PHOTOGRAPHIC BRAIN

Wairarapa Times-Age, 3 August 1938, Page 7

PHOTOGRAPHIC BRAIN

GREAT BRITAIN’S BRIGHTEST BOY MATRICULATES AT TWELVE Britain’s brightest boy—the boy with a photographic brain —has set up a record by matriculating at the age of 12. But when told of his achievement, the boy,, Michael Halliday, of Flying Hall, Robin Hood’s Bay, Yorks, wasn’t very interested . . he went on discussing the prospects of his school Rugby XV., of which he is a member, with his form mates. Young Halliday, son of Mr M. J. Halliday, a master at Pudsey Grammar School, is a rare genius at languages. Heavily built for his age, keener than most boys on sport and more chary of lessons, he speaks French and German like a native of either country. “Michael is a remarkable boy,” his father told a reporter. “He doesn’t seem to put any effort into his studies —far less than the ordinary boy, yet he seems to succeed automatically. “His memory—especially for languages—is phenomenal. It is best described as photographic. “I could wish he were more interested in work and less in sport. He plays a very good game of rugger, and shaped well at boxing until he had to wear glasses. “I think he would rather have won his school championship in the ring than matriculate so young.