On leaving I think I may well recall some of he OW customs which have fallen into disuse while I have been in the school. The practise of having substances & shadows died a natural death about 1880, through Dr Scott not caring to take trouble about it. The substance was a boy who was appointed to look after a new boy during the first fortnight of school life. The substance was chosen if possible from the same form & house as the shadow & was responsible to the masters & monitors for any offences the shadow might commit. Speeches were abolished when Rutherford came. On Friday mornings during the winter terms the School stopped work at 12 O’clock & assembled in the Big School room. The fellows in the sixth, T.B. & Q.S.S. alike then recited pieces of English Poetry. Of these there would be two or six each time. It certainly gave fellows practice in speaking & was considered a good practice for the Play.
The Under School used to wait outside the Head Master’s house before school & when they saw him coming used to hide up School shouting ‘Scott’s coming’. This was abolished by Rutherford.
C.H.Bompas/ Prin.Opp