PROCEEDINGS

OF THE

ACKWORTH

Old Scholars' Association.

PART X.

Eighth Month, 1891.

ASHFORD, KENT:

H. D. & B. HEADLEY, PRINTERS, INVICTA PRINTING WORKS.

Preface.

IN consequence of an outbreak of illness at Ackworth School, the Committee decided to omit the General Meeting this year, and the Executive of the Old Scholars' Association have come to the conclusion that it will be the best course to omit their Annual Re-union also. The advisability of holding the meeting at some other place has been thoroughly discussed, but judgment has been entered against adopting that course for several reasons. In the first place it has been thought that, in whatever place it was held, it would be to a large extent a local affair, as we should hardly expect the members to travel considerable distances to an Old Scholars' Re-union apart from the attractions of the General Meeting. Secondly, considerable expenses would be incurred, and the balance in favour of the Association greatly diminished. We have heard the argument used that Old Scholars expect to receive value for their money, and that therefore a meeting should be held and the proceedings printed as usual. We hope, however, that the number of those who look at the matter from such a standpoint is a small one, and that the large majority would prefer that the funds should rather be devoted to the interests of present and future scholars. The fear that some members will be disappointed with the course we have adopted has been over us, but as no one course would be likely to meet with universal approval, we hope that the disappointed ones will give us the credit of having tried to do what was best for the Association and most in accord with its professed objects.

Secretary's Report, 1890-1891.

LAST year the balance in hand was comparatively small and a special subscription was raised in order that certain improvements might be made in the boys' gymnasium. The substitution of a boarded floor for the bark previously in use has been of great advantage in many ways. There is no doubt that it is better for the lungs now than it was in the days when clouds of bark dust were continually rising, especially when "barking" was resorted to as the best method of settling some slight dispute. During the school-days of the writer it was not considered respectable to frequent the "gym," but now we believe all that has been changed and the place has become the resort of those desirous of developing muscle and agility.

We are glad to be able to report a continued increase both in funds and membership. The total has reached 1,417, which is 70 more than that of a year ago.

Our Corresponding Secretary has still to complain of those who think that it is no use belonging to us, unless they have a definite prospect of attending the annual re-union; this applies to old scholars both at home and abroad. We hear of a lady in Kansas, who has tried to induce several in her neighbourhood to join, but without success. To those who either withdraw or decline to join we would say that the Association was formed for the benefit of Scholars, both present, past and future. If they consider that they have derived no benefits from Ackworth School, which have not been repaid and have no desire for the continued success of their alma mater, then we might allow them to retire without protest; but we feel sure that this cannot be the case with more than a very limited number, and we trust that all others will be willing to join with us in promoting the interests of the School, even though they may not see any