THE Editor feels bound to apologise to those contributors who, whenever he met them, were asked: "When will that article be ready?" Thanks to their efforts to satisfy him there is quite a varied bill of fare at last, in which it is hoped that the doings of the Tigers are fairly balanced with those of the Rabbits – as one of our speakers aptly described them – in other words, of the simple majority of climbers, The Editor would like to thank all those who contributed or advised, but especially the Journal Treasurer, who frequently alarmed the Editor in revealing and correcting Editorial blunders, and whose zeal for advertising and general efficiency deserve high praise.
Speaking of Everest, we will simply emphasise those congratulations which were telegraphed to Katmandu on Coronation Day. We are proud of what members of the Club have done in the past, and in the last successful expedition, to make the final triumph possible.
We much regret to record the death last year of W. R. B. Battle, of Fitzwilliam House, and an associate member.
Very sincere thanks to Mr. W. N. Coombes for a gift of books to, the Wherry Library, now in new quarters in St. John’s: we am also very grateful to the authorities of that College for allowing us the use of a room.
We would also like to thank members of the Senior Committee: Mr. A. M. Binnie for his services as Senior Treasurer, and Alfred Tissières for so kindly allowing us to use his room in King’s for the coffee parties held after meetings: an innovation begun this year, for which we are also indebted to the College authorities, since they allow mobs of mountaineers to enter after 10 p.m.
At the Annual General Meeting last June it was proposed to raise the subscription to one pound, that a Journal might be published this year. At an Extraordinary General Meeting in the Michaelmas Term this was approved, and the Journal Committee were duly grateful for being given employment.
The activities of the Club, practical, literary and armchair have continued with their wonted vigour. We again decided not to print accounts of meets, which last year were held at Langdale, Nevis, in Skye and in Ogwen, but not, alas, in the Alps. "The usual climbs were done...," The Helyg-Glandena meet last December was notable for the beautiful spring-like weather, which encouraged new ascents on distant ranges and profitable excursions by moon light; The Helyg dinner on the second week was usually stew from some peculiarly intractible meat, and frozen sausages. Last term equally incredible weather gave us Arctic conditions and horizontal ice experience. Proposals to make artificial pitches of vertical ice for practice proved impossible to carry out. During term Gritstone meets have continued, and on Sundays certain people absent themselves to Charnwood, Harrison’s and elsewhere with monotonous regularity. We are deeply indebted to the Climbers’ Club, the Wayfarers, the Scottish Mountaineering Club and the Midland Association of Mountaineers, who have so kindly lent us their huts, and thus given us such enjoyable meets.
Mr. R. E. Maxim, A.R.P.S., again very kindly consented to judge the Photographic competition in the Lent Term. He awarded the 1st and 2nd prizes to G. C. Kunzle (Christ’s) and consolation prizes to G. J. Fraser (King’s), J. C. H. Davis (Peterhouse), E. D. G. Langmuir (Peterhouse) and J. P. Gaukroger (Clare). Mr. Maxim emphasised that it was most important for mountain photographers to develop their own films, as over-development is so fatal to good rendering of snow and sky. The reason for the small number of photographs in this Journal is the Need for Economy at present. The Annual Dinner was held at the University Arms on May 9th, 1953, and again we saw Companions on the Rope elegantly dressed, plying the knife and fork with the usual gusto but unusual finesse. Speeches were made, and plans for the future discussed, on which note we may conclude. Guests were: J. H. Emlyn Jones, Alpine Club. Anthony Rawlinson, Climbers’ Club. Neil Mather, Rucksack Club. Alan Blackshaw, O.U.M.C.