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For the first time since
In every respect it was a memorable Tournament for V.U.C.
Auckland was seen at its best every day but Sunday being brilliantly fine and very hot. Heavy showers on Sunday afternoon made the grass courts at Stanley Street and the track at the domain rather sticky.
An hour after the train had arrived the New Zealand Students Association officers had met in the Council Room at the University to begin what proved to be the marathon event of the Tournament.
At 2.30 p.m. on Friday all gathered in the College Hall at A.U.C. (and this is a hall as is a hall) to be welcomed by the Auckland College Council. Tournament Delegates and Students' Association. The Speeches were commendably brief, bright in places, and created a good atmosphere for the events to come.
The press bureau had also met in the morning and continued, with small and insignificant periods of rest, until Tuesday morning. The Press Bureau was a new event for the Tournament, having only been formed in the past twelve months as the result of a suggestion made at the
The games opened on Saturday morning with Tennis at Stanley Street. Athletics at the Domain, and Boxing at the Town Hall. In the latter V.U.C. had by the end of the morning managed to win three bouts. Coveney's fight was particularly interesting.
In the afternoon at 1 p.m. came the Basketball. At this event V.U.C. supporters established a slight vocal superiority which was never after wards seriously challenged by the other colleges. Our girls had first to play Auckland. It was their hardest game. The latter established a slight lead early, and for the first ten minutes seemed likely to win. Urged on by hakas and cheers. V.U.C. had drawn level by half-time. The second half was a neck and neck struggle, with V.U.C. improving steadily all the time. Grim determination and terrific hakas and cheers put the local girls just in front with two minutes to go. They stayed put First blood to V.U.C.! The noise was deafening.
During the progress of the second game, the news came that the Shooting team had been successful. More hakas and cheers. V.U.C. two up!
The remaining Basketball games saw many excursions on the part of supporters in search of a cure for throat trouble.
Progress reports from Stanley Street indicated that we were doing well at Tennis, and 5 p.m. found V.U.C. looking very cheerful.
Most of the men had tea in town that evening of course.
The Boxing finals occupied the first half of Saturday evening. V.U.C. supporters were grouped in a strategic position in the Gallery right above the ring. Here they were well placed to encourage their men and to meet the vocal attacks of rival supporters. It was well that this was so, for the opposition was fierce. As each man stepped into the ring under the flood-lights he was roundly cheered. V.U.C. with masterly strategy made no sound until the announcer had called Coveney, our first man, and his opponent together to announce weights. Then when he said: "On my right K. Coveney, V.U.C." the building shook.
A gloom fell over our gathering of the loyal and true when the news came that Trillo had injured his arm and could not fight. It was dispelled later when Arnott put up a splendid showing against McFadzen of Otago.
Only one weight to our credit, but oh boy, the noise we made!
Then to the rendezvous at A.U.C. with the temperature at something like 120 in the shade. A good time was had by all at the rendezvous.
Sunday was a day of rest, in the afternoon everyone foregathered at A.U.C. for a drive. Two or three heavy showers fell, but the air soon cleared. After a tour of some of Auckland's suburbs, we made our way to the Auckland Grammar School (near the foot of Khyber Pass) where the Court of Convocation had prepared afternoon teak for the visiting teams. On Sunday evening at 8 p.m. we repaired to the Tivoli Theatre, where a gangster-cum-g-man film was given a lively reception by the four colleges.
On Monday morning came what was to many, one of the hightlights of the Tournament—the Rowing. Due to start at 9.30 a.m., the race was delayed for over an hour, owing to the presence of dinghies and launches (unofficial) on the course. Although the day was fine a moderate off-shore breeze put a very light chop on the water and made it difficult to hold the boats steady in line for the starter's gun was heard, and the race was on. V.U.C. were second from the shore, and from the start made the most of their position to obtain as smooth a passage as possible. The result is now history, Much argument has already been heard as to what would have happened had Canterbury not "caught a crab." It looked to us at the finish of the race as if our chaps had a little in hand yet. They were fairly fresh, and one is inclined to think that they would have gone faster to win had it been necessary. Our eight were given a warm reception. A triumph of shrewdness, fitness, and excellent combination had given V.U.C. its third win. Things were now definitely interesting. For the first time hushed voices asked: "Do you think we've got any chance...? It now became possible to say: "I don't know, but it looks like it."
At 2.30 we adjourned to the Domain to witness the Athletics. The position at this stage was V.U.C. 15¼ points. Auckland 6 1/2. Otago 6¼, and Canterbury 6. Even now we felt that with so many points possible going to another College in Athletics and Swimming, V.U.C. might even yet be robbed of victory.
But the Athletics showed that Victoria was not entirely without talent. Adams performed well in the sprints. Irving in the hurdles, Scrimgeour in the three
The swimming at the Tepid Baths was Canterbury's night out. Before a crowded gallery, packed with cheering, yelling multitudes of students, they gained 5 points out of a possible 10.
Thus the result of the Tournament depended on the Tennis finals to be played on Tuesday.
In the meantime, after the Swimming, we all laid aboard the s.s. "Duchess" for a moonlight cruise to Walheke island. It was a perfect evening with a brilliant moon and scarcely a breath of wind. Owing to a late start it was not possible to land the excursionists on the island. Still, as George remarked: "Perhaps it's just as well they didn't. They'd never have got them back again."
Many unusual ways of passing the evening pleasantly were seen. Frank Fortune in particular seemed to enjoy a new sport he has discovered.
On Tuesday the Tennis decided the fate of the Tournament Shield and brought the meeting to a close. The faint chance of winning the Shield which we had secretly nourished since Saturday had grown bolder in expression and by the time the Tennis began on Tuesday morning we were fairly confident. Our confidence in our Tennis team was fully justified. They placed the issue clearly beyond doubt. With all the finalists in the men's singles and men's doubles V.U.C. men, the women's singles gone to Elizabeth McLean, and Pat Edwards and Marie Fletcher in the final of the women's doubles, we were at last placed in an unassailable position at the head of the Tournament Shield aspirants. It seemed too good to be true. Victoria, the Cinderella of New Zealand Universities, had wished a wish, and it had come true.
Much could and should be said of the ball. For the first part the proceedings were a little formal, but that soon melted, and by midnight formalities were a thing of the past. The breakdown began with the presentation of trophies. (You should have seen Bob Edgley walk up to take the Tournament Shield! Was he and were we pleased?) After this had been applauded suitably things could not possible become formal again and the band, the floor, the atmosphere, and several other things combined to make it one of the biggest balls ever seen in Auckland.
It was a fitting conclusion to a splendid Tournament.
Then came the Journey home. Let's not talk about it.
"Salient" Gives the big hand to:
E.M. Irving, C.V. Adams, D.K. Scrimgeour in athletics.
K. Coveney, boxing.
N.M. Rose, R. P. Hansen and G.C. Broad, rowing.
Misses J.E.M. Osborne, R.W. Drummond, N. McLaren, M.A. Walker, basketball.
B.F. O'Connor, F.H. Renouf, Misses F.E. MacLean, P.M. Edwards, M.L. Fletcher, tennis.
This year's Tournament has seen a V.U.C. tennis success unequalled throughout the whole of our history. Our representatives, a splendid team both on and off the court, achieved a brilliant series of fighting victories that resulted not only in our acquiring the Tennis Cup but also in the award of five N.Z.U. Tennis Blues to individuals for winning N.Z. titles.
Elizabeth MacLean., winner of Ladies Singles Championship. Apart from a lapse from form in the semifinal of the Combined Doubles, Elizabeth played very fine tennis throughout. Her remarkable recovery from 5-1 down in the first set of the Ladies Singles final (to win the set 7-5) is but an indication of her sterling match temperament.
Rora Mete Kingi played her natural neat game to run Miss Inwood of Canterbury to three sets. Playing nice tennis she took the second set 7-5. Good work Rora!
Kathleen Pears, who partnered Rora Mete Kingi, disposed of a strong Auckland pair in the Ladies' Doubles, did much towards the alternate success of her team-mates.
Pat Edwards brilliantly generalled our second Ladies Doubles combination to win through to become with Marie Fletcher, one of the present N.Z.U. Ladies' Doubles champions.
Marie Fletcher did her part nobly as she is highly strung and inexperienced in championship tennis we didn't know what to expect, but Marie turned up trumps. She played like a champion to deserve thoroughly her N.Z.U. Tennis Blue.
B. N. O'Connor, present holder of N.Z.U. Singles title, played beautiful tennis throughout the whole Tournament. His outstanding ability to play a fast accurate baseline game without letting up, broke down all opposition and brought him the success he deserves.
Frank Renouf, our stylist and present joint holder with O'Connor of the N.Z.U. Doubles title, played the finest shots seen on the courts. It is a treat to see Frank using his repertoire of championship strokes. He too, is now a N.Z.U. Tennis Blue.
Joe Hartley. a finalist in the Men's Doubles and semi-finalist in the Combined Doubles. Played his usual tennis, his nest net shots drawing constant applause. A Kicked service might have got Joe his N.Z.U. Blue.
Norman Morrison is perhaps the most unfortunate play of all the Colleges. Acknowledged to be our No. 1 Doubles player, and possessing an unequalled stroke equipment, a slight indisposition on the Tuesday morning just took the edge from his usual brilliancy and enabled his opponents to snatch the victory.
Charlie Plank's experience and support were invaluable. The son, used on his advice on the wet grass courts, have been brought back to V.U.C. and are on exhibition in the gymnasium.
Bruce Brock as manager served the team with his usual thoroughness and contributed in no small measure to the team's enthusiasm and camarderie which resulted in ultimate victory.
The following Tournament Forecast appeared in "Craccum" (A.U.C.), April 14:—
"Summing up, while we think that A.U.C.'s prospects are brighter than for many years. Canterbury's hold on the Tournament Shield is still very tenacious and will be indeed hard to break. "... Victoria, in spite of vigorous protestations to the contrary, seem well set for the Wooden Spoon."
Haven't seen it, have you. Auckland?
Before the matches commenced the V.U.C. girls confessed themselves very wobbly at the knees, but from the exhibition of basketball they gave we gathered that this wobbliness was transformed into a vigorous springiness which stood them in very good stead, so that they lifted the trophy again. Four members of the team (Ros. Drummond, Joy Osborn, Nora McLaren and Marie Walker) gained New Zealand University Blues.
The tumult from supporters (mainly the Haka Party, whose encouragement played a large part in the victory) was tremendous and became even more so as the tally of V.U.C. goals rose higher and higher.
The C.U.C. and O.U. teams were outclassed by Auckland and Victoria, although Otago gave Victoria a good run for their money, and the general standard of all games was very high, in the Otagao v. Canterbury game, Otago was giving a more impressive display at the start—showing good speed and combination. Canterbury's play was very uncertain—a lot of nervous fumbling. However, they showed themselves keen fighters and the final score was 11-10 with the victory to Canterbury.
Victoria's match against Auckland was the most exciting of the day—a very fast game with plenty of snappy passing to the accompaniment of well-planned and well-executed movements, stout work in the defence third and (for the most part) accurate shooting by the forwards. It was the sheer determination of the Victoria team which enabled them to win the Auckland team being really speedier.
Victoria's other matches against Otago and Canterbury were good games, especially against Otago, who were defeated by only two goals. Canterbury was defeated more or less comfortably the V.U.C. team not being extended. They had an opportunity in this match of putting into practice sundry effective tactics.
Victoria's scores were as follows:—
A.U.C. v. V.U.C.—17-16. Win for V.U.C. O.U. v. V.U.C.—15-13. Win for V.U.C. C.U.C. v. V.U.C.—23-12. Win for V.U.C.
Three-quarters of a length was our winning margin in the race from the eastern end of St. Heller's Ray to a point off the Tamaki Yacht Club's boathouse.
Auckland got away smartly, closely followed by Canterbury, and after a quarter of a mile were a length ahead of Victoria and Otago. After half a mile Canterbury took the lead but, catching a crab, fell back. They recovered quickly, however, and again drew ahead of Auckland.
Victoria, rowing a fast stroke drew ahead of Otago at the mile, and after passing Kohi wharf had a length on Otago. Auckland weakened at this stage and the position of the crews was then Canterbury, Auckland, Victoria. Otago, Canterbury having two lengths on Victoria at this point.
Three quarters of a mile from home Victoria challenged and rapidly closed the gap between themselves and Canterbury. Stroking 36 they drew level 100 yards, from home and Canterbury again got into difficulties. Victoria finished strongly and won comfortably. Otago not far away, were third.
It is nine years since V.U.C. won the Easter Tournament. During that long period our athletic lot has been one of patiently borne frustration. That is now, fortunately, a thing of the past, and plans must be laid to ensure that the Tournament Shield stays in Wellington not only this year but next year also.
An analysis of the points scored by each College is interesting. They were:—
It will be seen that swimming, athletics and boxing are our weakest points on this year's showing. There is every reason to expect that new talent available for next Tournament will strengthen the swimming and athletic teams, whilst one just cannot expect miracles from a boxing team. Our men were good, but a full team is needed next year.
The tennis team is to be specially congratulated. It is thirty years since V.U.C. won this event.
Much useful work was done outside the realms of sport, especially by the New Zealand University Students Association and the Press Bureau.
The N.Z.U.S.A. was faced with a formidable agenda sheet, but disposed of it in a thoroughly workman like fashion. Much credit for this must go to its exceptionally capable and tactful President Mr. Blair, of A.U.C.
More will be head later in these columns of the activities of the N.Z.U.S.A. and the N.Z.U. Press Bureau at Easter.
A pleasing feature of the Tournament was the liveliness of the V.U.C. contingent. They made their presence felt and could always be relied on to make more noise when required (and sometimes when not required) than anybody else. One cannot help felling that this is connected with the successful result of the Tournament. The relationship is not that of cause and effect, but rather that of two different manifestations of the same vitality—"College spirit." if you will.
Now that it is gone, the true values of such a meeting of Tournament stand out clearly. The qualities of individual physical fitness, intelligence team co-operation on the one hand and the fellowship and friendliness, the exchanging of ideas on the other hand, give something which is of real value.
Let us hope that, as the years go by, the students of the University of New Zealand may, through their Easter Tournaments if through no other means, be drawn closer together, and made by it aware of their common interests and ideals.
To our hosts of Akarana, we of V.U.C. extend our sincerest thanks for their hospitality. Everything that could possibly be done to make the stay at Auckland a pleasant memory was done with the greatest of pleasure. We thank you A.U.C.
Finally, may we end with a plea to the other Colleges for tolerance? Should you find our reports just a little too enthusiastic, too hearty, you must remember that we haven't seen much of the Tournament Shield in the past (though that won't be the case in the future) and we are just making up for lost time.
Until
The Cricket match between Victoria and Auckland for the Speight Trophy resulted in a win for Victoria by 83 runs.
Winning the toss, Auckland put Victoria in on a rain-damaged wicket. Harpur (28), Wilson (40) and Ongley (21) gave the side a good start, but several wickets falling quickly, it was left to Parkin to retrieve the position with a forceful display for 62. The innings totalled 220.
Auckland replied with 140 (Winter 47. Schnauer 23), Tricklebank. Ongley, Parkin and Wilson sharing the wickets. Although he secured only one wicket, Harpur bowled exceptionally well and kept all the batsmen quiet.
Victoria's second innings on a tricky wicket was a procession Tricklebank. Lunn and Dean being the only batsmen to reach double figures, and the innings closed for 51 runs. Matheson (5 for 26) and Butler (5 for 22) took full advantage of the state of the wicket.
Auckland, requiring 132 runs in 90 minutes for a win, could not cope with the bowling of Tricklebank (4 for 18) and Dean (5 for 11), and were dismissed for 48 runs, five minutes before, time. The feature of this innings was the brilliant fielding of the Victoria team, several very difficult catches being taken.
At a meeting of the N.Z.U.S.A. a proposal was being discussed to ask well-known people to act as hosts to visiting students from overseas.
Mr. Stace (C.U.C.) said that these hosts might be out of touch with Universities.
Miss Paterson (A.
Victoria's own gift to the N.Z. U.S.A., Dick Simpson: "With regard to Mr. Stace's point about being out of touch, we wouldn't allow that we'd fill them up with propaganda. With regard to what miss Paterson said..." (awkward pause) "Let me see What was it you said. Miss Paterson?"
Miss Paterson: "What was it, now? I don't remember,"
Mr. Simpson: "Well, Whatever Miss Paterson said, it was wrong, any how!" (Collapse of N.Z.U.S.A.)
Our Richard was a much needed leavening influence at N.Z.U.S.A. meetings. Here's another of his pearls:—
Mr. Aimers moved that the Universities for the Far East Relief Fund. It was agreed that it was a good idea.
An Otago delegate: "I think we could do something. We had a garden party at Knox a while ago for a charity, and raised 260."
Dick Simpson: "Yes, that's all right, but we've got different political ideas at V.U.C. We don't go in for garden parties!"
Further collapse of N.Z.U.S.A.
Canterbury and Otago Tournament Reps, were accorded a regal welcome by a gallant group from Weir House, who, in a varied assortment of garments, including flannel nightshirts, a pair of kills, a Victorian hustle, and the cook's stays, visited the whart to the strains of hot highland piping provided by Haggis Douglas, Weir's King of Swing, Hakas rang loud and long under the efficient direction the Old Maestro. C.C. Gates, the gusto began to fall as breakfast time approached and the visitors showed few signs of regarding in kind, so with a last cry of welcome the little legion deserted the addled athletes learning sleepily, over the ship's rails and departed to the notes of "Ye Banks and Braes" played in ragtime.
The men's common room has been locked and barred. Why? ask ten score weary launches.
Here's what's wrong. A handful of vandals (shortly expected to be approaching puberty) have been wllfully damaging furniture with a thoroughness and consistency uncommon to their kind.
As a result the College Principal, in collaboration with the Executive, has been forced to close the common room. Otherwise, as Prof. Hunter said: "It would be necessary to play the policeman."
"I want," said Prof. Hunter, "to give students as much responsibility and freedom as possible—how much, of course, is conditional on themselves."
The remedy, obviously enough, lies with ourselves. Now, it is unfortunate, and not a little unjust, that the bulk of students should suffer on behalf of an irresponsible few.
"Salient" suggests that those involved should make it their business to see Prof. Hunter and settle their score. Under no other circumstances can the matter be satisfactorily closed.
Further, when the common rook is once more unveiled, level-headed students should make it their job to see that there is no recrudescence of this infantilism, which, if we pull ourselves together, need not be an essential corollary of university life.
The following appeared in "The Dominion" of Tuesday April 5th:—
Purchase of Picot Bros. Ltd."In our issue of Thursday, the 24th day of March last, there appeared a report of a meeting held at Masterton on 23rd March, which meeting was addressed by the Hon. Adam Hamilton. M.P., and Mr. S. G. Holland, M.P., which report contained the following paragraph:—
The details of that transaction are one of the greatest public scandas New Zealand has ever known, said Mr. Holland, when referring to the purchase of the business of Picot Bros., and he added that the public owed a debt of gratitude to the Opposition for ferreting out the unsavoury particulars.
Messars F. R. and E. H. Picot have through their solicitors, communicated with us, and have stated that the statement is capable of meaning—and has been taken by numerous people to mean—that they were parties to a contract of a improper, discreditable and dishonest nature.
"We desire to say that we did not intend to make any imputation against Messrs. Picot concerning either the honesty or propriety of the transaction, and we admit that there is no foundation for any imputation that something of an improper, discreditable, or dishonest nature attaches to them. We accept Messrs. Picot's statement that the transaction will bear any investigation, judicial, financial or otherwise, which may be made or it.
"We regret that words said to be capable of the construction complained of the construction complained of should have appeared in our columns, and we beg to apologies to Messrs. Pieot for having published them and for any pain and annoyance which the publication may have cause them."
What about it, Mr. Holland? Apparently the vanishing "Freedom" about which we hear so much from the so-called "Nationalist" party is the freedom to mislead people, Really, this is most disappointing.
Look for further posters on the notice board! It is hoped to present Bach's "Mass in B Minor" next weekend (30th or 1st May). Also note that evening music recitals may become a permanent feature, if suitable means of transport for the gramophone are obtained.
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She looks as if her soul had got the better of her—Samuel Butler.
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"The dirtiest book in the language is a quite astute manual telling people how to earn money by writing, The fact that it advocates the maximum possible intellectual degradation should not blind one to its constructive merits."—Ezra Pound.
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"The defence of our country has yielded to us satisfaction that one cannot describe as indifferent."—Eugene Schneider, the French armaments king, announcing a 25 per cent. dividend to his stockholders (
The Anzacs landed at Gallipoli on
On the following day, April 26, a Treaty was signed in London by Sir Edward Grey, for Britain; M. Cambon, for France; Count Benckendorf, for Russia; and the Marquis Imperiali, for Italy.
The Treaty laid down the terms on which Italy was to come into the war on the side of the Allies. It laid down the price the Allies had to pay—and on the previous morning, the Anzacs had landed on the Peninsula to wrest part of that price from Turkey!
The Treaty was to remain secret.
The following is a summary of the Treaty.—
Article 1.—Russian is to keep the Austrians occupied in the north so that they will not be able to thrust all their forces against Italy.
Article 2.—Italy is to wage war with all her resources.
Article 3.—Italy is to be given "unfaltering, active co-operation" by the French and British Fleets.
Article 4.—At the end of the war Italy is to get the Trentino, Southern Tyrol, Trieste, Istria and certain islands.
Article 5.—Italy is to be given, also, Dalmatia and the islands off its coasts.
Article 6.—Italy will have, too. Vallona, in Albania, and territory "to render it secure in military respects."
Article 7.—Provides for taking land from Albania for Montenegro, Serbia and Greece.
Article 8.—Italy is to control the foreign relations of Albania, which is to remain a buffer between Italy and Serbia and Greece.
Article 9.—"France, Great Britain and Russia acknowledge in principle' Italy's "rights to receive, after Turkey has been divided, an equal share with them in the basin of the Mediterranean." And so Italy is to receive Adalia and territory surrounding it in Asia Minor, and her zone "will in due time be circumscribed in accordance with the vital interests of France and Great Britain." "In like manner, Italy's interests will deserve attention also in case the territorial inviolability of Asiatic Turkey is maintained by the Powers during some period of time, and if it were merely necessary to stake among themselves the respective spheres of influence." If during the war, the allies "succeeded in occupying some regions of Asiatic Turkey, the province contiguous with Adaila... must be left to Italy."
Article 10.—Italy granted full sovereign rights in Lybia (North Africa).
Article 11.—Italy to receive a share in the indemnity commensurate with her "sacrifices and efforts."
Article 12.—Italy agrees that the holy Moslem places shall remain in an independent Moslem State in Arabia.
Aritcle 13.—Italy granted extensions of her African colonies as compensation for French and British gains there at the expense Germany.
Article 14.—England is to lend Italy 260,000,000.
Article 15.—France, England and Russia bind themselves to support Italy's efforts to prevent the Pope "From participating in any diplomatic moves whatsoever on the subject... of peace negotiations."
Article 16.—The Treaty must be kept secret. Italy is to enter the war "in the nearest possible future."
Dear "Salient."—I should like to draw your attention to an abusive and in my opinon. unwarranted attack on your journal. It was made recently in an unsigned editorial of the Auckland undergraduate paper "Creaccum."
An excursion in red-baiting. It is written in the manner of the Hearst yellow press, with its appeals to patriotism, its facist ideology, and its emotional tone. There is a distinction, however. Hearst publications usually make a charge state a case, and ask for somebody's head. After reading and re-reading the northern thunder, the only charge I could find was the one that "Sailent" has given too much prominence to leftish and liberal articles and has had itself quoted by the "Workers" Weakly." Surely the first charge looks foolish when one considers that "Salient" gave first-page prominence "Sailent" gave first-page prominence to a 'hostile report of Dr. Sutch's lecture on Spain. The second charge is no charge at all, but a compliment. That an outside paper has noticed a College journal is no doubt an event, but to those who hope for more realism in the University outlook it is a happy event. We are coming down out of our
It comes as a shock to find that the paper of a sister University should ask for the suppression of our paper especially when we have at last established a journal that is vastly superior in every way to the now defunct "Smad" or to other College papers in the "Smad" category. The motives of the Auckland editor way not have been entirely unmixed. At all events there is no excuse for attacking "Salient." as he has done, with a cleaver.—Yours, etc. D.R.J.
[A reply has been sent to "Craccum."—Ed.]
The play itself was about as inconsequential as a handful of broken streamers. The author, in pursuing a please all policy, has arrived at a common denominator of worthlessness which will doubtless make this play a darling amongst repertory theatres.
The acting had the mechancial perfectness which one has grown to expect from touring professionals. All their actions seemed to be done from force of habit, which when all is said and done, is as good a reason as anyone could wish for.
Not once did Fay Compton begin to hint of memorable acting. It seems senseless that such an ineffectual play as "George and Margaret" should be chosen to show off England's Greatest Actress.
A prosaic tailpiece.
On all the billboards they say something about "laughter on the run for three merry hours." Two and a quarter my watch said. But never mind, it's all in the interests of art.
Progress, they say, can be measured only in terms of human happiness. Accepting this we are confronted by the problem as to what determines happiness. Character determines the happiness of the individual, and character is tested by hardship and misery. The socialist attacks the social evils of to-day which cause misery and hardship, and advocates Socialism as the remedy. Now surely it is evident that the evils of Capitalism would endure under Socialism: human nature cannot be changed by the introduction of a new economic order, Envy, greed, hate, distrust, wrong ambition, the curse of human society as it is, would not disappear: corruption would be rife, public moneys misused, complete efficiency in the management of the country's affairs as far off as ever.
The weakness of the Capitalistic system lies in the weakness of human nature. In short, the fault lies not in the system, but in its abuses. If under Capitalism we cannot control those abuses, we could not under Socialism, But we can try to remedy those faults, a course of action that has never seemed to enter the heads of those amongst us who, in the fervour of their youth, blindly advocate a complete revolution in our social and economic system.—Sanitas.
This aims low but, like the old slient films, it has its own kind of honesty, the stock situations being rammed home with an infectious enthusiasm and persistence. Boyer walks off with the honours, but only because he has all the chances. Garbo expresses a few routine emotions with flawless delicacy and taste. For the rest, all I remember is much earnest rattling of military boots on palace floors, and an unconvincing attempt to show that all the little corporal was out for was world peace. Most of the way home I was trying, with out success, to find out what made me stay till the end. But I did stay, and so will you.—N.U.F.C.
If you want to be well received, lose no opportunity for exalting the virtues upon which society is based—attachment to wealth, pious sentiments, and especially resignation on the part of the poor, which latter is the very foundation of order, Proclaim that the origins of property—nobility and police—should be treated with all the respect these institutions deserve. Make it known that you admit the supernatural when it presents itself.
On these conditions you will succeed in good society.
Karl Marx once made an unfortunate statement to the effect that religion is the opiate of the people.
Although I disagree with this statement—true religion is not an opiate but a necessity—the present increase in moral apathy may be due to the fact that Science has provided the masses with a number of infinitely more powerful opiates to numb their senses and blind their eyes to the injustice of the social system under which they live.
The most important of these opiates (excluding Uncle Scrim) is the motion picture.
A more perfect vehicle for artistic expression than the motion picture has never been discovered; it is at the same time a canvas and a musical instrument a piece of literature and a stage; almost all the mediums through which mankind has striven to express its greatest and noblest ideals are present. And yet most of the films we see are unadulterated muck. Why is this?
Cedric Belfrage, in his book, Promised Land," (the Left Book Club choice for February) tells us why, very clearly and succinctly. The answer to the question can be expressed in one word—Capitalism.
The title of the book is one of the cleverest I have seen. The theme of the tale is the history of Hollywood from its beginnings to the present day—thinly disguised as fiction. Hundreds of girls flock to Hollywood—to the "Promised Land," the city of glamour and glittering fame—and end up in an establishment such as Madame Betty's. Their "Promised Land" turns out to be hollow and empty, the glamour they had dreamed of mere tinsel; the love they had longed for dull, erotic play, But the title has further significances. Like flashes of light in darkness, in the conversations of his characters, Mr. Belfrage reveals the solution, which can be expressed in one word—Socialism.
When the first settlers straggled into the valley near which Hollywood now stands.—not so very long ago—They little realised that in a few years the eyes of the world would be fixed upon them, that millions of hearts would flutter at celluloid grins by the more favoured of their fellow-citizens. And even when the movies began to make Hollywood their "location," the townspeople ignored them. The "stars" lived a life apart, and it was only when whispers of nameless sins and orgies began to circulate that the laymen grew alarmed.
And then Fattie Arbuckle, the idol of millions, killed a woman under revolting circumstances. The world was staggered. And Hollywood asked itself what manner of men and women were these strange beings who had descended upon them.
And so the sordid story continues—a fantastic story of vice and crime, of ruthlessness and wrecked lives, a story of how art is debased by Capitalism. The box office records are the sole criteria of success for a picture; reward is showered on people entirely disproportionately to their value; and the profit motif dominates the whole.
"Dare we produce Shakespeare?" ask Hollywood directors. "The public won't like it, No!" their colleagues reply, "But if we dress it up a bit—if we introduce a song and dance here, and put Joe E. Brown in a comedy part there, and cut out this act entirely, and make a happy ending—the public'll revel in it." And the public watch the song and dance, and Joe E. Brown, and glow with self-satisfaction. "We're watching Shakespeare," they think, "you know—the great playwright. This is uplift—we're being uplifted. Isn't it nice?"
Pitiful incidents that stand out in "Promised Land" are the tragic suicide of the girl with the disfigured face who loved the famous movie star (itself a sufficient theme for a "hit" picture): the financial ruin of Ma Laurie who held on to her eleven lots of land in the heart of Hollywood until she was a millionaire—in land; and the story of Helen, whose only crime was that she complained of being mauled by a drunken salesman at a party held by movie" chiefs."
Hollywood might have been a Hellcon: it is now a Gomorrah. And what Capitalism has done to Hollywood it can do to the world.
"Vickers had been supplying the Turkish
(Mr. Hugh Dalton, in the House of Commons,
Now that the tumult and shouting has died, we are in the position of analysing, more or less calmly, our achievements at Tournament. We knew we were sending away an imperfectly balanced team, yet a team that was so strong in most departments that we felt that the weaknesses known to exist would be effectively counteracted. And so it proved.
We scarcely won a point in swimming; in athletics we did little better; in boxing we won only one of the six weights: yet so heavy did we score with our virtual monopoly of the tennis titles, and our success in rowing, shooting and basketball, that we emerged victors by a substantial margin.
Thus a depressing era in the sporting history of Victoria College has ended. It was away back in
Although Victoria has annexed the wooden spoon for yet another year, the team did better than at Christ-church last year—it at least gained three of the twenty points to be won, compared with none in
Individual honours were shared by E. M. Irving. C. V. Adams and D. R. Scrimgeour. Entered in three hurdle events, Irving was set a stiff task, with three heats on Saturday and three finals on Monday. He collected our first points by winning the 120 hurdles in fine style. He wisely refrained from starting in the 440 hurdles final and later was a close second in the 220 event. In both the 120 and 220 hurdles he was badly placed at half-way, but finished strongly. A good hurdler, he should continue to improve.
C.V. Adams ran up to expectations in winning the 100 yards and in running second in the 220. He is a very well-build runner and if he takes more care of himself during the next two years may become a worthy successor to Malcolm Leadbetter and F. H. Stephenson. Like lrving, he loses a lot of ground over the first part of the race, but possesses a strong finish. Badly placed at half-way in the 220. he clapped on the pace from then on to such good effect that he just falled to dead heat the redoubtable Duff of Otago for first place. He beat the Otago Provincial Champion. Mottram quite comfortably in the 100 yards.
Nerimgeour in the three miles was our other winner. He has been acquitting himself very well this season and fully deserved his success. With Congalton he led the field over the first few laps the former then dropping back. Adamson of Chanterbury strongly challenged Scrimgeour over the second mile but over the final mile the Victoria man set too fast a pace drew steadily ahead, and won by 70 yards in the creditable the of 15 minutes 22 seconds.
Cropp of Otago won the 440 in 1 secs., beating H. G. Bower by two yards. Bowyer ran his first race to date. Setting off at a fast pace and sprinting well at the finish.
J.S. Adams represented us in the high jump, the hop, step and jump, and the javelin throw. He was second in the javelin, not far behind. S. G. Eade, well-known Victoria walker of other, years, has been Adams's coach this season, and has been able to pass on to the younger man much that he himself has learned this season from Al Fitch, with whom he has been in close touch.
Miller would have stood a good chance of winning the 440 in top form, but cracked up over the last 50 yards,
It was a young team that went to Tournament, and with such reinforcements as Eastwood and Sutherland next year we should do much better. Hart of Massey has developed a good style in the mile walk and was well up in that event. Annear was good but needs more stamina to be a valuable 880 yards, man; both McDonald and Arnold show promise in the long jump, but the latter must train harder. In the field events Burke, Thurston and Turnbull are all improving. But it is in this section that our greatest weakness lies.—L.B.S.
Armstrong, V.U.C. v. Turner. A.U.C.
This was a good scientific exhibition of boxing characterised by clean hitting and little clinching. At the end of the third round Armstrong appeared to be ahead, but in round Turner attacked right from the whistle to the final gong to gain the decision on points.
Coveney, V.U.C. v. C.U.V.
Blake, the defending champion met more than his match in Conveney. The latter hit with beautiful speed and precision and scored repeatedly with stinging straight lefts and books. In the final two rounds Blake, relying on superior strength rushed Coveney to the ropes, but the Victoria man's steady footwork and crafty roperwork kept him out of trouble.
In the final. Brown of Auckland could make no race of it with Coveney and after Coveney had knocked his man down three times early in the second round he was declared the winner on a T.K.O. This was Victoria's only title won at the Tournament.
Trillo, V.U.C. v. Nicholson. C.U.C.
A thrilling fight in which both men were content to stand toe to toe and throw everything they had at each other. Trillo appeared to have a longer reach and in the opening rounds landed more often and effectively. Nicholson made a run in the two last rounds and the judges were unable to separate them, so that an extra round was ordered. Then the fighting spirit of the Trillos came to the fore and he was on the right end of a close verdiet.
Unfortunately he injured his hand in the fight and was unable to appear against Adams in the final, so that the title went to Otago by default.
Arnott. V.U.C. v. Macdonald. A.U.C.
This bout was marred by clinching and holding, and the pair appeared at times to be very much in love with each other. In the little sparring that was done Arontt was the aggressor and was superior at infighting. He won the decision on his attacking ability.
In the final against McFadzen of Otago Arnott gave an improved display, although he was beaten by a better boxer. His aggressive tactics had McFadzen considerably troubled, while he also had the referee worried and antagonised by showing a natural tendency to hit with the open hand. McFndzen owed the decision to superior long range boxing.
Frazer, V.U.C. v. Stringer, Otago.
The Otago man proved superior in this fight and with two fisted attacks established a lead early in the bout which he maintained to the end. Frazer fought back gamely and landed some telling blows with his left. However, his footwork was rather slow and he took heavy punishment.
Important alterations to rules governing future Boxing Tournaments were decided upon. Weights are to be altered to conform to N.Z. Boxing association rules and weighting in is to be at the ringside instead of the day before the fight as was formerly the case.
Although results seem poor in the light of Blues it was a good effort of markmanship which enabled V.U.C. to retain the Haslam Shield.
A treacherously "Changing" light and "fishtail" wind blasted the hopes of many potential N.Z.U. Blue winners. This was evident at 600ydars when Ross and Oxham of V.U.C. saw excellent chances of passing the Standard fail.
We had head of Penrose. But compared with the paddocks of Trentham the great clumps of gorse and blackbery Stone-Henge-like rocks, greencovered pools and bogs which covered Penrose made it appear like something which Frank Buck had brought back Furthermore firing mounds were so narrow that firers were almost lying "cheek-to-cheek."
The "Picturesque" garb of V.U.C. men made them distinctive. Each had "hats" which rivalled the headgear of our Official Chaperon, Oxnam now at Canterbury had looted a pair of overalls. Bill Palsley looked extremely youthful in shorts while Corkill's denim jacket and oil-bespattered trousers were of extreme antiquity. Our men fired well under difficult conditions though far below their normal standard. Oxnam and Ross have our congratulations and commiseration for being so near the N.Z.U. standard. They were unfortunate.
In spite of difficulties encountered, we must thank Auckland range officials for their attention and especially Mr. Taylor for arranging a very "instructive" and enjoyable visit to Corban's vineyards etc. on Sunday morning. V.U.C. palates learned to distinguish and appreciate.
Comparatively, Victoria put up her worst display in the swimming. The Club this year has grown in numbers and popularity and the actual result at Tournament—one solitary point—was rather disappointing to those who had worked so hard to restore the prestige of the club.
The exclusion of women freestyle swimmers from the team was justified by the splendid performances of girls from other colleges—any of our swimmers would have been hopelessly outclassed. Salvia Hefford who was considered a certaincy for the women's breaststroke swam excellently to be defeated by a touch by the title-holder. Her time—96 secs.—was, however splendid.
Bob Hall put up a fine showing in the backstroke even against particularly strong opposition. Hall's improvement this year has been amazing, and further training should ensure success next Easter. There was very little separating the first four at the finish.
The freestyle men were unlucky to strike Duchanan, Auckland's chamption. In each of their events. Buchanan won the 100. 220. and 440 titles with case but O'Flynn, Steart and Ryan were by no means disgraced. With a little coaching in his stroke. O'Flynn should be well up to Tournament standard in the distance events.
Ron Meek, in company with several other members of the team had extremely bad luck. Almost a certainty for second place he was disqualified at the end of the second length for not swimming the correct breast-stroke. Apparently, although his stroke has satisfied officials in the other centres he has not yet learned to swim the Auckland breaststroke.
And what have we got out of Tournament besides Miss Hefford's meritorious but pitiful point?
The most valuable acquisition is experience, especially for Hall. Swimming under Tournament conditions is very different from swimming at club nights: Tournament experience has improved O'Flvnn tremendously and is sure to do the same for Hall.
And next year? Taylor will be eligible next year... And as Horace put it. "Plunge it is the deep—it will come forth more fair: grapple with it—'twill throw to earth with high renown the unscathed conqueror and wage wars for its matrons to tell of."
Isn't that a beautiful thought?
At Acukland, during Easter. A serious anglo-Saxon drinking horn. Believed to be in possession of Auckland University College.—
There were two heats and final—six men a team. Results:—
First Heat: A.U.C. v. V.U.C.
A.U.C. won in 63 secs. by 2 half handles.
Second Heat: C.U.C. v. O.U.
C.U.C. won in 67 secs. by 2 halves.
Final: A.U.C. v. C.U.C.
A.U.C. won in 50 secs. by 3 halves (A record.)
The N.Z.U.S.A. intend to palce this event on a proper footing next Easter.
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