Publicly accessible
URL: http://www.nzetc.victoria.ac.nz/collections.html
copyright 2014, by the Victoria University of Wellington Library
All unambiguous end-of-line hyphens have been removed and the trailing part of a word has been joined to the preceding line, except in the case of those words that break over a page.
Some keywords in the header are a local Electronic Text Collection scheme to aid in establishing analytical groupings.
In order to make new content available faster this work has been uploaded but does not have comprehensive name authority mark up for sub-works and corresponding authors. We will endeavour to add this mark up as soon as possible.
Recently announced by the Executive, a Special General Meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 21. Its purpose: to promote speedier action for the proposed Students' Union Building.
Motions will be put forward by the Exec. asking for further finance from students and for coherent student opinion on the requirements of the new building.
A special meeting of the Students' Association is called very rarely: the matters to be discussed are always of considerable importance. Two have been called since the beginning of the war; in
The present Students' Association building was opened in
In this year of our Lord,
That the Stud. Ass. fee be raised to 32/6 per annum, the increased revenue to be devoted to the Building Fund.
Moved by Mr. McDowall, seconded by Mr. Bogle.
The present fee is twenty-five shillings. This increase will allow eleven and sixpence per student per year to the Building Fund.
That the specifications for the new building be as set out below.
Moved by Mr. Darnell, seconded by Mr. Campbell. Discussion and voting to be taken clause by clause.
The new building can be in our time, If we Work for it. This meeting is only the beginning. Later in the year the Exec. hopes to inaugurate a full-scale finance drive. If the mooted procession becomes a reality, all profits from this year's Extrav, will go to the Building Fund. Into this, as into all other methods of raising finance, the full weight of student effort must be flung. This is felt to be one of the most important general meetings in the history of the Association and an attendance of at least five hundred is thought possible. The place, our present Student Union Building, i.e., the Gym. The time, 8 p.m. Bring this paper with you.
In the minds of future student historians, highlight for 1944 may well be the re-constitution of the Students' Association Building Committee, defunct since 1938. Plans are now under discussion but difference of opinion on the committee may lead to a redraft. Its new burst of activity has included a decision on the site, discussion of plans submitted by Mr. George Dixon and a series of arguments over number of common rooms, size of theatre, and a mooted architectural competition for plans.
Minutes of the committee first appeared in
Of major importance is its decision re siting of the new building. Subject to expert approval, the recommended site lies directly between the College entrance and Salamanca Road (see cut, p. 4), Mr. Dixon's plans making provision for excavation into the hillside. Discussions re the size of cafeteria, duplication of the theatre and dance floor, number of committee rooms, concourse or no concourse, etc., have, however, reached a stalemate. This must be resolved by the Special General Meeting.
Financially, the situation is fairly good. Pound for pound the Govt, has agreed to provide £25,000. There is in hand £8,000. Increment each year totals practically £1,000, interest £240, ex Stud. Ass. fees £240, Extrav, (apart from war years) £300, McCarthy Trust £100, incidentals and donations £100. By the VUC Jubilee date,
Editor: K. T. Fowler.
Sports Editor: Nil.
Literary Staff: Margaret Beattie, Margot Hogben, Alec McLeod, Bruce Milburn, Peter Wilson.
Film and Stage: Dennis Hartley.
Advertising Manager: Stan. Campbell.
Circulation: Ralph Bene, Herbert Orr.
Press Bureau: Beverly Morris.
Permanent Rouseabout: Dave Cohen.
Published fortnightly by the Victoria University College Students Association and printed for them by The
"We, by this declaration reaffirm our faith in the principles of the Atlantic Charter, our pledge in the declaration of the United Nations, and our determination to build in co-operation with the other peace-loving nations a world order under the law, dedicated to peace, security, freedom, and the general well-being of all mankind."
No session of the war has opened with so much inspiration and hope for the peoples of the world than this of
For, from the Atlantic Charter of
The static and abstract view of the Atlantic Charter principles put forward by many Tories in England is now shown to be completely unreal and without support. The specific decisions on Germany, for example, insist on the complete destruction of Nazism before any consideration of Germany's re-admission to the community of nations, and dismiss for ever the Tory plan for the de-industrialisation of that country. Or again, the invitation to France to join the Control Commission for Germany and to attend the San Francisco Conference discards the view of those who planned to exclude her from consideration as a power in the post-war world. The decision on Poland, which envisages the inclusion in a democratic government "of democratic leaders from Poland and from the Poles abroad," and the final words on the now happy Yugoslav situation, are a triumph for the people's support of the Atlantic Charter and Teheran.
The decisions and lead given on the international security organisation reaffirm the principles of Dumbarton Oaks. U.N.R.R.A. is decisively established with full support. And the proposal for meetings between the Foreign Secretaries proves the success and value of their previous Moscow Conference.
Each individual point in the Crimean declaration is a victory for the anti-Fascist cause. In the statements of this Conference are realised the principles behind the struggle for the Popular Front, and for which the men of the International Brigade fought and died. They are a vindication of the policies of the left.
We are fighting a people's war. Here is the complete people's charter, based on the reality of co-operation which is and must continue to be the spirit and experience of the United Nations.
Of great importance also is the declaration of full support for the Crimean Conference by the World Trade Union Conference on February 16th. Here the elected representatives of the workers of the United Nations pledged themselves to give not only full support for the armed struggle but also for the establishment of peace, according to the Crimean declarations; and insist on the importance of the unity by which alone we can fulfil them.
We of VUC would do well to associate ourselves with this declaration, not only in support of the Crimean principles, but pledging
"our every effort to preserve and strengthen this essential unity and to conduct a determined struggle against those forces within our lands which seek to weaken our unity and sow seeds of distrust and suspicion amongst us."
For the fulfilment of the Crimean decisions and the attainment of a better life for all!
Salient '45 will endeavour to run a regular half-column of news from our students overseas. To do this we need your co-operation. We ask for letters or scraps of information about your friends and acquaintances in the Services. These should be left in the Salient box on the main notice board and will be returned via the letter racks. If so required, portions of letters may be marked "Not to be printed."
John Williamson, writing from Fiji, expresses his appreciation of the chocolate and "Victoria Calling" sent him by the Association.
Allan Greer, who is a Flight Sergeant in the Air Force in Canada, "ran into Ray Ball in Detroit a few months back, and, more recently, met up with Tup Turner in Montreal—also Bob Harkness—all Commerce students."
P/O R. M. Scoones, otherwise Sam Scoones, "had a most pleasant surprise in receiving a parcel of four bars of real chocolate—a somewhat rare and ever-welcome commodity in war-time England."
A long letter from Hugh Marwick who is stationed on Norfolk Island with the Meteorological Section of the R.N.Z.A.F., describes the people and life on the island. He also mentions that both he and his brother George hope to be home in time for the Freshers' Welcome.
Phil Armstrong after almost a year on Santos and Emirau, writes hoping to be back in mid-April.
Mike (Moa) Mitchell is still having a happy time messing about in boats on Santos for the Air Sea Rescue Service. His brother, Pete Mitchell, writes from Italy to say that there are lots worse places than good old Trentham.
Pete Morris, from England, complains of the poor beer. He has just started flying for the Fleet Air Arm. Also from England, due to come home soon, is George Ivy.
News of the month is made by Squadron Leader Ron Baird, extreasurer of the Stud. Ass. He now sports an O.B.E. justly earned by capable administration in the Pacific area.
Also expected back soon are Wilf Watson and Stan Low.
This year I intend to review as many films as possible in these pages, but priority in reviewing will go to what I consider the best film screening at the time of issue. I hope there will be few reviews of the ordinary mediocre him (the "Saturday night" affair). The point about having film reviews in "Salient" is twofold: firstly at a band of supposedly intelligent people, we should be interested in seeing, discussing and reading about intelligent films, and in trying in some way to ensure that the extremely low level is raised a little; and, secondly, as film critics see so many bad films that they seek diligently for the good ones, this column might bring to your notice a worth-while film tucked away in some little suburban theatre.
These films warrant chasing, by the way. Hold up hands those who saw The Ox-Bow Incident. Quite a number. And most of you took a tram to Miramar or hitch-hiked to Lower Hutt to see it, didn't you? For my first crit, this year let me say that this is the finest film I have ever seen, and probably the finest that has ever been made.
A grading system will be adopted this year, and, chiefly because the Listener has the perfect method, and anything else would be a poor imitation, we will use stars, viz., ***** the important films;**** worthwhile, but not screen history; *** just plain movies; ** slightly terrible; * Oh, God! No star will signify one of the stinkers of all time. Under the grading it is intended that the type of film will be signified, viz., comedy, drama, melodrama, farce, musical.
I shall also endeavour to have a word to say about all plays, professional and amateur, that appear in Wellington. These will not be graded.
I hope and trust nobody in the college will agree with a word I say, and that correspondence will be brisk.
It's a great pity that the first use of our grading system should involve a low grading, but this is a film of such complete stupidity that it is unavoidable. The story is alleged to be by Tchekov, a statement this gentleman would indignantly deny. The setting is Russian; at least, I gathered so from the beards and ikons and throwings-of-glasses-over-shoulders-into-fireplaces. The acting, apart from that of George Sanders and one or two others, is bad, and. in the case of Edward Everett Horton, simply awful. Apart from all this the actual direction seems somehow wrong. I think this is because there are two climaxes at the end of a long film, and also the full threated passion which is supposed to pulsate through the story just doesn't come off. Keep away from this film.
I confess this film has me slightly baffled. I'm still not sure what it's all about, but I don't think it's about Colonel Blimp, certainly not the Low character of the same name. Perhaps we can agree that it is far too long, and is inclined to be tedious. The colour doesn't seem quite satisfactory, but the makeup is superb. Acting, in a dignified English way, is good from the men, and rather inadequate from the women. I suppose it is best to put this film down as a sort of propaganda effort about the British character. I certainly do not think that it is the film by which, as the advertising tells us, "all other British films, past present and future, will be judged." The only advice I can give you is for you to make your own judgment. You'll either hate it or admire it tremendeusly.
Nominated for position of Most Harassed Woman in New Zealand during January is Ngaio Marsh, writer, painter, producer, designer and general artiste. As presiding genius behind the Canterbury College tour of Hamlet and Othello, Miss Marsh has contended with many hardships in getting her troupe on stage throughout the country. That the strain has left little visible mark on her is a tribute to her own vitality, and, let it be said at once, her extreme tolerance. Although the story of the tour must have been told a hundred times. Miss Marsh answered my questions as though she hadn't heard one of them before. The whole affair, she told me, began long before a travelling season was thought of.
Almost two years ago the College Drama Club found itself in a fairly strong position (by which, for the benefit of Victorians, I mean it had the support of the College!) and Ngaio Marsh was asked to produce a play. She agreed, provided the play was Hamlet, and in modern dress. Jack Henderson was the obvious person for the lead, and, after a great deal of very hard work both back and front stage by a great many people (again V.U.C. please note), Hamlet opened rather unheralded in the Little Theatre at the College. There followed a real sensation. The first nighters talked, and within half an hour of its opening on the following day, the box plan was filled for the remainder of the short season.
The College realised that there was a great opportunity to produce serious drama, and last year Othello was staged, with much the same cast, and Miss Marsh again producing. As much sweat went into this play as into the previous one, and the results were just as commendable and exciting. On the morning of the opening of the booking plan the police rang Miss Marsh and told her something must be done about the huge crowd blocking one of the main thoroughfares of the city. All the seats were sold in fifteen minutes.
With Othello the same success as Hamlet, somehow somebody mentioned a New Zealand tour. A certain theatrical company was approached, but the venture appeared unprofitable. Then Colin Allan, when Miss Marsh regards as the company's driving force, went to Auckland to see D. D. O'Connor. Now, Dan O'Connor is the theatrical impressario in New Zealand. He has imported artists like Ignaz Friedman, and the Vienna Boys' Choir, and many another famous name. Mr. O'Connor, a man of impeccable theatrical taste, realised that the presentation of these plays throughout New Zealand was a matter of some moment. He took on the management without any strings, and smoothed away many of the rough spots. Dunedin, Auckland and Wellington were played to extremely good houses.
One of the most pleasing features about this whole venture is the fact that the first all-New Zealand touring company of any calibre has been presenting plays of the highest class. Of equal satisfaction to its producer is that this pioneering company should be one made up of University students.
I asked Miss Marsh about the prospects for the establishment of a group theatre, a project that has been interesting theatre people for some time. It appears that there have been immense difficulties, but all these might have been overcome but for the activities of a professional organisation which holds a virtual theatre monopoly in New Zealand. The proposal was almost finalised last year. "We planned to have a small group of the best actors to tour the Dominion," said Miss Marsh. "We had hundreds of applications, many from really good people. The group was going to have a short period of intensive theatre training, and also of learning to live together, a most important side of touring and group theatre activities generally. We had actually got as far as looking for a 'training camp.' Well, the thing fell through, but we're now trying to breathe a little life into the body."
What plays are you going to tour? I asked. Miss Marsh confessed to a secret passion for Six Characters in Search of an Author, but the management had settled on Three Men on a Horse, a good actable comedy.
"And what about you?" I asked as I was leaving. "Can we expect any new writing from you soon?" "There's a new book coming out any day now, and I've got one half-written and shelved—because of this tour!" Miss Marsh told me some interesting things about publishing in wartime. To spread supplies of rationed paper, her publishing house prints in England, America, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand, and the books, because of copyright, must be published on the same day.
Miss Marsh said that, alas, she was doing no painting now, and was giving up all stagecraft for about a year, partly for personal reasons, and partly because "I've got to get back to my job, you know."
Wednesday, March 7—
Friday, March 9—
Wednesday, March 14—
Friday, March 16—
Saturday, March 17—
Wednesday, March 21—
Special General Meeting.
With the help of the Building Committee the Executive have compiled the following list of requirements for the new Student Union Building. They have been compiled with a view to both practicability and essentiality, and it is felt that they should be broadly feasible with the funds available.
The following notes and queries have been raised during these preliminary discussions, and are now offered for general debate. Any suggestions for improvement will be welcomed and should be referred to a member of the Executive.
It should be borne in mind that it with probably be possible to use the present building for some time after the new one is built and after that it may be cheaper to erect a separate wooden gymnasium than to provide the space in a ferro-concrete building.
3,500 sq. ft. Permanent theatre to hold approximately 500. Permanent seats and a sloping floor preferred.
The stage should have adequate space above the proscenium and the stage to be as large as compatible with general dimensions of the building.
Dressing rooms: two in number and equipped with dressing tables, mirrors and wash basins. To be placed near the stage and to be reasonably sound proof.
Property Room. 200-250 sq. ft. equipped with carpenter's bench.
Foyer, To include ticket office, etc.
Projection Box. To be equipped with facilities for 16mm. and 35mm. projection and spot lights for stage.
General. It is desirable to have motor access to the theatre, both to the main entrance and to the back stage.
3,000-3,500 sq. ft. plus bandstand and ticket booths. Includes use for boxing and table tennis, tennis volley boards, etc. This hall should be sound proofed and must have reasonable acoustic properties and a sprung floor.
Executive Room. Approx. 220 sq. ft. to contain conference table, lockers,
Public Office. With facilities for the sale of College publications, sweets, tobacco, etc.
Records Room. At least 250 sq. ft. preferably including a safe.
Offices. Two small offices, one for Secretary and Treasurer of the Association and one for the Club Secretaries.
Publications Room. Working and storage space for duplicator and small printing press. Tables and space for editing publications.
Storage Room. Space for storage of properties and sports gear.
Dark Room. Equipment to include running water, water heater, electric points, and light trapped ventilation.
Meeting Room. To accomodate approx. 50. Equipped with blackboard and projector screen.
Committee Rooms. Not more than three in number. Two should be sound proofed—one to contain a piano and one a gramophone for music for small groups.
Leading to locker rooms and with ready access to Students' Association offices. To contain the notice boards, letter box and telephone booths.
Large entrance doors are to be a feature of the Concourse, which must be so placed that the main traffic of students passes through it.
To have seating accommodation for a minimum of 150 persons. An area of 3,000-3,400 sq. ft. would be necessary to provide service space, kitchen, stores, pantry, etc. Vehicle access or a goods lift is essential. Includes a sandwich or modified milk bar.
TO be as large as compatible with the more essential facilities.
Men's Common Room, Women's Common Room, General Lounge—windows to the floor and built-in furniture where possible.
Locker Rooms to contain lockers, basins, showers, w.c.'s, mirrors, etc.
Reading and Writing Rooms to lead off the General Lounge and to contain tables and newspaper racks.
General Lounge to contain the letter racks.
Two rooms suitably equipped for the medical examination of students.
•
The Editor Regrets that there has been an unusually heavy demand on space made by topical and important material. It has therefore been necessary to hold over reports on:—
We regret to announce the recent deaths of three well-known VUC personalities, Pixie Higgin, Ron Corkhill, and Paul To Punga.
Pixie Higgin, a graduate with a B. Com. degree, was elected Women's Vice-President in
Ron Corkhill, a graduate in Arts, was President of the Association during
Paul Te Punga, Law graduate, ex-President of Weir House, was a prominent footballer and played in the
The college will be weaker for their absence.
High on the priority list at vacation Exec. meetings was appointment of Extrav. officers for 1945. The lesson of early starting has been well learned. Three scripts are known to be in existence, although incomplete. Competition, however, is a good thing in this direction and further scripts are solicited.
The following Extravaganza officers for
Extrav. Controller: J. Barr.Assistant: I. C. McDowall.Treasurer: J. D. Steele.Business Manager: M, Twomey.Financial Controller: G. C. Edgar.Iniblicity Controller: S. Campbell.House Manager: R, M. Daniell.Musical Director: Norm. CummingsSocial Controller: G. S. Bogle.Ticket Controller: M. J. Poole.Interval Entertainer: G. S. Bogle.Managers of Capping Book: J. Ziman, T. H. Burt.Script Selection Committee: Jack Barr, John Carrad, Huddy Williamson.
The form of this year's show is expected to be that of a revue, i.e., three or more short spasms with footlight entertainment during scene shifts. This may be changed in favour of a full-length play, however, if a script of sufficient merit is submitted. Discussed plans have included a procession. A decision on this will rest on the attitude of the police, availability of trucks and petrol, etc. Finance raised by it (if any) will be halved between the Patriotic Fund and ISS.
•
Salient, ever with its ear to the ground, lays bare below the facts behind the grim tragedy that stalked in Wellington Harbour one late Saturday. Principals in the drama of death were Michael Benge, Dennis Hartley and fresher Allan Martin.
All was calm when the yacht "Salome," 005 tons burthen, set sail for Day's Bay. With fair weather on the lee, a trim, snug ship, and a happy crew, the day augured well for the voyage. Up for-and, deck-hand Benge kept a keen lookout for land he, down aft midshipman Hartley hauled on the mainsheet and Skipper Martin kept a weather eye open. The cabin-boy was at the helm. All went merry as a marriage bell. But it was not to be. Suddenly the sea, in one of her smiling, treacherous moods, snuck up and tossed the voyagers out. The boat capsized, and the grim battle 'gainst the fates began. The crew, soaked through to the underwear, cast round wildly for aid. Not a sail was there in sight. Alone on the vast bosom of the ocean they lay, with their ship tossing on the fretful wave. Above, a seagul, lone denizen of the deep, dapped idly. But nothing daunted by the tragedy, the crew:, drilled for such an emergency, were into action. With Hartley straining on the keel, and Benge up the mast pushing, the ship was slowly righted. A frantic struggle took place 'against the elements. As the crew bailed, the waves, mountain high, rolled over the cockpit. Despairingly the crew looked to a watery grave. "Nearer My God to Thee" was sung in chorus as the water lapped round their navels. But ho! A sail! Can it be that help is at hand? It is—it is the good ship "Cobar." laden with emigrants to the new land. She is hailed—she does not see. She sails past—and despair settles again on the stricken ship. But then Fortune smiles—the Captain of the Day's Bay Ferry Boat espies the crew. She comes alongside, the thwarts agog with spectators. Saved, saved in the nick of time! One by one the crew is hauled aboard. But where is Hartley? Drowned! Yes, the body is afloat bottom up, after sticking to the ship to the last. A wreath is thrown from the "Cobar." and the sad ship moves off, with the crew, safe and sound, drying in the boiler room. (It was discovered later that the report of the drowning of this man was slightly exaggerated.—Ed.)
And so ended this tense drama of the sea, with its race against time and the elements. The rescued crew, after their long exposure, were in sad case, but are now fit to receive suitable visitors.
Confessions to the charge of indulging in that form of self-torture known as script-writing were, with difficulty, elicited from three persons. Little more information could be obtained, however, and the details below are, of necessity, sparse.
Questioned closely on the mechanism of writing Extravs., Marc Poole admitted that he had started to think months ago; the rest came easily, the epic is now almost complete. "The Gold Diggers of Owe Te A Roa, or. Caught with their Panzers Down" is the name and it should last about an hour. To judge by the blue stains on his collar, Marc must have sweated blood over it.
"Strike Me Lucky or The Students Stink," is the title of a pugnacious purility in three puffs produced by Stan Campbell (
Half completed by Dennis Hartley is a nameless and harmless harlequinade. No details of plot are available to date and Dennis is having trouble over a name. It should last for three quarters of an hour (each night, of course).
It is hoped that further scripts will come to light and that more detail of the three now started will soon be available.
During the past two months the peoples of the Allied countries have witnessed with alarm the grim sequence of events in Greece since its liberation from the Germans. The announcement of an agreement between the Elas and the Government for the cessation of hostilities, freedom of trade union organisation, press and assembly, has come as a welcome relief in a tense situation which tended to undermine British prestige in the Allied Nations.
While it must be remembered that the main defeat of Fascism is taking place on the Eastern and Western European fields and in the Pacific and China, the mishandling of affairs in Greece has been perturbing in the extreme and calculated to shake Greek faith in democratic British intentions.
Throughout the whole fracas the people of New Zealand have had little opportunity of learning the true facts but have had to digest the garbled and unconvincing reports of our daily press. Even the conservative British press has found it impossible to reproduce without comment these biassed reports.
"Public opinion outside Greece," says the "Sunday Observer," "has these last few days and weeks been served with evidence from one side only. It has heard the story of Mr. Churchill, Papandreou and General Scobie." (And, we might well add, Sir Walter Citrine.) "The leaders of Elas have not been allowed to tell the world their version of the events. The prosecutors have spoken at their will while the defendants have had no say at all."
The first remarkable thing that strikes the student coming to this tragic subject is that the Greek Guerillas, so recently our airmen's targets, have fought as gallantly as any against our common enemy. No people has suffered so cruelly by famine and massacre. Exhausted by their hard campaign against the Italians they might well have lapsed into passivity when the Germans and Bulgarians invaded their country and our little force was obliged to withdraw. Left to themselves they rallied and faced the overwhelming odds. The parties of the Centre and Left, ranging from liberals to communists came together in the National Liberation Front (EAM) and built up a powerful guerilla force (ELAS) armed partly by us but mainly with weapons captured from Italians. It fought so well that, outside the larger towns, it liberated the major part of rural Greece. Its forces, estimated at 80,000 men, are organised on a model similar to that of Marshal Tito. In control, with several able soldiers, are Professor Svolos and some of the leading figures in the intellectual life of the country, with two bishops among them. These are the men at whom Churchill and our NZ papers sneered as "a gang of bandits from the mountains." These "out-throats and ruffians" faced the hard life of the mountains while others sat passive under the German yoke in Athens.
The Greek people have bitter memories of a native Fascist regime under General Metaxis. If they were reluctant to lay down arms it was because they dreaded a return to that nightmare of oppression and obscurantism. In support of their fears was the transfer to Greece, now clear of the enemy, of two picked Corps, the Mountain Brigade and the Sacred Battalion, recently fighting in Italy. These two Corps were formed in Egypt during the days when the greater part of the Greek Army and Fleet threw off its allegiance to the King and declared for the Republic. The republican troops were disarmed and interned by us, the royalist minority was embodied in these two corps under officers in the King's confidence.
The Eam, who had agreed to disband their forces by December 10th, were Startled by the arrival of these corps and difficulties arose. After negotiation with the Cabinet, these difficulties were overcome, the Elas was to maintain forces equal in strength to the two favoured corps. This compromise was shattered by the intervention and veto of General Scobie. Next followed two major blunders. The first was the firing of the armed Athenian police on an unarmed crowd. It was they, and not the guerillas, who started the shooting. The second was Churchill's decision to maintain Papandreou in office despite his willingness to resign. Scobie's broadcast that he would support, Papandreou with armed force recklessly provoked the pride of the Greeks. They were having a premier imposed on them by British bayonets. As reason for these actions, Mr. Churchill stated that he was "determined to uphold the constitutional government." The King destroyed the Greek constitution eight years ago. Since that day, without a vestige of representative government, this brave but ill-starred country has lived under a rule of force. There was no right, save that of might, to uphold.
The next step was the setting up of a Regency Council under Archbishop Damaskinos and General Plastiras. Memories of the latter are not pleasant. Some twelve years ago Plastiras was set up as the strong man of the Greek ruling class and enjoyed a brief period as premier. His verbal cannonades against the left-wing and democratic forces in general led to his swift retreat to an Aegean island. Our daily press makes a virtue of Plastira's return to his country after twelve years of exile. But why in exile? Only because the atmosphere in Greece was not healthy for a would-be dictator who had tried and failed.
And now, unsatisfied with distorted lies about the Greek Liberation Movement, Sir Walter Citrine, ever willing to do the dirty work of the most reactionary elements in Britain, has returned from Greece with frightful atrocities stories concerning this handful of bandits—the Greek People. These stories savour of the exposed German stories concerning the alleged Russian murder of Polish officers. Sir Walter saw the corpses exhumed, but not burled. It is interesting to note, as far back as December, the serious charges of atrocities made by the radio of the Liberation Movement against General Scobie's forces. These are reported to have handed prisoners to the Greek Mountain Brigade (commanded by Quisling Col. Tsakalatos) in whose hands they suffered torture and death. The parallel is rather interesting. After these blots on our history it is heartening to see signs of solution of the deadlock. A satisfactory settling is only to be achieved through the free election of statesmen holding the confidence of the whole people, particularly of those who have proved their patriotism in the mountains.
Let us be prophetic. The free elections which are promised for the near future will demonstrate beyond doubt that far from being a "gang of ruffians and terrorists" the National Liberation Movement of Greece (Eam) is The Gkeek People
(Attention is drawn to an article, on Greece in our issue of August 9, 1944
•
A motion that a letter be written to Mr. Robinson, Registrar of the college, asking that the college calendar be produced earlier in the year, was passed with acclamation at a recent Exec. meeting. It was pointed out that the calendar this year was not available until half way through February, which left only two weeks for intending fresher to study lecture times and make final decisions on courses. Had time-tables been finalized and the material handed to the printer in December, it is felt that copies would have been available in late January.
Badly beaten by Old Boys in the vacation game, the Seniors are now showing signs of getting down to real business.
In the Old Boys' game, Barber's century was the predominant factor in the team's defeat. The brunt of the attack fell upon Woolley, Wilson and Smyth, who divided the wickets, but the only batsmen to do any good were Wilson, Colquhoun and Lewis.
In the next game, Karori batted first on the easiest of wickets, and the "Varsity attack did well to limit their total to 236. The "Varsity openers failed badly, but Smith and Woolley settled down to a really good partnership, both getting fifties.
In spite of good knocks by Paetz and Colquhoun, the side missed by 34 runs.
Against Hutt, the 'Varsity team, though weakened by the absence of Paetz and Wilson, showed good strength. Batting first on a wicket that was a bit sporting, the side put on 297 runs. Smyth batted patiently for 88 in conditions unsuited to his style and both Blakely and Colquhoun showed rare aggression. On the second day, 17 Hutt wickets fell for 291 runs; 178 in their first strike and 155 for 8 down in their second. Nearly an eight-point win! The 'Varsity attack fell upon Woolley, Brian and Smyth. Great credit must go to these three bowlers who kept going with the minimum of rest. Apart from one or two lapses the fielding was first-rate.
Henry Moore's boys are doing very well in Second Grade. They are second in the Competition, and have high chances of winning it. Apart from a loss with a weakened team to Hospital and a draw with Institute-St. Pats, they can show a record of good wins.
Bowling is the weak point, and some of the younger members could learn much from Harry Bailey in the field. A big loss recently, was Olsen, a man who could be depended on to get wickets Saturday after Saturday. Mullins is still too erratic, but Henry Moore is serving up the wily agate as of yore. Skipper Moore's policy is to give the younger members of the side every possible chance with the bat, and those to show up well include Loveridge, C. Gajadhar, Vance, Olson and Berry. Bailey and Moore can get them too.
Laurie Berg is now in charge of this keen team, and is showing real form with the bat himself. Others who usually get a few include Bowie, Darnells. West; and for bowling there is Watson, McWilliams and Bowie. This side is at a disadvantage in having fluid personnel. It is a happy team, which enjoys its cricket even if only moderately successful.
On Anniversary Day a couple of University teams had a most enjoyable day's cricket on Kelburn Park, with Springer, Wilson, Moore, Wilde and Berg doing well in their own respective departments.
Rumour is a lying jade, but the fickle lady hath it that at the time of a party arranged for the children of the staff, Mr. Gordon, a well-known English professor, contributed to the amusement of the infants (and himself) by beating out a boogie-woogie on the cafeteria cash-register. We now have it from thoroughly reliable sources that the Cafeteria accounts are out of balance by a matter of several pounds. Negotiations with the auditors are proceeding.
After a break of three years the Christmas trip to the Southern Alps was restored this year. The location was the Waimakariri Valley, somewhat tame to the experienced, but with plenty of climbing to offer the learner.
The party was small (six) and flexible. The climbing was reasonably successful, the weather unreasonably unsuccessful. Four climbs were made, Mts. Harper, Armstrong, Campbell and Isobel. A night was spent in the new Alpine Club bivouac at Waimak. Falls, but mist prevented an attempt on Rolliston. The projected Three Pass trip was abandoned when the weather broke.
The November club reunion at Akatarawa appears to have consisted of beer drinking and bawdy singing by the fourteen present. There was no tramping, one senile member actually using a taxi.
Watch notice-board for details of trips early this term.
* * Write For Salient - Keep It Brief! * *
"As yet a possibility, a certainty if transport permits." reports Dicky Daniells, men's vice-president on the Executive. Other things being equal, it becomes evident that Easter
Typically enthusiastic, using Eastbourne's grass courts to best advantage, the Tennis Club has already provided more prospective entrants than vacancies. Similarly, but nearer the metropolis, Kelburn Park presents an encouraging spectacle these Monday evenings as lightly-clad fleet-footed athletes assemble for training.
Hibernation, resuscitation, inspiration—thus the life cycle of the swimming and rowing clubs. What is lacking in proficiency is certainly counterbalanced by enthusiasm.
Interviewed, slick-haired, Benny O'Connor pointed out that of all clubs its boxers alone were short of competitors. Those interested in the trip would be advised..; training is at Koolman's Gym.
To be or not to be—the merits of basketball as an autumn sport were debated by many fervent, often foaming critics. Basketball as a winter sport is unchallenged, but the socially minded all agree that, were it omitted from the Tournament, the female percentage of the party would be dangerously reduced. Sex ruled over logic—and basketball is definitely on the courts for
War bans 303 shooting so miniature rifles plan a revival. Exec. have it that their vacation was spent filling in pink forms and hacking red tape. However, to the net result of their efforts, Victoria will soon owe the staccato tune of 22 fire in the gym.
This is the situation to date. Further information will be unravelled with the approach of Easter.
For several weeks after the Christinas holidays the Athletic Club seemed likely to waste away altogether, but a few keen men kept at it and the approach of the Provincial Championships on February 17th provided a big incentive to training.
A large team was entered for the Championships and the Club is to be congratulated on its good third place in the McVilly Shield competition. In the senior events the hurdlers were outstanding. Ewen Drummond carried off the 120 and 220 yds. events and Dave Tossman staged a comeback to lead Gib Bogle home over the innumerable flights of the 440 yds, hurdles. On the flat Tony Munden ran a great race to beat John Goldfinch in the 440 yds., and Lan McDowall managed to stay up to second in the 880 yds.
As usual Varsity were not so prominent in the Junior and Field events. In the former, Benjamin and Higgs were both placed and in the latter Ray Blick, an ex C.U.C. man, was second in the Hop Step. A very welcome stranger was E. R. Apperly, who. in his first outing since his return from overseas, scored a third in the javelin. We are very pleased to see him back with the Club and hope he will soon be right back on form.
With four Provincial titles and the chance of a national champion or two, the Club should be able to put in a first class team for the Tournament in Auckland at Easter. The selection for this all-important event will be made after the Inter-Faculty meeting on March 17th. If you have Ideas about an N.Z.U. title the Club meetings on Kelburn Park on Monday evenings at 6.30 p.m., and the In
The V.U.C. Swimming Club has been going strong all season. Club nights are held at 8 o'clock every Wednesday night and a Varsity polo team plays every Thursday night.
Recently the club members competed at the Karori Swimming Carnival. The Varsity Relay team finished strongly, gaining second place. This is a victory not only for Varsity's physical perfection, but also for their integrity. Several other teams were disqualified for handing in false times to the handicapper.
The club captain, B. B. Hands, continues to exhibit a degree of enthusiasm horrifying to club members and nourishing to the club. The weather passes completely over the head of this single-minded science man.
Any students who have not as yet jumped over the brink with the VUC club should immediately take the first steps by contacting B. B. Hands (44-114), G. S. Bogle (45-012), R. M. Daniell (46-084) or Margaret Beattie (47-258).
Important dates to remember: March 14th, club carnival; March 31st, Easter Tournament,
Thanks to the proselytising last year of Bill Osten and Harry Cutler, the V.U.C. Rowing Club, rubbing its eyes in some surprise, finds itself strong enough once more to take part in Wellington rowing activities, and has even gone so far as to select a representative crew. The club is keen, if still small. Perhaps one reason for its recent obscurity was the club's dearth of publicity. Rowers being as a rule rather vociferous. This matter will be rectified from now on.
We row with Star. Included in the Star crews at the Picton New Year regatta, were Victoria men Osten, Cutler, E. MacDonald, G. T. Cornick and D. Hartley. There was some success, Star, in fact, bringing home a cup (Youths' Fours) and several pounds in prize money. A good time was had by all. Moustaches will be worn by revisiting V.U.C. rowers next year in an endeavour to remain unrecognised by Picton residents.
Harbour regattas have been held in Wellington on February 17 and March 3, with Varsity rowers in most crews. Chief College event, however, is the eights race at Auckland Easter Tournament. New Zealand rep. Bob Allum, of Star, has picked a crew with a solid basis of seasoned rowers, sprinkled with some novices of promise.
The crew:—Stroke, E. MacDonald; 7, G. T. Cornick; 6, D, Hartley; 5, W. V. Osten; 4, E. M. Benge; 3, N. G. Brown; 2, E. Drummond; bow, G. A. H. Ward. Emergencies are D. Bale and J. Barr.
The Auckland contest, first in some years, will be of interest, and the beginning of the restoration of University rowing in New Zealand. Before this, there must be a restoration of Victoria's previous high standard, and this will be obtained by enlarging our club (our immediate plan) and using our own boats and shed (post war aims). Younger students are very much wanted, and, although the subscription to Star must be paid. Exec. has agreed to help with this.
Those interested (in rowing, not shove happenny) see one of the committee now.
The committee: Club Captain, W. V. Osten; Secretary, G. A. H. Ward.
•
With the prospect this year of both an Easter Tournament and a larger supply of tennis balls, the Tennis Club has grown in numbers and strength. Last season the club played only one inter-club match. This season, in spite of a start late in January, Varsity have given their opponents good games, winning ten sets to six against Talavera, and losing to Island Bay, six sets to ten. For those players who are eligible for Tournament, grass-court practices are held at Eastbourne each Sunday.
Freshers' Tournament is scheduled for the first Saturday of
For the first time the traditional black-out of student social activities over the long vacation was lifted this year. With the joint object of keeping old students resident in Wellington together and of welcoming potential freshers. Tea Dances were advertised and held every two or three weeks. Aside from these more or less regular affairs, special efforts included a Christmas Ball, a dance for visiting Canterbury College Shakespearean players and an Anniversary Day picnic at Titahi Bay.
Owing to the inevitable holiday dispersion of the social committee, the experiment was organised and carried out by a special sub-committee consisting of Gib Bogle, Margaret Beattie and Dick Daniell. As attendances were generally good the scheme will probably be carried forward next year.