At a time when our fortune seems to ebb and once again we are called upon to make sacrifices for the economic survival of this country, this may well be the moment to reflect on the words of St. Paul to the Galatians "every man shall bear his own burden". In this respect the State has a primary duty to fulfil as important as that of the individual, to make as easy as possible the path of the individual who sincerely tries to do his duty. The British people have always faced up to their responsibilities with great fortitude and they will always continue to do so with the proper leadership; 1940 to 1945 is a typical example of the British people's will to overcome mortal danger with a leader who is worthy of the name. It is therefore the prime social duty of our leaders to lead, not to compel. How far present policy falls short of this ideal is seen in yet another sphere of government activity - education. The principle behind the comprehensive school policy now being thrust on the country is, in any way that you may look at it, a levelling-down process. It deprives the parents of their freedom to perform a primary parental duty; to select the type of education they consider best. Is not the active force behind this a growing and deep-rooted interference with personal liberty?

Each and every one of us is well aware that the Nation is on a dangerous slope. It would be well to remember Virgil's warning, "easy is the descent to Hell: but to retrace your steps, that is the laborious task".

V. H. SEARLES

It is not my intention in these comments to outline the detailed working of the School during the past twelve months, for I deal with this in my Report on Speech Day and in mt letter to Parents each term. In any case, the following pages bear witness to the many activities which have taken and are taking place in the life of the School. Instead, I would like to say something of the School as a school.

Duncan Hall is an Independent School and, I believe, a good one. At present all Independent Schools are under attack from certain quarters and much of the criticism levelled at us is, I believe, both unjustified and unfair. It seems clear that the less efficient Independent Schools will disappear and that in itself is perhaps no bad thing, so long as the good schools survive and flourish. This raises the question of what constitutes a "good" school. A school is not simply a collection of buildings and amenities, though these are obviously necessary. As I see it, a school is made up of the boys, the Staff and the Parents, and the quality of a particular school depends on all three factors. I and my colleagues on the staff are very well aware of our responsibilties and we are are striving not merely to maintain, but to improve, our work, both inside and outside the classroom, and I am grateful for the tremendous co-operation we receive from the Parents. If the boys themselves continue, not only to "back Britain" but to "back Duncan Hall", I have no doubt the School, with seventy years of proud history behind it, will not only survive, but will flourish.

'It's an ill wind ...' is the start of an old proverb - it was not an ill 'wind', but a fire which did a good turn to the Junior School.

In the winter of 1966, fire broke out in the Scouts' loft destroying much of the building adjoining the Assembly Hall. By September a fine new classroom had been built in place of the old Scouts' loft and the Junior School moved in. They now enjoy a pleasant, light and airy classroom.

Among these Juniors we now have some very young members. However, they settle very quickly with their older comrades, who compete with each other for the privilege of 'taking care' of these youngsters when they first arrive.

Soon the new members are entering into all activities with the enthusiasm which seems to belong especially to the young. This is particularly evident during our weekly visits to the Norwich Swimming Baths. Here, even the smallest can be seen thoroughly enjoying his 'swim'.

I am happy to say that two boys who joined us last year (aged 5) can now swim. I hope by the end of this year's Swimming Session we shall have no non-swimmers.

This keen spirit is what is needed in all our work and games. It can often carry even the least gifted boys to unexpectely high standards.

H. D.