'Sandstones' of time!

The pic is courtesy Shehan McGrath's FB account 

THE sandstone steps running the length of Constantia's east terrace were more than steps to the students way back in the 1960's. They were used for sitting and chatting or reading, or just to sit and gaze across the lake into the distance, beyond the Lat, waiting for the dinner bell to ring, while on weekends we sat there and watched some of the best 16 mm Hollywood movies that the VP, Mr Frank De Souza procured. They were also used by small chaps to play a game called 'Steps' that required a tennis ball. I don't know whether this game has survived!
But first-time visitors to the Mart have always expressed amazement when they see the hundreds of names engraved on them, no less than the old boys who come back after 60 years and more, to find their own still there! Some names go back perhaps a century. This must be unique and also bizarre, when one thinks of the struggle the world over to preserve heritage sites. How this tradition crept in is not known but every boy joining the Mart wants to add his name. Of course, considering the thousands that have passed out from here it's fortunate that only a few names are added each year.
Having one's name on the steps meant: 'I am a Martinian'! Yes, boys were very proud as Martinians way back in the 1960's and before. I cannot peak for the following generations but do hope it is that way today as well!
Three years is the minimum a boy should be on the college rolls before he can engrave his name. Luckily, once the first year passes most tend to forget about it, or feel it can be added any time and we all know how fast those 'golden years' fly. Those who do take advantage of the privilege put the year of joining but few remember to add the year of leaving!
When the chisel and hammer has been acquired it's important to find a spot on the steps to fit one's name. I think that is near impossible (today). Then the lettering shouldn't be too bold and large because that doesn't make one a better Martinian. More important is the lack of space! Then it is important that one doesn't supplant or wipe out someone else's name.
Some names today are obscenely large. In the 1960's there was just one such name, that of  S. Alexander, on the bottom step not far from the canteen parapet. Boys were told that example was to be shunned. Over the years names can be found anywhere there are flagstones, in the house rooms, corridors, on the Lat steps and in the Bulls Ring!
It was once felt that more steps should be installed for the purpose, let's say against the bund opposite! But that may have been a joke!