TECHNICAL TIME MAY 1968 NO. 2
This is the second issue of TECHNICAL TIME, which is published
by the students of the Technical Institute, Kenema.
The articles were compiled and arranged by the editorial staff. This issue has been arranged in three
sections: Editorials and letters,
the trades, and general articles.
Technical Time Editorial
Staff:
Chief Editor: Richard J.M. Shaka
Editor: Francis K. Carter
Secretary: Salu M. Kamara
Treasurer: Manson M. Mansaray
News Rover: Abdulai S. Kamara
Advisor: J.P. Fretz
Editorials:
We courtly and earnestly present you the Technical Time, and simultaneously we have tried to give you some unorthodox, but soothing ideas. The articles are cautiously assembled and guarded from copying.
The ideas are concise and are mainly based on the various trades in the Institute. Furthermore, for the sake of the finalists, we sustain the continuation of this periodical. Unanimously, we say thank you, and good bye.
Richard J.M. Shaka
Dear Friends and readers.
It is a tribute to the cooperation and determination of the staff and
students of the Institute that we are able to produce our second issue of
Technical Time. You all know that it is not an easy task to select from the large number of articles submitted to
us. Some students submitted several articles of equal length and quality, but we can only take few, and,
moreover, we even condensed some of these to save space. However, we offer our
thanks and encouragement to all those who contributed.
It is manifest that we, the Third Year Students, will be leaving in July to face the world-wide problems in life. We hope to gain good luck and prosperity in all our undertakings. To those second year students who are remaining, we hope that they will
continue with the magazine.
I should not forget to give special thanks to our advisor, Mr.
J.P. Fretz, who has rendered valuable services in editing and
typing.
Francis K. Carter
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Letters to the Editor:
Dear Chief Editor,
I have the confidence that if all the officers and authors of this magazine do their duties, if nothing is neglected, and if the best
arrangements are being made, we shall prove ourselves once again able to defend
our Institute, and to ride out the storm of the past years. Special attention should be paid to the selection of articles,
particularly for the writers. When a writer sits down to commence his article, he should not just write
because he has to write a story, but because he has a story to tell. The writer’s first article will
generally have sprung from the right cause: a series of events or a development of
character that has presented itself to his imagination. With reference to newspaper readers, they are often incredulous and truly
critical. To make proper use of the newspaper, the reader must be critical in the true sense of the word. He must weigh what he reads in the light of his knowledge.
Saidu Kanu
Dear Editor,
School days are the best but not the happiest.
In school as in life, the same qualities make for success or failure,
whether it is assuming responsibilities or shirking them.
If someone who has been a failure in school becomes a success in life, it
does not mean this always happens. A person will stop just to get by after he has left school.
If he did not change, he would be as much a failure in one place as the
other. Hence, employers are looking for young men with good school records, because they are most likely to
be a success. School spirit means not only how loud you yell at the
football games, but your attitude towards school in general.
As a school citizen, you should do what you can to give your moral and
financial support to school organizations. Be interested and you will find school
not so bad. I am asking all students in the country to be friendly with all others.
Don’t spread bad stories, introduce yourself to new students and make
them feel at home. The popular student is always well-mannered.
School is the place where we learn to behave properly.
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Behind the Headlines by Manson M. Mansaray
It is only fitting that the magazine of the Technical Institute,
Kenema, should pay tribute to the various craft masters, their trades, and the
finalist students. Here are the divisions in which the students are preparing for the 1968 City and Guilds of
London Institute Examination.
To begin with, my own trade is Motor Vehicles Mechanics. The masters are Mr. S.A. Kargbo and Mr.
M.M. Conteh. The finalists are:
M.M. Mansaray, A.S. Kamara, F.K. Carter, A.E.S. Fullah, S.A.B.Bengura, F.S.
Ngaojia, E.T. Gbla.
Another important trade is Mechanical Engineering Craft
Practice. This trade is directed
by Mr. J. Ngeba and Mr. J.S. Koroma.
Students leaving this trade in June are: J.V. Mulai, E. Manga, E.B.
Amara, S.S. Vandy, J.B. Karteh.
The third, Electrical Installation, has Mr. A. Quinama as craft
master. His third year students
are: S.M. Kamara, J.M Shaka, B.
Kallon, J. Ngeba, M. Vandy, S. Moiwo, M.A.C. Kabba,
F. Kebbie.
The next trade to follow is Plumbing.
The masters are Mr. A.A. Sowa, Mr. C. Hotchin, and Mr. A.B.S.
Lavalie. Students completing this
course in June are: Foday Vella,
A.B. Kemoh, M.O. Sawaneh, F. Moiwolo,
S.R. Kanu.
Another craft is Cabinet Making. The master is Mr. S.B. Sesay. The finalists are:
A.L. Gibila, P. Lassie, G. Tham, M.B. Marrah, P.P. Mulai, E.P.
Vamboi, S.B.S. Fortune, J.M. Bundu,
L.F.K. Gangha.
Finally, we have the important trade, Brickwork.
The masters are Mr. T.P. Luseni, and Mr. J.K. Momah.
Their third year students are:
M.B. Sesay, J.J. Alfred, J.D. Alpha, A.B. Seiyia,
J.P. Harding, F. Braima,
M.S. Massaquoi.
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The following were written by Third Year
Finalists:
Mechanical
Engineering:
Uses and facts of the machine in the workshop.
In the mechanical engineering course, there are many machines
which deal with different types of work. The different types of machines in the workshop are the shaping machine,
drilling machine, milling machine, and the lathe. Among them, the most important machine is the lathe, which can do the
work of most of the others. The lathe is the father of all machine tools.
Henry Mawdsley, in 1830 built a lathe with a 9’ face plate.
It was used to turn a fly wheel and to bore cylinders. The main features of the lathe are the head stock, bed, carriage, and
tail stock. The head stock is situated at the right end of the bed and serves to support the driving
gears. The bed forms the main body structure and rests on legs at a convenient height.
The carriage is a flat shaped casting on the lathe’s underside. It fits the ways of the bed and it may
slide along. The front part of the carriage is known as the apron.
The tail stock is found on the bed opposite the headstock. It is used for supporting work when turning between centres.
It is also used for supporting and feeding drills, reamers and similar tools. This is a short
introduction to the lathe machine. I hope that through this reading, you have got some idea about lathe
turning and about being a mechanical engineering technician.
J.V. Mulai
Brickwork: Blocklaying and concreting
This is one of the more popular trades in technical
education. We are many in this trade in the Institute, but we are divided according to years and
experience. The finalists have got a standard practical and theoretical knowledge of the many aspects of
brickwork. They should be able to do any job pertaining to the trade, such as drain-laying, plastering, or
blocklaying. We must thank our qualified masters who have taught us all the parts of our jobs very well. Now our time has come to leave the Institute and search for jobs. We hope that our brothers behind us will never regret this trade and will always do
their work efficiently.
Morlai B. Sesay
Plumbing:
Before saying anything, I want to introduce our lecturers, Mr. C. Hotchin, International Labour Organization expert, Mr. A.A. Sowa, Mr. A.B.S. Lavalie, both second class holders in City and Guilds of London Institute. Mr. Sowa teaches theory, science,
technical drawing, and maths. Mr. Hotchin directs craft practice. He has taught us how to make trays, hack saw frames, funnels, etc. Last year we got two passes in Plumbing, and we hope to get three or four
passes in First Class this year. Our workshop contains two large rooms and a store for keeping the
tools. When you enter the workshop, the first thing you see is the place for the bench vices, used for
filing. Then there is a collection of model tools with a list of names and uses, and a welding area.
The workshop was fitted and arranged by the lecturers.
Foday D.O. Vella
Electrical
Installation:
This trade was opened in September, 1965 by Mr. A.L. Quinama. Mr. Quinama went overseas
to do this course for three years, and on his return became the first E.I. master. The first set of students
who entered for this course have demonstrated their seriousness by completing
the difficult syllabus. Eight of the nine are at the finishing point. Electrical Installation is not a trade that one should look upon too
lightly. It is considered by many people to be among the most promising craft science.
The most advantageous part of this trade is the qualified master. Although practical is done very little,
in subject like maths, English, science, and theory, the trade is very worthwhile. The purpose of
learning this trade is to provide more qualified technicians for the nation. All the teaching is suited
to those students who are qualified before entering. I advise any friend who wishes to do this course to be of the right rank
before coming here.
M.A.C. Kabba
Motor
Mechanics:
In the motor mechanics course, one of the things we learn is the
upkeep of the motor vehicle, so that its useful life will be prolonged. Vehicle owners are always advised to
pay attention to the maintenance items recommended by the manufacturers, but in
general, one should be aware of all the following things.
1. Check the engine oil and water level every day
2. Lubrication oils should be changed at intervals, according to capacity.
3. Good brakes alone are not sufficient to brake a vehicle safely
4. Rotate the tyres to distribute road-wear
5. A slipping fan belt causes overheating
6. Incorrect steering geometry will make it difficult to turn the wheel and will increase tyre wear
7. Running tyres at any high pressure will cause rough riding
8. Poor lubrication and general wear in the differential causes a hum
9. Depressing your clutch to lessen the resistance on the gears and cranking the engine by
hand in cold weather reduces the drain on the battery
10. Defective spark plugs and faulty condenser will cause misfiring
11. Never over-fill the rear axle; excess oil will enter the brakes
12. Clean the battery terminals and fill the cells with distilled water
13. Clean air cleaner as often as possible; a dirty one will cause air restriction,
increased petrol consumption and loss of power
14. Never rest your foot on the clutch pedal when driving; undue wear will the linings
Francis K. Carter
Cabinet
Making:
Cabinet making in our country is commonly known as furniture
making. It is the process of making any useful or ornamental household and office article.
Cabinet making is an important trade. Because of it, man can live comfortably in his dwelling. So the Government
has recognized this trade and has introduced it to Sierra Leone, where young men now are trained to become qualified cabinet makers in institutions and industries. In any part of the
world, cabinet makers are needed. Everyone likes to soothe himself in his own residence after working. Cabinet making is a trade which the body and mind actively work at. It requires both manual skills and alertness of mind.
Remember that the things which can be made in wood have this future value. They serve as real and an
everyday need.
What we can gain from this craft is an opportunity for a scholarship after a good performance in the City and Guilds examination and a chance to make a good living by making furniture for sale. In order to do this trade, there are six subjects necessary:
technology, science, drawing and design, trigonometry, craft practice, and calculations. These subjects
are not always easy to master, but every trainee must be able to cope with them
all to qualify for his craft certificate. The master instructor in cabinet making is Mr. S.B. Sesay.
He gained his experience at the Technical Secondary School and Technical
Institute in Freetown, and in Israel, where he studied for three years.
Solomon B.S. Fortune
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How Man Came Down on Earth by S.E.
Johnny
When God created the world, there were only three people living
here: Mr. Eye, Mr. Ear, and Mr. Nose. In those days, answers were
made before questions. That simply means that there were no questions at all. These people were dumb.
They talked only in signs. One day, Mopole, the coward angel, who was up in the sky, fell to earth,
because he was so disobedient and nefarious to the other angels. Before he fell, his eyes were broken, so that he could not perform his wickedness or disturb the people on earth. His ears were cut. So that he could not hear (as men were dumb, they had to clap hands when calling each other). His nose, too, was cut, in order that he might not smell their food when it was cooked.
His mouth was sewed so that he could neither explain why he was made so, nor beg for their properties, like fruits, vegetables and other things that he might need. But his head was not cut, and neither were his hands and legs.
Then Mopole was thrown down on earth. He was really punished severely. On earth it was very quiet when Mr. Ear, who was sitting on his cushioned chair with his technology book in hand, heard this noise from above.
He immediately ran to the workshop to Mr. Eye, who was fatigued from doing his practical, and explained the matter to him.
As fast as they could, both of them ran to Mr. Nose, who was in doubt of doing his technical drawing, the toughest subject of them all. Without lingering, they all ran to seek the fallen angel. Near Mr. Nose’s zoo, they found the hopeless Mopole, breathing with
difficulty, because he was without a nose. He is no longer alive, they each thought.
Mr. Eye, who was the proudest of all, sat on Mopole’s head with
his legs open. Mr. Nose imitated Mr. Eye. He also sat on just where
the nose was at first. But he never talked, so Mr. Ear, who was so quiet, silently placed himself on the
head. These people were becoming fastened, they never knew. At last, when they went to get up, they couldn’t. Mr. Nose hit the angel just where the mouth had been, but no sooner had he done this than the ropes were cut and
Mopole’s mouth returned to normal. Now the old angel had got a pair of eyes, a nose, ears, and mouth. Quite audibly, he began to shout: Where am I? Where am I?
And so, the headman in the sky heard the voice of Mopole. He was furious, and therefore took his
sharp sword and threw it at Mopole. The sword cut the old angel into two halves.
From these, one was made man, and the other a woman. This is how woman comes from man, and all the children they begot started the human race. From this story, you can see how man got ears, nose, eyes, and mouth.
Even today, when the eye is still talking to the nose, you cannot hear it, because it is talking in signs.
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A Visit to the Technical Institute
Not far from the gate of the Government Hospital on Combema Road
in Kenema is the start of the Technical compound.
The first house you see on the left is the home of the Painting and
Decorating master, and the Plumbing master from Australia.
Going ahead, the first road on the left leads to the compound
proper. The first building consists of the Principal’s office, marking room, clerk’s office, and the
library. On this building is printed “Technical Institute.” The next building is a lab, the first workshop for Electrical
Installation. Ahead of this is a long building containing five classrooms.
On the left is a series of dormitories. The first is for people who come to do
a course for the Cooperative Society. The second contains two dormitories named Hawkins and Redgrave, the next
two are called Ferguson and Cummings. The last in this series are Crichton and Conton.
Looking on your right is our dining hall and then the recreation
hall. Further along on the right are the workshops. The closest one
is for cabinet making, then three workshops for brickwork, carpentry and
joinery, and painting and decorating. The motor mechanics is next, opposite the mechanical engineering
building. The last building in this group houses the plumbing shop and the school store.
Across the road are the electrical installation workshop, and then the
principal’s residence, along the road.
By M.A.C. Kabba
Plumbing Parade
Plumbing services are of vital interest to everyone.
Imagine your own home without a water supply, W.C., basin, bath, sink and
drains. Then just try to visualize the discomfort that would be your lot.
In many places the law requires that a habitable building be
weatherproof, and have a pure water supply. It is a plumber who deals also with hot
water systems and the warming of buildings, particularly domestic dwellings, by
central heating. The C.G.L.I. is an example of the influence of craft guilds in the providing of better trained
technicians. A major revision of the plumbing syllabus has recently been completed and is now in operation. A craft certificate
issued to all successful candidates in the Institute’s examination at the
end of the three-year course indicates that the holder is well-trained in the
principles and practice of the trade and fitted to work as a plumber. Institute plumbers promote good
standards of plumbing design, administration, and practice. Plumbing is a progressive trade.
It is proud of its fine traditions, it is alive to the needs of the present and it quickly absorbs the new ideas that help to make our lives more enjoyable.
T.M. Kaminjah
“Keep this in Mind” by F.T. Ibrahim
He who knows not and knows not that he knows not is a fool: Show him.
He who knows not and knows that he knows not is teachable: Teach him.
But he who knows and knows not that he knows is asleep: Wake him.
And he who knows and knows that he knows is wise: Follow him.
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How I have gained greatly through learning Mechanical
Engineering Crafts. By Signus S. Vandi
Before I begin my main topic about my favorite trade, I would first like to offer my sincere thanks to both Mr. Ngega and Mr. Koroma, who have been my trade instructors from September 1965, when I enrolled as a full time
trainee. What I have realized about this trade is that it plays a very important part in the industries in
this country. Because of this important role, the first tradesmen and leaders of our beloved country of Sierra
Leone tried, after hard work and studies, to establish technical training
institutions. The Technical Institute Kenema is one of these. Here, the workshop of the Mechanical Engineering Craft Practice branch is considered to be one of the foundation stones of the Institute.
To my own consideration, I can assure any reader that since the establishment of this trade, people have sent in their applications from all the provinces just to get into MECP.
The advantages of this trade in our Institute are: 1) the two
qualified instructors, 2) the number and variety of theoretical problems we have
learned to solve, and 3) the standard workshop equipment. This trade has three branches, namely, bench-work fitting, machining, and marking out. The particular functions and the method of machine operations for each of these can be mastered
through diligent work and practice. I conclusion, I advise you to try and see how beneficial this trade is
yourself and to your country.
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Education in General, by David A.B. Jusu
Gentlemen of today and tomorrow: I am here bringing you an opinion of
education in general. I want to enlighten the unfortunate ones who always go with the intention that education
only refers to secondary students. I found within myself that education in general does not mean for them
alone, but for everybody. I remembered that it has been said that technical students don’t know the value of
education, and they usually term us as intelligent labourers or woodpeckers. But believe me, such
people do not know what they are saying. The meaning of education in general is this.
Education means that any trade that someone masters and becomes a teacher
in, is education. In fact, in most advanced countries, people of technical colleges are more highly respected than
those of G.C.E. level. The latter can’t become professors but often only fuss about on the public highways. Ah, friends, I am giving you the full assurance that technical education is preferable to others.
Every professional knows the difference between a technician and an ordinary person from their abilities gained through experience. I want you to be in agreement and present the serious consequences so
that every individual coming in here knows his purpose of being in this institute. He must cooperate with
the movement towards true education. Every individual has a particular trade. Within each, you have to undergo some
subjects to guide you in your studies. Maybe you will be entitled to seven subjects and you to study everyone,
whether it is applied mathematics, technology, science and calculations, or drawing. We are proud of our
Technical Institute because we do everything technically and want to bring it fame in the future. Education here
as in other schools, however, also means the bringing up of young people through the development of their character and mental sensibility. One advantage of this technical education is that after you pass the City
and Guilds exam, you can get an overseas scholarship for five or seven
years. At the conclusion, you may warn an Associate Membership in the Institute of Technology affiliated with
Bolton College, in England. My companions and future students, I advise you to keep busy with your books and
bear in mind that what some men have borne, others can also do. Good luck and prosperity in you exams.
“How do you spend your leisure time?”
by S. M. Kamara
On behalf of my fellow students, I am glad to voice some
thoughts on leisure. Our social habits and customs have been deeply influenced by two modern developments: the mechanization of industry and the reduction in working hours. There has been an ever increasing demand for greater leisure since the start of
modernization. The increase in leisure, however, has brought about social problems.
Leisure will not be beneficial unless it is employed wisely. It is obvious that unnecessary pleasure will not afford us lasting
satisfaction although it may offer a temporary escape from work. The word school derives from the Greek word for leisure.
We go to school not only to do certain activities such as book learning, or the exercise of mental discipline, but also to know how to support ourselves in our leisure hours. When a holiday comes, a true or rare leisure is spent, but not in idleness.
It is good to bear in mind that change of work and not idleness is the real basis of workmanship. It is
plain that when you have leisure hours, you will have energy to work, but you should not, for store of energy, avoid domestic works, for these will help you to spend your leisure.
It is good for every individual to guard his or her leisure
time. Often young people get into trouble through not having enough to do.
This does not mean that you must be doing hard work all day long, but that you should utilize your free time in a manner which will be interesting and useful. I can suggest that following which relate to leisure:
read magazines and books which are useful, take up a hobby such as handiwork or photography, or if want to gain popularity, join an organization such as boys’ or girls’ clubs. Mainly, on the subject of leisure, I must state two other activities
which might take place during our leisure days or hours. Dancing is useful as an exercise, and to practice
traditional dancing is interesting. But we must be certain that when we go to dance, it is in order to dance and not to cause any confusion. Drinking, on the other hand, usually leads us to commit sins when we take
ourselves to alcohol, that is, when we take too many strong drinks. It is good that we try not to commit any sin during leisure days. Non-alcoholic drinks will refresh you any occasion.
“Poor Smokers” by Frederick S. Ngaojia
We who have become slaves to our habits know what we do. We smoke for pleasure or imitate the
crooks. But imitation is at times an awful thing. Why must we carry
on with this type of life? We do not have choice but take what we get. We stand in readiness with hands stretched to catch a stick.
But this will never satisfy us. We seldom buy, but always smoke. Why must we carry on with such a life? Though never tired of disappointments, we still can take a drag, or wait for half a stick. All men, however, are not healthy.
This habit easily diseases us and we die so young. This smoking causes harm, and it must cease.
A Quiz by E.P. Sheriff
1. I am a group of flying insects.
When you cut off my head, people need me during the rainy season, but
when you cut off my tail, I leave you no peace. What am I?
2. What is the difference between a tailor and a nurse?
3. Why are women like salad?
4. We are three children: without one, we can not work. What are we? 5.
5. We are soldiers of the same uniform. If our commander does not take us out, we shall be there for the rest of
our lives. What are we?
6. What walks on its head all day?
7. How can you spell the whole world in three letters?
8. Why is the letter “T” like an island?
9. A woman went to the market and picked out all the things that she needed, but
when she looked in her purse, what she found was six letters. What were they?
10. What makes the world go round?
Quiz answers:
1. Swarm
2. A tailor cuts dresses and a nurse dresses cuts.
3. They both like dressing.
4. Fire stones.
5. Match sticks.
6. Studs under your shoes.
7. MAP
8. It comes in the middle of water.
9. OISYAE oh, I say you are empty.
10. Love.
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“The importance of the right use of language”
by Abdul N.R.
Swaray
Language is the means by which we express our thoughts and
feelings to others. It is also a means of arranging the thoughts in our own
minds, and seeing the relationship of one with the others.
Words are signs or symbols that represent ideas or images in our
minds. They are connected in that when we hear or speak a word, we think of these ideas or images.
It is, therefore, very important that the same symbols or words should
convey to others the same ideas as they convey to ourselves, so that we can
express our thoughts to others and can understand them. We must learn to use words correctly in accordance to definite rules that
have been agreed upon. In this way, we avoid confusion. Unless we can use language properly, we cannot speak the truth or even hear it. As one famous writer said, “It takes two to tell the truth, one to speak, and the other to hear.”
Right and just dealings with one another depend largely upon our understanding of language, and upon the habits we may form in using it carefully. The Bible, too, laid great stress on the importance use of language, “Let yea be yea, and nea be nea.”
Each language has its own rules. If you take words from one language and
arrange them in the same way that you would arrange the corresponding works in
another language, they do not make sense. For example, here are some Mende words with their corresponding English
meanings.
Nya– I
Nje - mother
Lima - am going
Gama - to
Nya lima ye gama is a Mende sentence which is quite sensible and intelligible to the Mende
speaker. But it the corresponding English words are put in the same order, you have,
I am going mother to, which of course is not good English.
When dealing with different languages, we must take the utmost care that
what we speak and write is understandable to all concerned.
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This is the second issue of TECHNICAL TIME, which is published
by the students of the Technical Institute, Kenema.
The articles were compiled and arranged by the editorial staff. This issue has been arranged in three
sections: Editorials and letters,
the trades, and general articles.
Technical Time Editorial
Staff:
Chief Editor: Richard J.M. Shaka
Editor: Francis K. Carter
Secretary: Salu M. Kamara
Treasurer: Manson M. Mansaray
News Rover: Abdulai S. Kamara
Advisor: J.P. Fretz
Editorials:
We courtly and earnestly present you the Technical Time, and simultaneously we have tried to give you some unorthodox, but soothing ideas. The articles are cautiously assembled and guarded from copying.
The ideas are concise and are mainly based on the various trades in the Institute. Furthermore, for the sake of the finalists, we sustain the continuation of this periodical. Unanimously, we say thank you, and good bye.
Richard J.M. Shaka
Dear Friends and readers.
It is a tribute to the cooperation and determination of the staff and
students of the Institute that we are able to produce our second issue of
Technical Time. You all know that it is not an easy task to select from the large number of articles submitted to
us. Some students submitted several articles of equal length and quality, but we can only take few, and,
moreover, we even condensed some of these to save space. However, we offer our
thanks and encouragement to all those who contributed.
It is manifest that we, the Third Year Students, will be leaving in July to face the world-wide problems in life. We hope to gain good luck and prosperity in all our undertakings. To those second year students who are remaining, we hope that they will
continue with the magazine.
I should not forget to give special thanks to our advisor, Mr.
J.P. Fretz, who has rendered valuable services in editing and
typing.
Francis K. Carter
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Letters to the Editor:
Dear Chief Editor,
I have the confidence that if all the officers and authors of this magazine do their duties, if nothing is neglected, and if the best
arrangements are being made, we shall prove ourselves once again able to defend
our Institute, and to ride out the storm of the past years. Special attention should be paid to the selection of articles,
particularly for the writers. When a writer sits down to commence his article, he should not just write
because he has to write a story, but because he has a story to tell. The writer’s first article will
generally have sprung from the right cause: a series of events or a development of
character that has presented itself to his imagination. With reference to newspaper readers, they are often incredulous and truly
critical. To make proper use of the newspaper, the reader must be critical in the true sense of the word. He must weigh what he reads in the light of his knowledge.
Saidu Kanu
Dear Editor,
School days are the best but not the happiest.
In school as in life, the same qualities make for success or failure,
whether it is assuming responsibilities or shirking them.
If someone who has been a failure in school becomes a success in life, it
does not mean this always happens. A person will stop just to get by after he has left school.
If he did not change, he would be as much a failure in one place as the
other. Hence, employers are looking for young men with good school records, because they are most likely to
be a success. School spirit means not only how loud you yell at the
football games, but your attitude towards school in general.
As a school citizen, you should do what you can to give your moral and
financial support to school organizations. Be interested and you will find school
not so bad. I am asking all students in the country to be friendly with all others.
Don’t spread bad stories, introduce yourself to new students and make
them feel at home. The popular student is always well-mannered.
School is the place where we learn to behave properly.
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Behind the Headlines by Manson M. Mansaray
It is only fitting that the magazine of the Technical Institute,
Kenema, should pay tribute to the various craft masters, their trades, and the
finalist students. Here are the divisions in which the students are preparing for the 1968 City and Guilds of
London Institute Examination.
To begin with, my own trade is Motor Vehicles Mechanics. The masters are Mr. S.A. Kargbo and Mr.
M.M. Conteh. The finalists are:
M.M. Mansaray, A.S. Kamara, F.K. Carter, A.E.S. Fullah, S.A.B.Bengura, F.S.
Ngaojia, E.T. Gbla.
Another important trade is Mechanical Engineering Craft
Practice. This trade is directed
by Mr. J. Ngeba and Mr. J.S. Koroma.
Students leaving this trade in June are: J.V. Mulai, E. Manga, E.B.
Amara, S.S. Vandy, J.B. Karteh.
The third, Electrical Installation, has Mr. A. Quinama as craft
master. His third year students
are: S.M. Kamara, J.M Shaka, B.
Kallon, J. Ngeba, M. Vandy, S. Moiwo, M.A.C. Kabba,
F. Kebbie.
The next trade to follow is Plumbing.
The masters are Mr. A.A. Sowa, Mr. C. Hotchin, and Mr. A.B.S.
Lavalie. Students completing this
course in June are: Foday Vella,
A.B. Kemoh, M.O. Sawaneh, F. Moiwolo,
S.R. Kanu.
Another craft is Cabinet Making. The master is Mr. S.B. Sesay. The finalists are:
A.L. Gibila, P. Lassie, G. Tham, M.B. Marrah, P.P. Mulai, E.P.
Vamboi, S.B.S. Fortune, J.M. Bundu,
L.F.K. Gangha.
Finally, we have the important trade, Brickwork.
The masters are Mr. T.P. Luseni, and Mr. J.K. Momah.
Their third year students are:
M.B. Sesay, J.J. Alfred, J.D. Alpha, A.B. Seiyia,
J.P. Harding, F. Braima,
M.S. Massaquoi.
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The following were written by Third Year
Finalists:
Mechanical
Engineering:
Uses and facts of the machine in the workshop.
In the mechanical engineering course, there are many machines
which deal with different types of work. The different types of machines in the workshop are the shaping machine,
drilling machine, milling machine, and the lathe. Among them, the most important machine is the lathe, which can do the
work of most of the others. The lathe is the father of all machine tools.
Henry Mawdsley, in 1830 built a lathe with a 9’ face plate.
It was used to turn a fly wheel and to bore cylinders. The main features of the lathe are the head stock, bed, carriage, and
tail stock. The head stock is situated at the right end of the bed and serves to support the driving
gears. The bed forms the main body structure and rests on legs at a convenient height.
The carriage is a flat shaped casting on the lathe’s underside. It fits the ways of the bed and it may
slide along. The front part of the carriage is known as the apron.
The tail stock is found on the bed opposite the headstock. It is used for supporting work when turning between centres.
It is also used for supporting and feeding drills, reamers and similar tools. This is a short
introduction to the lathe machine. I hope that through this reading, you have got some idea about lathe
turning and about being a mechanical engineering technician.
J.V. Mulai
Brickwork: Blocklaying and concreting
This is one of the more popular trades in technical
education. We are many in this trade in the Institute, but we are divided according to years and
experience. The finalists have got a standard practical and theoretical knowledge of the many aspects of
brickwork. They should be able to do any job pertaining to the trade, such as drain-laying, plastering, or
blocklaying. We must thank our qualified masters who have taught us all the parts of our jobs very well. Now our time has come to leave the Institute and search for jobs. We hope that our brothers behind us will never regret this trade and will always do
their work efficiently.
Morlai B. Sesay
Plumbing:
Before saying anything, I want to introduce our lecturers, Mr. C. Hotchin, International Labour Organization expert, Mr. A.A. Sowa, Mr. A.B.S. Lavalie, both second class holders in City and Guilds of London Institute. Mr. Sowa teaches theory, science,
technical drawing, and maths. Mr. Hotchin directs craft practice. He has taught us how to make trays, hack saw frames, funnels, etc. Last year we got two passes in Plumbing, and we hope to get three or four
passes in First Class this year. Our workshop contains two large rooms and a store for keeping the
tools. When you enter the workshop, the first thing you see is the place for the bench vices, used for
filing. Then there is a collection of model tools with a list of names and uses, and a welding area.
The workshop was fitted and arranged by the lecturers.
Foday D.O. Vella
Electrical
Installation:
This trade was opened in September, 1965 by Mr. A.L. Quinama. Mr. Quinama went overseas
to do this course for three years, and on his return became the first E.I. master. The first set of students
who entered for this course have demonstrated their seriousness by completing
the difficult syllabus. Eight of the nine are at the finishing point. Electrical Installation is not a trade that one should look upon too
lightly. It is considered by many people to be among the most promising craft science.
The most advantageous part of this trade is the qualified master. Although practical is done very little,
in subject like maths, English, science, and theory, the trade is very worthwhile. The purpose of
learning this trade is to provide more qualified technicians for the nation. All the teaching is suited
to those students who are qualified before entering. I advise any friend who wishes to do this course to be of the right rank
before coming here.
M.A.C. Kabba
Motor
Mechanics:
In the motor mechanics course, one of the things we learn is the
upkeep of the motor vehicle, so that its useful life will be prolonged. Vehicle owners are always advised to
pay attention to the maintenance items recommended by the manufacturers, but in
general, one should be aware of all the following things.
1. Check the engine oil and water level every day
2. Lubrication oils should be changed at intervals, according to capacity.
3. Good brakes alone are not sufficient to brake a vehicle safely
4. Rotate the tyres to distribute road-wear
5. A slipping fan belt causes overheating
6. Incorrect steering geometry will make it difficult to turn the wheel and will increase tyre wear
7. Running tyres at any high pressure will cause rough riding
8. Poor lubrication and general wear in the differential causes a hum
9. Depressing your clutch to lessen the resistance on the gears and cranking the engine by
hand in cold weather reduces the drain on the battery
10. Defective spark plugs and faulty condenser will cause misfiring
11. Never over-fill the rear axle; excess oil will enter the brakes
12. Clean the battery terminals and fill the cells with distilled water
13. Clean air cleaner as often as possible; a dirty one will cause air restriction,
increased petrol consumption and loss of power
14. Never rest your foot on the clutch pedal when driving; undue wear will the linings
Francis K. Carter
Cabinet
Making:
Cabinet making in our country is commonly known as furniture
making. It is the process of making any useful or ornamental household and office article.
Cabinet making is an important trade. Because of it, man can live comfortably in his dwelling. So the Government
has recognized this trade and has introduced it to Sierra Leone, where young men now are trained to become qualified cabinet makers in institutions and industries. In any part of the
world, cabinet makers are needed. Everyone likes to soothe himself in his own residence after working. Cabinet making is a trade which the body and mind actively work at. It requires both manual skills and alertness of mind.
Remember that the things which can be made in wood have this future value. They serve as real and an
everyday need.
What we can gain from this craft is an opportunity for a scholarship after a good performance in the City and Guilds examination and a chance to make a good living by making furniture for sale. In order to do this trade, there are six subjects necessary:
technology, science, drawing and design, trigonometry, craft practice, and calculations. These subjects
are not always easy to master, but every trainee must be able to cope with them
all to qualify for his craft certificate. The master instructor in cabinet making is Mr. S.B. Sesay.
He gained his experience at the Technical Secondary School and Technical
Institute in Freetown, and in Israel, where he studied for three years.
Solomon B.S. Fortune
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How Man Came Down on Earth by S.E.
Johnny
When God created the world, there were only three people living
here: Mr. Eye, Mr. Ear, and Mr. Nose. In those days, answers were
made before questions. That simply means that there were no questions at all. These people were dumb.
They talked only in signs. One day, Mopole, the coward angel, who was up in the sky, fell to earth,
because he was so disobedient and nefarious to the other angels. Before he fell, his eyes were broken, so that he could not perform his wickedness or disturb the people on earth. His ears were cut. So that he could not hear (as men were dumb, they had to clap hands when calling each other). His nose, too, was cut, in order that he might not smell their food when it was cooked.
His mouth was sewed so that he could neither explain why he was made so, nor beg for their properties, like fruits, vegetables and other things that he might need. But his head was not cut, and neither were his hands and legs.
Then Mopole was thrown down on earth. He was really punished severely. On earth it was very quiet when Mr. Ear, who was sitting on his cushioned chair with his technology book in hand, heard this noise from above.
He immediately ran to the workshop to Mr. Eye, who was fatigued from doing his practical, and explained the matter to him.
As fast as they could, both of them ran to Mr. Nose, who was in doubt of doing his technical drawing, the toughest subject of them all. Without lingering, they all ran to seek the fallen angel. Near Mr. Nose’s zoo, they found the hopeless Mopole, breathing with
difficulty, because he was without a nose. He is no longer alive, they each thought.
Mr. Eye, who was the proudest of all, sat on Mopole’s head with
his legs open. Mr. Nose imitated Mr. Eye. He also sat on just where
the nose was at first. But he never talked, so Mr. Ear, who was so quiet, silently placed himself on the
head. These people were becoming fastened, they never knew. At last, when they went to get up, they couldn’t. Mr. Nose hit the angel just where the mouth had been, but no sooner had he done this than the ropes were cut and
Mopole’s mouth returned to normal. Now the old angel had got a pair of eyes, a nose, ears, and mouth. Quite audibly, he began to shout: Where am I? Where am I?
And so, the headman in the sky heard the voice of Mopole. He was furious, and therefore took his
sharp sword and threw it at Mopole. The sword cut the old angel into two halves.
From these, one was made man, and the other a woman. This is how woman comes from man, and all the children they begot started the human race. From this story, you can see how man got ears, nose, eyes, and mouth.
Even today, when the eye is still talking to the nose, you cannot hear it, because it is talking in signs.
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A Visit to the Technical Institute
Not far from the gate of the Government Hospital on Combema Road
in Kenema is the start of the Technical compound.
The first house you see on the left is the home of the Painting and
Decorating master, and the Plumbing master from Australia.
Going ahead, the first road on the left leads to the compound
proper. The first building consists of the Principal’s office, marking room, clerk’s office, and the
library. On this building is printed “Technical Institute.” The next building is a lab, the first workshop for Electrical
Installation. Ahead of this is a long building containing five classrooms.
On the left is a series of dormitories. The first is for people who come to do
a course for the Cooperative Society. The second contains two dormitories named Hawkins and Redgrave, the next
two are called Ferguson and Cummings. The last in this series are Crichton and Conton.
Looking on your right is our dining hall and then the recreation
hall. Further along on the right are the workshops. The closest one
is for cabinet making, then three workshops for brickwork, carpentry and
joinery, and painting and decorating. The motor mechanics is next, opposite the mechanical engineering
building. The last building in this group houses the plumbing shop and the school store.
Across the road are the electrical installation workshop, and then the
principal’s residence, along the road.
By M.A.C. Kabba
Plumbing Parade
Plumbing services are of vital interest to everyone.
Imagine your own home without a water supply, W.C., basin, bath, sink and
drains. Then just try to visualize the discomfort that would be your lot.
In many places the law requires that a habitable building be
weatherproof, and have a pure water supply. It is a plumber who deals also with hot
water systems and the warming of buildings, particularly domestic dwellings, by
central heating. The C.G.L.I. is an example of the influence of craft guilds in the providing of better trained
technicians. A major revision of the plumbing syllabus has recently been completed and is now in operation. A craft certificate
issued to all successful candidates in the Institute’s examination at the
end of the three-year course indicates that the holder is well-trained in the
principles and practice of the trade and fitted to work as a plumber. Institute plumbers promote good
standards of plumbing design, administration, and practice. Plumbing is a progressive trade.
It is proud of its fine traditions, it is alive to the needs of the present and it quickly absorbs the new ideas that help to make our lives more enjoyable.
T.M. Kaminjah
“Keep this in Mind” by F.T. Ibrahim
He who knows not and knows not that he knows not is a fool: Show him.
He who knows not and knows that he knows not is teachable: Teach him.
But he who knows and knows not that he knows is asleep: Wake him.
And he who knows and knows that he knows is wise: Follow him.
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How I have gained greatly through learning Mechanical
Engineering Crafts. By Signus S. Vandi
Before I begin my main topic about my favorite trade, I would first like to offer my sincere thanks to both Mr. Ngega and Mr. Koroma, who have been my trade instructors from September 1965, when I enrolled as a full time
trainee. What I have realized about this trade is that it plays a very important part in the industries in
this country. Because of this important role, the first tradesmen and leaders of our beloved country of Sierra
Leone tried, after hard work and studies, to establish technical training
institutions. The Technical Institute Kenema is one of these. Here, the workshop of the Mechanical Engineering Craft Practice branch is considered to be one of the foundation stones of the Institute.
To my own consideration, I can assure any reader that since the establishment of this trade, people have sent in their applications from all the provinces just to get into MECP.
The advantages of this trade in our Institute are: 1) the two
qualified instructors, 2) the number and variety of theoretical problems we have
learned to solve, and 3) the standard workshop equipment. This trade has three branches, namely, bench-work fitting, machining, and marking out. The particular functions and the method of machine operations for each of these can be mastered
through diligent work and practice. I conclusion, I advise you to try and see how beneficial this trade is
yourself and to your country.
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Education in General, by David A.B. Jusu
Gentlemen of today and tomorrow: I am here bringing you an opinion of
education in general. I want to enlighten the unfortunate ones who always go with the intention that education
only refers to secondary students. I found within myself that education in general does not mean for them
alone, but for everybody. I remembered that it has been said that technical students don’t know the value of
education, and they usually term us as intelligent labourers or woodpeckers. But believe me, such
people do not know what they are saying. The meaning of education in general is this.
Education means that any trade that someone masters and becomes a teacher
in, is education. In fact, in most advanced countries, people of technical colleges are more highly respected than
those of G.C.E. level. The latter can’t become professors but often only fuss about on the public highways. Ah, friends, I am giving you the full assurance that technical education is preferable to others.
Every professional knows the difference between a technician and an ordinary person from their abilities gained through experience. I want you to be in agreement and present the serious consequences so
that every individual coming in here knows his purpose of being in this institute. He must cooperate with
the movement towards true education. Every individual has a particular trade. Within each, you have to undergo some
subjects to guide you in your studies. Maybe you will be entitled to seven subjects and you to study everyone,
whether it is applied mathematics, technology, science and calculations, or drawing. We are proud of our
Technical Institute because we do everything technically and want to bring it fame in the future. Education here
as in other schools, however, also means the bringing up of young people through the development of their character and mental sensibility. One advantage of this technical education is that after you pass the City
and Guilds exam, you can get an overseas scholarship for five or seven
years. At the conclusion, you may warn an Associate Membership in the Institute of Technology affiliated with
Bolton College, in England. My companions and future students, I advise you to keep busy with your books and
bear in mind that what some men have borne, others can also do. Good luck and prosperity in you exams.
“How do you spend your leisure time?”
by S. M. Kamara
On behalf of my fellow students, I am glad to voice some
thoughts on leisure. Our social habits and customs have been deeply influenced by two modern developments: the mechanization of industry and the reduction in working hours. There has been an ever increasing demand for greater leisure since the start of
modernization. The increase in leisure, however, has brought about social problems.
Leisure will not be beneficial unless it is employed wisely. It is obvious that unnecessary pleasure will not afford us lasting
satisfaction although it may offer a temporary escape from work. The word school derives from the Greek word for leisure.
We go to school not only to do certain activities such as book learning, or the exercise of mental discipline, but also to know how to support ourselves in our leisure hours. When a holiday comes, a true or rare leisure is spent, but not in idleness.
It is good to bear in mind that change of work and not idleness is the real basis of workmanship. It is
plain that when you have leisure hours, you will have energy to work, but you should not, for store of energy, avoid domestic works, for these will help you to spend your leisure.
It is good for every individual to guard his or her leisure
time. Often young people get into trouble through not having enough to do.
This does not mean that you must be doing hard work all day long, but that you should utilize your free time in a manner which will be interesting and useful. I can suggest that following which relate to leisure:
read magazines and books which are useful, take up a hobby such as handiwork or photography, or if want to gain popularity, join an organization such as boys’ or girls’ clubs. Mainly, on the subject of leisure, I must state two other activities
which might take place during our leisure days or hours. Dancing is useful as an exercise, and to practice
traditional dancing is interesting. But we must be certain that when we go to dance, it is in order to dance and not to cause any confusion. Drinking, on the other hand, usually leads us to commit sins when we take
ourselves to alcohol, that is, when we take too many strong drinks. It is good that we try not to commit any sin during leisure days. Non-alcoholic drinks will refresh you any occasion.
“Poor Smokers” by Frederick S. Ngaojia
We who have become slaves to our habits know what we do. We smoke for pleasure or imitate the
crooks. But imitation is at times an awful thing. Why must we carry
on with this type of life? We do not have choice but take what we get. We stand in readiness with hands stretched to catch a stick.
But this will never satisfy us. We seldom buy, but always smoke. Why must we carry on with such a life? Though never tired of disappointments, we still can take a drag, or wait for half a stick. All men, however, are not healthy.
This habit easily diseases us and we die so young. This smoking causes harm, and it must cease.
A Quiz by E.P. Sheriff
1. I am a group of flying insects.
When you cut off my head, people need me during the rainy season, but
when you cut off my tail, I leave you no peace. What am I?
2. What is the difference between a tailor and a nurse?
3. Why are women like salad?
4. We are three children: without one, we can not work. What are we? 5.
5. We are soldiers of the same uniform. If our commander does not take us out, we shall be there for the rest of
our lives. What are we?
6. What walks on its head all day?
7. How can you spell the whole world in three letters?
8. Why is the letter “T” like an island?
9. A woman went to the market and picked out all the things that she needed, but
when she looked in her purse, what she found was six letters. What were they?
10. What makes the world go round?
Quiz answers:
1. Swarm
2. A tailor cuts dresses and a nurse dresses cuts.
3. They both like dressing.
4. Fire stones.
5. Match sticks.
6. Studs under your shoes.
7. MAP
8. It comes in the middle of water.
9. OISYAE oh, I say you are empty.
10. Love.
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“The importance of the right use of language”
by Abdul N.R.
Swaray
Language is the means by which we express our thoughts and
feelings to others. It is also a means of arranging the thoughts in our own
minds, and seeing the relationship of one with the others.
Words are signs or symbols that represent ideas or images in our
minds. They are connected in that when we hear or speak a word, we think of these ideas or images.
It is, therefore, very important that the same symbols or words should
convey to others the same ideas as they convey to ourselves, so that we can
express our thoughts to others and can understand them. We must learn to use words correctly in accordance to definite rules that
have been agreed upon. In this way, we avoid confusion. Unless we can use language properly, we cannot speak the truth or even hear it. As one famous writer said, “It takes two to tell the truth, one to speak, and the other to hear.”
Right and just dealings with one another depend largely upon our understanding of language, and upon the habits we may form in using it carefully. The Bible, too, laid great stress on the importance use of language, “Let yea be yea, and nea be nea.”
Each language has its own rules. If you take words from one language and
arrange them in the same way that you would arrange the corresponding works in
another language, they do not make sense. For example, here are some Mende words with their corresponding English
meanings.
Nya– I
Nje - mother
Lima - am going
Gama - to
Nya lima ye gama is a Mende sentence which is quite sensible and intelligible to the Mende
speaker. But it the corresponding English words are put in the same order, you have,
I am going mother to, which of course is not good English.
When dealing with different languages, we must take the utmost care that
what we speak and write is understandable to all concerned.
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