The annual Prefects' Dance took place on the last day of the Autumn Term, December i6th.
The Hall was gay with flags and bunting unearthed for the occasion by Mr. Beesley from the obscurity in which they had lain since the Coronation festivities of 1937.

There was a larger number of guests than last year and, what was perhaps more encouraging, almost everybody present joined in the dancing.

We were especially glad to welcome Councillor and Mrs. H. F. Taylor. Councillor Taylor is one of our new Governors.

The only hitch of the evening was the late arrival- of the band, but this was forgotten as the night progressed.

Mr. Dixon again performed the duty of Master of Ceremonies and Mrs. Russell was in charge of the catering arrangements. Our thanks are due to them ; to Mr. Briggs for allowing the use of the Hall and to Mr. Beesley, who helped in many ways to make the dance a success.

Lectures

This year we have again been fortunate in having visiting lecturers from the Extra-Mural Department of Liverpool University and the Imperial Institute, in being able to make two visits to the Philharmonic Hall at the invitation of the Merseyside Film Society, and in receiving visits from two Service officers to explain the prospects of careers in the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force.

It has been possible for the first time to arrange lectures specially for the junior forms ; they heard an old favourite, Mr. S. T. Burfield, explain " Hide and Seek in Nature," and the visit of a West-Indian Cricketer, Mr. E. B. Eytlc, was also reserved for them.

During the year the following lectures and visits took place :

1943.
October 2nd : Sub.-Lieut. Clark, R.N. : " Enlistment in the Royal Navy."
November 9th : Mr. S. T. Burfield : " Hide and Seek in Nature."
December 6th : Merseyside Schools Film Society's show.

1944.
February 11th : Mr. Baker : " Kenya Colony."
May 17th : Squadron Leader Brewer (University Air-Crew Selection Board) : " A Career in the R.A.F."
June 22nd : Mr. E. B. Eytle : " The West Indies."
July 19th : Merseyside Schools Film Society's show.

Charities Account

During the year 1942-43, £24/15/0 was raised on behalf of various charities, £6 more than last year. Poppy Day receipts rose to £4/13/9 and the sale of Alexandra roses amounted to £1/13/11. Admission charges to the Sports were £10/1/9, the proceeds of the Lost Property Office £5/18/4, and some miscellaneous items £1/6/3, while there was a donation of £1/1/6 from the Dance.

We were therefore able to make the following contributions :—Y.M.C.A. £3/3/0 ; Red Cross and St. John £3/3/0 ; Rainhill Comforts Fund £1/1/0 ; Aid to China Fund £1/11/6; Aid to Russia Fund £1/11/6; Merseyside Hospitals £1/11/6 ; St. Dunstan's£1/11/6 ; Anti-tuberculosis campaign 10/10.

This year (1943-44) the takings on Poppy Day again rose (£5/2/2) and the " gate money " at the Sports increased to £11/17/0. £4/4/0 has already been sent to the fund for Prisoners of War parcels, of which £3/3/0 is allocated to our Old Boys who are prisoners. The final figures are not yet available but there should be about £15 for distribution.