Comments & Editorials 07
Editorial (1959-60)

WE have reached the fifth edition of our school magazine, and a glance over our shoulders reveals the turbulence and ultimate progress that mark the establishment of a new institution. With the school field rough but just about ready four years after the official opening, and with our fifth full year of rugby, cricket and athletics behind us, we have emerged if not into an era of peace at least into a position of comparative strength.

In the year's cycle the school is now losing as well as gaining staff, and the exodus of Saint Nicholas boys into their careers has begun. At this stage some responsibility for the running of the school is passing into the hands of its senior pupils; this magazine, hitherto the preserve of anonymous staff editors, is no exception to the tendency, and we two are assisting in the task of editing it this year. This is a transitional measure, for in time, it is hoped, the magazine will be entirely the preserve of the boys. The financial position and the nature of the transition have made it impossible to change cover design and marginal decoration. We have, however, preferred to maintain the existing divisions rather than mix in reports with literary articles. Nevertheless, we anticipate more drastic changes in the future; the unchanged appearance of this magazine is no indication of perfection, nor does it preclude change.

Whilst these pages cannot hope to reflect every detail of school life, it is part of their purpose to do so, and whilst a high standard is sought since they are in many ways an indication to outsiders of the school's progress, neither of these exigencies should obscure the indisputable fact that they should contain the supreme achievement of our artistic and literary ability. We can therefore only be disappointed that so many people are reluctant to contribute articles or give constructive criticism. We need more contributions and increased competition. Support from certain members of the Sixth Forms has been lacking, notably the scientists perhaps because they are contemptuous of literature. Rather than proving their own ability they lay themselves open to criticism for their apathy.

The present challenge, at a time when the school is settling into a routine, is not to fall into a rut. If we must have our elusive and much sought traditions, we must also have the will not to make them an excuse for stagnation, now that major issues have been settled.

P. W. SARGEANT, Upper VI.
D. R. LLOYD, Middle VI.