final with Brighton.

Inter-School Matches. Junior Basket-ball.

Brighton 14 d. Swinburne 13 Sunshine 17 d. Swinburne 12 Swinburne 10 draw Box Hill 10 Prahran 10 d. Swinburne 5 Hockey.

Swinburne 1 draw Brighton 1 Swinburne 2 d. Box Hill 0 Prahran 2 d. Swinburne 0 Swinburne 1 draw Sunshine 1 •Senior Basket-ball.

Swinburne 19 d. Brighton 15 Emily McPherson 20 d. Swinburne 8 Swinburne 19 d. Box. Hill 15 Swinburne 43 d. Prahran 3 Sunshine 15 d. Swinburne 13

Tennis:

Swinburne 18 d. Brighton 10 Swinburne 18 d. Sunshine 2 Emily McPherson 16 d. Swinburne IS Swinburne 13 d. Box Hill 11 Swinburne 18 d. Prahran 10 The Teams: The members of the tennis team were: Pete Slattery. June Alexander, Joyce Carter a/"d Betty Aston. Although the Junior Basket-ball team did not make a very good

'

Boys' Lacrosse Team, 1938.

THE OPEN DOOR Page 51

showing, the Seniors acquitted themselves quite well. Junior Team: Lesley Mitchell (captain)

Lois Gale, Laura Beck, Una Smith, Ruby Quinan, Eunice Kneal, Gwen Veal. Senior Team: Margaret White (captain),

Sylvia Allan, Valmai Turnidge, Audrey Dempster, Joan Alford, Helen Young Margery Fraser. The new recruits in the hockey team

began to shape very well towards the end of the season and should make a good basis for a team next year. Hockey "Team.—Betty Slight (captain),

June Alexander, Heather MacSwain, Blanche Apted, Norma Vernon, Edna Croft, June Ford, Queenie Franklin, Joyce Sturtevant Jessie Bradley, Jacqueline Herbert, Joyce Wilkinson (emergency). House Sports. Under the competent management of the

staff of the boys' school, the House Sports. which were held at Glenferrie Oval on August 24th, were most successful. All hearts were light because it was a particu­larly beautiful day, but the members of Blackmore House were the most jubilant. because the results were: »

Blackmore House .. .. 61 points McPherson House .« .. 41 „ Swinburne House .. .. 14 „

House Matches. In the House tennis matches, Blackmore

House were once more victorious, whilst McPherson House" carried off the laurels in the basket ball matches. The girls are now training hard for the

Inter-Technical Schools Sports, which are to be held at Richmond on October 21st, and our thanks are due to Mr. Bassett and Mr Wil~on for the keen interest they have di= lay~d and the time they have given to learning the girls.

GENERAL NOTES.

This year it was a great relief when the restrictions ftnposed on account of the infantile paralysis epidemic were removed and we were able to resume many interests that had to lapse for a time. Perhaps the one we missed most was

swimming, and we are looking forward to

the warmer weather to visit the baths once more. Early in the year Miss Gilpin explained

to the new students the traditions of the school, and the standard of work expected from them. With the help of Miss Buchanan it is surprising how the girls have risen to the occasion in their dressmaking. Splendid results have been achieved in all other branches, too, and a cheerful atmosphere reigns throughout the school. Father Time is again making inroads on

our staff, and in the near future threatens to remove Miss Maude from our midst. She is following the example of several former members, and will be joining the matrimonial ranks. In the future, if Miss Maude spreads happiness as she has always done amongst the staff and girls of the school, someone is indeed going to be fortunate.

Many of us have joyful memories of preparations for the Frolic Night, and an enjoyable part was the dancing lesson during the lunch hour. Spring must have been a time of rejoicing

for Mrs. Timmings, judging by the wild-flowers with which she was inundated. Her revelling in this natural beauty was good to see. SWINBURNE OLD GIRLS' ASSOCIATION. An outstanding event in connection with the Swinburne Old Girls' Association during the year was the presentation of the Betsy Blackmore Memorial bookcase, which is mentioned elsewhere. This handsome piece of furniture is greatly admired by all who see it. Of interest to many of us are personal

notes of some ex-students. Quite a number of them are holding responsible positions in the city. Some have businesses of their own and employ students from the school who c?me after their time.

Other girls are vacating their posts to be married in the near future. Before this goes to press, a former secretary of the association, Elva Mathers, will have pledged herself to "love, honour and obey" the man who sensibly singled her out for his life-partner.

Others who are following Elva's example are Clarice Aram and Jean Houston. May they all be very happy in their new sphere.

The recent marriages of Elsie Harden Molly Savage, Beryl Arms,, Edna and Elsie Coffey are recorded. To them, too, we extend good wishes. To the relatives of the late Norma Hiscock

we wish to convey our sympathy in their recent loss.

Page 52 THE OPEN DOOR

A business meeting of the Swinburne Old Girls' Association has been arranged for October 18th at 8 p.m. at the Girls' School. It is for the election of office-bearers for the ensuing year, and we should like a representative gathering of former students All are cordially invited to the meeting.

K. Down, Secretary, S.O.G.A.

"BETSY BLACKMORE MEMORIAL."

On Wednesday, June 8th, 1938, in the School Hall, a simple ceremony was per­formed when the Old Girls' Association presented to the School the Memorial to the first Head Mistress, Betsy L. Blackmore March, 1916—April, 1928. Miss Gilpin welcomed those present and

the head prefect, Sylvia Allan, introduced the past and present girls to each other. In making the presentation, Mrs. Wheat

(Elsie Morris) said that the Old Girls were anxious for Miss Blackmore to be long remembered in the school, and that they were proud that one of their members, Mrs. Reynolds (Emily Driscoll) had designed the Memorial Bookcase. Mrs. Reynolds and Mrs. Thompson (Kathleen Allison) made the enclosed album of names.

Mr. Green thanked the association for the bookcase, and in a short address mentioned how Miss Blackmore's fine example of thoroughness and high standard in all work was still carried on at the school. Mrs. Swinburne added kind personal

remarks regarding her long association with Miss Blackmore, and Mrs. Derham (Miss Anderson), the first Art Mistress, also spoke, mentioning Miss Blackmore's exquisite needlework. The Old Girls enjoyed hearing one of their

favourite school songs — "Mendelssohn's Spring Song"—sung very sweetly by the present students. Later the third year girls waited on the

guests at afternoon tea. A very happy time was spent, recalling _schooldays, renewing friendships, and viewing examples />f the present girls' art work. Note.—A letter has been received from

Miss M. Blackmore, England, on behalf of her family, expressing deep appreciation of the action of these former students in per­petuating the memory of their late sister.

T H E DRINKING DISH.

Underneath a shady tree, There a drinking dish have I.

Where tihe birdies wild and free Sip and dip, Dip and sip.

Naughty little birds are they, Rules of hygiene oft they flout,

When I watch them at their play,, In and out,

In and out. Jolly little birds are these. As they wash their feathered coats,

Underneath the shady trees, Sound sweet notes, Sound sweet notes.

Gwynneth Veall.

M Y RECOLLECTIONS OF BRISBANE.

I lived at New Farm, a pretty suburb on the Brisbane River. I can just picture the Franjapani in bloom—a beautiful wax-like flower—and its perfume I shall never forget Beautiful Poinsetia like large velvet flowers and lovely bright creepers on the ' garden walls lent a charm almost indescribable. Sometimes we would motor to Mount

Tambourine, a wonderful drive from Bris­bane. There we would see stag and elk ferns thirty to forty feet up the huge tree trunks, and I often wondered if the birds carried the seeds to that height. Then at night a drive to Mount Cootha

was delightful. On reaching the top we looked down on the lights of Brisbane, which looked just like a fairy city whilst numbers of koala bears played above us in the trees. The Zoological Gardens are very small, as it is too hot for many of the animals we have in the Melbourne Zoo. I remember getting a peek on the finger while feeding a crane. The marvellous Brisbane River wind­ing about Mt. Cootha completes a very pretty picture.

Betty Reynolds. FASHIONS.

Well, we have plenty of scope to discuss fashions for this forthcoming Spring. Only the other day I saw a fashionable young girl wearing a hat of cyclamen tonings with lipstick to match.

This Spring it seems as though almost anything can be worn, because so many colours are blended together with such pleasing results. Boleros are greatly called for and many

otherwise drab frocks are brightened by this new addition. Peasant frocks, brilliantly coloured in

cool, refreshing designs, are now appearing in shop windows and lend a note of gaiety to the wearer. Soft and brilliant colours can be blended

in perfect harmony. Cyclamen and hyacinth blue are two beautiful colours from which some gorgeous creations can be made. These yielding colours can be formed into every imaginable type of fashionable frocks and costumes.

I read where a frock made from aluminium fabric was displayed in London at a manne­quin parade. What will be the next

T H E O P E N D O O R Page 53

creation ? The other day I saw a girl wearing-

buttons shaped into the numbers 2, 4, 6, Often they are in the form of aces, spades clubs and diamonds. Hats worn with high bows in front, bonnet

shapes tying under the chin, and halos, are very fashionable just now.

' Wanda Lance.

M Y SHIP.

To-day I'm six and quite a man! I'll have a ship like Lew;

And I'll be captain if I can, Of all the pirate crew.

My ship will be a big one, too, The masts will reach the sky!

And lots of brave things shall I do— At least, I mean to try!

Brother says:. "You're small, I fear, A pirate's life is rough!"

So, p'raps I'll wait anotjher year, Until I'm big enough.

June Moore.

CIVIC PRIDE.

At the present time, when our activities a re to keep up with the present conditions of life, we are apt to overlook some things necessary for our well-being. W e spend a great deal of our leisure time around eur

homes or in the district- in which we live. Have we ever paused to admire someone's garden, or a spot made beautiful with just a little forethought, at a small expense? What is it that makes some cities famous throughout the world? It is their "Pride" in their appearance. Much money can be spent in a district by the respective muni­cipalities for the benefit of the residents and visitors, but unless that municipality has the closest co-operation with its citizens the beauty they are striving for will never be attained. Personal pride inf a district can easily be

seen by the general appearance of the houses, which need not be in the luxury class to achieve the desired effects. I have seen very humble homes: a study in neatness and beauty, obtained at a smalj cost. This type of resident is indeed one who is helping to reach that desirable state we call Civic Pride. Often when you have been walking down

streets, you have been strucjk by that little stretch of lawn outside a home. But alas!

further along the street some resident has neglected to do his share. How that little unattended plot jars! Perhaps that person may have his'interests ; wakened and realise t'f.t he is not playing the game as it were Some" countries have brought in laws to

Girls' Hockey Team, 1938, Reading left to right: Back row: J. Bradley. • H. McSwain, J. Herbert, B. Anted, N. Vernon. Front row: J. Sturfevant. J. Wilkinson, Q. Franklin, B.

Slight (captain), J. Ford, L. Goulding.

Page 54 THE OPEN DOOR

ensure cleanliness of their cities, and if tEe citizen does not observe these rules, he is finedi Have you ever watched tram; pas­sengers alighting after their journey's end ? Some carelessly throw their tickets down. Othdr pedestrians drop pieces of paper and matc*h boxes on the pavements. Surely these people are not helping to achieve this ideal. Perhaps children in parks, not thinking (or even, adults, I am sorry to say) damage seats, swings, and other articles placed there for the benefit and enjoyment of all. W e should all take a pride in the

amenities of our civilisation, and in our everyday life leave things around us pleas­ing to the eye. If we consciously look at our everyday surroundings, noting what is pleasing and what is not, we shall soon see that. it only needs small actions to make the untidy, displeasing sights vanish. And in a very short time civic pride will be commonplace, because it will be everywhere.

Beryl Kirby.

To the sound of voices singing, For the Fairy Queen arrives Drawn along by butterflies. Jonquil horns her pages blow. Her elfin footmen bow down low. On her mushroom throne she sits, While past her each wee fairy flits; The flowers dance a minuet, TEe grasses sing a roundelay. The blue-birds trill in sweetest song, While gnomes play leap-frog all night long. The thistle-down cldcks are chiming five, So into the flowers the fairies dive; The field mouse hurries away to his hole, And under the hedge creeps each brown mole. The Queen of the fairies swiftly flies Home to the dells where her palace lies.

Margaret Theobald.

Q U E E R PARTNERS.

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Basketball Team, 1938. Reading left to right: Back row: V. Turnidge, J. Alford. S. Allen, A. Dempster, M. White, B. Francis, M. Frase, H. Yonng. Front row: G. Veal, U. Smith, R. Qmnan, L. Mitchell (captain), L. Gale, W. Gold-

thorpe, E. Kneele.

THE FAIRY BALL.

Often on a moonlight night • Then tiny stars are shining bright, Corne fairies dancing in a row With little lanterns all aglow. Pat-p:tter go their tiny feet As round a toad-stool ring they meet. park! the chimes of blue-bells ringing

inside a gigantic sea anemone which inhabits the coral reefs of tropical islands." The coral fish can be plainly seen, for it

is" of a brilliant vermilion, with three white •binds across its back. The coral fish and the anemone are dependent on each other for food. ; When hungry, the fish leaves the anemone

THE OPEN DOOR Page 55

and attacks other flesh-eating fish, which follow it back " to the anemone. Along follows the pursuer and, coming in contact with the outspread feelers of the anemone is paralyzed. Then the coral fish and the anemone share the flesh of the victim between them.

Bettine Tyler.

Girls' -Tennis .Team, 1938. Reading left to right:-B. Aston, P. Slattery, J. Carter,

J. Alexander.

THE MERMAID. Out of the blue of the iocean, A mermaid, rose to sight;-

And played a* while with the ripples, r That danced in the white moonlight.

Her hair, bright on the wavelets, Rocked to their gentle croon;

Her coat like glimmering silver, Gleamed in the light of the moon,

But suddenly she paused there, With her body all aglow;

And catching m y eye upon her, Dived down, and away below.

Lynette Goulding. A SURPRISEr" On July 15th, we attended an orchestral

concert in the Melbourne Town Hall. The music was supplied by the A.B.C. Symphony

Orchestra, under the baton of Mr. William James. The concert opened with the orchestra

playing the delightful "March from Tann-hauser." After this, Mr. James described the whole orchestra to us and gave us a demonstration of each instrument and section. Then came the great surprise. Mr.

Richard Tauber, who was at that time touring Australia, sang for us. Of course. we did not expect this, and so we were very excited. When Mr. Taubir had finished his item, we applauded him and did our best in return, by singing "Men of Haflich." After the excitement had died down, we

continued with _ the concert. When the concert finished, we made our way back to school, having thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon's outing,

Thelma Hallett.

GOING T O B E D IN T H E D A R K .

"It's time to go to bed, dearie," said Grandmother. Pat silently began to pack away her playthings.' •';-••

Why did bed-time come so soon? H o w she dreaded it—the long./ cold stairs, and the little bare room above—the room that was no longer bare in the night, but filled with terrible, grotesque shadows which even the'-candle-light fafled to dispel. Pat even thought it made them" angry, for,, by the wavering light, they danced upon the walls and: stretched' out thin, . gnarled and hideous hands. Lifting 'a cold cheek for the usual kiss.

she bade her grandmother goodnight. She could not tell her about "them (she always referred thus to the shadows), for Grand­mother would1 say: "Fiddle-sticks! Jane. give Miss Patricia a good dose of medicine." Pat had: had experience. Besides, they would be so triumphant and worse than ever. "Run along; child, and brush your teeth,"

said her grandmother. • Pat had lived with her: grandmother since

she.was two years old, for her parents were far away in India; but they were coming home—expected any day. Pat took her candle and went slowly

upstairs. The door was shut! She pushed it open in an excess of blind courage. The wind from an open casement caught the candle-flame, and together they struggled for a second, then the flame went out. Then the room lay bathed in blackness save for the eerie light thrown by the window. The door slammed behind her. She could

feel the shadows around her. Then the candle fell from her nerveless fingers and rolled across the ".floor, to play with the shadows. Pat gathered her strength for a great bound on to the bed. She leaped.

Pa«ffe 56

Wi'.h frenzied' -fingers she pushed down the c:;dclothes and crept beneath them shoes and all There she lay quaking; she knew they were gathering around her—hosts of chem. Gruesome,, fantastic shapes, they bore down, jostling each other to catch a glimpse of the blanketed face. Gradually through the darkness came a

silver light—a light that spread from one point like great wings, across the blackness. Pat saw the silver wings closing around her, but she had no fear. For, between the wings was a face* of infinite sweetness—a face Pat had seen somewhere, in dreams long ago. The thing that made the face so beautiful was Love, for this was the Mother Spirit! "You shan't be frightened again darling," said she. Then slie cradled Pat in her arms and Pat relaxed contentedly. Together, the Mother Spirit and Pat slipped through the Gates of Night into Dreamland. There was the Castle of Dreams, bathed in a cloud of sunset, on the bank of the river called Sleep. There in the distance were the Fields of Fancy, whose rosy petals sliding down the sunbeams, rest on the eyes of mortals, and bring day-dreams. The Mother Spirit flew back to Pat's home, with Pat in her arms, and placed her in bed.

The morning sun shone through the window. Pat awoke. Bending over her was a lady who resembled the Mother Spirit She cried: "Pat! m y little girl!" And Pat said: "I knew you would come, Mummie." For this time it was no spirit, but was real flesh and blood, and, crowning all, it was her mother!

Lois Gale.

T H E FROLIC NIGHT.

A Frolic Night there is to be_j For girls and boys like you and me; And if enjoyment you should find In dancing of some merry kind, Then come along and join with us Tn some gay costume, brightly thus; Help to make our voices ring In. happy games while we do sing.

Thelma McLeay.

S O M E TROPICAL FRUITS O F Q U E E N S L A N D .

Queensland grows many delicious fruits. So many, that I shall limit them to the four that I think are not so well known in Victoria. The first I shall mention is the mango.

which is not a native fruit of Queensland. but which, grows so readily and wildly, that

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the' people class it as such. The mango g-ows on a large tree much the shape of an *oak tree. In season, the tree is laden with fruit, the shape being sometimes like a kidney, and there are many different flavours. The most common mango has a peculiar taste of turpentine, and, of course is not very much appreciated^ but the strawberry-flavoured mango is very tasty. The second one is the custard apple. It

is not at all like the ordinary apple which we know, because it has a green and rough skin, and" is pale yellow inside; one eats it with a spoon. It also has big black pips inside. Next we have the granadilla, which grows

on a vine similar to the passion fruit, only very much stronger, to bear the weight of the fruit, which is from six to eight inches long and about eight inches in circumference. It is deep cream in colour, and is used mostly for making fruit salad. Finally, the Monstera Deliciosa, grows on

a very uncommon vine which is supported by long 'feelers. Only once in eight years it bears fruit, which is green in colour and is very long and narrow. The most peculiar thing . about the fruit is that it only ripens an inch or two at a time. This you break off and eat. It has the flavour of fruit salad and is very delicious.

Joyce Black.

C O U N T R Y S I D E !

Things that charm— Purple hills against a clear blue sky, the

perfect background for Nature. Trees, old and bent, young and supple, swaying rustling, sighing in the strong fresh breeze, Fields,. golden stretches of corn, tossing their heads in the wind. The low chirrup of the tiny birds, the sudden, clear voice of the magpie; the harsh strident note of the kookaburra, seems to- echo and re-echo in the hills till it becomes a faint whisper of sound. The plaintive lowing of a calf, which had wandered from its mother. In the green bushes a little stream

wanders, softly murmuring, over white pebbles. Around it, marvellous creations of fern and fungi> all the soft colours of the rainbow. Small trou_t darting backwards and forwards in search of the insects which are their prey. One's own reflection mirrored in the clear water as one lies full-length on the short grass. Sounds are wafted clearly on the still air. _Nature combines all her powers of subtleness in creating this idyllic scene in one of the tiny, rarely traversed nooks, hidden from the prying eyes of the world.

T. Elliott.

(--RED RITTER, PRINTER, 322 LITTLE LONSDALE ST., MELS.