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under tree-stumps so that these could be removed from the earth by the roots. This job was done to clear a piece of ground for a prospective caravan-site. Our third task was doing what is known as " brashing." That is cutting off the lower limbs of trees to a height of six or seven feet up the trunk. These branches are cut off to stop knots forming in the trunk as the trees grow thicker. On Sunday we climbed the hill known as the " Brother", just behind the hostel, before lunch, and in the afternoon an expedition set out to the Falls of Glomach, where the water cascades over sheer rocks for 370 feet. On our second free day, the Wednesday, the weather was too bad for hill-walking ; so Mr Paterson took us to Skye in the van instead. The last free day, the Thursday, saw us toiling up the " Five Sisters of Kintail," five mountains side by side on the north side of Glenshiel, joined by a rocky, and occasionally very narrow ridge. We had hoped to reach all five summits, but in fact climbed only four of the " Sisters," going round the " Brother " on our way back to the hostel. All these activities, whether work or leisure (if that is the right word) we enjoyed very much, in spite of the weather.
At about a quarter to eight on the Saturday
morning (19th June) the bus arrived to take us back to Dunblane. The company of sixteen girls returning home after a week at Balmacara Adventure Camp made the return journey less tedious.
Some incidents of the camp will be remembered. There was Curl's pet duck that went into Loch Duich for a swim, dived, and was never seen again ;the burnt custard served by Owens ; the time part of the chassis fell off the van on our way back from Skye ; McConnell's tonsilitis that enabled him to do almost no work ; not least the barbecue to which Owens, Welsh, Broughton, and dark were invited by two girls working in the Kintail Lodge Hotel, and which they did not attend because Mr Paterson was adamant that it was too late at night. But the whole party was grateful for the chance to attend this camp.
M.J.H.O.
PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY NEWS
The Society's second year has been as successful as its first. Next year promises to be even more successful, for we now have another enlarger and a good camera which members can borrow. The problem of numbers is still with us. With too many members, the society cannot function properly. For this reason, next year we can keep only the keen members of the society remaining from this year. However, as there are many members of the society leaving this year, there should be room for most of the people wishing to join next term.
Recently a few senior boys, who will be nameless, criticised our prices, saying that sixpence for a postcard size print is far too much. They have worked out carefully with their slide rules that we are making something in the region of 200% profit on each print.
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There are many financial arguments against this accusation (we have thought of raising our prices) but I need not go through them. We are offering a cheap service to the School, and can do without orders from anyone who thinks our prices excessive.
During the year we held a competition for members. It was divided into two classes : Class A—the best picture depicting some aspect of school life. Class B—the best photograph of any other subject. Each competitor was allowed to enter two photographs for each class.
Results :
Class A—First K. Robinson, Second R. Long, Third K. Robinson.
Class B—First R. Morrice, Second R. Long, Third A. Warwood.
N.S.D.
THE DEBATING SOCIETY
The beginning of the Easter term saw the retirement of A. I. Warwood as the secretary. He was succeeded by P. Gilder. The Society does not meet in the summer term.
A number of our debates and topics for sharp practice reflected the blood-thirsty nature of the typical senior form pupil.
The motions discussed were as follows :—
Thursday, 14th January—
A " sharp practice " was held. 9 motions were discussed.
Thursday, 21st January—"
This Society considers that BEER is best." Proposer A. Kay, Seconder A. Warwood. Opposer R. Newman, Seconder S. Robertson. The motion was defeated by 5 votes to 4.
Thursday, 28th January—
" This Society suggests that executions should be re-established and made public." Proposer M. Scoggins, Seconder R. Irvine. Opposer R. Newman, Seconder S. Robertson. The motion was carried by 6 votes to 4.
Thursday, 4th February—
" This Society considers that the youth of today has lost the taste for adventure."
Proposer P. Gilder, Seconder M. Scoggins.
Opposer A. Warwood, Seconder A. Kay. The motion was defeated by 6 votes to 1.
Thursday, llth February—
" This Society considers that Hitler was great man."
Proposer A. Morrice, Seconder S. Robertson.
Opposer R. Newman, Seconder M. Hewgill.
The motion was carried by 6 votes to 5.
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