At the Fourth Annual Prefects' Dance, held on the evening of December 19th, a most pleasant opportunity was afforded to this years' prefects to meet their predecessors and to many Old Boys and friends to renew their acquaintance. The committee consisting of the Headmaster, Mr. Stevenson, Miss Thomas, H. E. Walker and D. C. Turton are to be highly complimented on the success of the Dance, which all present voted as " the best ever." Music was provided by Mr. Andrew Keough and his band.

As usual the School Hall was adorned with bunting, which that old friend of the Sixth Form—Mr. Beesley—brought out from his store. Our best thanks are due td him for this and for other tasks carried out, and to those Sixth Formers who gave him their help. The Prefects were sorry that Mrs. Russell was unable to be present this year, but her place was ably filled by Miss Thomas, who, assisted by Miss Huckle and Miss Beresford, helped with the refreshments.

One of the most noticeable features of the Dance was the prompt start, in contrast with other years. For this and for the smooth running of the whole function, our sincere thanks are due to Mr. Stevenson, occupying his customary position as Master of Ceremonies on this most enjoyable evening.

H.E.W.

LECTURES

A programme of lectures and recitals even more varied than usual has been provided during the past school year,

On November 23rd, 1945, Miss E. M. Harding, Organising Secretary of the R.S.P.C.A. in Liverpool, paid us a visit and explained to the junior forms the work of her Society, and, judging from the numbers of posters and badges on walls and in blazer lapels, was successful in inspiring what may turn out to be a school branch—thanks also to the keen interest of Bamford (Illal).

Commander Bowen-Partington, R.N., made a decided impression on February 1st, 1946 with his talk on " Malaya and Singapore," for the Imperial Institute of London. His eye-witness descriptions, witty anecdotes, and excellent slides made us all look forward to his return visit on April 8th, when he let us into some of the secrets of" Empire Problems in the Far East." We shall look forward to seeing Commander Partington again.

On March 4th, the Extra-Mural Department of LiverpoolUniversity sent us Mr. F. J. Routledge to talk to Middle-school forms on " Campaigning with Cromwell." His apt comparisons between the equipment and conditions of soldiering then and now made even the dullest of us realise that history can be a ' live ' subject in the hands of the experts.

The visits of distinguished instrumentalists arranged for us by the courtesy of Messrs Smith and Sons, of Liverpool, are always eagerly anticipated, and that of Mr. Douglas Miller, on April 10th was no exception. Our interest in Mr. Miller's skill and interpretation was quickened by Mr. Benbow's excellent and witty introductions to the items in the recital.

A limited number of seniors considered themselves fortunate to be invited to a talk on Film Criticism (by Miss Dilys Powell, of the Sunday Times) at the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall on April 8th. Miss Powell's brilliant example of the work of a film critic was illustrated by a series of excerpts from films from the " slapstick" and " bank-robbery " era to the present day.

On July 16th, P.C. Stead, of the Lancashire County Constabulary again visited us and gave the whole school the most up-to-date reminders about road-safety. We can think of no better way of ' putting over ' so vital a subject than Constable Stead's little homilies, emphasised by his clever use of blackboard illustration. As a result of this lecture, two competitions have been arranged, the results of which are given elsewhere.

H.C.