SPECTATOR COMPETITION No. 46
Report by A. D. C. Peterson
One of the greatest difficulties of headmasters is the writing of testimonials which satisfy simultaneously their bearers and the truth. A prize of £5 was offered for such a testimonial for one of the following : Lupin Pouter. Billy Bunter, Steerforth, Mr. Bultitude, Young Woodley.
This competition produced a wide selection of testimonials, with Billy Bunter and Bultitude considerably the most popular recipients, and Lupin Pooter, somewhat to my sorrow, the least. Steerforth presented the most interesting problem, and the tributes to him were few but good. A few competitors confused open testimonials with end-of-term reports ; but, on the whole, the professional form was well maintained. At least one entry came from a genuine head- master and one—to judge from the general format—from the Remove at Greyfriars.
Certain observations—such as the growing maturity of outlook in Bullitude's last term and the gap which would be left by Bunter's departure—were " gifts," and in picking the winner it was necessary to look for more than these points or for unusually neat ways of putting them. N. Hodgson produced an admirable rendering of Dr. Creakle's style in writing of Steerfoith: " I never called him to account for a disrespectful word or deed. He once—such was his candour and straightforwardness—admitted to me of his own accord that he had used an expression to an assistant master which might be regarded as insolent ; but enquiry showed that he spoke under pro- vocation and in what he conceived to be the highest interests of the school. I was obliged to agree with him, and the master was* dismissed." But the humour here is unconscious, and the essence of the competition was that the writer of the testimonial should know very well what he was writing. R. S. Stanier's comment on Bunter: " It is no exaggeration to say that the gat, he leaves in the bottom form will be impossible to fill," is, if technically in- accurate for Greyfriars, in the right vein.
I liked, too, that valuable hint of further information available in H. M. Butler's recommendation of Young Woodley: " His house- master, who was able to make him a house prefect, allows me to add that he has seen a draft of this testimonial, and would be prepared to write himself even more strongly."
Between many of the Bunters there was not much to choose, but 1 think E. A. Skottowe's Young Woodley stands out for its first and last paragraphs, true, revealing and yet far from libellous. I recommend, therefore, a first prize of £3 for Mr. Skottowe, with two seconds of £1 each for the most consistent of the Bunters, D. B. Wardle and the Rev. P. A. Schofield.
FIRST PRIZE (E. A. SKO1TOWE) Mr. Woodley came to this School in September, 1924, leaving 'In February, 1928, fur urgent family reasons. During his time here he played an unobtrusive but not backward part in all normal occupations. As.he is sensitive, highly-strung and aesthetic, I think his future will lie more in expression than in action ; however, since his now naturally immature poetry discloses both a bird-watcher's acute observation and an idealist's appreciation of form, it is not impos- sible that tie may find full scope for his creative abilites in such an art as interior decoration.
Although reserved in public, he can undertake responsibility manfully when occasion offers: before he left he had been quietly and successfully performing duties normally-discharged by his HouseMaster.
SECOND PRIZES _ (D. B. WARDLE) William George Bunter has been a pupil at Greyfriars for the past five years, during which time he has bulked large in the life of the school. I cannot say that he has been especially prominent in either the academic or the athletic sphere ; I would rather describe him as an all-round pupil of unusual capacity and great resilience. He has always shown a lively interest in, and a keen appetite for, some of the pabulum which a public school provides He has pursued his studies here for long periods without remittance. but has always given evidence of a very forward-looking mentality, and an unbounded confidence in what the future will bring—a confidence which he has done his best to make his companions share. Many, no doubt, will be touched at his departure from Greyfriars.
I am confident that there are many places which William Bunter will be able to fill more than adequately ; and in whatever sphere of life he finds employment, he will never be a " lightweight ".
(Signed) SEPT1MUS LOCKE (D.Litt.), Headmaster.
(REV. P. A. SCHOFIELD)
To all whom it may concern: The nation-wide reputation of Greyfriars is inextricably intertwined with the name and personality of William G. Bunter. For a boy of his age he has carried unusual weight among his fellow-pupils and his relationship with them has been invariably one of touching generosity. He is a devoted disciple of the art of Borrow and has shown a taste, when the occasion was present, for the work of Spender. He anticipated, and for some years has been experimenting with, many of the reforms of English spelling recently associated with-the name of Follick. Although he is not a mathematical genius he has applied himself with unrivalled energy to his tables (at which he ,has always swept the board) and his achievement has been substantial as far as the compilation of figures is concerned. One might sum up his intel- lectual abilities by saying that throughout his period in the Remove Bunter has proved himself remarkably consistent at bottom and has been virtually in a class by himself.
I commend him as a boy of acquisitive appetite and voracious enthusiasm, of open mind, broad views and solid attainment. His departure from the school will leave a considerable gap.
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