Valete 1934

P. French (1926-33; Prefect, 1933). The School loses in French a keen student and a conscientious Prefect. Our best wishes go with him in his future career.

S.E. Skudder (1928-33; Prefect, 1933; Captain of Mallinson 1933; Football Colours, 1933).

R.S. Vine (1927-33; Prefect 1933; Photographic Society Committee, 1933). We wish Vine every success in his medical studies at East London College,

VI Lit: A.V. Blackledge, F. P. Day (Chess Club Secretary, 1933),

VI Sci.: G.W. Cox, D. Horder (Woodwork Society Secretary, 1932-33), H. R. Wilcock.

Shell: D.A. Arnold, L.J. Clark, M.D. Cooke, B.E.S. Gore, E.D. Holman, A.R. Kiggins, R.A. Oliver, E.J..H. Starkey (Dramatic Society Joint Secretw 1933), J. R. Thomas.

F. W. Jones (1928-34; Prefect, 1933-34; Football Colours, 1933; Captain of Football. 1933-34; Cricket Colours, 1933). Besides being one of the best all-rounders at sports the School has had for some time, Jones was a successful scholar and a conscientious prefect. We lose in him one who has done much to maintain the high reputation of the Monoux School, and who, during the whole of his time at the School, placed that reputation before all other considerations. We wish him every success in the Civil Service, which he now enters as a junior clerk as a result of the competitive examination held in London last September.

C. W. Potter (1928-33; Prefect 1933-34; Art Society Secretary 1934). Although few titles decorate his name "Charlie" Potter made his influence felt in the School to an extent and in a manner which it is the fortune of few to emulate. Who can forget his lusty interpretation of "Father" in the "Car' episode at the Rag Concert? Who can deny that his famous Balbus murum aedificavit in the last issue of the Monovian was far more eloquent than reams of editorial bleatings or pages of lame sarcasm? Moreover, who can forget the Monoux Melody Monarchs and the superannuated piano accordion? But enough! We hope that Potter will excel in his new calling as he has done in the School.

Shell: D. R. L. Davis, R. L. Green, D. H. Robinson.

H. F. Bailey (1929-34; Prefect, 1934; Athletics Colours, 1934). Bailey was probably the best high-jumper the School has ever had. His achievements in this branch of Athletics and his efficiency as prefect will serve to keep his memory with us now that he has left school.

S. F, Pritchard (1929-34; Prefect, 1934, Orchestra, 1929-34; Debating Society Committee, 1933-34). It is indeed unfortunate that Pritchard had to leave before he had the opportunity to take a leading part in the life of the School. During his five years here he distinguished himself as violist in the School Orchestra and as an accomplished pianoforte accompanist. He also contributed to the Monovian„ and took a keen interest in the Debating Society. In the General School Examination this year he gained honours, with a distinction in music. We wish him every success in the Audit Department of the Prudential Assurance Company.

L. E. Rose (1926-34; Prefect, 1934; Football Colours, 1932; Athletics Colours, 1934). Rose did a great deal for School Athletics and School Football. His excellent achievements as First XI centre-forward have already been recorded in the Monovian. He carried out his duties as prefect thoroughly and conscientiously.

D. H. Stoker (1927-34; Prefect, 1934; Captain of Spivey House, 1933-34). It is chiefly as an efficient house captain that Stoker will be remembered.

G. W. W. Stuart (1929-34; Prefect, 1934; Football Colours, 1934). Stuart was a valuable member of the First Cricket and Football XIs.

R. P. Towndrow (1926-34); Prefect, 1932-34; Captain of Whittingham House, 1933-34; Athletics Captain, 1933-34; Athletics Colours, 1934; Cricket Colours, 1934. Towndrow was one of the few who take an interest in every department of School activity. He rendered great service to School Athletics as a runner and a member of the School Relay Team, and was a member of the First Cricket XI. He spoke in School debates and wrote for the Monovian, and proved a very efficient house captain. This year he distinguished himself academically by winning a Drapers' Company's Exhibition in Science at East London College. He takes with him our very best wishes.

VI Sci.: D. S. P. Blench, D. C. P. Ralfe.

Shell: D. S. Ray.

On the last day of the Summer Term the Captain of the School handed to Mr. Toplis on behalf of the present boys a Mllver cigarette case, as a small token of their appreciation of his many years of devoted service to the School. Mr. Toplis Ituwked the boys in a speech filled with characteristic humour and interspersed with neat allusions which delighted his audiot+ce beyond words. Such remarks as " Contrary to my custom, t nm not going to detain you long," and "You will probably nwo me prowling around the district until I do something so w+trageous that I get locked up," were greeted with roars of Inwghter, and will always be associated with Mr. Toplis's name in the minds of those who heard his speech. The merriment of the younger boys knew no bounds when Mr. Toplis concluded by telling a story of how, in his own early schooldays, he was told to "get up" some scripture for homework, and innocently learnt it off by heart?
We have since received a letter from Mr. Toplis in which he writes:-"When I left my home in the Monoux School last July, I went out overwhelmed with the kindness of word and action which I received from the masters and boys.. " Therefore . . I should like it to be recorded in print how very grateful I was and am to all who have been so good to me.
"It was in the Monoux School that I learned to love my work, and the School and all that is connected with it have a permanent place in my delightful memory of it."