The 'modest' demeanour of Robert Maugham. An old Christmas competition and a council members' letter with a sense of humor .

The Law Society’s Gazette, December 1959 Robert Maugham, Secretary of The Law Society 1825-1862By Michael Birks LL.BRobert Maugham’s modest demeanour may well have been due to shyness, for he was certainly not lacking in character… The only anecdote of Mr. Maugham at home that has been handed down confirms the impression of a forceful man. An old solicitor once described to Mr. Somerset Maugham [the novelist was a grandson of Robert Maugham] an occasion when, as an articled clerk, he went to dinner with the Maughams. A dish of potatoes baked in their jackets was placed before his host who was at the head of the table carving the joint. For some reason or other the sight of these potatoes enraged the old man, who solemnly picked them up, one by one, and hurled them at the pictures round the walls. Nobody said a word!

Christmas CompetitionThe Christmas Competition – now in its tenth year – is open to all readers of the GAZETTE. Pseudonyms are permitted… Two prizes of £5 5s. and £3 3s. are offered in both the prose and verse sections… The Editor’s decision will be final.VerseA poem on "The Glorious Heritage of the Common Law" (not more than 25 lines). Competitors are invited to select their own style and meter and to decide for themselves whether their approach to the subject should be serious or light-hearted.ProseCompetitors are invited to submit the head notes of a law report (not more than 250 words) based on the facts of any one nursery rhyme.

The Law Society’s Gazette, December 1969 Council members [letter to the editor]As one of the ‘potted biographies’ [of newly-elected council members] referred to by Mr P. T. Adams (November) I was astonished/delighted/curious/flattered that he or indeed anyone had actually read them.

In fact I was educated at the Liverpool Borstal, discharged from the Army with ignominy, practice (sic) under a pseudonym, have several wives, have lost track of the children and wouldn’t care to list my hobbies, but does Mr Adams seriously expect me to declare this before my election?

However, I have found that most other ‘potted biographies’ are quite human and markedly different.London EC P. J. PurtonSo they at least have a sense of humour, Mr Adams. – Editor.