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"Salient" bearded Aunt Daisy (figuratively, of course) on the end of the telephone, with a shorthand expert listening in. The designer of 365 ways to make a husband happy was most loquacious—indeed, the shorthand expert gave her up in disgust half way through!
Aunt Daisy's extraordinary emphasis and tonal variations were exactly the same us on the radio. Uncle Scrim, however, was different. Gone was the unctuousness of the "Man in the Street"; gone was the monster presented to us by a certain weekly paper, and there remained a quiet, sincere, intelligent little man, smoking a cigarette in an immense holder.
"What are your ideas on 'the new morality?'" "Salient" asked Scrim.
"Personally, White I consider that tradition has every right to recognition for its good points. I feel that history will reveal the fact that very marked progress has been made by the younger and more modern thinkers on all subjects, morality included. A revolution in human affairs can be brought about either by the bloody steam-roller type of revolution, or by the intelligent direction Of open-minded students of human relations. The type of ideal that comes from the soap-box orator on the street corner who is disgruntled because the shoe pinches him particularly, is not valuable. But an impersonal ideal is invaluable, when intelligence and not the stomach is the basis of it."
"What do you think of the morality of the average University student?"
"Those with whom I have come in contact strike me as being no different from the ordinary run of people that one finds in any cross-section of the community."
"Is a University education conducive to the formation of a good moral character?"
"Certainly it should be. But it is well known that it is possible to go through University and yet get no education at all. Real education comes out of a person, and is not pumped into him."
"What do you think about drink at dances? We have had a Commissionaire installed at Victoria."
"I don't like prohibitions of any kind, but, where abuses are obvious, control is necessary. I should hate to feel that my existence was so dull and uninteresting that I had to make myself half stupid before I could enjoy it properly."
"Our Professorial Board has banned discussion on sex and religion at University meetings. What are your opinion on the subject?"
"The Professorial Board should be in a much better position to express an opinion, but I do feel that the freer the discussion on all topics, particularly on the subject of sex, the better it will be for the morals of the generation. There has been too much of the type of education that drives a perfectly natural function into hiding, and makes the subject taboo, transforming it into something Impure. There are a great number of young people who live without a proper knowledge of the functions of their bodies. The University is the ideal place to gain this knowledge. I suppose that the authorities are afraid of the irresponsible element, but I think that by free discussion this Irresponsible element might be made a little more responsible, and I cannot see that it would save them by banning discussion altogether."
"The University would be an ideal place to teach religious tolerance. There is only one standard of truth, but many approaches to it, and the only sensible test that can be applied to apparent solutions of all problems, whether religious or otherwise, is summed up in the words of Christ: "By their fruits ye shall know them. You corrupt true religion the moment you introduce any element of bigotry or intolerance. You cannot monopolise truth—you destroy it when you bottle it up."
"What are your views on freedom of speech in radio debates?"
"You destroy the value of debating when you restrict it. Debating is essentially designed to provide a wide field for discussion on a particular subject and if restrictions are introduced, the debate can no longer be called a debate."
"Has 2ZB got a conscious policy?"
"All the commercial stations have a conscious policy. Ours is a more difficult one to put into operation than most people imagine. The broad basis of that policy is that programmes shall be simple and humanitarian. Due regard is paid all the time to the human factor in the listening audience. It is probably far from the ideal, but it is always progressing towards it.
"Good afternoon. 2ZB speaking."
"Could you put me through to Aunt Daisy, please?"
"Just a moment please." Muted voice, "Do you think Aunt Daisy can speak?" Very long pause.
"Hullo?"
"This is 'Salient.' the victoria university paper, speaking."
Doubtful voice. "This is Aunt Daisy speaking—do you want to speak to me?"
"Yes, Aunt Daisy. We are collecting the views of various eminent people, on the University—"
Hearty laughter. "Do you think I am an eminent person?"
"Certainly."
"Well, I don't know much about the University at all, I took lectures in journalism at Auckland under Mr. Alan Mulgan some years ago, but a part from that I haven't had any connection with the University."
"What do you think of the University girl. Aunt Daisy?"
"I haven't met many of them—I really haven't got time—but I've met a lot of teachers, but they're mostly Training Collage, aren't they?"
"Do you think it's worth while for a girl to have a University education?"
"Oh, certainly! Absolutely!
(We have used the blackest type possible).
Wanted a Brain.
"I always think that you should get as much education as possible, and n University education is delightful, isn't it? It helps to improve your brain If you've got one, and helps you to get a brain If you haven't got one. I think It's beautiful. You learn to take the rough with the smooth. and it's so nice—the social side. I mean—laughing and playing together. It must help a girl to become a good housewife."
"Thank you very much, Aunt Daisy. I know our 'Varsity girls will be very interested to hear your opinion."
"I say, do let me see this before you put it in will you? Some of the newspapers print the most awful nonsense—I'm sure I didn't say half of it."
"Certainly, Aunt Daisy. Goodbye,"
"Goodbye."
After the prelude of boisterous community singing in the mood of Extravaganza songs under the enthusiastic incitements of Dick Simpson and Derek Christensen, and a brilliant thought reading act by Ron Meek, with an interlude of light humour from Lava Sandford's style of presenting the "Company Sergeant Major," the Freshers and the Rest were all set to fold their hands and sit back to hear the President's words. By being brief, flippant and friendly he struck just the right note.
And so the masses surged upstairs to the gym.
Was it deep symbolism or was it a whimsical fancy to have rabbits frolicking around the walls? Who are the rabbits? And who are the elfmen luring them on? In his Presidential speech Mr. Edgely said:
"Free of the encumbrance of short pants and gym, dress. Freshers come here to enter a New Era of Life."
Are the leaping and frivolous rabbits Indicative of their coming? Then maybe the rising sun that sprawled, beyond the stage can, too, be interpretated in terms of symbolism and give support to the hope that Bright Ideas and High Aspirations and College Spirit will be surging up with the rising tide of youth and beauty. Tracing this line of thought further, did the overhead streamers shading from palest cream at the rising sun and ranging towards blatant gold, indicate the deepening loyalty for the gold of those who will be growing into the traditions of V.U.C.?
The scene, not only to freshers. but to those who are accustomed to lackadaisical behaviour and casual clothes at 'Varsity affairs, must have been impressive. An unusual number of dancers were formally dressed, the decorations were effective and the crowd set for gaiety.
Because he worked hard for a week trying to sell "Salient" subscriptions to them. Mr. Edgely claims to be well acquainted with the freshers and offers the opinion that they are an incredulous lot. "Salient" agrees. An air of sophistication seemed to be general among the women. Apparently the "lions" of 'Varsity social functions had to change their usual technique, for the expected ga-ga reception of their patronage was lacking.
In fact, to such an extent were these newcomers blase and self-assured, that several complained haughtily of the service at supper. Fortunately there was one redoubtable present who could deal adequately with such impertinence.
In spite of their new sophistication and dignity, the young people reacted to Rudolph's music as spontaneously and simply as any other Gym, crowds—gambolled hilariously to the military two-step, floated dreamily through the Valeta, grew romantic over the Destiny waltz and were properly reluctant to end the last dance. And when the Commissionaire flashed his torch through the darkness upstairs maybe he caught an echo of the promises and sighs still lingering there. . . .
But the Initiation is over, promises are fragile things, and the wheel of university life is turning.
According to "Salient's" Washington correspondent, the quarrel between President Roosevelt and Big Business shows no signs of abating. The effect it will have on the President's private fortune is still
"That's entirely your affair," replied Franklin. The cousin immediately bought a large number of Government bonds.
"And now." he wrote. "It's entirely your affair."
I cannot say whether the Committee of the Debating Club intended that the subject—"That the good old days were bad"—should be treated seriously or otherwise. In the result, several speakers endeavoured to show that the subject involved a logical absurdity—quite true, but that was scarcely an excuse for the lack on the one hand of an evening punctuated by the "thrust" of debate, or on the other hand, the absence or sound views on the advancement or retrogression of the world. Even Mr. Scotney's attempted humour was fit rather for the C.B.S. than for a University debate, and the attempts of all speakers to deal with the vital facts of the present era were evidenced only by vague generalities.
As it was, the speakers failed lamentably from either angle, the climax in my opinion being the effort of Mr. Saunders, Claiming that the world had advanced in the sphere of science and medicine, he asked—"What was the use of the good old days if the people were not able to combat disease?" Does Mr. Saunders really believe that the health of the community depends on medical services? If so could he explain the condition of "the distressed areas" in Britain, or even the fact that 79 per cent. of the children in London County Council elementary schools are affected, from a medical viewpoint, by ricketts—a disease fundamentally connected with under-nourishment?
We are living in a world distraught with mass unemployment, fascism, war, intense class struggle, etc., etc.. and to put it mildly, considering even elementary matters, the further claim of Mr. Saunders that the inter-relations of society are now much improved is questionable. However, he was correct in his claim that the people of the world are now better able to appreciate the truth of the world around them. But is this due to our advance in "science and education?" How much indebted to "education," in the sense that Mr. Saunders used the word, were those who initiated those crucial struggles for the freedom and betterment of the masses-how much indebted to "education" are even the present leaders for their Inability to visualise the true nature of those struggles?
Those who venture on to a debating platform to deal with a serious subject, would be well advised first to obtain a tittle direct knowledge on and a few facts relative to the realities of life at the present day.
The Other Side of the Medal Recently "Salient's" representative had the opportunity of a quiet talk with a prominent New Zealand competitor at the Empire Games. For fear that officialdom might suspect that he had been paid for the interview (Not much danger!—Ed.) our subject requested that his name be not published. The Editor, however, accepts full responsibility for the accuracy of the reporting.
"What was this we read in the papers about one of the Trinidad athletes holding off an attack by some of the South African representatives with a handful or stones?" I asked.
"There wasn't anything about stones in it, but the rest was quite true. Things got so bad at one time that it seemed the whole Empire village wanted to go down to the South Africans and start a 'donnybrook.'"
"How did it all start?"
"Well, the South Africans didn't like the Trinidad athletes on account of their colour. You may have heard over the radio about the six-mile race Matthews won. Boy, it was wicked! The South African marathon runner went into the race to crack up the others. You know. Make the pace too hot. He'd run on a way ahead of the others. Then Stanford, the Trinidad chap, would keep right after him. Every time the South African bloke eased up. Stanford would pass him. Had him swinging. They kept on passing each other like this, and then the next time Stanford came up behind him, the South African bloke pulled right out to give him room to pass on the inside, and just as he got alongside him, he gave it to him with, his elbow. Out! right on the solar plexus. Flattened him right out. They had to get a doctor and have him carried off the track on a stretcher."
"Yes, we did hear that there'd been a bit of elbow jolting in the early part of the race, but we hadn't any idea it was like that."
"Gee, boy, it was wicked!"
It appeared that the six-mile race was but one in a series of similar incidents. "The athletes were quartered in the basements of the grandstand with thin partitions between the sections. On one occasion, when one of the Trinidad men was ringing up, several S.A. men kept on drumming on the wall, making it impossible for him to hear or say a word. Another Trinidad man thought this was too much of a good thing, went through to persuade the rowdies to stop, but soon found a brawl on his hands. He got into it all right, and broke three ribs in one of the South Africans."
"Were all the South Africans like this?"
"No, there were three or four who were really decent chaps. The others were sort of 'high society' and drew the colour line pretty strongly. They even wanted to 'have a go' at Mr. Creake, our manager from New Zealand. He's got some coloured blood in him. The managers of the South Africana were mainly to blame, You know, kept on telling their chaps to 'remember about the niggers.' and all that. Wouldn't let them forget it. They even came up to our boners when they were fighting a coloured chap and told them to 'stick it in to him!'"
I ventured a mild exclamation that all this was hardly in accordance with the oath of loyalty to the amateur spirit of the games and the brotherhood of the Empire.
The New Zealand representative laughed.
"There's a whole lot more, too. One night some of the South Africans got one of the Trinidad chaps on his own. They flattened him and started to 'put the boot in.' I honestly believe they'd have kicked him to death if the police hadn't arrived in time. That chap was in a real bad way."
We dropped the colour question.
It appeared also that there were several other interesting aspects
"Was there much gambling on the results of the events?" I asked.
"Plenty: Not only gambling, but the bookies tried to 'get at' some of the 'blokes.' They tried to 'get at' me. They offered me £10 to 'lie down,' but I said 'What's the big idea? What d'you take me for? Anyhow, I can get thirty quid in New Zealand any day.' They were offering five to one against Matthews. Reckoned they had some one else set to win, I guess. Must have come a bit of a flop."
was well to the front. On a Saturday night at about seven o'clock, The entrance to the Village was congested with feminine attractiveness which made it very difficult to get right down town to keep an appointment "Boy," he said, "they were like files."
All this was to us certainly a new side to the "greatest gathering of brother and sister athletes from all parts of our far-flung Empire, etc., etc."
We thanked our friend for his courtesy and kindness in granting us this interview and wished him all the best for the
Shortly after his departure for Germany at the end of
Then with appalling suddenness Mr. Anthony Eden's resignation comes as a bolt from the red white and blue. The next step after Germany was Italy, but unfortunately for Mr. Chamberlain, the goodwill mission to Italy did not proceed as smoothly or as far as that of Lord Halifax.
There have long been those who claimed that the contradictions involved in the foreign policy of the Conservative Cabinet must ultimately show themselves; but there can have been very few who foresaw how sharply and suddenly that state of affairs would arise.
Lord Halifax and his mission and Mr. Anthony Eden and his resignation show clearly what those contradictions are.
Since
Either H.M. British Government might by judicious negotiation and political prestidigitation sacrifice parts of the British Empire to the land hunger of Fascism and thus ensure its continuance; or it might, from within the League of Nations, shoulder its full joint responsibility with the other democracies in resisting fascist aggression, thus hastening its inevitable collapse; or it might search for a lamb to lead to the slaughter.
The first possibility was unpleasant, but a possibility; the second was definitely unthinkable; for what social order would be more likely to follow the collapse of Fascism than some socialist order? This is, and always will be, anathema for the British Conservative Party.
The third was a more likely possibility and there can be little doubt that this is the task towards which the best efforts of British diplomacy have been directed over the recent months, from the time Lord Halifax left London for Berlin, up to the recent Cabinet split.
After all, British diplomacy has long been concerned to weaken the link between France and the U.S.S.R.. and little though our diplomats like the prospect of German expansion to the East—the prevention of which was one of the main things which brought Britain into the last war—they may well regard it as the least of the evils with which they are faced today. Given that the League idea of settling disputes on the basis of justice is discarded—and it seems it is—diplomacy must necessarily be concerned with tactful arrangements for the sacrifice of the weak to the strong.
It was upon the question of the choice between the first and third alternatives that the Cabinet split.
According to Mr. Anthony Eden's view the time had come to call a halt in the process of bolstering up Fascism. The Spanish war had taught him a lot. The "life line to India" via the Mediterranean was directly threatened by Germany at Gibraltar, and at the Red Sea by Italy's African Empire. There must be no more sops to Cerberus, and the time had come for a showdown with the unruly debtors, regardless of the consequnce. The maintenance of the integrity of the British Empire demanded it. The possible result of such a showdown—nothing less than the collapse of Fascism—was to Mr, Chamberlain, unthinkable. This divergence of opinion had grown more marked as the days went by and the progress of the Spanish War showed the Imperialist ambitions of the Fascist powers in Spain. The question which had to be faced was how far was Britain willling to let them go. Mr. Eden said "No further." Mr. Chamberlain hasn't made up his mind yet.
The issues stand clear. Mr. Eden refuses to sacrifice the British Empire to Fascism. Mr. Chamberlain regards the benefits of the continuance of Fascism, or rather the avoidance of Socialism, as greater than dangers to the British Empire it involves. You can still draw dividends from half a British Empire; but you couldn't draw dividends in a Socialist Britain. Better half a loaf than no bread.
Mr. Chamberlain had his way. The changeover is complete. Lord Halifax has supplanted Mr. Eden. The pro-Fascist elements are temporarily well seated in the saddle, The question which concerns you and me is where will they turn the horse's head? Towards Geneva, or towards Berlin-Rome-Tokio?
The Cabinet re-shuffle contains several possibilities. At first it appeared that the issue of Fascism or the British Empire might be a wedge which would cleave the Conservative Party in two. It appears, however, that the self-styled champions of individualism and freedom of thought have no tears to shed at the loss of one whose opinions differ from theirs, and the possibility of a serious split within the party is disappointingly small.
The effect on the electorate, however, is more problematical and it remains to be seen how far the enormous propaganda resources of our rulers will be successful in overcoming the natural indignation of a hoodwinked electorate which elected the party to power on the assumption that the League of Nations and Collective Security would be the foundation of British foreign policy.
The general opinion, no doubt, will be that instead of telling Halifax to go to Hitler, Hitler should be told to go to to Halifax.
Mr. Agar, Organiser of this year's Extravaganza, when approached by "Salient's" representative, announced that the Selection Committee, after carefully perusing the various shows submitted, had chosen the following for this year's "Cappicade":—
Mr. Agar said that the shows this year are all of a particularly high standard, overshadowing all previous Extravaganzas. As there are to he no examinations in the last three weeks of the term, it is an ideal opportunity for everybody. Freshers Included, to take an active part in Capping festivities, not only in the Extravaganza but also in any work connected with Capping. If anyone questions the opportunities for enjoying oneself in these activates, let him consult anyone who has participated in them for the last few years.
"Cappicade" will run for four nights, commencing on Saturday, May 7th. Preliminary meetings will be pro claimed on the Notice Boards. So—get busy!
"Salient" hopes to divulge further details of this year's shows next week.
Association Headquarters are in Norwich Chambers, 153-155 Featherston Street. Wellington.
The Executive has under consideration the following:—
Two ways in which students can get more than their money's worth out of N.Z.U.S.A. are:—
The N.Z.U.S.A. exists solely for the benefit of students, and will only go out of existence for two reasons. Firstly, it will close down if it finds that there is nothing it can do to further students' interests.
Secondly, the Association will go out existence if students don't support it. If we fail for this reason it won't be our fault.
Authorities on N.Z.U.S.A. at V.U.C. are Helen Maysmor, Simpson, Christensen or Agar. Consult them for further information.
In an age in which the most urgent need in all human activity is co-operation, it is surprising that the University should still lay chief stress and emphasis on the individualistic attributes of originality and indepentdence. Yet perhaps this need not surprise us, for it is but the natural outcome of an individualist conception of society and laissez-faire economics.
The haphazard and unco-ordinated thesis-writing of the University that we know—held together, it may he by no more significant link than the impress of a teacher common to all the authors—is eloquent evidence or the way the university tends. To quality personally is the aim. Competition is the keynote, and the more a man can absorb the work of his fellows and erect thereon, unaided and alone, his solitary and exclusive contribution, the more highly he is praised. The unusual or unique derives from this competitive atmosphere a fanciful and unreal value. Research reaches ever higher peaks of comic puerility, so long as the quest for individual newness or topic be fulfilled.
In the realms of the sciences these strange pursuits have, indeed, richly repaid their devotees; and within this field the method may well be defended and deemed justified by its fruits. But life is not wholly—not even mainly—a question of scientific research. The need for original and Independent thinking is limited: for co-operative effort, universal. The Individualist drive to "independent" thought has quite outrun the emphasis on capacity for co-operative co-ordination. Yet in an age blighted by the chaotic legacy of laissez-faire and private enterprise, co-operation of some sort is clearly the essential instrument of change. For the academes, no doubt, cut off as they are by the very fog of their mental vapourings from a vision more extensive than the precincts of their own labours, individualism may yet be the summum bonum.
But for the less befogged, co-operation remains not merely the keynote to further advance, but the pivot upon which turns the very subsistence of the society we know. Through the distorting windows of the examination house. It is all too easy to see an ill-proportioned landscape.
Utopian, of course, it would be to imagine that the educational organisation of society could be completely independent of that society in the aims and ideals activating its functioning. But just as some lag between the theoretical and the practical is inevitable, so we may hope that education may see far enough ahead to direct the change of social patterns. To foster the co-operative rather than the competitive would involve perhaps as fundamental a change in the University of to-day as can well be conceived. But it would mean that the University would be contributing more vividly and pregnantly towards moulding the shape of things to come.
The homely Illustration of local University affairs may add point. The chaotically individualistic state of Weir House occupancy should be a warning and a sign. The pathetic attempts at co-ordination in everyday student affairs are notorious. From the selective silting of secondary schools (symphonic sibilants!) come students trained to strive as teams on the field—and as Crusoes in the class-room. For such the University is hungry; to them it extends an eager but clammy hand. A few short years, and they will leave its halls, thinking atomically, acting atomically—welcome (or superfluous) cogs, ready for their place in an atomic society.
The result is observable in the activities of tory as of radical organisations, though in capitalist society the tories have the more formidable task. Given a competitive market, genuine co-operation of exploiters is an economic absurdity. On the other hand, the workers can co-operate. Yet, despite the familiar exhortation, workers of the world do not unite. This they will see no occasion to do until they are convinced of the identity of their case and cause. Yet in their potential unity—little threatened by the isolationist influences of the University—lies their true hope and the promise of a co-operative age.
I expected your staff to set a high standard in the first issue and I was not disappointed. The attractive appearance of the paper and the readable articles were excellent. One small article, however, marred the paper: "Advice to Old Maids." Why waste your space, when your stall is capable of using it to better advantage? The article was merely a smutty attempt at smart humour. Perhaps it would raise a laugh at a smoke concert, but your average reader has not the "advantage" of the smoke concert atmosphere. It is unpleasant to find in "Salient" an article which you would expect to find in the Journals mentioned in J.D.F.'s "For Embryo Dons." My advice, sincerely offered, is; "Be clean, dear 'Salient,' and let who will. Be clever."
—To any thinking member of the Student
This verse is nothing more nor less than a highly-colourful appeal to the more primitive emotions—both warlike and glory-loving—of the students, and as such is to be unconditionally condemned.
To the immaturely receptive mind of the junior student, this verse is a potential menace, to the politically-conscious, it is an insult.
Of what good, Sir, is a strenuous move for Peace on the part of the students of the world, if this type of Chauvinistic emotionalism is to be fostered in our universities?
I suggest that steps be taken to have this degrading survival of barbarism omitted from collections of College Songs, lest its sentiments be ascribed to the Student Body.
—I take up my pen in defence of Romanticism, as opposed to Realism as depicted by "J.D.F." The film. "Dead End." which he has so graphically described, in my opinion at least, gains no atom of attraction by the description. In fact it appears revolting. It appears as a holocaust on the altar of man's worst motives, an outrage against decency, and the writer deplores what decency existed.
Sir, the twentieth century is sufficiently degraded without such degradation as this discolouring the minds of the people. To take the vell off turpitude of this description is like polluting the clean air of heaven by opening a sewer. Sir, can man realise his ideals when such corruptions as these are brought before his eyes?
Far be it from me in regard to films, to praise, the "ape man" Gable, or the "coquette" Crawford. This is not Romance. This is the product of the realism which "J.D.F." so ardently ad mires. It is the "blowsey old char" who delights in the posturings of Crawford. It is the one outlet of emotional stress. The excess of reality in her life drives her to an excess of sentimentality.
Sir. I damn all Realism, in this world and the next, in the lecture-rooms, in the theatres and in daily life; just as Realism damns for ever the souls which it has in its clutches. Sir, cleanliness in art is the outcome of clean minds.
[This letter has been slightly shortened.—Ed.]
The Dramatic Club's first presentation of the year is always eagerly anticipated, and "Mr. Pim Passes By," a Cowedy in Three Acts by A. A. Milne. to be performed on Thursday and Friday next, will prove even more successful than usual. A splendid cast has been rehearsing assiduously for some weeks, under the direction of Pat McCaskill (remember "Bob?").
Students' night will be on the Thursday, and the performance will be followed by a supper and a dance. Everybody will be there—and this
•
•
As you know, Mussolini is fond of boating and fishing. News of his latest Mediterranean expedition with his son Vittorio, is just to hand from "Salient's" special marine correspondent.
At the end of the day 11 Duce was seen to stand up in the boat and survey the horizon.
"Are there any of our warships about, Vittorin?" he asked.
"No father, none." A pause.
"Are there any submarines?"
"No father, none."
"Are there any bombers?"
"No father, Why do you ask?"
"Well son, if there aren't any warships, or any submarines, or any bombers, I guess I'll walk upon the waters."
•
Rebecca West.—She has a mind like a sword blade and a tongue like a whip.
Being understood by the wrong people is most distressing.
Dr. Eder.—"Don't go seeking for the completely honest man, leave him in heaven or in hell, just as you like. Don't spell truth with a 'T.' only with a 't.'"
Graduate: "I'm looking for a Job, sir."
President: "You look pretty good to me, but we can't afford any help at the present."
Graduate: "I won't be much help, sir."
Of Norman E. Brookes, the greatest lawn tennis player Australia has produced, it was said that, when learning the game, he hit the back fence more than anything else. But gradually he gained control over his wild hitting, and with control came accuracy. Then followed appreciation of the art of placing, and in course of time there was developed the tennis technique and brain that were the envy of the tennis world.
But Adrian K. Quist. Captain of Australia's Davis Cap team maintains that the average club player should strive for accuracy first and then speed.
Interviewed by "Salient" immediately after playing exhibition games at Miramar with New Zealand's best players, quist was only too willing to answer questions. A powerfully-built, bronzed Australian, he more than atones for lack of inches by extraordinary agility and anticipation. He should have years of first-class tennis ahead of him, for he is only 24, and some authorities hold that a tennis player does not reach his best until he is 27 or 28.
In the doubles game, Quist practices what he preaches. Reputed to be the finest doubles player in the world, he advocates the attacking doubles formation.
"One man should always be up at the net, even when the opposition is serving," he asserted. One of the striking features of his play was the rapidity with which he himself reached the net after serving, although to the close observer it appeared that he came close to foot-faulting in his eagerness to follow in on this powerful weapon or his. And at the net the terrific power with which he punched his volleys and smashes was a revelation: seldom was there an effective reply.
The desired position at the net being attained, the player should stand at a distance from it commensurate with his height—a short man should stand further away than a tall man. The player receiving service should always stand well in on the service and endeavour to hit the ball on the rise, thus gaining time. In singles however, the receiver may stand further back, for the time element is less important than in doubles, where a weak return of service Is welcomed by the opposing net man.
"Should the ball be hit before it
Quist's opinion was unequivocal.
"Before it, reaches the top of its bound, that is, on the rise." be replied. "Salient" called to mind the name of Fred Perry, most famous of the players of the rising ball.
Quist does not approve of the playing of sets as a means of practice. Club players should content themselves with, in the main, trying to perfect their strokes on the courts and not allow the element of competition for points to enter when they are practising.
The South Australian uses the "Eastern" grip of the racquet. Incidentally, be took five racquets out to Miramar with him. A peculiarity of his back hand had interested "Salient" during the exhibition. Questioned. Quist said that it was merely for the sake of added steadiness that he kept his left hand in support on the racquet handle until just before the moment of impact. V. B. McGrath, of course, does not withdraw the left hand at all, but firmly grasps the racquet handle with it when executing his now welllknown doublehanded backhand.
Quist obligingly posed for a quick photo, the five racquets under his arm; then, a friendly handshake and his attractive smile, and he was wending his sturdy way to the dressing shed.
"Salient" wishes Quist and his companions good luck and good health in their quest for the Davis Cup. In the absence of an entry from New Zealand, we hope it may go to Australia, although it will be hard to make it budge.
Those who were fastidious enough to attend a recent swimming club weekly meeting were given a unique treat. The committee had arranged for Miss Mona Leydon, New Zealand's 440 and 220 yards woman champion to be present. Miss Leydon swam in a 220 scratch invitation race and a 100 yards backstroke race, winning both in face of stiff opposition from picked men from the University and Hut; Clubs. "Salient" interviewed Miss Ley don and her interim chaperon, Mr. P. Coira.
"I suppose you want to know my age and place of birth?" smiled Mr. Coira.
"And any birthmarks." suggested "Salient."
"Well." said Mr. Coira. "I do possess a most unusual birthmark. Look!" Mr. Coirs poked out his tongue.
"Salient" gazed goggle-eyed.
"Yes," said Mr. Coira: "wart on the tongue. There's only one other person in New Zealand's got that."
"What is your relation to Miss Leydon?" asked "Salient"
"Don't be lewd!" replied Mr. Coira. "As a matter of fact. I'm the North Island representative of the New Zealand Amateur Swimming Association. Part of my job is to meet all these damn swimmers and look after them while they're in the village."
"Miss Leydon's success is due to consistent training and consistent endeavour. One of her legs is, as you know, paralysed, and after taking up swimming as a curative measure, she managed, despite this grave disability, to become New Zealand's premier lady swimmer."
Miss Leydon, a charming and sincerely pleasant lass, was rather bashful when "Salient" interviewed her.
"Oh, I don't know anything about swimming," she said.
"Well, what do you know about Mr. Coira's wart?" asked "Salient."
"Oh, I thought when I saw it first this morning that it was something he'd had for breakfast!"
When "Salient had recovered from this, we asked. "What is the main characteristic of modern crawl swimming?"
"Bilateral breathing." answered Miss Leydon. "You breathe every third stroke, so that a breath is taken on the left and right sides alternately. This method increases stamina greatly."
"How do you tike these baths?"
"Fit for a king. You must have a terrible lot of fun at these club nights—there's such a nice crowd here. It's much better than Auckland."
"What was the most thrilling thing in your recent trip to the Empire Games?"
"Getting the Silver Fern on my blazer, I suppose it means as much as a 'Varsity Blue does to you. I say, who's that boy standing over by the board. Isn't he nice looking?"
"What is your method of training?"
"In training for the quarter mile, I swim 600 yards night and morning, the first 440 as fast as I can go, and the remaining distance at a more leisurely pace."
Take note, Salamanca swimmers!
During the past year the activities of the Tramping Club have been maintained to a high degree: successful fixtures have been held to all regions of the Tararuas and Orongorongas. Mere distant localities such as Tongariro National Park and the Arthur's Pass region have been visited by large and enthusiastic parties of supporters.
The Tararuas themselves have been a scene of noteworthy activity. Under perfect conditions the Club made its seventh consecutive winter crossing of the Southern Tararuas; a record which no other Wellington club has approached. Previous to Christmas a party of V.U.C.T.C. and T.T.C. trampers made the crrossing from Kaitoke to Walkanae, this being the first occasion on which a club party has crossed by this route. Since Christ mas the Club ushered in its New Year activities with a traverse of the Northern Tararuas from
Each year the ranks of the Club are seriously depleted by the transfer and graduation of older members.
This year it is the purpose of the Club Executive to enrol a strength of new members and freshers greater than ever in the past. It is the desire to encourage all those who are interested in tramping, mountaineering, and skiing, to take an active interest in this sport—this, interest can best he fulfilled by joining the V.U.C. Tramping Club without delay. Look for the Tramping Club column in every issue of "Salient." Don't forget—you are welcome on all trips—so make your weekend motto: "See you on the hills."
This year there would appear to be on paper fair prospects in this event. Five of last year's crew are available, namely. Hansen, Broad, Bullock, Burge and Rose. These men are all keeping fairly fit with regatta racing and are resting for a few days to recuperate from valiant though unsuccessful efforts at the Wellington Regatta. Last year's emergency—Hull—is also keeping in trim, though he is spending more time in the air than on the water. There are a fine lot of husky newcomers also eager for a place in the eight: of these. Ellingham, Ryan, Mahood. Hermans, Saunders, Jack and Fitzgerald seem to be all in the running for a 3-mile jaunt on the Wha Estuary.
Last Saturday, 5th, saw the commencement of Haslam Shield practices. This practice in itself did not amount to much, since much of the time was spent zeroing the sights of service rides loaned to the club by the Defence Department. Scores, particularly in snap and rapid firing. Indicated that members need some practice yet before reaching the standard required to retain the Shield. With still four practices to go before Tournament, the club is confident of being able to produce a team every bit as good as that which captured the Shield last year.
Against Old Boys, the Seniors made 228. P. Wilson contributing a fine century. A typically patient innings by Wiren took much of the sting out of the bowling, and Harding and Harpur also batted well. If the latter would eliminate the propensity to recklessness in his batting, he would score more heavily.
Hutt with 170 for 5, are leading the Seconds, who were dismissed for 133. Whiting, a promising batsman, batted well for 41. He had good defence and is patient without being stodgy. Fitzgerald bit vigorously, if luckily, for 25. Parkin and McPhall, our slow bowlers, have taken two wickets each.
Bray's 7 for 38 for the Junior B team was an excellent performance; and for the Thirds good bowling was done by Murphy, although his team suffered defeat.
The respectable people only insist so much on their honesty because they have nothing else in their favour; it is like the chastity or the plain woman—making a virtue of necessity.—Ethel Mannin.
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