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In accordance with its policy of trying to link up the University and the World, "Salient's representative waited upon Mr. Tom Spiller, who has recently temporarily returned from Spain, where he has spent twelve months as a Lieutenant fighting for the Spanish Government in the International Brigade, and requested an interview.
"From the University! Oh yes, certainly," replied Mr. Spiller with a broad smile (he doesn't smile easily). "As a matter of fact I've been wanting to get in there for a long time." Then fumbling in his most unlikely pocket. "I believe I've got a letter of introduction here somewhere." I magnanimously waived my claims to the letter and got down to business.
First impressions were of a young man, a little older than his years (thirty-five we guessed) with a real "scraper's" face carelessly dressed, bronzed skin, steady brown eyes, hands hanging unusually loosely at his sides (due we discovered later, to the effects of a bullet through the right shoulder). Didn't mind being called Tom. I had not asked him many questions before realising that this was a man in a thousand; not only a fighter but well informed, clear-thinking, and the possessor of firm convictions.
"Yes there's plenty of students fighting for the Loyalists (Government), mostly from America," was the reply to our first question. "Not only students but professors. I met prof. (now Colonel) Merriman from Harvard, Prof. (now Colonel) Dunbar and several other American students as well as Spring (Christopher St. John) the young English Poet. The political education of the American students is on a pretty high level," said Lieut. Spiner. "Lister and Campesino for example are generals who have proved their worth. Military men regared Franco as a goat. So they did Mola before he died. If Franco had taken the advice of his German assistants and made a flank attack on Madrid through the Valencia road he'd have been in there long ago. But no. Nothing would do Franco but an impressive frontal attack, he lost his chance and lost It forever.
"Things must have been pretty close that November," I hazarded. He looked at me for a moment with a quiet smile. "I'll say."
I asked about the use of propaganda by both sides. He told of the Government's efforts first. "A big truck with a powerful loud speaker comes up at night time just behind the lines of political instruction. We explained our view of things pretty carefully and thoroughly. In the end lots of them volunteered quite freely to join the Government's Garibaldi (Italian) Anti-fascist section of the International Brigade. There's lots of Germans and Italians now who've gone back to Spain to 'get a crack' at Hitler and Mussolini."
"But are those volunteers sincere?"
"Yes, quite sincere. They made their choice quite freely. Once they found out 'what was what' and were convinced that we were telling them the truth, they just wanted to get a crack at those who'd deceived them. Of course we take precautions in case they're not sincere, but generally that's not necessary."
"What does Franco do with his prisoners?"
"Franco doesn't keep many prisoners. They're generally shot unless they can be used. If the Moors get you it's 'good-night, nurse!' Ted Dickinson and some other 'Aussies' were captured and the Moors were just going.
One of the motions passed last year at a University Debate was that "the legal profession deserves the disrespect of the community," and the most powerful objection levelled against the lawyers was that they tend to become preoccupied with the law and oblivious of progress, dwelling alone, hermit-like, in an arid legal environment. "Salient" was therefore glad to note that at the Law Faculty Club's Annual Law Dinner, held recently at the Empire Hotel, each of the student speakers referred to some aspect of changing society and emphasised the importance of the legal traternity's keeping up with these changes.
Proceedings opened with the usual difficulty—what was the correct way in which to consume Oyster Cocktails? Sub rosa whispers and hurried glances towards Sir Michael Myers and the other members of the Official Party elicited the fact that one should drink them. Accordingly they were drunk, and five further courses were satisfactorily disposed of. "Salient" enjoyed especially the "Fried young chicken a la Maryland."
Mr. Perry, assisted by Professor Laski, Cardozo J., Holmes J., and numerous "Hear, hears" from Mr. H. H. Cornish K.C., made an eloquent appeal for the Independence of the Bench, in moving the Toast to the Judiciary. The judicial systems of certian modern states were corrupt and politically prejudiced: once independence disappeared justice became a more mockery. Sir Michael Myers in reply re-emphasised this point and also stressed the need for mutual respect between bench and bar. He also appealed to law students to reject the Latin pronunciation they were taught at University: when asking for certiorari and not "kurteeorahri." Professor Adamson was observed to become a little uncomfortable at this juncture.
Amid tumultuous applause Professor Adamson arose to reply to Mr. N. A. Morrison's toast to the Staff, and delivered a homily on examinations, case-law and Mr. Morrison's speech. We do not think he fully appreciated appeals with regard to examinations have fallen on barren ground—or, shall we say, on Scotch Thistles."
"Salient" then noticed Professor Williams' shirt front, and, hypnotised by its weird, rugged grandeur, was not able fully to appreciate Mr. Cornish's able speech and Dick Simpson's effervescing reply.
The Law Faculty Club is to be congratulated on providing good fare both for dinner and after dinner.
•
Capping week with its usual gaiety is very near, but well before these welcome days come round. "Cappicade" has to be published and distributed. The poor response to the appeal for contributions, however, is causing the Editor much concern. The Editor therefore requests "Salient" to make this special appeal to all students.
Bright and humorous articles, limericks or verses will be most welcome and drawings, cartoons and caricatures always add to the appeal of the book. So if you can write or draw commence today and leave your contribution in the letter rack, addressed to the Editor, "Cappicade."
"Cappicade's Staff is not yet complete. There are vacancies for two important members—an Advertising Manager and an Artist. Students desirous of helping the Capping Committee in this direction are requested to interview the Editor who is present at the Students' Association Executive Room on most evenings after 7 o'clock.
But when I shook hands to leave, an Anarchist worker
Said: "Tell the workers of England This was a war not of our making, We did not seek it.
But if ever the Fascists again rule Barcclona
It will be as a heap of cuins with us workers beneath it."
"He is not tall, he is a little heavy, his body is timid. Ah! his glance is unforgettable, like that of all rare beings. A troubled and trembling glance, full of sweetness: the man is delicious and mysterious, his fore-head is beautiful ... with
inine sensitiveness and delicate features. In the smile of this warrior one sees a woman's soul and a child's heart. The ravishing thing about Franco is his purity."
Extract from 'Candide.' Paris.
Quoted by Edgar Ansel Mowrer.
"Spain is the first trench of a battlefield which extends across national frontiers into all democratic lands. If by misfortune, the Spanish democracy should be conquered. It is not Spain that will be conquered. Universal democracy would suffer a reverse and democratic countries would have to prepare for war in which already they would have lost the first battle."
Marcelino Domingo.
Tom Spiller hadn't much faith in the proposed scheme for the withdrawal of "volunteer." "I feel sure there's no sincere motive behind the proposal as far as Germany and Italy are concerned," he said.
"It seems to me tha this talk of withdrawal is put up to blind the democracies while Hitler and Mussolini pile in more men and arms for a big spring offensive. Then when they're ready they'll say non-intervention is a failure and withdraw from the agreement."
"The Loyalist army must have improved considerably since the beginning of the invasion," I suggested.
"Since it first went into action a little over twelve months ago (I mean the properly re-organised Spanish Army) It has never suffered a major defeat. Remember Brihuega and the storming of Brunete? Brunete had never been captured before by an invading force—even Napoleon couldn't do it. The equipment is there now, too. Barcelona is manufacturing guns, rifles, tanks (as many as 15 a day) and aeroplanes as well.
We agreed that all this meant much, but pointed out the importance of able leadership.
"The Loyalist strategists are as good as the others—in fact better." They find out first whether it's Italians or Moors in the opposite trenches and then play them suitable music to wake them up. If it's Moors they play Moorish folk songs; if it's Italians they play the latest dance hits from Rome. Make 'em properly home-sick. Then they ask them if they know why they are fighting, and tell them a few home truths, the Moors about Franco and the Italians about Mussolini. Then they urge them to desert—to shoot their officers if that's necessary to enable them to do so."
"Does it ever work?"
"I'll say. On Brunete two battalions shot their officers and deserted to the Government lines. D'you know there were 80,000 Italians advancing on Guadalahara in their biggest push so far? They were called 'Mussolini's Own.' 'The Black Arrows, "The Invincibles,' and other names like that. We pushed them back forty miles in one day, and they lost more men in that battle than they lost in the whole of the Abysslnian campaign. We took over 1,000 prisoners. Mass, was so disturbed that he cancelled his Libya trip and went back home."
"What does the Government do with prisoners?" I enquired.
"They're treated very well. Those Italian prisoners, for instance, didn't have much idea of the situation in Spain so they were given several weeks to finish them off when a German officer came along. He spoke English and offered them the chance of standing up in front of a microphone and telling the world how well they were treated by Franco and what a 'lousy' time the Government had given them, or standing u against a wall and being shot. Needless to say they broadcast. American movie operators were brought up by the Fascists and Ted and the others were made to smile and look natural while they talked. What they said created quite a sensation in England. It was used by the Fascists all over the world—the Hearst movies in America and the Rothermere Press ("Daily Mall") in England especially, featured it. They never said a word later on though when those same chaps escaped from the Fascists and went back to join the Government."
Mr. Spiller told us of seven Basques who'd escaped from Franco's forces round Bilbao and had rowed in an open boat to the nearest French port. Their first question on landing, after tremendous hardships, was: "How soon can we get back to Spain?" Apparently they didn't like Franco.
We could have gone on for hours. Every question clearly answered: but time and space had reached their limits."
The University Dramatic Club need have no inferiority complex after the excellent production of this entertaining comedy—all the other dramatic clubs in Wellington start late, anyhow.
Perhaps the worst feature of the evening's entertainment was the boorish behaviour of a certain group of would be lads occupying a front seat. Their Intermittent commentary may have been intended as an improvement to A.A. Milne's play.
The players are to be congratulated—their work was excellent and greatly appreciated by the audience. Of course mistakes occurred, more particularly in exits and entrances, but in view of the very small stage, criticism is not warranted.
The producer might have improved the set had he moved the props, etc., and action further up stage, perhaps dispensing with or moving the bowl of roses to the front.
It was particularly noticeable that Mr. Henderson, playing George Mardon, was consistently in a shadow so long as he remained in the down stage position: in any case it was unnecessary, and one sensed the relief when he moved up stage.
When acting on a small stage near the audience, the players should endeavour to keep up stage as much as possible.
Several of the players made the fatal error of looking at the audience—nothing kills atmosphere so quickly. Lack of reaction to a situation was a common fault particularly with Mr. Henderson at the
Few of us could continue to write a letter so placidly as Mr. Mardon did. If we heard a Mr. Pim telling his story of Mr. Tellworthy.
Mr. Pim was excellently done by Guy Bliss—in fact a more convincing characterization would be difficult to imagine. Oleria—Miss Hilary Henderson, and Dinah—Miss O'Halloran, less degree the same remark applies to the other characters.
This production required only a little polish to be worthy of public presentation. Such matters as quiet cueing, movement and naturalness will come with experience.
The play is full of meat and every character has an equal share of good lines.
Incorrect emphasis was responsible for one or two good lines being missed. An example for instance, was to be found in Olerla's line. "I can't hush up two husbands"—a remark she tosses to George Mardon when be is ranting about the unexpected revival of her former husband.
If all the Dramatic Club's productions are as good as "Mr. Pim," its members need have no fear of the future.
•
Recently there was published in England a pamphlet called. " Authors take Sides on the Spanish War." Its contributors included Bernard Shaw. H. G. Wells. Aldous Huxley, Havelock Ellis, Ezra Pound, T. S. Ellot. Rebecca West, Liam O'Flaherty, Eric Linklater, Rose Macaulay and 138 other leading authors.
Following is an extract from a review of the pamphlet by the Editor of the Catholic Herald.
"It makes the saddest reading of my life. I cannot understand the crass ignorance, the stinking conceit, the childish reasoning of men and women who believe themselves to be leaders of British thought. With few honourable exceptions . . . our peots, artists and writers descend to crude abuse of Franco that would shame a guttersnipe's manners and intellect. I doubt whether ever before in the culture of a great nation has its intelligentsia sunk to a lower level of mental degradation and blind rage . . . If ever I had any doubt that Franco's cause was essentially noble and civilisation-saving the reading of this miserable exhibition of intellectual and emotional cretinism would confirm my faith."
We are told by out rulers in England that the war in Spain is a struggle between Fascism and Communism: that out role as English democrat, can only be to look on at it in self-satisfied abhorrence. We are asked to look at it as if it were some dreadful natural catastrophe which has fallen on the Spanish people became of their temperament, "the cruel streak in their nature." "And anyhow." we are told, "civil war is always the most brutal war." The tale is wearing thin. An open invasion of Spain by European power does not constitute a civil war. The butchery and savagery of the bombing of the peaceful historic town of Guernica by the German Air Force. The capture of Santander by detachments of the regular Italian Army, the free use of Moorish troops by Franco as the nearest approach to genuine Spaniards he can find to do his work for him. Leave little mom for belief that the Cruelties of the Spanish war are due primarily to the Spanish temperament. On the contrary, the Spanish war contains for us, in New Zealand especially, a lesson which we will fail to learn at our peril. The view that it is a struggle between Fascism nnd Communism in which the British people are not interested can only be maintained by a firm refusal to recognise the actual facts of what has happened in Spain.
Civil war broke out on
This is the basis of the Spanish struggle. That struggle is being waged upon the issue of whether a people has the right to modify by popular vote the existing economic system. It is being waged to decide whether the people of a country are free to decide upon the economic and social system of their own country. It is being waged, in a word to decide whether democracy such as you and I live in, is an illusion or a reality. Can we decide by means of the ballot-box how our country shall be governed? Or are we, like the Spanish people, only allowed to hold the semblance of self-government so long as we do not infringe upon the privileges of wealth? The answer to that question is a lesson which we in New Zealand must learn from Spain.
Communists have for years asserted of course that once the property of "the Capitalists" was put in danger, those capitalists would have not the slightest regard for law and order, democratic principles, or Bills of Rights. That assertion has been universally denounced as a vile slander. We, the people, have been told in reply, that Britain is now a "real democracy"; that the universal franchise for all people over 21 makes it possible to amend all the evils of capitalism as soon as a parliamentary majority has been won.
But what is the position to-day? To-day, when mildly democratic opinion in Britain evokes the principles of legality, democracy, and constitutionalism on behalf of the Spanish Government, when liberals ask that the elementary usages of international law should be applied lo that Government, they are blandly told that it it no concern of the British Government's; that since fundamental property rights are at stake in Spain, such thinks as legality and democracy have become side issues. No doubt the Communists reply: "Very well, gentlemen, that is precisely as we said it would be. But never again talk to us about the power of the ballot-box, nor blame us when we warn the British people that you will be loyal to democracy so long as they, do not interfere with you, property, and not for one moment longer!"
This state of affairs it unfortunate, but can we gainsay its validity? Has it no significance for New Zealand to-day?
Thr Government of New Zealand today is a Labour Government, legally elected, pledged to carry out an overdue programme of reform in health, education, and social services. The Spanish Government attacked by Franco was very little different. Attempts have been made to organise semi-fascist bodies in New Zealand—the "Defence League," "Freedom League," and so forth. Spain had its "Falange Espanola" and "Catholic Action" party. The Opposition to-day, consisting of 20 members out of 80, styles itself "The Nationalist Party," is addicted to garden parties, and entertainments at the homes of the owning class. The press talks the language of reaction and grows increasingly truculent. I have before me as I write, a sub-leader, from a Wellington daily which bears the boldly-lettered lie "Our Socialist Dictators," referring of course to the Labour Government.
In Spain, wealthy landowners refused to cultivate their land under the Liberal Government and discharged their agricultural workers. Manufacturers in New Zealand are discharging workers and beginning to refuse to run their business. The point is this. Our Government's programme must sooner or later challenge the property rights of a minority, as did the Spanish Liberal Government.
Then, oh watchman, what of the night?
Does this mean that no progress is possible without the appalling ordeal of civil war? On the contrary, the lesson surely is that civil war can be avoided but that it can only be avoided if the popular forces as a whole, and their leaders in particular, have shed every illusion that the owning class will "acquiesce" in the acts of a legally elected progressive Government. For once that illusion has been shed, then it is perfectly possible for such a Government to make it impossible for the forces of reaction to plunge their country into civil war "in order to save it from Bolshevism."
That, it seems to me, is the lesson we in New Zealand should learn—nay more,
The American Universities have their athletic "meets" and the Pacific Coast and Mid-West Sports series, but none of these functions can compare wild the N.Z.U. Tournament held each Easter. And as for this year's tourney, which will, be held at Auckland in six weeks' time, even the splendour and performances of the recent Empire Games will be surpassed: Be all this as it may, however, Easter this year will definitely provide sporting fare well worthy of a trip to the Queen City by all loyal Victorians.
Last year, in three out of the seven sports comprising this event. Victoria, somewhat to the surprise of the other Colleges, demonstrated undeniable supremacy in Rowing. Shooting and Basketball, This year we are going to retain our hold on the trophies for these sports, besides annexing at least one of the other four; and of course, the Tournament Shield for the aggregate over all events.
In one other activity for which, unfortunately, no points are awarded. Victorians also showed their mettle. And that sphere is College loyalty, manifested in the way our men and women made things go with a swing from start to finish. Wearers of the Green and Gold were very much in evidence as a body at all functions, and the hakas of the men and the soprano encouragement of the women contributed in no small measure to the success of the whole show.
Victorians, at the
For the Tournament Delegates.
(Translated from the Spanish of Manuel Auolaguirre by Stephen Spender.)
•
•
Herr Hitler once attended a picture show in Berlin. At the beginning of the show, a picture of Hitler was flashed on the screen, and the audience rose in a body, and sang the national song.
Herr Hitler, of course, remained
"I understand, mate," he whispered, "I feel just like you do—but I think you'd better stand up all the same!"
To anyone who is either superficially or sincerely interested in art, there will be pictures or interest among the collection of oils and water colours now on exhibition at the Art Gallery. Whether it is representative of Canadian contemporary art we cannot judge, but at least an analysis of the technique, emotion and subject of a few of the outstanding paintings will reveal a little of Canada's outlook and level of development.
Most impressive is the quality of outdoors—the cold, the stark austerity, the clear colour, that so many of the pictures convey effectively. In none of them is the snow white. "Snowfall" suggests the dirt and dreariness of winter rather than the stimulating excitement in "River Driver," or the spontaneous joy of "Skating in the Park." In all of them the snow reflects not only the colour of the trees and sky or river and hills but suggests the mood of the artist and something of his personal attitude. This is particularly striking in "Grey Ghosts of Algonquin" and "Doc Snider's House."
Among the portraits are two superbly "different" and forceful. One is an oil by Marian Dale Scott moulded in tones of purple to represent a strong piquant face, heavy lidded and chisel boned. No "lace curtain background" mark the effect of clear precision, there are just three leaves, strangely congruous. This portrait is arresting because of its technique and its subject. From a woman painter it is remarkable. Most of the water colours are more descriptive than interpretive but one is worth going up to the Gallery to see. It is a portrait. The subject is a man with a violin. In treatment only the subject becomes new. The face and bands are moulded in shades of black, the evening coat is stark black, the violin is in warm tonings and the background a flamboyant riot of pattern in a symbolised picturization of church and trees and women and flowers. Whether it is "artistically" good I do not know, but it does provoke thought and it does demand attention.
It is noticeable that a large percent, of the most competent and illuminating work is done by women artists. But the most significant feature of this observation is that the point of view may bo a woman's but in most cases the technique is comparable to a man's. For strength, economy and precision, these Canadian women rank as high as their leading men.
Is it significant that none of the exhibits have symbolism except in colour and in very few is there any abstract or imaginative quality. "Dharana" is one of the few. In tones of blue, it is in my opinion, a lovely thing. I heard a fat lady with many rings denounce it as "ghastly" so you see, reactions are varied.
Dear "Salient,"—Apparently D.M.S. has not seen "Dead End" or else he would not have written as he has done on J.D.F.'s review.
There is no doubt that this him was outstanding for tow reasons. Firstly, its characters were true to life—real: and secondly, it showed up evils of the present day that should be rectified. Of course D.M.S. would rather stand on the roof of his apartment house gazing towards the heavens, or studying his French and pouring his milk on the shrubs, than make his way down to the hovels where the blowsey old char pinches the half-eaten biscuit from a kid and where he
Let us see from it too, that the same system that forces men and women to live in such squalor, which breeds boys for one-half of their youth in slums, and the other in reform schools, is in New Zealand, just as much as it is in New York. Our Reformatories, Borstals, Prisons, have become institutions of punishment where men and women have their characters bent, and embittered, and return to the rest of the community to continue in their "Dead End" existences.
We have to face reality before we have the opportunity to search for the romantic. The hush-up policy of D.M.S. concerning facts and truths would never give the milk to the char nor would it lift the half dozen boys from their forgotten environment.
Goldwyn has helped to show us the truth—it is now our concern to make sure the has not fallen on barren ground.
"Salient" had intended to issue an independent appeal for funds for this cause; but we learned that the Executive had been invited to send a representative to a meeting convened by the Mayor for this purpose.
The object of this fund is to create and maintain colonies to which Spanish children may be removed from the war zone. Many countries have already established these colonies, and English, organisations have been operating them very successfully. The children are cared for, their education is continued and gradually the colony is becoming self-supporting, because Spanish children even at the early age of 13 or 14 are fully capable of following agricultural pursuits. They thus build up their own little farms and run them. Compare this with the condition of many Spanish children, who are living in the hills lives of terrible hardship and starvation; and some are even living in caves.
Under the scheme of establishing colonies, the Executive's representative, Mr. J. B. Almers, told "Salient." one child can he maintained for one year for the sum of approximately £14.
The meeting convened by his Worship the Mayor showed that it would take several weeks to set up a committee. The Executive took the attitude that the students have no time to approach outside organisations, but they are capable of organising a campaign within the University.
The scheme within the University has the support of the Students" Association Executive; which intends, with the help of "Salient's" staff, to communicate with the other constituent colleges to start a campaign throughout the New Zealand Universities. Even if the constituent Colleges raise sufficient money for one child only, it will be a definite move in the right direction.
It must be emphasised that this campaign is a purely humanitarian one. The immediate welfare of the Spanish children is so urgent that an enquiry into political issues is not necessitated.
Any students willing to work on a sub-committee please communicate urgently with Mr. Amiers by means of the notice board. Remember—6d from every student Will keep two children for a year.
"Spanish Testament" here under review, was written for the Left Book Club by Arthur Koestler. The book follows the formula of several that have already appeared, the differences being mainly in the author's personal experiences.
Personally I think the history of the war has been better done by other authors, and at any rate most people know that type or outline of the Spanish war off by heart now—all the same his account is educative and Interesting. He shows with penetrating detail how the rebels are ready to destroy Spain rather than yield an inch and share the soil with the peasants and workers. He shown too the propaganda carried on by Franco and Co., the utter unreliability of insurgent statements with reward to their own issues, and the fates of prisoners.
Mr. Koestler gives it very vivid account of the fall of Malaga—and in this, particularly, the characteristics of the Spaniard are fully in evidence—not even the urgency of war convinces the militiamen that it is necessary to net out of a natural inertia, to give fatalism up and belief that the superhuman will be accomplished in face of overwhelming odds, and without preparation.
The most interesting part of the book is "Dialogue with Death"—a valuable piece of writing from the pyschological point of view. It is an account of three months and three days spent by the author in a condemned cell. This is the part that will sear into the minds of the readers, because it is personal, and the personal is always the vitally interesting.
Most people can skip the first 178 pages, if they are welt enough informed, and read of what tile devil Crusader Franco is doing—the atrocities and unbelievable cruelties—all perpetrated, in the name of Christ, and under the pretext of saving Spain for Christianity from the barbarous Reds.
"Spanish Testament" definitely should not be missed.
Another book on the Spanish tragedy is Elliott Paul's "The Life and Death of Spanish Town." It is not a propagandist tract—it is the tragic portrayal of murder and rape of a happy community.
Mr. Paul says this book is a repayment to the people of a community which save him the happiest times of his life. These folk were or Iriza, one of the Balearic Islands; they led a simple, happy life, fishing, drinking and fraternizing.
Upon this little island the fury and horror of civil war burst, and the monstrous horrors and atrocities committed by some Italian troops are vividly and gruesomely described.
The Italian troops still occupy the island, and the day after Mr. Paul left, 400 of the inhabitants were machine gunned.
The intimate picture of the Spanish life and character in the happy days is as wood as anything we are likely in get on that aspect.
The subjects and dates for the first three subjects are as follow:
That the British Government's foreign policy is pro-fascist. 23th March. That the Prof. Board should allow debates on sex and religion. 3th April.
Our company was made up to strength again from the newly-formed 13th Brigade, mostly young Belgians, nice chaps. We had fun playing the old soldier to them. When we next came back to University City we were put into the Philosophy building. We built barricades with volumes of Indian metaphysics and early nineteenth century German philosophy: they were quite bullet-proof.
On the floor of our room we spread carpets; we found a clock and a barometer and hung them on the wall, some tourist "come to sunny Spain" posters were put up us a mockery to the climate.
We explored the library—I found De Quincey's Lake Poets and rolled myself up in a carpel and read voraciously: the day passed in a stupor. I was with Wordsworth and Coleridge, in another place, another time. As I was on the last chapter I heard an appalling crush and looked up and the room was thick
The Club Championships and tournament Trials were held in the College Gymnasium and performances were of a high standard. From the talent available, a good Tournament team should be picked.
The officials were: Mr. B. A. Guise, referee; Messrs. W. P. Somerville and F. D. Khan judges: Mr. L. C. Mckay, timekeeper: Mr. B. C. Campbell, announcer.
Following are the results:—
Flyweight,—Speedy, 8.0, beat McCullough, 7.7, on points in a willing but unscientific bout.
Bantamweight.—Semi-final: Lambert, 8.9 beat Armstrong 8.10. Armstrong being disqualified in the second round. This was a very even bout between This was a very even bout between two good boxers, and the ending was unfortunate, Final: Lambert, 8.9 beat Muir, 8.0, by a technical knock-out in the second round. The plucky Muir had no guard against Lambert's hard left and right books.
Featherweight.—Semi-final: Coveny, 8.13, beat Oram, 9.2, by a technical knock-out in the first round, putting his man down with crisp lefts to the body and jaw.
Lightweight.—Semi-final: Trillo, 9.10, was t00 vigorous for Doole, 9.9 winning by a technical knock-out in the second round. Final: Sheehan. 9.12, beat Trillo, 9.10 on points in the best match of the evening. Both boxers hit cleanly but Sheehan was the more aggressive.
Welterweight.—Semi-final: Ryan 10.7, beat Carroll, 10.5, by a technical knockout in the third round. Carroll powerful left book won the fight. Final: Ryan, 10.7, beat Tocker, on points. Tocker was down for a few seconds in the first and second rounds but managed to stay the distance. Unfortunately, Ryan broke his thumb in the last minute and will be unavailable for Tournament.
Middleweight.—Final: Arnott, 11.0, beat Fraser, 11.2, on points. Arnott's fast and determined attack kept Fraser mainly on the defensive, but he finished strongly when Arnott appeared to tire.
A no-decision bout between Barnes and Robertshaw provided some comic relief.
A cup, donated by Mr. F. D. Kean for the most scientific boxer, was awarded to Coveny, the winner of the featherweight class.
On Sunday morning, 13th March, Victoria and Massey met for the first time on the tennis court. The inevitable Miramar gale spoilt playing conditions somewhat, and undoubtedly handicapped the visitors more than Victoria. Local players are used to it. Four of the six men chosen for Tournament trials. H. J. Hartley, F. H. Renouf, L. B. Sandford and B. W. Brock, comprised our team, which won by five games to one. L. B. Shand, easily the visitors' best player, caused a surprise by defeating Hartley, who, however, was playing below form.
A return match with Massey will probably be played at Palmerston North before Easter.
Results:—
Singles:
Doubles:
Preface to War.—You can always hear a war coming. Listen for the clashing of symbols.
Liberty.—Liberty is a woman. Never take her favours for granted. Be forever jealous or you will lose her.
Hitler on his Storm troopers.—"They are Jesus' Brown Army,"
Lecture "meat."—The cocky is the backbone of the country, and the funny bone and the wish bone also. . . . men at an evening of the Governor General's are obliged to wear stiff shirt fronts and other doo dahs on such occasions—they hate it—they are miserable—as though they were at an undertaker's picnic.
At a recent Swimming Club evening, Mr. P. Coira judged the dive, and at the conclusion of the competition, gave a short talk on Modern Diving.
Mr Coira said that the following points in a dive influenced judges generally:—
At the conclusion of the dive, legs and body should be perfectly straight, hand together, feet united, in one unbroken line from fingers to toes, As much body control as possible should be exercised.
Mr. Coira mentioned dissatisfaction caused at the Empires Games by the diving judges. Miss Mona Leydon. New Zealand's premier lady swimmer, when interviewed by "Salient," said:
"Some of the decisions seemed very unfair. One man announced that his dive would be a pike; he did a plain header—one judge gave him 8 points and another gave him. The next man did a proper pike dive—he got 3 and 4 points respectively from the same judges."
All four teams lost last Saturday, the juniors losing outright and the others on the first innings.
The consistent Harpur's 41 was the best performance for the seniors. A pleasing feature was the wicket-keeping of Banks, who caught three and stumped one.
McPhail again took five wickets for the seconds. This slow bowler from Wanganui is an undoubted acquisition to the Club. In reaching the thirties McPhail also bated well. Parkin top scored with 45 and Kirkham was another useful contributor.
Although the thirds made 182 (Rutherford 56, Sandford 39 not out, Orman 32), they were easily beaten by Kilbirnie. Runs mount up rapidly on the fast Kilbirnie Recreation Ground, and our bowling was not strong.
The past season has been one of the most successful which the Swimming Club has experienced, and it was fitting that it should close with the best Carnival for years. A good crowd, splendid fields in the interesting and varied events, an element of mystery in the act of Professor Ah Mihk, and some close finishes made the evening very enjoyable.
The surprise of the evening was the result of the Club 100 yards Championship. Where Taylor beat O'Flynn by three seconds in a thrilling final, the two swimmers turning together into the last lap. "Salient" awaits with great interest the race between these two crack swimmers in the 220 and 440 yards Club Championship.
The novelty event was very entertaining. Those courageous enough to enter for it were compelled to swim one length of the baths, blow a balloon up till it burst, and then swim a further length. Hamilton, the strongest swimmer in the race, was provided will an extra large balloon, which expanded to an enormous size. "Salient" strongly suspects that he did the dirty deed with a pin.
The ladies of the Club are of a retiring nature—indeed, most of them seemed to have retired! Miss A. Sargisson won the 50yds. Ladies' Club Championship well, but her time (40 sees.) was slow, and the times in the handicap races were equally mediocre.
Professor Ah Mihk, a yogi (?), Professor (?) of Occult Science (?), delighted the audience with a remarkable demonstration of his art. Clad in a sheet and a pair of spectacles, the Professor, his hands firmly bound, was placed in an examined black sack, which uncomfortably resembled a shroud. Mr. Bradshaw, the assistant from the audience, tied the neck or the sack very firmly with a piece of rope, and the Professor leaped into the deep end of the baths. In four seconds he reappeared on the surface, the bag under his arm. How on earth?—and their wonder grew when the professor handed the sack round for examination. No holes, no trap-doors, all done by kindness!
The C Team had rather a nerve to challenge the A Team in water-polo, but, apparently boldened by the A Team's series of defeats, they did so. The final result—three goals to one in favour of the A's might, however, have been expected, the game was rather patchy, with a few bright splashes here and there.
The usual Club Night—the last of the season—will be held next Wednesday. These Club Nights are miniature Carnivals—there are handicap and championship races, a dive, and a novelty event. All those who enjoyed the Swimming Carnival, all who ought to have been there but who were not, and all interested in swimming, are invited to be present at 7.30 p.m. at Thorndon Baths next Wednesday.
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56 Freshers and Veterans participated in the annual Freshers' Welcome Tournament. B. W. Brock controlled affairs unobtrusively and well, and welcome visitors were the Club's President, C. S. Plank, now well on the road to good health again after his accident, and G. F. Dixon, a Vice-President, whose interest in 'Varsity does not wane.
McMurray and Miss Marsh and Devine and Campbell contested an excellent final after they had disposed of Palmer and Miss Brentley and Budge and Whitlock respectively in semi-finals, Campbell and Devine won 25/23. Campbell is from Canterbury and looked about the best of the new men. Miss Brentley and Miss Marsh were two girls who took the eye. The former has done well in Hawkes Bay tennis.
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Remarkable information on the diet of the primitive bovine as given by Mr. Elliott to his Greek History Class: Bull fighting was the national sport of Crete . . . the Cretans kept their annual tribute for the ring: the captives were sent in . . . . It couldn't have been a very pleasant end to be eaten by a bull.
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